Salem Halloween 2025: More Road Closures For 'Historically Our Busiest' Weekend

SALEM, MA — Salem officials are strongly advising those looking to soak in all the spookiness of the Witch City to take public transportation this weekend with more downtown roads shut down to accommodate the anticipated record crowds.

"This weekend is historically our busiest here in Salem, so expect additional road closures and safety measures to be in place," Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo said. "Thanks for your patience as we strive for a safe and workable visitor season for all."

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With the likelihood of wet weather throughout the next week — including a possible coastal storm on Halloween night — record crowds could descend upon the downtown for the final sunny days and dry nights before the big Friday finale.

Salem Ferry service has added an additional 600-passenger ferry for the last two weekends of the month to go along with the regular 150-person passenger service.

Seven additional inbound trains and eight additional outbound trains on Saturdays and Sundays throughout October. There will also be train service every 30 minutes to and from Boston on Halloween itself.

The commuter rail unlimited $10 weekend passes will be viable each weekend and will be sold on Halloween as well. No bicycles or scooters will be allowed on Commuter Rail trains during weekends in October because of the expected crowds.

Here are the updated road closures planned for Friday:

Most downtown roads will be hard closed by noon on Saturday, with hard barricades being used this year for safety purposes. Once the barricades are in place for the day, vehicles will not be able to get in or out.

Businesses are advised to complete deliveries before closures go into effect.

Sunday will include some road closures, but not with the hard barricades.

The Salem Chamber of Commerce is also advising restaurants and bars to be careful not to over-serve customers after an increase in alcohol-related police calls this season.

Establishments are advised to curtail lines after 10 p.m. on Saturday and Halloween night, for outdoor dining to stop by 8 p.m., and for outdoor patios to be cleared by 9 p.m.

"The 'One Strike You're Out' initiative remains in effect," the Chamber said on Friday. "Individuals served a No Trespass Order at any participating establishment will not be allowed entry into any others for six months."

(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.)