Salem Celebrates 'Hocus Pocus' 30th Anniversary With Cast Reunion On The Common

SALEM, MA — Cast members of the 1993 Salem-filmed Halloween classic "Hocus Pocus" are headed back to the Witch City to meet fans of the beloved holiday favorite for the 30th anniversary of its release next month.

Omri Katz, who played Max Dennison, Thora Birch, who was Dani Dennison, Vinessa Shaw, who played Allison Watts, and Jason Marsden, who played the voice of Thackery Binx the Black Cat, will be in the city for a "It's Just A Bunch Of Halloween" party at Bit Bar on Oct. 20 and then a meet-and-greet at Salem Common the next day.

"This has been a group effort created by us along with some support from amazing and creative folk right in your wonderful city of Salem," Marsden told Patch. "We have been traveling
the last few years together, doing appearances at various pop culture and horror-themed conventions all over the U.S. and having a blast.

"We romanced the idea of seeing if we could do something in the city of Salem, especially during their most festive of seasons."

The Friday night party at Bit Bar will feature food, entertainment and a professional photo opportunity with the actors, who will be hanging out all event.

The next day they will be at Salem Common where fans can come get autographs, photos and chat with Max, Dani, Allison and the voice of Thackery Binx.

"With big thanks to our pals at Horror Squad Podcast, the amazing Borah and Salem's
Black Hat Society and John Andrews of Creative Collective — we hope everyone will get excited about this 'happening' and come join us for some Halloween fun," Marsden said.

The Bit Bar event is 21+ with ticketed admission including entertainment, food, and a chance to meet the actors. Miz. Diamond Wigfall will be the "Mistress of Ceremonies" for the event that runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

"Hocus Pocus" fans of all ages are welcome to meet Katz, Shaw, Birch and Marsden at the Salem Common from noon to 7 p.m. on Oct. 21 with ticket purchase required in advance.

Tickets for both events can be purchased here.

Cinema Salem has a whole month of spooky- and horror-themed films on tap, including "The Shining," "Dracula, "Frankenstein," "Night of the Living Dead," the original "Halloween" and — you guessed it — "Hocus Pocus" — arriving on Oct. 6.

Go here for more information on the Cinema Salem Halloween film series.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)