Salem, October 15, 2025
News Summary
Salem, the primary Halloween destination in the North Shore, is gearing up for its annual Haunted Happenings festival. With a wide array of attractions including family-friendly woodland walks and evening haunted fields, visitors can enjoy a diverse Halloween calendar. Events range from historical tours of witch trial sites to festive parties and community carnivals. Salem and surrounding areas are set to offer an exciting Halloween experience for both residents and tourists.
Salem
North Shore Region Prepares for Halloween with Spooktacular Events and Festive Decorations
Salem is the primary Halloween destination in the North Shore, hosting the annual Haunted Happenings festival that includes tours, seances, theme nights, fairs, and a wide variety of events. Around Salem, a range of nearby North Shore locations are offering seasonal attractions from family-friendly woodland walks to evening haunted fields, theatrical performances, and themed parties, creating a busy and varied Halloween calendar for residents and visitors.
The most immediate details include scheduled dates, ticket and reservation information, and descriptions of attractions and amenities for each site. Several events target families with children, while others are intended for older teens and adults. Ticket availability and reservation requirements vary by event and are noted where provided.
Highlighted Events and Logistics
Connors Farm (Oct. 17-18, 24-25, and 31, Nov. 1) — Offers a nighttime visit to Haunted Fields and the Flashlight Maze. Tickets available online at hysteriaatconnorsfarm.com.
Long Hill (Wednesdays-Sundays through Oct. 30) — Features over 1,500 jack-o’-lanterns with decorations along woodland trails. Hot cider, baked goods, and autumn treats are available at the conclusion of the walk. Tickets for the walk can be reserved at thetrustees.org/program/halloween.
Danvers Neighborhood Tour (Oct. 18, 25, Nov. 1) — Led by a local historian to explore sights where the witch trials’ hysteria unfolded in 1692 and 1693. Tickets can be booked online at salemhistoricaltours.com/salem-village-witch-hunt-walking-tour.
Mass Audubon (Oct. 17-18) — A family-friendly woodland walk featuring nocturnal animals in costumes. Activities include nature crafts, meeting a live owl, and enjoying apple cider. Reservations are available at massaudubon.org/programs/ipswich-river.
Maudslay State Park (Oct. 18-19) — Hosts a mix of nature walk and theatrical performance by Theater in the Open with spooky (but family-friendly) characters. Details at theaterintheopen.org/maudslay-is-haunted.
Willowdale Estate Halloween Gala (Oct. 23) — Theme is “Cult Classics: A Twisted Tribute to Iconic Films.” Tickets include food, drinks, candy, live music, and a D.J. set; available at eventbrite.com.
Hammond Castle Trick-or-Treat Event (Oct. 30) — A family event featuring trick-or-treating across the castle grounds with games and spooky music. Bookings and event details can be found at hammondcastle.org/events.
Park-9 Everett’s Halloween Party (Oct. 25) — Family-friendly activities run from 2–5 PM followed by music and a costume contest from 5–10 PM. Prizes are listed for Best Dog Costume, Best Human + Dog Duo, and Best Addams Family Look.
Market Square Theater Halloween Double Feature (Oct. 31) — Features “Comedy of Horrors” and a showing of “Rocky Horror Picture Show” later in the night. Tickets available at firehouse.org/events.
Marini Farms Hayride Events (Oct. 18 and 19, 25 and 26) — Offers a Trick or Treat Hayride on October 18th and 19th. Character appearances and a Halloween bash on October 25 and 26 include dance parties and a candy drop.
Salem First Halloween Family Carnival — A free community event with carnival games, candy prizes, popcorn, and a raffle.
Salem Dunkin’ Location Renovation and Seasonal Decorations
A Dunkin’ Salem location has been remodeled for Halloween with purple slime-like decorations and cheeky phrases written in slime, reflecting the spooky season. Social media attention to the store’s Halloween-themed decor includes playful interactions among brands and speculation about menu tie-ins. Rumors swirl about the return of the Spider Donut, which observers have connected to the decor and seasonal theme. The store’s renovation also includes playful signs such as “DADDYZ” for restrooms and “PIK UP LINEZ.”
Practical Notes and Visitor Advice
- Event dates and times vary; several attractions require tickets or reservations and may sell out on popular dates.
- Several listings note specific booking locations where tickets can be obtained online, including hysteriaatconnorsfarm.com, thetrustees.org/program/halloween, salemhistoricaltours.com/salem-village-witch-hunt-walking-tour, massaudubon.org/programs/ipswich-river, theaterintheopen.org/maudslay-is-haunted, eventbrite.com, hammondcastle.org/events, and firehouse.org/events.
- Family-friendly events offer activities such as trick-or-treating, hayrides, live animals, crafts, and theatrical performances; other events are geared to adult audiences or include late-night programming.
These events and decorations are expected to contribute to a lively Halloween atmosphere across Salem and the broader North Shore region, serving both tourists and local residents throughout October into early November.
FAQ
Which location is described as the primary Halloween destination in the North Shore?
Salem is the primary Halloween destination in the North Shore, boasting the annual Haunted Happenings, which includes tours, seances, theme nights, fairs, and various events.
When is Connors Farm open for Halloween events and what does it offer?
Connors Farm (Oct. 17-18, 24-25, and 31, Nov. 1) Offers a nighttime visit to Haunted Fields and the Flashlight Maze. Tickets available online at hysteriaatconnorsfarm.com.
What is featured at Long Hill and how can tickets be reserved?
Long Hill (Wednesdays-Sundays through Oct. 30) Features over 1,500 jack-o’-lanterns with decorations along woodland trails. Includes hot cider, baked goods, and autumn treats available at the conclusion of the walk. Tickets for the walk can be reserved at thetrustees.org/program/halloween.
What are the dates and focus of the Danvers Neighborhood Tour?
Danvers Neighborhood Tour (Oct. 18, 25, Nov. 1) Led by a local historian to explore sights where the witch trials’ hysteria unfolded in 1692 and 1693. Tickets can be booked online at salemhistoricaltours.com/salem-village-witch-hunt-walking-tour.
What family activities does Mass Audubon offer and when?
Mass Audubon (Oct. 17-18) Family-friendly woodland walk featuring nocturnal animals in costumes. Activities include nature crafts, meeting a live owl, and enjoying apple cider. Reservations are available at massaudubon.org/programs/ipswich-river.
What changes were made to the Dunkin’ Salem location for Halloween?
Dunkin’ Salem Location Remodeled for Halloween Features purple slime-like decorations and cheeky phrases written in slime, reflecting the spooky season. Rumors swirl about the return of the Spider Donut, which may tie into the decor. The store’s renovation includes playful signs, such as “DADDYZ” for restrooms and “PIK UP LINEZ.”
Event Quick Reference Table
| Event | Dates | Key Features | Ticket / Reservation Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connors Farm | Oct. 17-18, 24-25, and 31, Nov. 1 | Haunted Fields, Flashlight Maze | Tickets available online at hysteriaatconnorsfarm.com |
| Long Hill | Wednesdays-Sundays through Oct. 30 | 1,500+ jack-o’-lanterns, woodland trails, hot cider and treats | Tickets reserved at thetrustees.org/program/halloween |
| Danvers Neighborhood Tour | Oct. 18, 25, Nov. 1 | Historic tour of witch trials sites | Tickets at salemhistoricaltours.com/salem-village-witch-hunt-walking-tour |
| Mass Audubon | Oct. 17-18 | Family woodland walk, nocturnal animals, live owl | Reservations at massaudubon.org/programs/ipswich-river |
| Maudslay State Park | Oct. 18-19 | Nature walk with theatrical performance | Details at theaterintheopen.org/maudslay-is-haunted |
| Willowdale Estate Halloween Gala | Oct. 23 | Themed gala, food, drinks, live music | Tickets available at eventbrite.com |
| Hammond Castle Trick-or-Treat Event | Oct. 30 | Trick-or-treating across castle grounds, games | Bookings at hammondcastle.org/events |
| Park-9 Everett’s Halloween Party | Oct. 25 | Family activities, costume contest, music | Event day details announced locally |
| Market Square Theater Double Feature | Oct. 31 | Comedy of Horrors; Rocky Horror Picture Show | Tickets at firehouse.org/events |
| Marini Farms Hayride Events | Oct. 18-19, 25-26 | Trick or Treat Hayride; character appearances; Halloween bash | Tickets and event info posted by Marini Farms |
| Salem First Halloween Family Carnival | Community event (dates vary) | Free carnival games, candy prizes, popcorn, raffle | Free community event |
| Dunkin’ Salem Location Remodeled for Halloween | Seasonal display in October | Purple slime-like decorations, playful signage, seasonal rumors | On-site observation and social media coverage noted |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Exploring October Events Across North Shore Communities
Berkshire Theatre Group Partners with The Trustees for Fall Collaboration
Massachusetts Municipal Budgets Strained by Rising Costs
Boston’s October: A Month of Celebrations and Events
Boston’s Rose Kennedy Greenway Hosts Fall Fest and Movie Nights
Boston Brims with Free Halloween Festivities
Providence Performing Arts Center Announces Broadway Season Lineup
Boston Offers Diverse Halloween Events for All
Cultural Programming in Cambridge and Somerville This Week
Cultural and Community Events Highlight October in Boston
Additional Resources
- North Shore Magazine: Spooky Halloween Fun Around the North Shore
- Salem Reporter: Halloween Family Carnival
- MassLive: Salem Dunkin’ Transforms into Spooky Halloween Store
- Wicked Local: Salem Dunkin’ Donuts Eerily Redesigned for Halloween
- 949 WHOM: Salem Dunkin’ Halloween Theme
- Wikipedia: Halloween
- Google Search: Salem Halloween Events
- Google Scholar: Halloween Festivals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Halloween
- Google News: Halloween Celebrations in Salem
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