An Incredible Kick-Off to the 28th Salem Haunted Happenings!

Last evening, the streets of Salem, Massachusetts filled with creatures of many kinds for the opening ceremonies and parade for the 28th Annual Salem Haunted Happenings.

The parade's theme was "A Night at the Museum." Floats, bands, walking cut-outs, posters and more focused on the theme and were executed by area schools and youth organizations. Area trolley companies and other businesses carried winning sports teams, area clubs and members of area organizations. Several student groups from Salem State College joined in the fun.

We invite residents to join us all tonight for Mayor's Night out and Trick or Treating with the Mayor. Stay tune for more pictures and coverage of this year's Salem haunted Happenings!

Photos © J. Hildebrand/Kishgraphics.

Mayor's Night Out on Friday

Salem Haunted Happenings kicks off with local style each year. The parade on the first Thursday in October includes thousands of Salem children - from preschool to college aged - and their parents in costume. And the first Friday of Salem Haunted Happenings is Mayor's Night Out.

Come trick-or-treating with Mayor Driscoll at 5:30 PM! The Mayor will lead the charge as kids trick-or-treat at the stores along the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall neighborhood. This event is open to all children and lasts until the candy runs out (usually about 6:30 PM). Head to one of the local eateries to balance out your sugar rush... the Lobster Shanty and Gulu Gulu Cafe are all in the neighborhood.

Salem residents are invited to enjoy Salem's attractions on Friday afternoon for free - a number of attractions and museums are providing free or discounted admission with proof of Salem residency. Visit HauntedHappenings.org/residents for the list of participating businesses.

If you need more to do - Salem Trolley is running its Ghosts & Legends Tour on Friday night, and CityView Trolley's Tales & Tombstones Trolley runs at 7pm and 9pm. Take a haunted ride through Salem. (Insert ghostly (((wah-hah-hah))) laugh here.)

Finally - we do have accommodations available for October! If you're on the fence, take advantage of the cancellations that give us this last minute availability...

• Hawthorne Hotel has rooms this weekend!!
• Clipper Ship Inn has rooms this weekend (2 night minimum) and Halloween weekend (3 night minimum)!!

Discover the magic of Salem Haunted Happenings!

Less than 24 Hours Before Salem Haunted Happenings Begins!

Tomorrow evening children, high school bands and organizations from all over the city of Salem, Massachusetts will gather to kick off the 28th Annual Salem Haunted Happenings in a style that no other city can do.

This year's theme is "A Night at the Museum" for the parade wass created by the Salem Chamber of Commerce. Streets will begin to fill in the early evening hours with revelers. During this year's parade there is an added treat of coming early to visit the now popular Salem Main Streets Farmer's Market near Old Town Hall.

The parade starts at the Shetland Office park and ends on Salem Common near the Hawthorne Hotel. Watch the Official City website at HauntedHappenings.org or Salem.com for street closings and where to park.

Click here for street closure and parking ban information.

Click here for a parking map of downtown Salem.

For the complete calendar of events in October, visit HauntedHappenings.org or email us at info@hauntedhappenings.org and we would be happy to send you a printed brochure. The brochures are also available at the regional Simon malls, including North Shore Mall (Peabody), Liberty Tree Mall (Danvers), Square One Mall (Saugus), and Burlington Mall.

Happy Haunted Happenings, everyone! We hope you can join us for this festive month of fall, New England, and quintessential Salem. For more information about the Parade call the Salem Chamber of Commerce or Destination Salem.

Many thanks to Kishgraphics for use of the photographs above.