Salem Literary Festival (Early September (typically first week; e.g., Sept 3–7, 2025)). Annual multi-day festival run by the Salem Athenaeum featuring author talks, readings, workshops, and literary events in downtown Salem.
Salem Haunted Happenings (October 1–31 (annual); peak events October 25–31). Annual festival established 1982; described by organizers as the largest Halloween celebration in the world, drawing over one million visitors. Includes a grand parade, costume balls, ghost tours, and street performers.