TLDR; Fans of the spooky, underground, and punk-rock rejoice in this master list of fun things to do in Salem this October 2025.

1 - Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery Monster Wax Museum

Are you a horror movie fan? Check out Orlock’s Nightmare Gallery with horrifyingly accurate wax figures from all your favorite movies! Creeping through this upside down wonderland will pull you into scenes only seen on screen. The monster from IT lurking in the walls makes one stagger backwards, almost bumping elbows with Carrie. You can almost hear her screams! Orlock’s Nightmare Gallery is a must for any horror movie fanatic.

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $8 for children(6-12-years-old).

Street Address: 217 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970

Phone Number: (978) 740-0500

2 - Flash Tattoos at Witch City Ink

From Blackwork to Fineline, our Salem tattoo studios do it all. Art and novelties line the walls of Witch City Ink, bringing you into the heart of Salem’s occult culture. Located in downtown, Witch City Ink does walk-in flash tattoos for anyone looking. Walk-ins specifically have more limited choices and more rudimentary designs but are certainly not lacking in flare. They also book appointments for more intricate designs if you’re planning ahead. It’s the perfect remembrance from your trip to the Witch City, prices may vary.

Street Address: 186-3 Essex St Salem, MA 01970

Phone: 978-744-9393

3 - Haunted Speakeasy at Hamilton Hall - October 18th, 25th and 31st 6pm-10pm

On a particularly sinister night, Hamilton Hall will be hosting a haunted speakeasy for those who dare enter! This 21+ event features Live Jazz from Niki Luparelli and The Grave Diggers transporting you back in time. Dress up in your most spectacular 1920s look and go dancing with classic prohibition era cocktails. Event planner and musician Luperelli said the event was inspired by the ballroom scene from The Shining. If you stick around you can catch their burlesque show as well but make sure to watch out for any monstrous encounters!

Tickets cost $175 plus fees.

Photo Provided by the Haunted Speakeasy website and permission from Niki Luperelli

Street Address: 9 Chestnut St, Salem MA 01970

Phone Number: 978-744-0805

4 - Stay in the Most Haunted House in Salem, Joshua Ward House

File:Joshua Ward House in Salem MA.jpg" by Swampyank at en.wikipedia is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Joshua Ward was a merchant in 1784 who used to inhabit this supernaturally invaded home. Before him the house was owned by the high sheriff George Corwin during the witch trials. A man of many enemies had a devious hand in the witch trials. According to the Salem Witch Museum, One man whose wife was killed for witchcraft, Philip English, “Went so far as to threaten to steal Corwin’s corpse and hold it for ransom. While most scholars believe this theft did not actually happen, legends grew. This tale is often retold, claiming that English DID snatch the body, or that Corwin was buried in his own basement for years, for fear he would be stolen from his grave. In truth, Corwin was interred in the Broad Street Cemetery.” He was said to have been cursed by those he buried, kept their confiscated occult belongings in his home and even tortured the poor souls he accused.

Today, the building is a hotel called, The Merchant, where anyone can book a stay, If you're not too scared! Prices range from $800 to $1,000/per night in peak season.

Street Address: 148 Washington St, Salem, MA 01970

Phone: (978) 745-8100

5 - Flameworking Pumpkin Class - October 14th + 19th, 8am - 5pm Slots

North Shore Glass School Logo Used with Permission.

Take a stroll over to the North Shore Glass School for some lessons in flameworking. For $75 you can tame the flame and create something completely unique to you! You will heat, color, shape, and mold molten glass to make your own mini glass pumpkins. Act fast because time slots are selling out! Will your pumpkin be spooky or mystical? It’s up to you.

Street Address: 16 Proctor St, Salem, MA 01970

Phone: (978) 219-4143

And while you’re on Artists’ Row ….

Check out Moon Base One!

Who they are: Moon is a volunteer-run 501c3 community arts space with a mission to increase access to underground music. We feature performances Friday, and Saturday nights that are all-ages, and sober. Stop in and check out their stage and unique merchandise from local musicians and artists.

Activities:

Evening Performances

Fridays & Saturdays, 6:30pm–10:00pm

(FREE)

Join us at MOON for free live performances from local musicians, experimental artists, variety shows, and more on our state-of-the-art sound stage. Each night features a rotating lineup of unique performances from Salem’s incredible arts scene. Free, always open to all. Bring your curiosity and your friends.

Community Zine Library

(FREE)

Browse our growing collection of independent zines focused on art, identity, activism, and DIY culture. Visitors are welcome to take a zine or leave a zine.. Donations welcome.

Top 5 Must Sees for the “Alternative” Visitor to Salem This October

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