Salem Haunted Happenings 2020: 10 Things to Expect This Year

One of the hottest Halloween destinations each year is Salem, Massachusetts. Their super popular Haunted Happenings event draws 500,00 visitors every spooky season. As we’re all painfully aware, though, throngs of people gathering together is currently no bueno. How will the COVID-19 pandemic impact Haunted Happenings 2020?

They recently released a press release detailing information about the event. Here are 10 things we know so far about this year’s Haunted Happenings in Salem.

“Many people inside and outside of Salem will be disappointed that their favorite, fun and festive October activities cannot take place this year,” said Mayor Kim Driscoll, “However, as a community, we are committed to doing our part to help protect residents, visitors, and staff and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Salem. There is no doubt this circumstance will have an impact on the many small businesses – including museums, restaurants, shops, attractions, vendors, service industry staff, and other partners that rely heavily on the increased business that October attracts. We will strive to explore options to provide Haunted Happenings experiences that comply with state guidelines and encourage creatives and entrepreneurs in our community to do the same.”

1. Haunted Happenings 2020 is Still Happening…Sort of

First and foremost let’s get to the most important part: Salem isn’t canceling the event entirely. Haunted Happenings 2020 is still a go.

For the most part.

This is 2020 we’re talking about. Nothing is set in stone. We’re at the whim of how this coronavirus decides to behave, so we have to stay flexible.

But, yes, as of now they plan to host it with modifications, and they already know a few things that won’t be happening.

2. Haunted Happenings 2020 Will Look Different

Under the Salem Haunted Happenings COVID-19 info, they admit that while they’re still planning to hold the event, even they aren’t quite sure what it will look like.

It is difficult for us to know what Salem Haunted Happenings will look like this year.  Here are a few things we do know:

1. There will be new guidelines for visiting and exploring Salem safely.
2. Salem will be relying on visitors to comply with our local public health guidelines and to take the Salem Together Pledge to ensure Salem Haunted Happenings is safe for residents, front line employees, and visitors.
3. If you are feeling sick (with a fever, cough, sore throat) or have been exposed to the Coronavirus within two weeks of your visit to Salem, please postpone your visit for another time. We look forward to welcoming you when you are feeling better.

3. 11 Events and Programs That Won’t Happen During Haunted Happenings 2020

1. Haunted Happenings Grand Parade
2. Mayor’s Night Out
3. Kids’ Costume Parade
4. Lanterns in the Village
5. Biz Baz Street Fair
6. Creative Collective Merchant Marketplace vendors
7. Salem Food Truck Festival
8. Outdoor food vendors, including Fiesta Shows food trucks
9. Great Salem Pumpkin Walk
10. Haunted Harmonies
11. Howl-o-ween pet parade

Just because a program, event, or activity is not listed above it does not mean that it is necessarily unchanged or still taking place. The City of Salem encourages people who have purchased tickets to private events, tours, etc to double check that they’re still happening before showing up.

4. Retail and Street Performers

Additional restrictions, based on the state’s reopening requirements, will exist for outdoor retail in the month of October. In general, the only outdoor retail that will be permitted will be for existing Salem businesses and in compliance with the state’s requirements for retail.

Buskers or street performers will also have limitations and must comply with social distancing guidelines and cannot cause groups to congregate in violation of the state requirements.

5. Halloween Night

The City is evaluating the best course of action for Halloween night. Public programming including the concerts, beer garden, and fireworks will not be planned.

Public safety, public health, transportation, and parking are the City’s priorities because they know people will still head to Salem on Halloween, just as they will during the month of October. They’ll release further details on planning and expectations for Halloween night in the coming weeks.

6. Good Time for Locals

Destination Salem will launch a marketing campaign beginning in August that encourages locals, visitors within a 50-mile radius, and Massachusetts residents to visit Salem during the Fall.

7. Trick or Treat

Currently, there are no plans to cancel or alter neighborhood trick-or-treating for families.

8. Public Transportation Encouraged

The City of Salem encourages those planning to visit in October to take public transportation. They’ve significantly reduced parking in the downtown area to accommodate outdoor dining spaces. The best ways to get to Salem are via the commuter rail or the Salem Ferry.

9. Mask Requirements, Social Distancing and Cleanliness

Salem instituted a mandatory mask requirement throughout the downtown area and inside businesses effective July 18, 2020, which is expected to remain in effect throughout Halloween. The rule is enforced by both health and police personnel. Violations can result in fines of up to $300.  In addition, people are encouraged to ensure a physical distance from others of at least six feet.

Frequent handwashing or hand sanitizing is also encouraged. Hand sanitization stations are set up throughout the community. Additional public restrooms will also be made available as they are every October, but with added cleaning and sanitization.

10. Out-of-State Requirements

If you’re not coming from a low-risk state like New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, or New Hampshire, travelers should also be aware of the state’s travel requirements. Visitors must do one of two things when traveling to Massachusetts or face a fine of $500 per day if not followed:

1. Complete a Massachusetts Travel Form and quarantine for 14 days, OR
2. Produce a negative COVID-19 test result administered within 72 hours of arrival in the state.

For More Info

Visit: https://www.hauntedhappenings.org/

Check-In

Have you ever been to Salem’s Haunted Happenings festivities?