Skip Salem: Rhode Island’s Hidden Halloween Gem

Halloween in Salem may be legendary, but so is the struggle to find parking each October weekend.

Season after season the crowds pack the streets of Salem for a taste of authentic witch history, but many are starting to discover that Rhode Island might just be New England's best-kept Halloween secret.

This spooky season skip the witch trials and cobblestone streets for the haunted history and harborside charm of Wickford.

Yes, Wickford, RI has slowly been earning its own reputation for witch activity. From the annual Witch Paddle in Wickford Harbor to the children's Halloween costume parade down Main Street, this historic town is packing in the fun this October.

Halloween Happenings in Wickford Village

For the two weekends before Halloween, the Wickford Village Association has planned their Wicked Weeks of Wickford full of spooky strolls, costumed paddles and even tarot card readings.

Sure you don't get to walk the actual locations of historic witch trials, but you do get a historic walking tour that takes you through Wickford's oldest cemetery and tells the tales of those buried there.

READ MORE: Rhode Island Cemetery Where Alleged Vampire is Buried

There is also a Harbor Fire lighting on Friday, October 17, where floating fire baskets are lit along the harbor as shoppers and strollers enjoy Main St in Wickford with food trucks, vendors and live music.

Plus Sunday, October 19 brings the witch paddleboarders back on the water at 12noon and Saturday, October 25 kids in costume will create a 'Horrible Parade' down Main Street starting at 12noon.

Adults can stop by to enjoy a Spooky Sip N' Stroll night on Thursday, October 23 and enjoy tarot card readings and mini wellness treatments throughout the night.

More Than Just Halloween Events

Though if Halloween isn't your thing at all, Wickford still has you covered with the annual 5K and German Festivale on Saturday, October 18. From 10 AM - 4 PM Main Street is transformed into a waterfront German Village complete with a beer garden and traditional foods.

READ MORE: Massachusetts is Hardly the Beer Drinking Capitol of America

So if you want to do something witchy without having to battle the seasonal crowds, put Wickford, RI on your October To-Do list this fall.