Black Cat Curiosity Shoppe

09/05/2026

Hello folks! It's a fairly quiet Labor Day Weekend in town, so here's a heads up for your advance planning!

(Also, a reminder to drop us a vote for 10 Best!)

Saturday, 9/5:

*Salem 400+ Voices of Belonging presented by the North Shore Community Development Coalition, 1pm - 4pm, Free!, BYOS (Bring Your Own Seating), Palmer Cove Park

* Cast Off with the Canines: End of Summer Dog Cruise aboard the Hannah Glover presented by Tails of Salem, 4pm - 5:30pm, Mahi Mahi Cruises and Charters, Pickering Wharf (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cast-off-with-the-canines-end-of-summer-dog-cruise-tickets-1996184048224 )

*Dennis Dulong Jr. (music) & Mal’Idea Food Pop-Up, 2pm - 5pm, Far From the Tree C***r
*Freaky Tiki End of Summer Bash! Hosted by Eternal October & Salem Scare Society, 7:30pm - 11pm, Deacon Giles Distillery

*Hardtop Funk, 8pm - 11pm, no cover!, Gulu-Gulu Cafe

*Decades 80’s Night’s 18th Anniversary w/ DJ Alvis & DJ Zombie, $10, 21+, Koto Asian Fusion

Sunday, 9/6:
*EROO (music), 2pm - 5pm, Far From the Tree C***r

Onward:

September 12th:

*Moon Over Salem - A Cinema Mini Fest & a full benefit for The Moon Rising Artist Scholarship, 1pm -10pm, $25 in advance/$30 Day of Show, All Ages!, Cinema Salem (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/moon-over-salem--2026 )

September 13th:

*Notch Oktoberfest 2026, 12pm - 6pm, Free admission although there are $20 Notch ’26 Steinkrugs for sale (while supplies last)!, Dressing up encouraged!, 21+ (including babies), Notch Brewery (For more info please go to https://www.notchbrewing.com/salem-events/2024/9/15/oktoberfest-k496b-zh9tn )

*The Muppetlesque Cabaret: A Burlesque & Drag Tribute to Jim Henson, 7pm. 18+, Cinema Salem (for info & tickets please visit Ticketleap.com )

September 15th:

*Geya Jenda’s Birthday Read N’ Roast hosted by David Harnch, Doors 7pm/Show 7:30pm, $5, 21+, Gulu-Gulu Cafe

September 17th - September 20th:

*Salem CritterFest (a series of films about animals, pets & wildlife) presented by Salem Screens playing at Cinema Salem & Virtual On Demand, $5-$15 depending on ticket type, Cinema Salem (Or your home! Or your friend’s home! For more info & to purchase tickets, pease visit https://salemcritterfest.eventive.org/welcome )

September 17th - November 7th:

*Salem’s Comedy Coven Haunted Comedy Show presented by Witch City Comedy, Thursdays 7pm - 8:30pm, Saturdays 8pm - 9:30pm (no show on Oct. 1st or 31st), $30, The Lost Library (for more info & to grab tickets please go to https://salemwaxmuseum.com/products/salem-s-comedy-coven )

September 17th:

*Salem CritterFest: CatVideo Fest, 6:30pm, Cinema Salem (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.cinemasalem.com/movie/salem-critterfest-catvideofest-2026 )

September 18th - September 20th:

*An Evening of Hocus Pocus: A Spelltactular Cabaret presented by Summer Orlando Productions, 4 Performances Only!, Cinema Salem (For more info including showtimes & tickets, please visit www.cinemasalem.com )

September 19 & 20th:

*The 7th Annual Salem Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival, 11am - 6pm, Free entry!, Salem Common (for more info & b**r tickets please visit www.foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/salem )

*The Satanic Temple’s Good Works Campaign presents their Community Clean Up; more details coming soon!

September 25th:

* Endless Night Salem Vampire Salon Noir Cruise, 8:30pm - 12am, 21+, The Hannah Glover, Salem (Event is part of a multi-event weekend; for more info & tickets, please visit: https://vampfangs.com/pages/boston-vampire-ball )

September 26th:

*Chuseok Festival (presented in English & Korean, w/ live English translation), Free w/museum admission, Peabody Essex Museum (for more info please visit https://www.pem.org/events/chuseok-festival )

*2nd Annual Hocus Pocus Craft Fair, 12pm - 6pm, Village Tavern in Governors Hall (Vendor applications open! If interested, please go to https://forms.gle/gMrkbtoZKGKvp8Lc7 )

*90 Karaoke Prom, doors 8pm/requests go open at 8:30pm, $10, 21+, Bit Bar (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://bit.bar/public-events )

October 1st:

*The 29th Annual Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Parade ~ and the official start of Salem’s Spooky Season!, 6:30pm - 8:00pm (Parade Theme: Old-School Halloween)

Parade Route: Start: Shetland Park > Congress Street >left onto Derby Street>right onto Central Street>left onto Front Street>right onto Washington Street>right onto Essex Street Pedestrian Mall>End: Salem Common
PARTICIPANTS WELCOME & VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED! (Looking for about 50 more volunteers for this year!)
For more info on the parade, to sign up to march, or to volunteer, please visit
https://www.salem-chamber.org/haunted-happenings-grand-parade

October 3rd:

*The Salem YMCA Witch City 5K Fundraiser, 9am, Salem Willows Park (for more info & to register, please visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/113127/witch-city-5k-road-race )

*Salem Zombie Walk 2026, 11am (Zombies gather at 11am, walk starts at 12noon), Salem Common

October 4th:

*Haunted Biz Bash Street Fair, 10am - 6pm, Salem Common

October 9th & October 10th:

*The 14th Annual Lanterns in the Woods (previously Lanterns in the Village), 6:30pm - 9:30pm, $15 (children under 3 free!), Rain or Shine, Salem High School (For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lanterns-in-the-woods-previously-lanterns-in-the-village-tickets-1993692016490?aff=ebdssbdestsearch )

October 10th:

*Howl-o-Ween Pet Parade, 10:30am - 11:30am, $5 locals/$10 out-of-towners for registration, Derby Wharf

*Halloween Drag Brunch hosted by Miz Diamond Wigfall & DJ Maxine Harrison, 11:30am - 2pm (doors at 11:30am/show at 12noon), $63.10 (ticket includes brunch buffet; costumes encouraged!), 21+, Hallowed Ground (For more information & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.hallowedgroundsalem.com/events/halloween-drag-brunch-2ee9b9cd )

*The 5th Annual Halloween Boat Parade, 11:30am - 1pm, all boaters are welcome to participate!, Derby Wharf

October 16th:

*Hellfire Cabaret: A Speakeasy For Saints and Sinners, 6:30pm - 11pm, 21+, Hawthorne Hotel (ticketed event; www.salemwitchfest.com for more info)

October 16th (& 17th, 23rd & 24th):

*Salem, Night Faire, 5pm - 10pm, $20, Pioneer Village (for more info & tickets please visit: https://salemnightfaire.com/ )

October 17th:

*The Hysteria Hour: an evening dedicated to the depth of femininity in horror film and literature - a new cocktail drops every HOUR that celebrates their cinematic horror favs, Costumes highly encouraged!, 6pm - 11pm, 21+, Deacon Giles Distillery

October 24th:

*Halloween Drag Brunch hosted by Miz Diamond Wigfall & DJ Maxine Harrison, 11:30am - 2pm (doors at 11:30am/show at 12noon), $63.10 (ticket includes brunch buffet; costumes encouraged!), 21+, Hallowed Ground (For more information & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.hallowedgroundsalem.com/events/halloween-drag-brunch-2ee9b9cd )

* Wicked Night on the Wharf: UNTAMED, 7:30pm - 12am, $175 - $225, 21+, Salem Waterfront hotel and Suites (for more info and tickets please visit https://salemwaterfronthotel.com/hotel-events/comic-nightmare/ )

*Hawthorne Hotel Ball: Phobia, 7:30pm - 12am, $215.26, 21+, Hawthorne Hotel (TICKETS GOING FAST! For more info and tickets please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hawthorne-hotels-2026-halloween-ball-phobia-tickets-1990199813216?aff=ebdssbdestsearch )

*The Annual Heaven & Hell Ball presented by Rockafellas, doors are at 8pm, $100, 21+, Colonial Hall (For more info and to get tickets ~ tickets are selling fast, event always sells out!! ~ please visit https://rockafellasofsalem.com/october-events/ )

October 25th:

* Vixens & Villains: The Gathering, doors at 8pm, show at 9pm, 21+, (Food Drive event as well & donations welcome!), Bit Bar Salem

October 26th - October 29th:

*Hallowe’en/Samhain Ghost Ship Witch Ball Workshop, 6pm - 8pm on October 26th, 7pm - 9pm on October 27th - October 29th, $85 (+$2.13 processing fee; cost includes all materials and supplies - including obsidian and amethyst witch ball toppers made by The Sea Wych Salem specifically for this event - a special charm to finish off your creation, a brief history of the witch ball, a meditation & short ritual, a ritual kid, the opportunity to shop privately, before or after the workshop, and a 10% discount on all store items), The Sea Wych (For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.theseawych.com/event-list )

Friday, October 30th:

A Spirited Evening Connecting to the Other Side Workshop presented by Celestial Navigation Astrology, 7pm - 8:30pm (please plan to arrive at 6:45pm), $55 per person (includes book + pendulum), 254 Essex Street, Suite 204 (Will be held every night in October; workshop limited to 12 guests. For more information & tickets, please visit www.celestialnavigationastrology.com/salem-events ) ***SOLD OUT**

Hallowe’en/Samhain Ghost Ship Witch Ball Workshop, 7pm - 9pm, $85 (+$2.13 processing fee; cost includes all materials and supplies - including obsidian and amethyst witch ball toppers made by The Sea Wych Salem specifically for this event - a special charm to finish off your creation, a brief history of the witch ball, a meditation & short ritual, a ritual kid, the opportunity to shop privately, before or after the workshop, and a 10% discount on all store items), The Sea Wych (For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.theseawych.com/event-list ) ***SOLD OUT**

*Salem’s Devils Night 2026 presented by The Devils Reign in association with The Church of Satan, 9:30pm - 12:30am, $40, 21+, Koto Asian Fusion (For more info & to get tickets ~ tickets limited to only 150 people! ~ please visit https://www.howlbooks.net/shop/salemdevilsnight2026/ )

Saturday, October 31st:

A Spirited Evening Connecting to the Other Side Workshop presented by Celestial Navigation Astrology, 7pm - 8:30pm (please plan to arrive at 6:45pm), $55 per person (includes book + pendulum), 254 Essex Street, Suite 204 (Will be held every night in October; workshop limited to 12 guests. For more info & tickets, please visit www.celestialnavigationastrology.com/salem-events ) ***SOLD OUT**

*The 2026 Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball (Theme: The Witches’ Sabbat), 7:30pm, $200 (+$11 online fee), 21+, The Hawthorne Hotel (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.festivalofthedead.com/witchesball/index.htm )

*FRIGHT NIGHT COSTUME PARTY, presented by Rockafellas, doors are 8pm (no arrivals after 10pm), $75, 21+, Colonial Hall (For more info and to get tickets ~ ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT! ~ please visit https://rockafellasofsalem.com/october-events/ )

*Halloween Night Finale Drone Show, 10pm - 10:30pm, The North River ~ and the official last event of the 2026 Salem Haunted Happenings

November 12th - 15th:

*The Salem Literary Festival, https://salemlitfest.org/

November 27th:

The 2026 Salem TREE LIGHTING - and the official start of Salem’s Holiday Happenings!

*5:45pm: start at the Salem Common, head to the Hawthorne Hotel
*6pm: Santa lands on the roof of the hotel & the Salem Fire Department lower him to the street, then Santa leads a lantern-lit procession down Essex Street to Lappin Park to light the tree!

November 28th:

*The Salem Arts Association Holiday Artist Market, 11am - 5pm, Free!, Old Town Hall, Derby Square

December 13th:

*Fool of Misrule: A Medieval Holiday Market brought to you by the creators of the Salem Ren Faire - details coming soon!!

December 19th:

*Ghost Ship Yule Market (applications open!), Old Town Hall https://ghostshipmarket.com/

09/01/2026

We had an AMAZING weekend speaking at the Cryptids in the Mountains event at the beautiful and historic The Inn Between Vermont hosted by Cryptozoology Facts and Almost Canon Podcast!

We made an adorable new Fresno Nightcrawler friend who we can't wait to take on adventures!

It was a genuinely lovely, fascinating time, getting to hear unique stories and talk about some things that we don't get to share as much, like our local boy, His Snakeship, the Gloucester Sea Serpent! We will definitely be back, and we may have something special coming this winter for local Cryptid fans!

A reminder that there's plenty of time to vote for us for USA Today's 10 Best Ghost Tours in the US, every day until the end of the month, free and no sign up!

Link in the comments or pinned to our page!

08/29/2026

Events This Weekend, Friday, August 28th - Sunday, August 30th:

August 29th & 30th:

*The First Ever North Shore Kaiju Fest, $60 for the whole weekend, Cinema Salem (https://www.cinemasalem.com/kaiju-fest-2026 )

Friday, 8/28:

*Music Cruise with ORCA presented by Mahi Mahi Harbor Cruises, 7:30pm - 9:30pm, 21+, $43.36, The Hannah Glover at Pickering Wharf (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.mahicruises.com/summer-cruises )

*MELT - Live at the Gulu Gulu, 8pm - 11pm, no cover!, Gulu-Gulu Cafe

*Guy Ford Band, 8pm - 11pm, Broadie’s Seaport

*Night Light Presents A GIRL WALKS HOME ALONE AT NIGHT (2014), 10pm, $10 - $12, Cinema Salem (Night Light presents a series of classic and contemporary cult films from around the world; for more info & to purchase tickets please visit www.cinemasalem.com/movie/a-girl-walks-home-alone-at-night )

Saturday, 8/29:

*Chinese Painting Traditions Workshop with Yao Desheng, 10am - 3:30pm, $69 members/$79 nonmembers (this includes $30 for materials; also there will be a break in the workshop for participants to purchase lunch at the Atrium Café or nearby), Peabody Essex Museum (For info, tickets, & to register please visit https://www.pem.org/events )

*Salem 400 McIntire Tour for Kids and Families, 10:30am - 12pm, ages 7 and up, $30/person, rain or shine, the tour meets at First Church in Salem (For info & to purchase tickets please visit https://salemathenaeum.net/event/salem-400-mcintire-tour/ )

*Living Histories: How Communities Shape What We Remember, 2pm - 4pm (2pm - 3pm panel discussion/3pm - 4pm light reception), free with museum admission but pre-registration highly encouraged, Peabody Essex Museum (For more info & to pre-register, please visit https://www.pem.org/events/revisiting-salems-bipoc-history )

*Lauren Norcia Music & Ruta Jalisco Food Truck, 2pm - 5pm, Far From the Tree C***r

*Attack of the 50 Ft Woman, hosted by Wretched Lydia , 4pm, Cinema Salem (This event is part of the First ever 2026 Salem Kaiju Fest; for more info & to purchase passes, please visit www.cinemasalem.com )

*The Devil’s Work: Transgression, Rebellion, & The Sacred Outlaw in Magical Tradition" lecture by Jake Korbrin & presented The Satanic Temple of Salem, 6pm - 8pm, $20 - $25, The Satanic Temple of Salem (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.salemartgallery.com/products/ticket-lecture-the-devil-s-work-transgression-rebellion-and-the-sacred-outlaw-in-magical-tradition )

*HAVOQ presented by DARQ Salem featuring DJ Succubux & VUDU:DJ, 9:30pm - 1am, $10 Creative black attire, all else $15, 21+, Bit Bar (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://bit.bar/public-events )

*Joe Giardella Band, 8pm - 11pm, no cover!, Gulu-Gulu Cafe

Sunday, 8/30:

*North Shore RunFest 5k and 8k and post race festival benefiting Girls on the Run of Greater Boston presented by NorthShore Adult Diapers, 9am, $51.26+ (price increases after 8/28), 283 R Derby Street then Notch Brewery post race (For more info & to register, please visit https://northshorerunfest.com/ )

*Woodburn a Themed Cutting Board, 1pm - 4pm, $55/person, East Regiment B**r Company (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.hoamsy.com/experiences/detail/NLKJEqXBNDFrtDZwIq0x )

*Jacob Piascik & Jennifer Lee Food Pop-Up,, 2pm - 5pm, Far From the Tree C***r

UPCOMING/ADVANCED NOTICE:

During the Week, 8/31 - 9/3:

Monday, August 31st:
*Invasive Baskets Weaving Workshop, 7:30pm - 10pm, $73.14, All Ages! The Witchery Studio Space (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://walkwithawitch.com/events/ )

Wednesday, August 2nd:
*Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament, 8pm - 11:30pm (doors at 7pm, 8pm bracket start), $10 entry fee (Competitors who bring a complete Smash Bros setup - Switch, Dock, Copy of Smash Ultimate with all DLC, AC Adaptor, and GameCube adaptor - will have their entry fee waved), BYO-Controller highly encouraged, All Skill Levels, 21+, Bit Bar Salem (For more info please visit https://bit.bar/public-events )

Thursday, September 3rd:
*Pegzilla with Dred Buffalo - A Metal/Rock Concert, 7pm - 9pm, $36.66, 17+, Standing Room Only, The Setanic Temple of Salem (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.salemartgallery.com/products/ticket-pegzilla-with-dred-buffalo-concert )

Onward:

September 5th:
*Salem 400+ Voices of Belonging presented by the North Shore Community Development Coalition, 1pm - 4pm, Free!, BYOS (Bring Your Own Seating), Palmer Cove Park

September 13th:
*Notch Oktoberfest 2026, 12pm - 6pm, Free admission although there are $20 Notch ’26 Steinkrugs for sale (while supplies last)!, Dressing up encouraged!, 21+ (including babies), Notch Brewery (For more info please go to https://www.notchbrewing.com/salem-events/2024/9/15/oktoberfest-k496b-zh9tn )

*The Muppetlesque Cabaret: A Burlesque & Drag Tribute to Jim Henson, 7pm. 18+, Cinema Salem (for info & tickets please visit Ticketleap.com )

September 17th - September 20th:
*Salem CritterFest (a series of films about animals, pets & wildlife) presented by Salem Screens playing at Cinema Salem & Virtual On Demand, $5-$15 depending on ticket type, Cinema Salem (Or your home! Or your friend’s home! For more info & to purchase tickets, pease visit https://salemcritterfest.eventive.org/welcome )

September 17th - November 7th:
*Salem’s Comedy Coven Haunted Comedy Show presented by Witch City Comedy, Thursdays 7pm - 8:30pm, Saturdays 8pm - 9:30pm (no show on Oct. 1st or 31st), $30, The Lost Library (for more info & to grab tickets please go to https://salemwaxmuseum.com/products/salem-s-comedy-coven )

September 18th - September 20th:
*An Evening of Hocus Pocus: A Spelltactular Cabaret presented by Summer Orlando Productions, 4 Performances Only!, Cinema Salem (For more info including showtimes & tickets, please visit www.cinemasalem.com )

September 19 & 20th:
*The 7th Annual Salem Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival, 11am - 6pm, Free entry!, Salem Common (for more info & b**r tickets please visit www.foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/salem )

*The Satanic Temple’s Good Works Campaign presents their Community Clean Up; more details coming soon!

September 25th:
* Endless Night Salem Vampire Salon Noir Cruise, 8:30pm - 12am, 21+, The Hannah Glover, Salem (Event is part of a multi-event weekend; for more info & tickets, please visit: https://vampfangs.com/pages/boston-vampire-ball )

September 26th:
*Chuseok Festival (presented in English & Korean, w/ live English translation), Free w/museum admission, Peabody Essex Museum (for more info please visit https://www.pem.org/events/chuseok-festival )

*2nd Annual Hocus Pocus Craft Fair, 12pm - 6pm, Village Tavern in Governors Hall (Vendor applications open! If interested, please go to https://forms.gle/gMrkbtoZKGKvp8Lc7 )

*90 Karaoke Prom, doors 8pm/requests go open at 8:30pm, $10, 21+, Bit Bar (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://bit.bar/public-events )

October 1st:
*The 29th Annual Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Parade ~ and the official start of Salem’s Spooky Season!, 6:30pm - 8:00pm (Parade Theme: Old-School Halloween)
Parade Route: Start: Shetland Park > Congress Street >left onto Derby Street>right onto Central Street>left onto Front Street>right onto Washington Street>right onto Essex Street Pedestrian Mall>End: Salem Common
PARTICIPANTS WELCOME & VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED! (Looking for about 50 more volunteers for this year!)
For more info on the parade, to sign up to march, or to volunteer, please visit https://www.salem-chamber.org/haunted-happenings-grand-parade

October 3rd:
*The Salem YMCA Witch City 5K Fundraiser, 9am, Salem Willows Park (for more info & to register, please visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/113127/witch-city-5k-road-race )

*Salem Zombie Walk 2026, 11am (Zombies gather at 11am, walk starts at 12noon), Salem Common

October 4th:
*Haunted Biz Bash Street Fair, 10am - 6pm, Salem Common

October 9th & October 10th:
*The 14th Annual Lanterns in the Woods (previously Lanterns in the Village), 6:30pm - 9:30pm, $15 (children under 3 free!), Rain or Shine, Salem High School (For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lanterns-in-the-woods-previously-lanterns-in-the-village-tickets-1993692016490?aff=ebdssbdestsearch )

October 10th:
*Howl-o-Ween Pet Parade, 10:30am - 11:30am, $5 locals/$10 out-of-towners for registration, Derby Wharf

*The 5th Annual Halloween Boat Parade, 11:30am - 1pm, all boaters are welcome to participate!, Derby Wharf

October 16th:
*Hellfire Cabaret: A Speakeasy For Saints and Sinners, 6:30pm - 11pm, 21+, Hawthorne Hotel (ticketed event; www.salemwitchfest.com for more info)

October 16th & 17th, 23rd & 24th:
*Salem, Night Faire, 5pm - 10pm, $20, Pioneer Village (for more info & tickets please visit: https://salemnightfaire.com/ )

October 24th:
* Wicked Night on the Wharf: UNTAMED, 7:30pm - 12am, $175 - $225, 21+, Salem Waterfront hotel and Suites (for more info and tickets please visit https://salemwaterfronthotel.com/hotel-events/comic-nightmare/ )

*Hawthorne Hotel Ball: Phobia, 7:30pm - 12am, $215.26, 21+, Hawthorne Hotel (for more info and tickets please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hawthorne-hotels-2026-halloween-ball-phobia-tickets-1990199813216?aff=ebdssbdestsearch )

*The Annual Heaven & Hell Ball presented by Rockafellas, doors are at 8pm, $100, 21+, Colonial Hall (For more info and to get tickets ~ tickets are selling fast, event always sells out!! ~ please visit https://rockafellasofsalem.com/october-events/ )

October 25th:
* Vixens & Villains: The Gathering, doors at 8pm, show at 9pm, 21+, (Food Drive event as well & donations welcome!), Bit Bar Salem

October 26th - October 29th:
*Hallowe’en/Samhain Ghost Ship Witch Ball Workshop, 6pm - 8pm on October 26th, 7pm - 9pm on October 27th - October 29th, $85 (+$2.13 processing fee; cost includes all materials and supplies - including obsidian and amethyst witch ball toppers made by The Sea Wych Salem specifically for this event - a special charm to finish off your creation, a brief history of the witch ball, a meditation & short ritual, a ritual kid, the opportunity to shop privately, before or after the workshop, and a 10% discount on all store items), The Sea Wych (For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.theseawych.com/event-list )

Friday, October 30th:
A Spirited Evening Connecting to the Other Side Workshop presented by Celestial Navigation Astrology, 7pm - 8:30pm (please plan to arrive at 6:45pm), $55 per person (includes book + pendulum), 254 Essex Street, Suite 204 (Will be held every night in October; workshop limited to 12 guests. For more information & tickets, please visit www.celestialnavigationastrology.com/salem-events ) ***SOLD OUT**

Hallowe’en/Samhain Ghost Ship Witch Ball Workshop, 7pm - 9pm, $85 (+$2.13 processing fee; cost includes all materials and supplies - including obsidian and amethyst witch ball toppers made by The Sea Wych Salem specifically for this event - a special charm to finish off your creation, a brief history of the witch ball, a meditation & short ritual, a ritual kid, the opportunity to shop privately, before or after the workshop, and a 10% discount on all store items), The Sea Wych (For more info & to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.theseawych.com/event-list ) ***SOLD OUT**

*Salem’s Devils Night 2026 presented by The Devils Reign in association with The Church of Satan, 9:30pm - 12:30am, $40, 21+, Koto Asian Fusion (For more info & to get tickets ~ tickets limited to only 150 people! ~ please visit https://www.howlbooks.net/shop/salemdevilsnight2026/ )

Saturday, October 31st:
A Spirited Evening Connecting to the Other Side Workshop presented by Celestial Navigation Astrology, 7pm - 8:30pm (please plan to arrive at 6:45pm), $55 per person (includes book + pendulum), 254 Essex Street, Suite 204 (Will be held every night in October; workshop limited to 12 guests. For more info & tickets, please visit www.celestialnavigationastrology.com/salem-events ) ***SOLD OUT**

*The 2026 Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball (Theme: The Witches’ Sabbat), 7:30pm, $200 (+$11 online fee), 21+, The Hawthorne Hotel (For more info & to purchase tickets please visit https://www.festivalofthedead.com/witchesball/index.htm )

*FRIGHT NIGHT COSTUME PARTY, presented by Rockafellas, doors are 8pm (no arrivals after 10pm), $75, 21+, Colonial Hall (For more info and to get tickets ~ get tickets early; event is expected to sell out! ~ please visit https://rockafellasofsalem.com/october-events/ )

*Halloween Night Finale Drone Show, 10pm - 10:30pm, The North River ~ and the official last event of the 2026 Salem Haunted Happenings

November 12th - 15th:
*The Salem Literary Festival, https://salemlitfest.org/

November 27th:
The 2026 Salem TREE LIGHTING - and the official start of Salem’s Holiday Happenings!
*5:45pm: start at the Salem Common, head to the Hawthorne Hotel
*6pm: Santa lands on the roof of the hotel & the Salem Fire Department lower him to the street, then Santa leads a lantern-lit procession down Essex Street to Lappin Park to light the tree!

November 28th
*The Salem Arts Association Holiday Artist Market, 11am - 5pm, Free!, Old Town Hall, Derby Square

December 13th:
*Fool of Misrule: A Medieval Holiday Market brought to you by the creators of the Salem Ren Faire - details coming soon!!

December 19th:
*Ghost Ship Yule Market (applications open!), Old Town Hall https://ghostshipmarket.com/

08/27/2026

We have a slight correction to make from our post about being nominated as one of the 10 Best Ghost Tours in the US for the 7th year in a row by USA Today!

We stated that we were the only tour from Salem nominated...

BUT not only that, we are the only tour from MASSACHUSETTS as well!

Link to vote is in the comments! Help us make Massachusetts the number one destination for ghost tours!

You can vote every day, there is no sign up, and it is absolutely free!

08/26/2026

The King of Cats, The King of Pirates, The consummate villain, the voice of generations, has taken his final bow.

There are many actors who have meant a great deal to us, have been a part of our lives as long as we can remember.

And then there is Tim Curry.

To say we are gutted and heartbroken is an understatement.

We will be going dark today folks. This is a lot.

"Ciao, Babe." 🐈‍⬛👑

08/26/2026

We say it often, but if you won't listen to us, listen to Dolly's lifelong message:

Be kind. 🤍

08/24/2026

SEVEN YEARS IN A ROW!! 😱🐈‍⬛🤍

Black Cat Tours has been nominated by USA TODAY 10Best as one of the Best Ghost Tours in the country for the seventh year in a row!

Black Cat is the only Salem tour nominated. That means you are not just voting for us, you are helping put Salem, its history, its stories, and its community on the national stage.

We have placed in the Top 10 every year since our first nomination. Salem deserves to be number one!

Voting is completely free, takes only a few seconds, and does not require an account or sign-up:

https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/black-cat-tours-salem-massachusetts/

You can vote once every day, and we are going to make those daily reminders worth following. Throughout the voting period, we’ll be sharing strange Salem trivia, pieces of Black Cat history, behind-the-scenes stories, and a few surprises!

After you vote, tell us in the comments: What is the strangest or most memorable thing you have learned on a Black Cat tour?

Thank you for supporting a small, locally owned Salem business and helping us share the unusual, fascinating, and often misunderstood history of our city with the world.

Our nomination is directly because of your reviews! This is all thanks to your support and we are incredibly humbled and grateful!

Evening walking tours with Black Cat Tours take visitors back in time through the true history of Salem, Massachusetts. Visit some of the city’s most haunted sites, learn about the tools used by early ghost hunters, and hear stories of how the town inspired the horror stories of H.P. Lovecraft, Na...

08/23/2026

PLANNING A TRIP TO SALEM? WE HAVE YOU COVERED!

As a tour company with over 13 years of experience, and as locals who have lived here for decades, we answer questions from Salem visitors every day.

We’ve gathered our most useful, honest, local advice in one place.

No enormous itinerary. No overwhelming list of every business in the city. Just straightforward answers from people who live and work here!

First, a note that many business-specific questions will be answered more quickly and accurately BY those businesses! Nearly everyone has a website, email, Messenger, or phone number. We recommend trying them first rather than posting a question in a social media group!

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

By the time you hit June, you should expect that a majority of the most convenient and reasonably priced options will have already been booked. People begin planning their Salem visits about a year in advance, when reservations open, so we always recommend planning your trip as far ahead as possible.

If you need to plan your trip at the last minute, we recommend finding a place in Boston or anywhere along the NEWBURYPORT/ROCKPORT commuter rail line.

Having public transportation into Salem is far superior to driving in, but if you DO drive, be prepared to potentially spend a few extra hours in traffic.

WHERE SHOULD I PARK?

There are several large parking garages in or near downtown Salem, primarily Museum Place Garage, South Harbor Garage, and the MBTA Garage.

Our personal recommendation is the MBTA Garage, which is often one of the more affordable options and is conveniently located for entering downtown. However, all three garages have designated accessible parking, and the most convenient choice will depend on where you are going.

New for 2026, the City will not be providing its usual shuttle service from satellite parking lots. Limited free parking will still be available at 108 Jefferson Avenue on October weekends and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, but there will be no transportation from the lot into downtown. Check the Destination Salem app before arriving for availability and any updated information.

Avoid any areas marked RESIDENTIAL PARKING. You may be ticketed AND towed, potentially leaving you with hundreds of dollars in fees and without access to your vehicle for part of your trip, which would absolutely ruin your vacation.

Several newer hotels in town provide parking at a reasonable day rate when you check in!

Always be prepared for street closures when driving into Salem. Some closures are scheduled, while others may happen on short notice when crowd size or public safety requires them.

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?

We constantly get questions about what to expect from New England weather between late September and early November. Our answer may frustrate you, but it truly is:

We don’t know. Bring lots of options and layers.

It has snowed on Halloween, and it has been warm enough to go to the beach for a swim.

Don’t try to plan and pack everything too far in advance. Have outfits ready for indoor events, dinners, or parties, but otherwise, wait to pack fully until you are within a week of your trip and can get a more accurate early forecast!

Always, ALWAYS bring a comfortable change of shoes. Most of the Essex Street Pedestrian Walkway is brick and cobblestone, and many downtown sidewalks are brick or uneven, with frequent curbs. A misplaced high heel can end a trip with a TRIP!

HOW DO I GET TICKETS?

Haunted Happenings is a full season of events and activities produced by many different businesses, organizations, and public partners. It is not one centrally owned festival, and there is no single ticketing office.

Each tour, museum, event, and attraction has its own tickets, policies, restrictions, and availability.

We STRONGLY suggest visiting the website or calling or messaging the specific place you have questions about. Plans may change based on many uncertain factors, and the individual business will always have the most accurate information.

For the most part, plan ahead and buy tickets for October tours, museums, and events as soon as they go on sale.

Restaurant reservations may be limited, and some restaurants change their menus, hours, or seating systems during October. If a restaurant is operating a waitlist, put your name in and spend some time people-watching or enjoying the street performers in designated areas while you wait!

WHAT IS THE BEST TOUR?

There are SO many tours in Salem, and despite what you may hear, no two are alike.

Guides will have different interpretations and stop at different locations. The tours themselves may focus more on history, more on ghostly legends, or a mixture of both. Some discuss the history of the Witchcraft Trials, while others focus more on Modern Witchcraft in Salem.

The most important thing is to pick a company that is locally owned and operated and is part of the community. Find one that aligns with your interests and contributes to Salem as a whole!

Read recent reviews from multiple sources, and look for comments that explain WHY someone recommends a particular tour. In online forums, recommendations may sometimes come from owners, employees, friends, or family members connected with the company. That does not necessarily mean it is a bad recommendation, but it is helpful to understand where it is coming from.

Take the time to research fully before choosing!

WHERE SHOULD I EAT?

This is one of the questions we get the most!

As locals, we have MANY personal favorites, and they are quite varied. We never want to feel like we are excluding anything because, genuinely, if a restaurant has been operating here for several years, it has earned its place and deserves to be an option for you.

There are standouts for a slightly fancier dinner, like Turner’s, Ledger, and Finz, but for the most part, if the menu sounds good to you, you’ll have a wonderful meal.

Reservations may be limited, and some restaurants change their menus, hours, or seating systems during October. Check directly with the restaurant so you know what to expect!

Deliveries can be unpredictable when so many streets are closed. You should NEVER take that out on the servers or leave a bad review for something outside the business’s control! That goes for ANYTHING in Salem!

WHERE ARE THE BATHROOMS?

There are many options for public restrooms in Salem.
You can access a list of public restrooms through the Destination Salem app by clicking on the toilet roll icon!

The City makes a significant investment in public safety, sanitation, and visitor comfort throughout Haunted Happenings, including placing portable restrooms at key locations around downtown during October. Portable restrooms are one of the highest direct expenses in the City’s budget for the event.

Use the Destination Salem app for the current restroom map, as locations and hours may change. If you know you have frequent bathroom needs, take note of restroom locations beforehand and consider carrying hand sanitizer and a small portable roll of paper, as supplies can run out on especially busy days.

You might hear some harrowing stories about a particular restroom online…

BELIEVE THEM.

If you are eating at a restaurant, take advantage of its restroom facilities and check for updated information through Destination Salem or with a local business!
Be prepared for many public restrooms to close at night, so find an option BEFORE you take a walking tour in the evening!

Think of Salem like you would a large outdoor festival rather than an amusement park.

WHAT DO LOCALS WISH VISITORS KNEW?

The thing we try to instill in every single person visiting Salem is that you should treat it like your hometown.

• Keep your trash with you in a bag if you can’t find a trash receptacle.

• Be kind to the local businesses and workers who are managing a surge of humanity that is unpredictable and overwhelming, even when you are prepared and know it is coming.

• Respect private property and local laws, especially at street crossings!

• Be patient! There will be lines and long waits in September and October. Buildings have capacities, things will sell out, and there are only so many people available to look after everything.

• Be safe! If you see something, say something!

Salem is a wonderful, strange, historic, living city. The people who live and work here genuinely care about our guests and want you to feel welcome, stay safe, and have a wonderful experience. Salem is also a small city managing an extraordinary number of people, so your patience and consideration make an enormous difference.

Plan ahead, remain flexible, and ask questions before you arrive and while you are here.

Most importantly, BE KIND.

We hope you have an unforgettable visit!

If there is a question you didn’t see answered here, what is it? We’ll be happy to answer!

(If this has been cross-posted, we’ll do our best to get to it!)