A Haunted or Happy Halloween…you decide. Either way, we’re here to help you choose your own adventure this October and make it a season to remember.
A New Experience
The Ghosts of the Grand, a spine-chilling experience of haunted tales, hidden secrets and more happening during the month of October (and into November) at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre.
Become part of the story in this immersive event that will have you exploring the haunted corridors of a 124-year-old theater, and venturing into hidden spaces like the basement, tunnels, and a secret speakeasy. The experience blends live performances, chilling effects, and interactive elements that will make you feel like the haunt is happening all around you. Whether you're into horror or simply enjoy a thrill, Ghosts of the Grand promises to be much more than a haunted house—it's a full-blown horror adventure that will engage your senses and keep your heart racing.
It's happening Oct 5-6, 9-10, 13, 17 to Nov 2 (See calendar for event details). Cost: Starting at $22. Click here for tickets.
Adults Only Please…
Experience Foolish Mortals: A Haunted Mansion Burlesque Cabaret, where thwarted brides seek revenge, couples dance for all eternity, paintings change before your eyes, heads foretell your future, and grim-grinning ghosts fly overhead in search of one last mortal to join their cabaret troupe. Will it be you? 8 p.m. Oct 11 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. $35-$50. Click here for tickets.
Salem Public Library hosts an adult-only Haunted Game Day, an afternoon of Halloween-themed activities, games, and snacks, with prizes, including a prize for the best costume. This free event takes place 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 12 in Anderson A and B at the Salem Public Library.
Something Theatrical
Prepare for a spine-tingling, laugh-out-loud experience like no other! EVIL DEAD: The Musical brings Sam Raimi’s cult classic to life with a thrilling blend of horror and comedy. Watch as the beloved characters fight off demons in a fun, high-energy stage adaptation that features catchy songs, extremely bloody effects, and outrageous fun. Click here for our Press Play Salem issue 21 feature story.
The fun takes place 7:30 p.m. Oct 24-26, Oct 21-Nov 2 and Nov 1-2 and 2 p.m. Nov 3 at Chemeketa Community College Auditorium. Age: 16 and older Click here for tickets.
A Reason to Dress Up
Mask up for a night of mystery and enchantment at Salem’s 3rd Annual Masquerade Ball, 6 to 10 p.m. Oct 26 in the Ballroom at The Reed. This costumed event urges your most glamorous masked attire for a night filled with music and dancing. There will be prizes for best costumes and a raffle throughout the night. Tickets are $37. bit.ly/PPS021mask
On the Big Screen
You’ve got two chances to catch the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Not to keep you waiting in antici……pation. Early in the month, the Denton Delinquents Shadow Cast will provide accent entertainment for viewing the classic ‘holiday’ feature. Dress up, or down, but leave your inhibitions at the door. — 8 p.m. Oct 12 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.
Take in a Halloween night proper viewing of Rocky Horror on Oct 31 at the Elsinore Theatre. Reminder, while the movie is rated “R,” parental discretion is advised as you never know what will happen with the audience…which is part of the charm of this campy classic. Click here for tickets.
A little tamer, maybe, movie-going is the National Theatre Live presentation of Frankenstein starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Johnny Lee Miller happening 12 p.m. October 13 and 6 p.m. October 14 at Salem Cinema. Click here for tickets.
Salem Cinema is also showing Silents Synced Nosferatu + Radiohead, which pairs the classic silent movie with rock music, 8 p.m. Oct 11 and 12. And see Cocaine Crabs From Outer Space with Salem director Chuck Magee, about a couple of intergalactic space crabs that land on Earth and encounter the one thing they didn't expect: a duo of dumb frat boys force-feeding them cocaine, 7 p.m. Oct 22. And Young Frankenstein, the riotously silly spoof featuring Gene Wilder, 8 p.m. Oct 25-26 and 3:30 p.m. Oct 27-28.
Salem Cinema has an entire month of fun Halloween flicks planned. Check salemcinema.com for more information.
Meet a Ghost Hunter
Walking with Ghosts: Real Life Hauntings with Amy Bruni — Paranormal investigator, author, podcaster and star of Kindred Spirits and Ghost Hunters, Amy Bruni shares hair-raising tales from her countless hours hunting ghosts at America’s most haunted locations. By the end of the night, you will question everything you thought you knew about the spirit world, and life after death. 7:30 p.m. Oct 27 at Elsinore Theatre. elsinoretheatre.com
Hear a Chilling Tale
Uncover the chilling true stories behind the world’s most haunted objects with Greg and Dana Newkirk (Travel Channel’s Kindred Spirits, Amazon Prime’s Hellier) during Haunted Objects Live, a must-see interactive stage presentation for anyone interested in the paranormal, history, or just looking for a good scare that will leave you on the edge of your seat. — 7:30 p.m. Oct 30 at Elsinore Theatre. Click here for tickets.
All Ages Welcome
The Folly will play an all-ages show 9 to 11 p.m. Oct 26 at Boons’ Treasury, 888 Liberty St NE. What makes it a Halloween event? The costume contest, of course, plus Boon’s will have spooky drink specials and rumor has it you will see a ghost or two. Bonus: no cover charge.
Just for Kids
Willamette Heritage Center has a frightfully fun and safe experience in store with its annual Drive-Through Trick-or-Treat, 12 to 4 p.m. Oct 27. Grab the fam, costume up and cruise along a mystical route filled with dazzling decorations and friendly faces eager to shower your little ghouls and goblins with goodies. The event is free and on a first-come, first-served basis so arrive early for the best experience. Cars and bikes only, please. willametteheritage.org
Salem’s Riverfront Carousel hosts the Scarousel Bash on Oct 26. Upgrade your visit for $10 and get a craft activity, four carousel rides, food and a goodie bag beginning. salemcarousel.org
Saving Neverland: A Pirate Adventure is Powerland's non-scary, kid-friendly Halloween experience for families featuring the Neverland adventure, a pumpkin to decorate, a Kids’ Activity Center, and a wagon being pulled by a Steam Traction Engine as you hunt for skeletons that are wreaking havoc at Powerland Heritage Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct 12 & 13, 19 & 20 and 26 & 27 at Powerland Heritage Park, 3995 Brooklake Rd NE. $18 adults $14 kids. Click here for tickets.
Gilbert House Children's Museum has Halloween Re-Engineered! Dive into the Spooky Square, where you can participate in Halloween-themed activities and crafts. Experience a one-of-a-kind trick-or-treating journey and marvel at the amazing handmade Gizmos that will hand you candy along Trick or Treat lane. Admission is $10 per person (each ticket comes with a free slice of pizza). There will be music and a photobooth. Dress up in your favorite costumes and celebrate Halloween. The fun takes place 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. October 27 at Gilbert House Children's Museum, 116 Marion St NE. Click here for tickets.
Trick-or-Treat from 3 to 6 p.m. October 31 at the front porch of Deepwood Museum & Gardens. This free event is designed for children 10 and younger. Deepwood is an 1894 Queen Anne Victorian house located at Yew Park on the corner of Mission and 12th. Info: 503-363-1825, DeepwoodMuseum.org
...and a few after-print editions —
Monster Mash Halloween Roast — BEWARE! This Halloween, the monsters descend on Salem to roast the hell out of each other! See your favorite villains and creatures duke it out for all the candy! There will be a costume contest after the show with fabulous prizes, 8 p.m. Oct 31 at Infinity Room. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Costume contest at 9:30 p.m. Click here for tickets.
Oregon’s oldest-running Haunted House is a wheelchair-accessible maze winding through 15,000 square feet of basement in the boys' dormitory at Oregon School for the Deaf. Sets, student and volunteer actors, special effects, strobe lights, and fog effects, line the path to scare and delight patrons. New this year, are The Catacombs and 3-D Funhouse. Expand your experience with an add-on and have a monster go through the haunt with you — $40 per person (max 2 people in a group) plus you get to bypass the line.
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Oct 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26; 7 to 10 p.m. Oct 24, 30 and 31 (Plus Pitch Black promo on Nov 1-2)
Where: The Nightmare Factory at Oregon School for the Deaf, 999 Locust St NE
Cost: $20 general admission; $30 speed ticket for faster entry.
Info: 503-378-3827 Click here for info.
Step into the Mill Creek Haunted Prison and prepare to be terrified. Tormented Illusion has transformed the Mill Creek Correctional Facility into a spine-tingling experience where nightmares hide in every shadow. This 10,000+ square foot attraction features multiple attractions available throughout the month. Plus, there will be a kiddie scare 1-3 p.m. Oct 19. It all takes place at the Mill Creek Correctional Facility, 5465 Turner Rd SE. Tickets start at $15. Click here for more info and tickets.
Fall Fest at Fordyce Farm features a variety of (free and paid) seasonal activities from a pumpkin patch to a hay fort to a corn maze. Beginning Oct 10 and every Thursday after (not on Halloween), it’s Family Night in the Corn Maze. It’s a spooky experience sans jump scares for $5.25 per person. On Friday and Saturday nights, beginning October 11, the Corn Maze gets haunted and monsters may lurk behind any stalk from 7 to 9:30 p.m. $16 per person (not for little kids). Some events are weather permitting.
When: 9 a.m to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Fordyce Farm, 7023 Sunnyview Road NE. Click here for more info.