Salem Haunted Happenings Set to Return This October 2021
Written By: GN
After being postponed due to the pandemic last year, Salem, Massachusetts’ highly-anticipated Haunted Happenings will be returning this fall—albeit with a few modifications.
The annual event regularly draws a whopping 500,000 guests—a prime tourism boost for the city. The Haunted Happenings is also expected to bring back crucial revenue for many of the area’s local businesses and establishments, making it a priority for the city after the year-long pandemic downturn, explains Salem Destination executive director Kate Fox.
As we await the return of this witchy shindig, check out the latest details on the scheduled events for this year!
Must-see mayhem
The Haunted Happenings has been a yearly affair in Salem for close to four decades now. It’s a curious blend of history, curiosity, and fright nights—perfect for those looking for a thrilling adventure or a trip back in time.
The event runs throughout the whole month of October, with many fun activities in store for visitors of all ages. The fan-favorite Grand Parade is a chance for kids to dress up and attend a sing-along and dance party.
Meanwhile, the Psychic Fair and Witches’ Market is a month-long market fair where visitors can dabble in tomes and items of the occult, sample witchy brews, and have their futures predicted.
Of course, a visit to Salem isn’t complete without taking one of the many available historical tours. The Salem Witch Museum gives guests an immersive look at the notable figures and events of the famous Salem Witch Hunt. There’s also a nifty exhibit that explores how perceptions and stereotypes of witches have evolved throughout the decades!
You can also drop by The House of Seven Gables for some dramatic reenactments and the Old Burying Point Cemetery for the historic gravestones.
A spooky comeback
This year, The Haunted Happenings’ return comes with both old and new events. Expect staples like the Old Burying Point Cemetery and Witches’ Market to reopen to the public once October rolls around. Other events like the Salem Séance, Broommaking, and Artoberfest are also scheduled.
The First Annual Endless Night Salem Vampire Weekend will also be held in the opulent Hawthorne Hotel on October 15 to October 17. Described as “the largest gathering of vampires in Salem’s history,” the Weekend will be taking over the whole hotel and their exclusive events are still being held tightly under wraps.
However, the carnival fair and Haunted Happenings Grand Parade are still unconfirmed for this year, although they are tentatively scheduled already in the Salem Haunted Happenings calendar.
The Devil is In the Details
Before you hop on your broomsticks, it’s important that you check out Salem’s COVID protocols. While some guidelines are not yet set in stone, here are the likely regulations you’d have to abide by while attending the Salem Haunted Happenings:
● Massachusetts’ mask policy will dissolve on May 29 and replaced with a face covering advisory.
● Six feet physical distancing is strictly implemented.
● Current travel restrictions require a 10-day quarantine or a negative COVID-19 test result for out-of-state visitors.
Some possible precautions also include: reduced capacity in establishments, mask requirement for indoors, and strict reservations-only policy.
As the Salem Haunted Happenings return with a vengeance this October, the spirit and magic of Halloween is sure to be in the air. For further updates on Haunted Happenings events and guidelines, you can check out their official website.
What do you think of this year’s Salem Haunted Happenings? Comment below.
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