Each October, the streets of Salem, Massachusetts, come alive in a swirl of color, creativity, and community spirit - and this year’s Salem Haunted Happenings Parade was nothing short of spectacular. We had the true honor of capturing it all behind the lens - from the first drumbeat echoing down Derby Street to the final wave of glitter, fog, and laughter fading into the night.
Hosted by the Salem Chamber of Commerce and produced in partnership with the incredible team at Creative Collective, this year’s parade embodied the theme “Stronger Together.” That sentiment radiated from every float, costume, and smiling face. It was more than a parade - it was a living, breathing snapshot of what makes Salem such a special place: collaboration, creativity, and community.
Behind the Lens of Halloween Magic
As photographers, we thrive on emotion and energy - and Salem delivers both in spades. Being able to move among the crowd, cameras in hand, was like stepping into a living movie set. Everywhere we turned, there was a story: families who’ve been attending for decades, local businesses proudly marching in costume, and kids wide-eyed with wonder as the “It’s Just a Bunch of Halloween” crew rolled by - including the ever-charming Vinessa Shaw, Omri Katz, Larry Bagby, and Jason Marsden.
Missing this year, but there in spirit (and in hilarious giant cutout form), was Tobias Jelenik - proof that once you’re part of Salem’s story, you’re never really gone. The energy that followed the cast through the streets was electric. You could feel the nostalgia radiating from every corner - fans cheering, waving, and reliving that sense of Halloween wonder that Hocus Pocus has brought to generations.
To see them back in Salem once again was nothing short of surreal. It felt like the movie had spilled off the screen and into real life - and we had front-row seats to capture it all. The crowd’s excitement was contagious, and the joy was written on every face we photographed. We absolutely CANNOT WAIT to see what “It’s Just a Bunch of Halloween 2026” brings next year. If this year was any indication, we’re in for even more magic, mischief, and memories that will last a lifetime.
From elaborate costumes and glowing jack-o’-lanterns to the marching bands and dance troupes that lit up the streets, every moment was pure enchantment - and we were honored to document it all.
Stronger Together: A Community in Action
Events like Haunted Happenings don’t just appear overnight. They’re built through the dedication of an entire city working hand-in-hand. Massive kudos to the City of Salem, the Salem Police Department, Fire Department, EMS, and the countless volunteers who made this celebration possible. Their hard work and coordination kept the night safe, joyous, and unforgettable for all who attended.
This year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” couldn’t have been more fitting. From the cast of Hocus Pocus and city officials to costumed families, performers, and photographers, Salem once again proved that when this community comes together, magic happens.
A Personal Milestone in the Heart of Salem
This October also marks a special milestone for us - our first official year of living and working right here in the city of Salem. To celebrate that anniversary by photographing one of the most iconic events in our new hometown made the experience even more meaningful. Being able to both witness and contribute to this tradition as local residents felt like a full-circle moment - a reminder of why we fell in love with this city and its people in the first place.
Until Next Year...
As the fog rolls in and the Halloween season continues, we’ll still be out there - running amuck through the streets with our cameras, chasing the spirit of the season one frame at a time. So if you see us out and about, don’t be shy! Strike a pose, show off your Halloween best, and who knows - you might just end up in our next spooktacular gallery.
Here’s to the spirit of Salem, to the community that makes it all possible, and to the creative energy that continues to keep this city glowing all October long. We can’t wait to see what next year’s Salem Haunted Happenings Parade brings. Until then - stay spooky, stay inspired, and keep the magic alive.
