Spooky season is arriving early in Salem, Massachusetts, as Wicked New England brings its highly anticipated Halfway to Halloween Festival back to the historic “Witch City” on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Set inside Old Town Hall and extending into Derby Square for the first time, the one-day event promises a full afternoon of eerie entertainment, unique vendors, and immersive Halloween experiences from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Now in its second year, the festival will once again transform Salem into a hub for Halloween lovers. Guests can explore a curated marketplace featuring vendors from across New England and beyond, offering everything from horror-inspired apparel and artwork to candles, jewelry, apothecary goods, and collectibles. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard Halloween enthusiast, there’s something to take home.
Beyond shopping, the event delivers a packed lineup of live stage presentations and interactive experiences. Heirloom Halloween will debut its traveling museum, showcasing vintage decorations and artifacts that highlight the rich history of Halloween traditions. Attendees can also enjoy discussions and demonstrations from local Halloween businesses, including a behind-the-scenes look at haunted attractions and do-it-yourself tips for creating spooky setups at home.
Entertainment highlights include appearances by Wicked Ghost Hunters, who will share real-life paranormal encounters, and performances tied to Hocus Pocus Live: An All New Parody Musical. Fans will also have the chance to meet Salem’s own BORAH! the Witch, known for her appearance on America’s Got Talent, along with other special guests throughout the day.
Families are especially welcome, with kid-friendly activities like trick-or-treating throughout the vendor market. Children can collect candy from participating booths, and kids four and under are admitted free with a paid adult.
Festival founder and producer Jeff DePaoli says the goal is to capture the unique magic of Halloween in New England—even outside of October.
“With the success of our first event, we’re excited to continue growing and celebrating everything that makes Halloween special,” DePaoli said. “There’s something about New England that gives the holiday an extra layer of magic, and we want people to feel that—even halfway to Halloween.”
General admission tickets include access to all activities inside Old Town Hall, while VIP packages offer additional perks such as exclusive merchandise and future ghost hunting opportunities.
Produced under DePaoli’s depaolEvents label, the event is sponsored by Witch City Walking Tours and Witch City Broom Co.
Whether you’re chasing ghosts, hunting for one-of-a-kind Halloween finds, or simply looking for a fun and festive day in Salem, Wicked New England’s Halfway to Halloween Festival is shaping up to be a must-attend event for 2026.
