SALEM, MA — Salem residents can get an early start on Halloween in the Witch City when Mayor's Night Out returns with free admission at participating attractions, downtown trick-or-treating and free parking for residents at two city garages after 2 p.m. on Sept. 25.
Trick-or-treating begins at 5:30 p.m. by the big fountain on the Pedestrian Mall.
Participating museums and attractions will open free to Salem residents at set times during the day. Residents must show photo identification with proof of Salem residency for admission. Students may use a school identification card, bus pass, or Salem Public Library card.
"Mayor's Night Out has become a treasured tradition for Salem residents," said Mayor Dominick Pangallo. "October is a busy time for our businesses, and this is their way to say thank you to our residents, offering a day that lets our locals enjoy Halloween before the month officially kicks off.
"This year, as we commemorate Salem400+ throughout 2026, this beloved event is an especially meaningful opportunity to center the Salem community and local families before things get especially busy downtown. I appreciate Salem's business community for embracing this tradition each year, the City staff who work so hard to coordinate all the details, and the community for coming out to participate."
The Museum Place Mall Garage and the South Harbor Garage will offer free parking to Salem residents after 2 p.m., with proof of residency required when leaving the garages. Businesses throughout downtown, including a number at Pickering Wharf, are participating and encouraging residents to visit across downtown neighborhoods.
Among the participating museums and attractions are the New England Pirate Museum, free for Salem residents from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Salem Wax and Salem Witch Village, free from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Frankenstein's Castle, free from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Witch Dungeon Museum, free from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and Witch History Museum, free from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Peabody Essex Museum and Salem Witch Museum are always free for Salem residents.
The Salem law firm of Mazow | McCullough, PC, Broad Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Peabody Essex Museum and National Parks Service will be on hand with "some extra special surprises."
Creative Collective and "their friends from the Good Witch of Salem" will also return with photo backdrops, candy and other activities.
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