Fun-filled Halloween events are once again scheduled in Salem for the last weekend in October 2025.
Pumpkinfest, is back on Friday night, October 24, to celebrate its silver anniversary! This year’s family-friendly event at the Salem Farmers Market will once again feature a menagerie of activities along with legendary hosts Dick and Dave from Q99.
Kids can stroll through the trick-or-treat zone, have their costumes judged, get their faces painted, and enjoy sand art, a bake sale, and walk through our “Chefs vs. Surgeons” Jack O' Lantern patch, and vote for their favorite carved pumpkin.
This marks the 25th year that Salem has joined forces with Q99 to present this popular event in Downtown Salem, and the fun begins at 5:30 p.m. and lasts until 8:30 p.m.
Pumpkinfest admission for adults is just $5 a person and children 15-and-under are admitted free. The Unlimited activity wristbands are just $5 for children.
Dale’s Diner, The Tailgate, Kettle Cooker Express and Sweet Surrender Ice Cream will be selling their amazing creations throughout the evening. The band, “The Dundies” will provide musical entertainment. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Area 8 Special Olympics.
This year’s Pumpkinfest is presented by John M. Oakey and Son Funeral Home in Salem. Q99, Kroger, Fisher Insurance Services, Impact Title and Settlement, and Salem Parks and Recreation are sponsoring this year’s event.
The Salem Farmers Market is located on the corner of Main and Broad Street in the heart of Downtown Salem, and the city is once again hosting several other festive events for those in Virginia’s Blue Ridge region during this week.
Youngsters will have a chance to Trick-or-Treat with the Downtown Merchants on Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to noon. Children can travel up and down Main Street from Academy St. to College Ave. Businesses that have a pumpkin sticker on their storefront window are participating. A special thanks to Renewal by Andersen for sponsoring the downtown trick-or treating.
Traditional neighborhood Trick-or-Treating will take place citywide in Salem on Friday, October 31.