By Dave Watkins in News — 02 Oct 2026

University breaks ground on 473 rental homes

Salem State breaks ground on 473 rental homes. State and local officials joined developers at Salem State University's South Campus to break ground on a 23-acre redevelopment adding 473 rental units and supporting campus upgrades, Salem Patch reported.Salem Patch
Moulton praises return of LGBTQ youth crisis line. U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton praised the restoration of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline's specialized LGBTQIA+ youth service after it had been paused for months, Salem Patch reported.Salem Patch

Sat, Oct 3: Annual Zombie Walk shuffles through Salem Saturday. The undead procession departs Salem Common Saturday and winds through the city before returning to its starting point, with rolling road closures and brief traffic delays expected along the route.City of Salem
Sat, Oct 3, 9 a.m.: Witch City 5K brings rolling roadblocks Saturday. The Witch City 5K runs through Salem Saturday starting at 9 a.m., with rolling roadblocks in place as participants move through the course.City of Salem
Sat, Oct 3, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: All Saints hosts community blessing of the animals. All Saints parish holds its annual community blessing of the animals Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m., open to pets and their owners.Salem Patch
Sat, Oct 3: Author Ivy George holds book release and reading. Ivy George marks the release of her book Blind Sight with a reading event in Salem Saturday, according to the Salem Patch calendar.Salem Patch
Sun, Oct 4: St. Francis blessing of the animals set Sunday. A celebration of St. Francis featuring a blessing of the animals takes place in Salem Sunday, according to the Salem Patch calendar.Salem Patch
Wed, Oct 7, 9 a.m. to noon: Housing stability drop-in hours offered at Espacio. The city's Housing Stability program holds Spanish and English drop-in hours Wednesday, October 7, from 9 a.m. to noon at Espacio, 105 Congress Street.City of Salem

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Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.