Hawthorne Hotel's 2026 Halloween Ball: Phobia

Details

The mind fears what it can not control.

Welcome to the most talked-about event of the Halloween season - the Hawthorne Hotel's Halloween Ball: Phobia. The event, introduced in 1990 and hosted by the Hawthorne, features music (live band and two djs), interactive experiences, a costume contest, stationed hors d'oeuvres and cash bars on three floors. Dance, people-watch, take selfies in front of our photo backdrops and enjoy being part of the premier bucket-list Halloween event in New England, where you can face your fears.

Before purchasing your ticket, please know that tickets are non-refundable. This is a 21+ event. All tickets must be purchased via Eventbrite. Tickets are NOT available at the hotel or at the door the night of the event.

The Theme:

Our theme this year, Phobia , will trasnform classic phobias into a world of shadow, illusion and psychological suspense. This isn't just about spiders! Think nystophobia (fear of darkness), thanatophobia (fear of death), glossophobia (fear of public speaking), spectrophobia (fear of mirrors) or chronophobia (fear of time passing.)

Costume Details:

This is a costume party. You may wish to follow our theme, Phobia, and base your costume on your biggest fear. Or, you may choose to select a costume completely unrelated. Roving judges will award both cash prizes and complimentary gift certificates for a number of exemplary, homemade costumes. Please refrain from incorporating real or fake weapons into your costumes, as these will not be allowed in the building. Also remember that this event draws upwards of 800 people, so you should dress comfortably and be able to move about the hotel. If unsure if your costume is appropriate, please call the hotel at 978-825-4337 or email [email protected].

Ticket Details:

This is a ticketed event. Non-ticket holders will not be allowed entry to the hotel. Please note that tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. This is a 21+ event. If you are under 21, you will not be allowed to enter, even if you have purchased a ticket. Doors will open by 7:30 p.m., last call is at 11:15 p.m. and the lights come up at midnight. Your ticket includes a complimentary signature cocktail, snacks and hors d’oeuvres, digital photo downloads, and a souvenir t-shirt.

Event Details:

Assisting the hotel’s management team the night of the event are private security, police details and a fire marshal. Prior to entering the building we will ask for your ID (no exceptions), check bags, and scan you with a metal detector. Backpacks, real and fake weapons, alcohol, and outside food and drink of any kind are not permitted inside the hotel. Please leave them at home or in your vehicle. There will be a coat check off the lobby. The Hawthorne Hotel is a non-smoking building. We will have a smoking area outside until 11: 00 p.m. No re-entry for any reason allowed after 11. Cash bars (credit cards accepted) will be located on each level of the hotel. The hotel does have an ATM. As there are many Halloween-themed events happening in Salem during October, please be sure you are purchasing tickets to the correct event as tickets are non-refundable.

Transportation:

Please be mindful that weekend traffic in and out of Salem during October will be a challenge. We strongly recommend using public transportation. The Salem commuter rail station is 2 blocks from the hotel, and there is also the option of taking the Salem Ferry from Boston. The City of Salem hosts free satellite parking with shuttle service to downtown. Please review https://www.hauntedhappenings.org/maps-info/parking-directions/ for complete details. Do not assume there will be available parking in or around the Hawthorne as most spots will be taken by our overnight guests. As we get closer to the event date, we will publish recommended parking as many schools and churches within walking distance of the hotel open their lots for fundraising.

Accommodations:

All of our guest rooms are sold out the weekend of the ball; however, we MAY receive cancellations so please call the hotel directly (978-744-4080) to inquire about last-minute room availability. There are also many hotel options on the North Shore and Boston (near North Station.) The commuter rail in Salem is less than a 10-minute walk from the Hawthorne, making it a convenient mode of transportation if staying outside of Salem. For suggestions on alternatives to staying in Salem, please call 978-825-4337 or email [email protected].

Info: If the weather cooperates, feel free to queue early. We will check IDs and scan tickets (simply show your barcode on your phone) while you are in line in an effort to move everyone into the hotel quickly.

Info: The Grand Ballroom features live music by Atlantic Shake. Look for DJs playing different genres in Nathaniel's at lobby level, and in the Library on on the lower level.

Info: The night’s top creative costumes will share $3,000 in prizes, including a $1,000 grand prize for our ultimate favorite.

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Event Host

Hawthorne Hotel