When October rolls in, Salem proves you don’t need a witch legacy to embrace the eerie and enchanted. Our Halloween spirit is built on creativity, community, and just the right amount of spooky fun. Here's what's in store this Halloween season —
Haunts
Mill Creek Haunted Prison
Tormented Illusion bring you a nightmare to remember with the Mill Creek Haunted Prison. This year, your ticket grants you access to two terrifying haunted houses over three floors: the legendary Haunted Prison and the all-new Phobias Haunt.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Oct 3, 10, 16-17, 23, 30-31; 6 to 10 p.m. Oct 4, 11, 18 and Nov 1; 6 to 11 p.m. Oct 24 and 25; 6 to 9 p.m. Oct 12, 19, 26.
Where: 5465 Turner Road SE
Tickets start at $32. Upgrades available. Click here for tickets.
Nightmare Factory
Nightmare Factory is Oregon’s oldest running haunted house. This wheelchair accessible amaze winds through 15,000 square feet of basement in the boys dormitory at Oregon School for the Deaf that has been transformed into the ultimate combination of haunted attractions.
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Oct 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31 and 7 to 10 p.m. Oct 30. (Nov 1 is Pitch Black Night)
Where: Nightmare Factory, 999 Locust St NE
Tickets start at $20. Click here for tickets.
Scare at the Fair
Fright Planet Scare at the Fair brings you four haunt experiences with one ticket. Brave the industrial grime Distorted, the creepiness of Höbart’s Doll Factory, the eerie clowns of The Painted Ones, and the evils that lurks in the dark of Blackout.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Oct 10-12, 19, 26, 29-30 and Nov 2; 7 to 11 p,m Oct 24-25; and 7 to 11 p.m. Oct 17-18, 31, and Nov 1.
Where: Oregon State Fairgrounds & Expo Center, 2330 17th St NE
Cost: Varies. Cheaper in advance. $10 parking per vehicle. Learn more and get tickets at frightplanet.fearticket.com
Ghosts of the Grand
Ghosts of The Grand returns, and the souls of last year’s victims are waiting for you. This haunt takes you through three unique acts where you will search for the lost, confront rituals of the underground, and make chilling choices that could seal your fate… before an ending that will leave you questioning reality itself.
When: Oct 17, 23-25, 30-31, Nov 1
Where: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre.
Tickets start at $24.95. VIP opportunities available. Click here for tickets. Learn more at ghostsofthegrand.com
On The Big Screen
Elsinore Silent Film Series presents Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, a silent German Expressionist film directed by F.W. Murnau starring Max Schreck as Count Orlok, a vampire who preys on the wife (Greta Schridder) of his estate agent (Gustav Con Wangenheim) and brings the plague to their town. With live organ accompaniment by Rick Parks on the Mighty Wurlitzer. 7 p.m. Oct 25 at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Tickets are $5. Click here for tickets.
You can also see Hocus Pocus on October 24 and The Rocky Horror Picture Show on October 30 at the Elsinore Theatre this month. Costumes always welcome. Click here for tickets.
Salem Cinema has an entire month of fun Halloween flicks planned. From Cat People (Oct 11) to Poltergeist (Oct 11 & 14) to COrpse Bride (Oct 18), Evil Dead 2 (Oct 19), In The Mouth of Madness (Oct 28), and more. Click here for all the details and tickets.
And while it is not specifically a Halloween movie, Salem Cinema hosts a Reel Change for our Community Benefit Screening of cult classic fairytale adventure The Princess Bride, supporting Center Stage Theatrics…and costumes are encouraged. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit’s mission to provide youth with theatrical training and performance opportunities. 6:30 p.m. Oct 26 at Salem Cinema. Click here for tickets.
On Stage
Rocky Horror Picture Show with The Denton Delinquents — The cult classic returns with a full shadow cast bringing the film to life through costumes, props, and all the iconic dance numbers. Audience participation is part of the fun: shout the callbacks, toss the props, and join in on the Time Warp. An emcee leads the pre-show antics, complete with “Rocky virgin” initiations and rules of the game. Dress how you like: corsets, costumes, or just your boldest self. Two showtimes: 7 p.m. & 11:30 p.m. Oct 11 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets $10. Parental discretion advised. Click here for tickets.
House of Whorrors: Under the Spell of Burlesque — Holly Dolly Burlesque conjures a gothic-inspired night of tease, glitter, and dark cabaret. Performers from across the PNW bring their spooky side to the stage in a sultry showcase of tassels and theatrics. With every seat close to the action, it’s an intimate evening where the spirits of burlesque come out to play. 8 p.m. Oct 18 at The BAD Space, 2572 19th St SE. 21+ Click here for tickets.
Foolish Mortals: A Haunted Mansion Burlesque Cabaret — Step into a spooky cabaret where ghosts, ghouls, and grim-grinning performers take the stage for a night of burlesque with a haunted twist. From vengeful brides to eerie illusions, this gothic-season spectacle blends bump-and-grind with theatrical chills. It’s sultry, strange, and full of ghostly surprises—perfect for those who like their scares with a tease. 8 p.m. Oct 18 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. 21+ Click here for tickets.
Halloween Dance Concert — Premiere Academy of Performing Arts annual Halloween show is an experience that embodies the spooky season through dance. With performances in contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. The first half of the show features short Halloween themed dances performed by a variety of levels and age groups. The second half is an original story that is sure to give you goosebumps and take you on an eerie journey. 7 p.m. Oct 24 and 6 p.m. Oct 25 at Chemeketa Community College Auditorium, 400 Lancaster Dr NE, Building 6. Click here for tickets.
Ghost Stories
Willamette Heritage Center offers a self-directed Halloween-themed walking/driving/biking tour featuring spooky stories from Salem history. Not your average ghost stories, each one connects to a real-life event or place in Salem’s history, or was written by a Salem author. Purchase a booklet for $15, then download an audio file and experience another side of Salem. Click here for more info.
Special Events
Thrill the World returns…and you can be a part of the world record breaking performance. Learn the dance with free lessons. Practice takes place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Oct 4 and 18 at Pentacle Theatre’s downtown rehersal space at 197 Libert St SE. The performance takes place 3 p.m. SHARP Saturday, Oct 25 at For Tomorrow We Die Brewing Co, 2315 25th St SE. All ages are welcome.
Hosted in Deepwood’s Solarium, the Halloween Boo-Tique offers spooky shopping during the evening hours. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct 10 at Deepwood Museum & Gardens.
Extreme Velocity presents The Lost Forest Zombie Shoot, a haunted apocalypse survival walk in 7 acres of zombie-infested dark forest, where you are armed with glowing BBs and a mission to escape. The 30-minute experience isn’t a haunted house; it’s an interactive experience of survival. Fridays and Saturdays in October at Extreme Velocity, 3046 Portland Road NE. $25 in advance; $30 day of. Click here for tickets.
Sparky’s Brewing Co is hosting a Dexter-themed Killer Trivia night. Put your knowledge of the series to the test. First round starts at 6 p.m. October 14 at Sparky’s Brewing Co, 1252 23rd St SE #110. (You can also play Halloween-themed Trivia on October 28)
Scary Stories for Adults — When the weather changes and the leaves turn, the season for eerie, spooky encounters has arrived. Take in an evening of drama as local actors read scary stories. Costumes welcome. Enjoy some treats, and have an opportunity to win prizes. 7 p.m. Friday, Oct 17 in Loucks Auditorium at the Salem Public Library.
Nature’s Pet is hosting its first-ever Howl-O-Ween costume contest where there will be a trick or treat station for dogs, pup cups, day of sales, prizes and more, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. October 18 at Nature’s Pet, 4555 Liberty St S
Rest in Pieces - Ghosts of the Grand Launch Party is a haunted rave where the living and dead collide featuring high-energy beats from DJ Mackie, a spooky photobooth, costume contest and more. There will also be the return of the infamous Death Tag game, an interactive, live-action murder mystery game (will you be a Murderer, a Victim, or a Final Ghoul?) Costumes encouraged. 9 p.m. Oct 18 in The Ballroom at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets start at $15. Click here for tickets.
Costume up and skate. Traveling Wheelz hosts two costume skate nights. Oct 17 is Blow Up Costume and October 24 is Halloween Costume at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. Open skate runs 7:30 to 10 p.m. Learn more at travelingwheelz.com.
The Selfie Stop is hosting its 4th annual Halloween Vendor Bash, 12 to 6 p.m. Oct 25 at 2051 State St, where you will find a variety of vendors, and trick-or-treating for kids from 4 to 6 p.m.
Howl-O-Ween at the Winery is a costume paw-ty for you and your pup. There will be a pet costume parade, costume content, people and pet photography, snacks, treats, tarot card readings and more creating an afternoon of fun for the whole family (two- and four-legged alike.) 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 25, at Cristom Vineyards, 6905 Spring Valley Road NW. Tickets are $10. Click here for tickets.
A celebration highlighting the roots of Halloween, the Ceili of the Valley Society’s Samhain Celtic Festival is a family-friendly event featuring all things Celtic with live music, children’s activities, vendors and more. This year’s headlining band is Na Rósaí Trio. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct 25 at Willamette Heritage Center. celticfestival.info
Bowser’s Boo Bash is a costumed, dog-friendly soirée to benefit the Oregon Humane Society, complete with fanciful feasts, peculiar potions, and tales of animal triumph. Enjoy live and silent auctions, contests for pups and people, a pet communicator, gourmet s’mores, photo booth, raffles, and more. 5:30 p.m. Oct 25 at Zenith Vineyard. $100. Click here for tickets. (canine companion passes available.)
4th Annual Masquerade Ball — Mystery meets elegance at this costumed evening of music, dancing, and surprises. With live blues from Johnny Wheels & The Swamp Donkeys, prizes for best costumes, and raffles throughout the night, the ballroom fills with festive energy. Masks are encouraged, spirits are flowing, and the dance floor is waiting. 6 to 11 p.m. Oct 25 at the Historic Reed Opera House Ballroom, 189 Liberty St NE. Ages 21+. Click here for tickets.
Market for the Strange — Born from Salem’s underground art scene, Market for the Strange has grown into a roaming celebration of all things weird and wonderful. This themed market showcaes gothic art, curious crafts, and offbeat performances. Visitors can shop from makers who thrive on the unconventional, join costumed crowds, and soak in an atmosphere where “weird is welcome.” It’s part market, part community, and entirely Salem. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct 26 at Salem Convention Center. https://www.marketforthestrange.com/
Candlelight: Halloween Classics is a live, multi-sensory musical experience with a program of haunted tunes, 8:45 p.m. October 30, in The Spinning Room at Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St SE. Tickets start at $26. Click here for tickets.
The Web Of Terror — Take in a spine-chilling night of frights and thrills with the mutha ghoul herself, RiRi Calienté, featuring a costume contest with cash prizes, Dj and dancing, themed-drink specials, swag bags, pumpkin carving contest, and more, 7 to 11 p.m. Oct 31 at the Southside Speakeasy, 3529 Fairview Industrial Drive SE. Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Music and mystery collide at Nightmare In The Ballroom. Flying Nimbus brings their signature blend of funk, soul, disco, and psychedelia to the stage, transforming the Grand Ballroom into a swirling dreamscape of sound and spectacle. Joining them are special guests Showtigers, bringing electrifying energy to the night for a Halloween celebration like no other. Costumes encouraged. 8 p.m. Friday, October 31 in The Ballroom at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets are $15 in advance; $18 day of show for this 21 and older event. Click here for tickets.
Rhythm & Flow presents Return of the Nightmare—a Halloween bash with a live performance by LA’s Devour, plus DJs, costume contest, spooky drinks, and surprises all night. 10 p.m. Friday, October 31 at Side Hustle Bar. 21+. Click here for tickets.
Tsunami’s Halloween Monster Mash Bash will feature drink specials, costume contest, prizes. Dress as your favorite monster and join the ful on October 31 at Tsunami Taproom, 1252 23rd St SE #110.
For Kids & Families
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. Thursday nights are Family Night in the Corn Maze, a spooky experience sans jump scares for $5.50 per person. Friday and Saturday nights, 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. Check it out 9 a.m to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Fordyce Farm, 7023 Sunnyview Road NE. Click here for more info.
Open rain or shine, E.Z. Orchard's Harvestfest boasts fun for all. With hayrides, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, a petting zoo, cider and donuts daily, plus live music and horse rides on weekends, you would be hard-pressed not to find something interesting to do. Harvest is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at 5504 Hazel Green Rd NE. Cost to participate starts at $5 during the week and $12 on weekends. Learn more here.
Willamette University’s annual Hauntcert returns 4 p.m. Sunday, October 19, in Hudson Concert Hall at Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center. All are welcome to this free event.
Powerland Halloween: A Wizard’s Challenge — Step into a kid-friendly Halloween adventure where families become the heroes of a magical quest. Ride a real historic trolley, learn spells, and help gently wake the dragon, all while exploring a whimsical world filled with steam engines, skeleton hunts, and make-believe. Designed to delight, never to frighten. Oct 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26 at Powerland Heritage Park, 3995 Brooklake Rd NE. Click here for tickets.
Celebrate Halloween with the Frightfully Fun 1K/3K Run/Walk, 9 a.m. Oct 25, at Riverfront Park, 200 Water St NE. Dressing up is always encouraged, strollers and dogs on a leash are welcome. Put your costumes to the test. $5 per participant.
Salem’s Riverfront Carousel hosts the Scarousel Bash, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct 25, featuring a spooky photo booth and take home Halloween activity pages. Upgrade your visit for $10 and get a craft activity, three carousel rides, popcorn and a goodie bag. salemcarousel.org
Halloween Party & Costume Contest — Kids and dogs are welcome at this family-inclusive party where there will be prizes for adults, kids and pet costumes, plus food and drink specials. The fun begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct 25 at Rogue’s Salem Public House, 555 9th St NE
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 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. October 26 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 in November…
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. The fun takes place 7:30 p.m. Nov 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, and 2:30 p.m. Nov 9, 16 and 23 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.