Wicked New England is celebrating Halfway to Halloween in ‘The Witch City’

Halloween is still six months away, but fans of the spooky season can celebrate the halfway mark at Old Town Hall on April 19, 2026, in “The Witch City,” which just happens to be a filming location for the beloved Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus.”

Both floors of Old Town Hall will be filled with a curated vendor market featuring spooky vendors from every New England state (and beyond), stage presentations by New England Halloween businesses and experiences, photo ops with iconic characters, monsters lurking, and more.

For the first time, the event will also be creeping out into Derby Square for even more festive fun. Anyone visiting Salem is welcome to enjoy the offerings in Derby Square (no admission ticket required).

New this year is the opportunity for children to trick-or-treat from participating vendors. Any child enjoying the event can pick up a trick-or-treat bag at the event entrance.

“With the success of the first Wicked New England event in 2025, I want to continue to shine a light on what New England has to offer during the Halloween season,” says Wicked New England founder and producer Jeff DePaoli (and Attractions writer). “Halloween is a special day wherever you live, but Halloween in New England holds a bit of extra magic. There’s a reason so much media tied to the holiday is set in New England. I hope everyone who attends gets an early touch of that magical feeling as we celebrate halfway to Halloween.”

Halfway to Halloween Festival Highlights

The Marketplace featuring spooky, scary, macabre, and Halloween-themed apparel, candles, jewelry, decorations, artwork, pet accessories, bath goods, apothecary items, and more.

Heirloom Hallowe’en will also be debuting its traveling museum showcasing the rich history of Halloween traditions and decorations, including antique jack-o’-lanterns, paper decorations, party games, postcards, and other historic treasures from Halloweens past.

Plus, Salem’s own BORAH! The Witch, as seen on “America’s Got Talent,” and the cast of “Hocus Pocus Live: An All New Parody Musical” will be available throughout the event for photo ops.

Stage Presentations:

• A discussion with Halloween New England about family-friendly Halloween offerings in New England
• A “do it yourself” demonstration from beloved haunted house attraction Barrett’s Haunted Mansion

• A presentation from Witch City Broom Co.
• Tales of real-life ghostly encounters from Wicked Ghost Hunters
• A peek behind the scenes with “Hocus Pocus Live: An All New Parody Musical” presented by Summer Orlando Productions
• A mass wedding vow renewal performed by BORAH! from Salem’s Black Hat Society (anyone in attendance can participate)

How to attend the Halfway to Halloween Festival

The one-day-only event will take place in Salem, Mass. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

General Admission includes access to all festival activities inside Old Town Hall; VIP Admission also includes a gift bag, event souvenir, and the option to take part in a future ghost hunting experience with Wicked Ghost Hunters.

Ticket Pricing:

• General Admission – $11 (+ $1.41 fee)
• VIP Admission – $40 (+ $2.42 fee)
• Children four and under attend the festival free with a paid adult.

You can find additional information about the Halfway to Halloween Festival and purchase tickets here.