10/05/2026
SALEM'S PUMPKINFEST SET FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
Salemโs annual Halloween bash, Pumpkinfest, returns on Friday night, October 30, at the Salem Farmers Market in Downtown Salem. This yearโs family-friendly event will once again feature a menagerie of activities for kids and adults along with Roanoke radio icons Dick and Dave from Q99.
Kiddos can walk through the trick-or-treat zone, have their costumes judged, get their faces painted, and enjoy sand art, a bake sale. Everyone is encouraged to enter our โChefs vs. Surgeonsโ Jack O' Lantern patch, and vote for their favorite carved pumpkin.
This marks the 26th year that Salem has joined forces with Q99 to present this popular event in heart of the city, 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.
Daleโs Diner, The Tailgate, Kettle Cooker Express and Sweet Surrender Ice Cream will be selling their amazing creations throughout the evening. The band, โFive Dollar Shakeโ will provide musical entertainment. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Area 8 Special Olympics.
This yearโs Pumpkinfest is presented by John M. Oakey and Son Funeral Home in Salem, Q99, and the Salem Parks and Recreation Department.
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 Virginiaโs Blue Ridge region during this week.
Youngsters will have a chance to Trick-or-Treat with the Downtown Merchants on Saturday, October 31, 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 Saturday evening, October 31.