29th Annual Haunted Happenings Grand Parade presented by the Salem Witch Museum, St. Jeans Credit Union & The House of the Seven Gables

The 29th Annual Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Grand Parade will take place, as always, on the first Thursday, October 1, 2026. The Parade is a special nighttime tradition for the city of Salem and visitors alike to officially kick off Salem’s Halloween season. The evening should be a night full of color, pageantry, music, and the enthusiasm of thousands of Salem’s students from kindergarten to college plus many local business owners. Over 15,000 spectators (children, adults, and those in between) are expected to attend.

We would not be able to host the parade without the support of our Presenting Sponsors:
Salem Witch Museum
St. Jeans Credit Union
The House of the Seven Gables

The first parade floats depart Shetland Park at 6:30PM. The last parade floats/groups typically arrive at Salem Common, ending the parade, around 8PM.


The 2026 Parade Application will be distributed towards the end of August once Salem Public Schools faculty have returned for the school year. Interested in participating in the parade this October? Please email Amanda@salem-chamber.org to be added to our Prospective Participants mailing list. We will email the application to you once it is available later this year.