Haunted Happenings Grand Parade

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.

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.