How Does a Witches Walk Work?

First thing to know: You don’t actually have to be a witch.

Second: The Witches Walk itself is less of a formal parade and more of a self-guided Halloween crawl. Visitors can wander at their own pace, explore shohttps://www.visitwinstonsalem.com/event/3rd-annual-downtown-witches-walk-winston-other-salemps, stop for activities, admire costumes, and take in whatever catches their eye along the way. That loose format is part of the fun.

Witch hats are plentiful, but so are wizards, ghosts, goblins, kids in superhero costumes, dressed-up dogs, and plenty of hard-to-classify creations. Some visitors go all-out with elaborate homemade looks; others simply show up as they are and enjoy the scene.

For those who want to make a game of it, the event also includes an optional scavenger hunt. Visitors begin at CasaShanti, where they can pick up a Witches Walk game card before heading into the surrounding Arts District. Participating businesses each hold one piece of the puzzle: a letter visitors collect while making their way from stop to stop. 

Gather all the letters, unscramble them to uncover the secret word, then return the completed card to CasaShanti for a raffle entry. No purchase is required to participate, although purchases at participating businesses can earn additional chances to win.

More Than a Walk

The scavenger hunt may give the evening its name, but by now the Witches Walk has become considerably more than a walk.

Returning for 2026 is the “Other Salem” Night Market, an outdoor gathering of local artists, makers, vintage sellers, food vendors, and other merchants. Organizers are also planning live entertainment, trick-or-treating, pumpkin activities, and other seasonal fun during the evening.

The Night Market debuted during the second Witches Walk in 2025, adding another layer to the event. Together, the two experiences turn several downtown blocks into something closer to a mini-Halloween festival, with visitors moving between the market, activities, and participating shops throughout the evening.

It also means there’s plenty to enjoy even if solving secret clues isn’t your thing. Come for the costumes. Listen to music. Browse the market. Explore a shop you’ve never stepped inside. More than anything, the night is about celebrating the season while showing off the creativity, character, and community of downtown Winston-Salem.

The Magic Behind the Event

The Witches Walk grew out of the same philosophy VanDyne brings to CasaShanti.

The Trade Street shop caters to both longtime practitioners and people simply curious about the metaphysical world, with crystals, tarot and oracle decks, spiritual goods, jewelry, classes, and other offerings. Above all, he wants it to feel approachable—a place anyone can explore unfamiliar ideas without feeling judged or pressured.

It’s the same philosophy guiding the Witches Walk. “The goal is simple: to bring people together downtown and create something magical. It’s about celebrating the season, supporting the local businesses and giving everyone a reason to come out, dress up, and have fun,” he says.

As for the witch-theming, it’s an obvious wink to Salem, Massachusetts, a town famous for its 17th-century witch trials and, oddly enough, often confused with Winston-Salem. (Trust us on that.) The event leans into the joke with the tagline Winston “The Other” Salem while also creating a distinctly local personality. 

In many ways, the Witches Walk feels right at home in a city known for community, creativity, and making space for different perspectives. You don’t have to practice witchcraft, share any certain beliefs, or even buy a ticket to attend. 

Beneath all the costumes and cauldrons is something much simpler: a gathering built around community, creativity, and a desire to make one October night feel a little extraordinary.