What is the Haunted Happenings Marketplace?

The Haunted Happenings Marketplace is a curated seasonal market in downtown Salem, Massachusetts, produced by Creative Collective. It brings artists, makers, small businesses and visitors together as part of Salem's broader Haunted Happenings celebration.

What is Creative Collective?

Creative Collective is an ecosystem builder based in Salem and working across Essex County, Massachusetts. Founded in 2017, its seven-person team connects tourism, arts, small business and city hall so even the smallest business has something bigger than itself to stand with. Creative Collective produces the Marketplace and supports 350+ members across eight Essex County communities. Learn more about the team behind the Marketplace.

When is the Marketplace open in 2026?

Derby Square and Salem Common: the hours below apply on each venue’s Marketplace dates. Salem Common has a separate event on October 3–4, as noted below.

• Saturdays — 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.: October 3, 10, 17 and 24 (October 3 is Derby Square only)
• Sundays — 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.: October 4, 11 (Holiday hours may apply.), 18 and 25; November 1 (October 4 is Derby Square only)
• Indigenous Peoples Day — 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.: Monday, October 12
• Friday, October 30 — 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
• Makeup Fridays — 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.: October 2 at the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall only (Derby Square is canceled that day); October 9, 16 and 23 at Derby Square and the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall
• Halloween — all Marketplace venues close at 9:45 p.m.: Saturday, October 31

Salem Common, October 3–4: the market on the Common that weekend is the Salem Chamber’s Biz Baz, a separate event from the Haunted Happenings Marketplace produced by Creative Collective.

Other venue hours:

• Charlotte Forten Park: regular Saturday closing time is 9:00 p.m.; Sundays close at 6:00 p.m., except Sunday, October 11, which is confirmed for 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., and Sunday, October 18, which is open 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., with live music ending by 8:00 p.m.
• Essex Street Pedestrian Mall: regular Saturdays and Friday, October 30 close at 8:00 p.m.; Sundays close at 6:00 p.m. Pedestrian Mall closing time is set day-of with the City of Salem and Salem Police based on crowd volume, so this location may stay open later than posted. The Mall’s last vendor day is Friday, October 30.
• Old Town Hall Food Court: open on September 24–27; October 1–4, 8–12, 15–18, 22–25; and October 29–November 1, 2026. Thursdays and Fridays: noon–7 PM. Thursday, October 1 (parade night): noon–9 PM. Saturdays: 11 AM–8 PM, except Halloween, October 31: 11 AM–9:45 PM. Sundays and Monday, October 12: 11 AM–6 PM. Sunday, October 11: Holiday hours may apply.

At Charlotte Forten Park, market hours may run longer due to crowd volume.

Sunday, October 11 at Charlotte Forten Park: confirmed for 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. At the other Marketplace venues, holiday hours may apply; the scheduled closing time remains 6:00 p.m., with any extension decided on the day.

Halloween opening times are venue-specific; Old Town Hall opens at 11:00 a.m. All Marketplace venues close at 9:45 p.m. See the 2026 Salem events and market calendar for daily locations and updates.

Where does the Marketplace take place?

The Marketplace takes place in downtown Salem. Market locations and daily programming can vary, so check the Events page before your visit for the most current information.

Is the Marketplace the same as the full Salem Haunted Happenings festival?

No. The Marketplace is one part of Salem's larger month-long Haunted Happenings celebration. For the broader citywide schedule, attractions and visitor information, visit Salem Haunted Happenings.

Where can I find current parking and travel information?

October traffic plans and visitor information can change throughout the season. Use the official parking and directions guide and the Destination Salem app when planning your trip.

There is no City-provided October parking shuttle in 2026. Check the City’s October transportation guidance, interactive parking map, and current parking rates and time limits. Follow posted restrictions and plan both your arrival and return trip.

Where are market updates posted?

Follow the Marketplace on Facebook and Instagram, and check the Events page as your visit approaches.

Where can I buy official Haunted Happenings Marketplace merchandise?

Shop official Haunted Happenings Marketplace merchandise inside Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, during Marketplace hours. Visit the Old Town Hall page for 2026 dates, hours and food vendors.

Where can I get visitor help and printed guides?

During Marketplace hours, stop by our team at Old Town Hall, Charlotte Forten Park, or Salem Common for the Salem Haunted Happenings Guide, Haunted Happenings Magazine, and Discovery Map of Salem.

For year-round visitor help, maps, guides, and local advice, visit the Destination Salem Visitor Information Center at 245 Derby Street or the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center at 2 New Liberty Street. Check locations and current hours →

Where are public restrooms?

Downtown public restrooms are currently listed at Old Town Hall / Salem 400+ Welcome Center, 32 Derby Square; Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street; Salem Maritime / Central Wharf, 193 Derby Street; and South Harbor Garage, 245 Derby Street.

Hours and October facilities can change. Before you head out, check the current Salem restroom list or the Haunted Happenings restroom locator.

What accessibility resources are available?

Destination Salem's accessibility guide covers accessible parking, restrooms, attractions, and mobility information. Accessible public restrooms are available at the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center and Central Wharf, and portable toilet areas include an accessible stall. See the current accessibility guide →

Are 2026 vendor applications open?

The main 2026 vendor applications for Salem Common, Derby Square, and Old Town Hall are closed. A limited non-food vendor application is open for Charlotte Forten Park while space remains, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Start the Charlotte Forten Park vendor application → Food and beverage vendors are curated separately and should not use this form. Accepted vendors should follow the instructions sent by the Marketplace team or email vendors@creativecollectivema.com for operational help.

What are the 2026 vendor operating hours?

Vendor load-in begins at 7:00 a.m. Public market hours vary by date as listed above. Breakdown begins after the market closes and must follow on-site staff instructions. Accepted vendors receive date-specific operational details from the Marketplace team.

Are permits required?

Permit requirements depend on the activation. Food, alcohol and entertainment permits must be approved before the applicable event date. If you are unsure what applies to your business, contact the vendor team before making plans.

Who should I contact with a vendor question?

Email vendors@creativecollectivema.com or text (978) 224-8856. Texts are preferred. Real people on the Creative Collective team manage the market and are here to help.

Can my business sponsor the 2026 Marketplace?

Yes. Current opportunities include Title, Premier, Featured, Supporting and Community sponsorships, plus custom packages for brands that need a different activation or inventory mix. Benefits can include event signage, digital promotion, website visibility, on-site activations and newsletters, depending on the package.

How do I start a sponsorship conversation?

Use the contact page and tell us a little about your goals. The team can help identify the right level or build a custom approach around the audience you want to reach.