First time I moved to MA I went to Salem on Halloween with friends after class. Was it packed? Yes. Was it cold? Hell yeah. Still had. A great time dressed up and being with others.

I’ve gone to Salem the past several October’s pre-pandemic. Get there at 9am to park all day for $10 in the high school lot, do the tourist trap museums and art stuff, leave by 4. If people are going during October they’re well aware of the crowds on some level and like your comment I assume they like that.