Salem, Massachusetts, is gearing up for its annual Halloween celebration, drawing an estimated quarter‑million visitors to the historic “Witch City” on Saturday, Oct. 31. City officials say the influx will be the largest of the season and have taken steps to keep public safety and traffic flowing smoothly.
Public‑safety measures
Police have announced that department staffing will more than double during the busy days of the spooky season. Officers are focusing on crowd control, pedestrian safety and rapid response to any incidents that may arise amid the festivities.
Traffic and parking plan
To mitigate congestion, the city is closing several downtown streets to all traffic no later than noon on Halloween. Closures include Essex Street (Crombie to Union), Washington Street (New Derby to Bridge), Federal Street (St. Peter’s to North), Washington Square North and West, Brown Street, Hawthorne Boulevard, Derby Street, Charter Street, Central Street, Front Street, and Lafayette Street (New Derby to Front). Bridge Street will also be closed between the westerly overpass ramps and Sgt. James Ayube Memorial Drive from 9:15 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. for a drone show that replaces the traditional fireworks display.
Parking will be extremely limited throughout the month. The city is offering free parking on Saturdays, Sundays and Indigenous Peoples’ Day at 108 Jefferson Avenue, a five‑minute walk from downtown. However, officials warn that even this lot will fill quickly as the night progresses.
Transit encouragement
Salem officials are urging visitors to avoid driving into the downtown area and instead use the MBTA commuter rail or the Salem Ferry. The Salem garage will be closed from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Halloween, prohibiting any vehicle entry or exit during that window.
“We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience,” said a city spokesperson. “By taking public transit, visitors can avoid traffic snarls and help keep our historic streets safe for pedestrians and families enjoying the festivities.”
Family‑friendly events
The celebration includes a variety of activities aimed at families and history enthusiasts. Highlights feature a potion‑brewing class, a witch‑hat design workshop, and guided ghost tours that explore Salem’s storied past. Visitors have praised the atmosphere, with one longtime attendee noting, “It’s like my own little spooky Halloween town, and I live it 24‑7, 365. It’s amazing.”
Another guest added, “All of the people that are here dressed up in costumes, putting on a show for everybody. We did a tour last night to kind of get some of the history. It’s been a really cool experience.”
Looking ahead
City leaders will continue to monitor crowd sizes and adjust street closures as needed to ensure public safety. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the city’s official website and social media channels for real‑time updates on road conditions and transit options.
With careful planning and community cooperation, Salem hopes this year’s Halloween will be both memorable and safe for the thousands who gather to celebrate the city’s unique heritage.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
