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Visiting Salem on Halloween? Here’s what the city wants you to know.
The city is tripling fines for illegal behavior.
As the historic city of Salem gears up for another iconic Halloween celebration, officials say visitors should take public transportation, and that fines will be tripled for illegal behavior.
The city, which shattered attendance records on Halloween in 2024 with 87,351 people visiting on Oct. 31., is expecting massive crowds once again.
“Visitor trends throughout October indicate that we are expecting large crowds for Halloween night,” said Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo, in a statement. “We encourage everyone to plan ahead, take public transportation, respect our rules and our residents, and enjoy a safe and fun visit to Salem.”
City officials shared a schedule of Halloween events taking place in Salem on Friday.
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All weapons, real or fake, are prohibited in Salem, and officials say fines will be tripled on Halloween night and could total up to $300 on citations for illegal behavior such as public drinking and vandalism.
“The City of Salem strongly discourages disorderly behavior, including drinking in public, littering and random acts of vandalism,” wrote officials on the city’s website. “Offenders will be penalized to the maximum amount allowed under the law both civilly and criminally.”
“Halloween is no time for driving into Salem,” wrote officials.
Folks who drive should note the city’s road closures, expect delays, use satellite parking, and avoid “resident” zones or they will be towed, according to the city. Visitors should also note that access into and out of the MBTA garage will be restricted.
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The night’s festivities end at 10:30 p.m., directly after the 10 p.m. drone show over North River, and police will be clearing the streets immediately, according to the city.
For those taking trains home, the final train to Boston on Halloween night is at 11:05 p.m., to Newburyport is at 12:22 a.m., and to Rockport is at 12:30 a.m.
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