Salem Halloween 2024: What To Know If You're Braving The Witch City On The Holiday

SALEM, MA — Near record-high temperatures are expected to bring out massive crowds to Salem as Halloween's unofficial hometown celebrates the holiday on Thursday.

Salem officials are imploring those planning to spend the wicked day in the Witch City to take public transportation, be considerate of downtown residents and be aware that the city will be issuing triple fines for misbehavior ranging from illegal parking to public drinking and vandalism.

• Salem Halloween: 666K October Visitors Put Witch City On Record Pace

Visitation has trended above record levels throughout the month and with temperatures expected to be near 80 degrees on Thursday, it is assumed that the city will end the holiday season with a bang — including the traditional fireworks.

• Halloween Heat Wave?: Near Record Highs Expected For Trick-Or-Treaters Across MA

Beyond the typical madness across the city in recent days there has also been the issue of smoke from area brush fires. While the brush fires thus far have been 1.5 miles or more away from downtown, those visiting should expect to encounter hazy skies and the odor of smoke with only limited rain expected over the next two days.

• New Salem Brush Fire, 250+ Middleton Acres Burn As Smoke Shrouds MA

The Commuter Rail is offering is $10 weekend round-trip fare on Halloween with service to and from North Station in Boston every 30 minutes throughout the day. Salem will also offer free satellite parking and shuttle service downtown at Salem State's O'Keefe Center (starting at 10 a.m.) and Salem High School (starting at 2 p.m. after school is released).

Visitors are reminded that any weapons — real or costume — are not allowed in Salem and will be confiscated.

The party concludes after the fireworks with visitors asked to leave at that time as establishments shut down.

Those parking in the MBTA garage are advised that the garage will close to entry and exit from 6 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. following the fireworks. The fireworks are scheduled to conclude at 10:30 p.m.

Anyone with concerns is asked to say something if they see something by contacting a Salem police officer on patrol or by calling 978-744-1212.

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