Salem issues road closure, safety guide for Halloween night

The City of Salem announced Oct. 28 the release of updated informational resources and a map outlining planned road closures and safety measures for Halloween night, Saturday, Oct. 31.

Mayor Dominick Pangallo said the city is expecting especially large crowds this year as Salem marks its 400th anniversary. “We encourage everyone to plan ahead, take public transportation, respect our rules and our residents, and enjoy a safe and fun visit to Salem,” he said in the release.

Residents and visitors can get ongoing updates through the MySalemMA app or at HauntedHappenings.org. Live music runs through the evening on stages at Salem Common, Front Street, Charlotte Forten Park, Washington and Federal streets, and Hawthorne Boulevard, with sets scheduled between noon and 10 p.m.

The night closes with a drone show over the North River at 10:10 p.m., visible from the MBTA platform or Washington Street; the city's public address system will activate around 10 p.m. to announce the start. The city says the party ends after the drone show and asks visitors to plan to leave by 10:30 p.m., when police and public works crews will begin clearing the streets. Final trains leave Salem for Boston at 11:14 p.m., for Rockport at 11:56 p.m. and for Newburyport at 12:26 a.m.

Driving into Salem is discouraged because of the closures. The MBTA garage will stop allowing entry at 6 p.m. and will not allow exits until 11:30 p.m. or when festivities end. The city offers free satellite parking information for Halloween Day.

Public alcohol consumption and weapons, real or fake, are prohibited, and violations such as public drinking, vandalism or littering could draw triple fines of up to $300 per violation. Residents should call 911 for emergencies and the Salem Police non-emergency line, (978) 744-1212, for nuisance issues.

Source: Town of Salem announcement, October 30, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.