Photo: The Witchtographer
SALEM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Halloween comes but once a year, but Wicked New England is looking to get spooky at the six-month mark. Billed by organizers as a 'Halfway to Halloween Festival,' the event will return for a second year this weekend in Salem.
Jeff DePaoli, founder of Wicked New England, said he wanted to create an event that celebrates "what the New England Halloween season has to offer."
"When we watch media, whether its TV or movies, and they're having Halloween, most of the time it's a New England-sort of setting that they're doing it in," DePaoli said. "Those of us that live around, grew up around here, we're spoiled by it. I think we forget that sometimes."
The festival will feature booths from local businesses, as well as a number of stage presentations including a Hocus Pocus parody musical and a talk with paranormal investigators.
DePaoli said celebrating six months early also appeals to people who might be intimidated by going to Salem in October. Attendees can avoid the crowds and parking nightmares.
The festival will be held on April 19, 2026 at the Old Town Hall and Derby Square from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can find more information here.
Listen to WBZ NewsRadio's Drew Moholland's conversation with Wicked New England Founder Jeff DePaoli: