Tag Archives: Halloween

International Monster Museum (Salem, MA)

Date Of Visit: September 26, 2025

Location: Witch City Mall, 186 Essex St, Salem, MA

Cost:  $15 for Adults

 $9 for Children 12 & under

Hours: The International Monster Museum opens at 11:00 am daily (call for closing times, as they change seasonally).

Parking: There is parking available in the parking garage at Witch City Mall. There are additional parking lots and garages as well as metered on street parking in the city

Universally Accessible: Yes

Website: International Monster Museum

Summary: Dozens of monsters, trolls and other scary creatures come alive at the International Monster Museum

Salem, MA, isn’t just known for witches. In fact, one stroll down the Essex Street Pedestrian will reveal monsters, zombies and goblins, And not just during October.

The International Monster Museum on Essex St has become one of the hotspots to see some of these spooky creatures.

Upon entering the museum, you are struck by a variety of famous and not so famous characters.

The attention to detail in the making of the monsters is impressive.

There were also artifacts such as this vampire hunter kit.

And this bottle of vampire blood.

Once you enter the dimly lit maze of monsters (don’t worry, they give you a lantern to help you see), you are surrounded by creepy characters of all kinds. Be ready, though, as some of the statues and figures are animatronics.

The life like statues come in all shapes and sizes.

It can be scary at the museum. So, don’t lose your head during your visit!

Not all of the figuresd are standing upright!

There are many twists and turns in the museum. And you never know what you’ll find around any of those corners! Some of the statues, like this one of a werewolf, have signs that give a description and the origins of the creature.

Old person alert. I always think of Wolfman Jack whenever I see depictions of a werewolf, especially when he’s dressed.

I like how the used the lighting to both give you light to see while still giving an eerie feel.

The museum thought of all of the different types of monsters, creepers and whatever these are!

Fans of the movie Leprechaun, both of you, may enjoy these statues!

As random as it may seem, this ghoul is supposed to be eating the entrails of Edgar Allen Poe, Uhm, yuck.

Just when you think you’re about to leave and the horror has ceased, these monsters lurking by the exit!

Even though I visited in September, the museum had a real Halloween feel to it. Halloween season is beginning sooner each year it seems. In fact, I mentioned to one of the staff that September is basically “pre-Halloween season.” Before you know it, they’ll start decorating and celebrating in August!

If you missed the museum this past Halloween season, don’t worry it is open all year round. Because it’s always spooky season in Salem!

I have been reading and reviewing books about New England or written by people from New England. Today’s review is about a book that has recently turned into a movie; The Long Walk by Stephen King (339 pages). I read the story from the Bachman Books, a collection of Stephen King book. But, you can also purchase the book as a stand alone.

On its surface, the plot for The Long Walk seems both cruel and unpalatable. And it is both of these things. But, in Stephen King fashion, it is also very readable. The name basically says it all. I did find it hard to believe I could be so engrossed about a story of this nature.

If you want to read my full review with spoilers, click on the link to my Goodreads review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8102323442


Phantoms By Firelight (Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA)

Date Of Event: October 26, 2024

Location: Old Sturbridge Village, 29 Stallion Hill Road, Sturbridge, MA (1 hour southwest of Boston, MA)

Cost: Prices tanged from $14 to $45 depending on your age and when you bought them. More information can be found at the link below

Ticket prices

Universally Accessible: Yes

Parking: Free parking is included in the ticket price

Website: Phantoms By Firelight

Summary: Performers entertained visitors with gravity defying acts, fire breathing and other jaw dropping tricks!

Fiery frights awaited all at this year’s Phantoms By Firelight event at Old Sturbridge Village.

An array of performers, dare devils and acrobats entertained countless visitors last month at Old Sturbridge Village.

Perhaps this event should have been titled, “don’t try this at home.”

The family friendly event included card tricks by Magnus The Magnificent.

There were also games like this World Scramble game. Can you guess the phrase hidden in this world scramble?

After all the fun and games, it was off to the Village Common to watch Alexander the Upside Down Man.

The feats of strength by Andrew were very impressive!

Whew! I got sore and tired just watching Alexander!

Next on the list of things I’ll never be able to do was the rope climbing extraordinaire Philomena.

But, before the show got started, the ring master got the crowd pumped up for the event!

After all that climbing, Philomena took a well deserved rest!

After the show, I was able to take a photo of the star of the show!

As the evening wore on and darkness fell upon the village, The performers kept everyone warm and entertained! Ignatius and Anastasia, aka the Masters Of The Flame, kept everyone enthralled with their fiery tricks! I liked the contrast of the agility and graceful of Philomena and the pure rock and roll daredevil action of Ignatius and Anastasia!

After that breath taking display, it was on to the Cyrkus Vampyr Finale Ultimo. As the name would seem to suggest, this was the finale of the evening.

This performance included some awesome acrobatics and more fun with fire!

There were also additional shows at the event. In the spirit of the Halloween season, there were some macabre events like this re-enactment and info session about wakes. This event was both respectful and informative.

There was a lot of differences from wakes during the early 1800s. For instance, during the early 1800s, which is the time frame Old Sturbridge Village is based, people didn’t take visitors for wakes. People’s wakes were very different. People mourned and reflected on their own. A casket with a mannequin represented how the people would mourn.

The lighting and decor added to the atmosphere of the event.

The performers at the event were not the only people who dressed up! Some of the visitors also wore costumes or other decorative items.

In addition to all of the performances, there was a Clues & Candy game where they had to collect stamps to complete a picture. The lucky ones who completed the tasks were rewarded with a treat pick up! There were also demonstrations of casket making, musicians and spooking story telling!

Despite all of the fire and death defying acrobats (or maybe because of it), the Phantoms By Firelight event was a big hit with both old young!

Please see below for videos from the event!


6th Annual Farm Parade (Southwick, MA)

Date of Event: October 19, 2024

Location: College Highway, Southwick, MA (2 hours southwest of Boston, MA, 30 minutes northwest of Hartford, CT)

Cost: Free

Parking: Free parking was available at some of the local establishments including the shopping center on College Highway

Universally Accessible: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Summary: Horses, cows, dogs, chickens and even a few people marched in the 6th annual animal parade to raise funds for the Polverari-Southwick Animal Shelter.

Parades usually feature people as the main participants. However, the Farm Parade in Southwick, MA, is a little different. Animals were the main attraction at this parade. Officials projected that 75 to 100 animals of all kinds were expected at the parade.

The parade was free for all who came to watch. But, there was a $20 fee to enter the parade. The proceeds went to help the Polverari-Southwick Animal Shelter.

The Powder Mill School marching band provided the musical entertainment for the event.

Another big attraction of the parade were the tractors, cars and other modes of transportation in the parade.

Since the parade was just before Halloween, there were lots of people dressed up and some of the vehicles were also decorated for the season!

But, out of all of the vehicles in the parade, the ones posted below are my favorites.

What fun it must have been to ride around in your own mini tractor or vehicle.

The people who went to the parade weren’t left out of the fun! As you may have noticed in the photo above, some of the people on the vehicles threw candy and beads to the onlookers!

Although it wasn’t required, some of the visitors dressed up for the event!

The farm parade has been growing in size over the years and I look forward to seeing what the following years have in store!


2024 Zombie Walk (Salem, MA)

Date Of Event: October 5, 2024 (held annually the first Saturday of October)

Location: Salem Commons, Salem MA (about half an hour northeast of Boston, MA)

Website: 2024 Salem Zombie Walk

Summary: The zombies took over Salem, MA, earlier this month!

Zombies of all shapes, sizes and ages gathered in Salem, MA, to feast upon some of the brains of the city folk. They originally planned to go to Washington, DC. But, they would have gone hungry.

All of the zombies, monsters and other ghouls met up at Salem Commons for some photo opportunities. From prom queens to fear leaders, the costumes were as creative as they were scary!

Some of the zombies got tired even before the walk began.

Eventually, the zombies lumbered their way through downtown Salem. Over the years, the walk has really grown in popularity. hundreds if not thousands of people lined the streets, many of them recording the walkers on their cellphones. And the zombies didn’t disappoint. They moaned, leaned into the cameras and shuffled their way through the streets. I love how they get into the spirit of the event!

In some of the photos, you may notice the participants were given buttons that state “I Survived the Zombie Walk!”…or did they? We may never know.

Despite all the moaning, shrieking and close calls with the zombies, the city survived the zombie walk just fine. This time.

The zombie in the video below usually brings his laboratory experiment with him each year!


2024 Haunted Happenings Grand Parade (Salem, MA)

Date Of Event: October 3, 2024

Location: Salem, MA (about 30 minutes northeast of Boston, MA)

Cost: Free

Summary: Salem, MA, officially kicked off their Haunted Happenings season last week with their annual Haunted Happenings Grand Parade.

Website: Haunted Happenings Grand Parade

It’s official! Spooky season has come to Salem, MA!

To usher in the Halloween season, Salem, MA, recently held their 42nd Haunted Happenings Grand Parade! But, even before the parade began, there was plenty to photograph. The sun set just as the parade was getting underway providing some beautiful photo opportunities.

It wasn’t just the parade marchers who got dressed up for the event! These spectators were also dressed up!

A variety of aliens, dinosaurs, pirates and an assortment of other ghoulish characters marched or drove in the festive event!

The theme of the parade this year was “Our Time On Earth.” and some parade floats had decoration reflecting this theme.

Parade participants spend a lot of time and effort preparing their floats for the parade. Some of these floats and vehicles were weeks or months in the making. These vehicles and floats of all kinds, some with interesting passengers, were decorated for the event.

But, not all of the participants were in vehicles or floats. Some of the characters walked or used other modes of transportation to get around.

You may have noticed some Halloween pails in some of the photos. During the parade, some of the people marching in the parade would pass out candy or just give high fives!

As if all that wasn’t enough below is some video from the parade!


2023 Zombie Walk (Salem, MA)

Date Of Event: Oct. 7, 2023

Location: Salem, MA (about 30 mins northeast of Boston, MA)

Summary: Dozens of zombies were in Salem, MA for the annual Zombie Walk.

Zombies, zombie fighters and an assortment of other spooky characters took center stage in Salem MA earlier this month.

The walk began at Salem Commons and continued throughout the downtown area.

Yelling, screaming and making other “zombie-like” noises were encouraged.

Each year, there seems to be more zombies than the previous year and this year’s walk was no different. What really stood out was the variety of costumes.

Not all of the zombies were scary or angry, though. A few of them were just happy to be part of the walk!

The zombies have left Salem…for now. But, they’ll be back next October!


2021 Devil’s Dash/Creepy Clown Race (Salem, MA)

Date Of Event: October 23, 2021

Location: Fort Ave, Salem, MA

Summary: Runners from all over the region competed in the 6.66 mile Devil’s Dash or the 3.33 mile Creepy Clown race.

It’s that time of the year again in Salem, MA.

Devils, clowns and other scary characters came together in Salem MA last weekend to compete in the Devil’s Dash/Creepy Clown race.

The race started with the Creepy Clown 3.33 mile race. The Devil’s Dash race started shortly after the clowns race began. The Devil’s Dash was a hellish 6.66 miles. Although it wasn’t required, participants were, of course, encouraged to wear a costume. And many of the runners got into the spirit of the event!

I’m still confounded how people can smile while they’re running. That, to me, is the truly creepy part of the race.

People of all ages could participate in the race. But, the little runners are always the most fun to photograph

It’s also fun to see families or groups of people running together. I was lucky to see some

The race wasn’t just for people. Pets could also participate in the race. Or, they could root on their favorite runners.

Although the race was a rimed event with standings, all of the participants were winners in my book. In fact, all of the participants walked (or ran) away with a medal for their efforts.


2021 Salem Zombie Walk (Salem, MA)

Date Of Event: October 2, 2021 (held annually the first weekend of October)

Location: Salem, MA (about 45 mins northeast of Boston, MA and 1 hour southeast of Concord, NH)

Summary: An assortment of zombies, mad scientists and other costumed revelers roamed the streets of Salem, MA in the annual Salem Zombie Walk

The annual Salem Zombie Walk in Salem, MA, has quickly become one of the most popular events in October.

There were young zombies, which are both the creepiest and cutest for me to see!

Zombie families (one of my favorites)

A zombie dog

and whatever this lady is holding

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Although the event is called the “zombie walk”, there weren’t just zombies at the event. There were werewolves and mad doctors among other spooky characters

The zombies began their walk at Salem Commons in Washington Square. They continued throughout the heart of downtown Salem, shrieking, gyrating and moaning the entire way.

It’s always nice to see familiar, friendly faces at these events. Throughout the years, I have attended and posted blogs about the past few zombie walks and I often see familiar faces there. This zombie is a regular at the yearly events and he always has a monster with him. I hope to see him and all the other zombies next year!


Pumpkin Ball (Yankee Candle Village, South Deerfield, MA)

Date Of Event: October 18, 2019

Location: 25 Greenfield Road
South Deerfield, MA

Hours: Sunday–Saturday | 10 am—6 pm

Universally Accessible: Yes

Website: Yankee Candle Village

Summary: As part of their Fall festivities, Yankee Candle’s flagship store in South Deerfield, MA, held a celebration of all things fall.  A costume contest, ice carving, a haunted house and dancers were just some of the attractions at this event.

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Yankee Candle thrilled everyone with a Halloween/Fall event for all ages last month.

Dancers, costumed visitors and even a haunted house were just some of the highlights of this celebration of all things fall!

Yankee Candle decorated the grounds and store in proper fashion.

Meet Leona, a 1,732.5 pound pumpkin grown by Dan and Holly Boyce of Vermont.  Leona is the second largest recorded pumpkin grown in Vermont!

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Many visitors and workers got into the spirit of the season by dressing up in their very own Halloween costumes!  The black and white photo pays homage to George Romero’s classic 1968 black and white movie “Night Of The Living Dead.”  The zombies would later dance to “Thriller” as part of the dance performance.  There was a costume judging contest as well.  But I had to leave before the winners were announced.

 

The dancers at Kasaks Dance Academy performed during the Pumpkin Ball.  The half hour performance included dancing by each age group (starting with the youngest to the oldest).

 

Crawling out to the dancer floor, the last group of dancers danced to Halloween themed music ending their performance by dancing to “Thriller” by Michael Jackson.

 

There was also face painting and a pumpkin decorating contest.

 

The fun wasn’t just in the store, though.  On the grounds of the shop there were alpacas, horse drawn rides, ice carving and a family friendly haunted house.

Joe Almeida of Sculptures In Ice carved a spooky ice sculpture at the beginning of the event.

 

 

There also alpacas from Grass Hill Alpacas.

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But, one of the more popular attractions at the event was the haunted house.  All of the proceeds from the haunted house ($5 admission) went to Dakin Humane Society, an animal shelter in Springfield, MA.  Inside the haunted house there were pumpkins, spiders, and other Halloween related decorations.

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After going through the haunted house, there were masks for visitors to put on for possible photo opportunities.  Two of the little visitors were nice enough to pose for me.

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Dogs celebrate Halloween too!  Scrappy, a year and a half old Chihuahua, was enjoying the unseasonably warm Fall weather.

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Halloween 2018 (Salem, MA)

 

Date Of Visit: October 31, 2018

Location: Downtown Salem, MA

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Another year and another Halloween in Salem, MA, in the books.  Although I’ve loved s

As always, the families that dress up and visit Salem are my favorite.  I love how they all get into the spirit of the day.

 

The girl to the right dressed as a lady bug in the photo below is holding my card.  I can’t think of a better advertisement.

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There were also some famous people in Salem for the big day!

 

One thing that never ceases to amaze me are the creativity people use while designing their costumes.

 

You’re not seeing double.  These two sets of Sanders sisters dropped by for a group photo.  Seeing that the theme of this year’s Haunted Happenings was the movie Hocus Pocus (some of the scenes for this film were filmed in Salem and the nearby area) it was appropriate.

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Rapunzel let her hair down.  Literally.

 

I’ve always thought there were two Halloween celebrations in Salem.  The day time celebration, which tends to be more family friendly and the night time celebration which has a more edgier and festive atmosphere.  Also, the costumes and props often have lights that illuminate the Halloween night.

 

As usual, I saw many dogs in Salem on Halloween.

Rocky is a 5 year old pit bull mix.  His coat, one that I see very often on pit bulls, is called a Brindle.

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Cannoli is a 7 year old German Shepherd.

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Until next year, or next week, Salem.

Below is a short video from Salem during Halloween