The D23 Black Flame Ball is coming back to the home of Halloween. D23 has announced the return of its beloved Salem event on Friday, September 25, 2026, featuring Hocus Pocus-themed experiences, tours of filming locations, and a special appearance by Doug Jones, who played Billy Butcherson in both Hocus Pocus films. As Laughing Place reported, the event is timed to Salem’s Quadricentennial, marking 400 years of the city’s history.
The Black Flame Ball debuted in Salem a few years ago and quickly became one of D23’s most popular annual events, selling out rapidly and generating significant buzz among Hocus Pocus fans. Salem, Massachusetts serves as the perfect backdrop given the city’s real-world connection to witch trial history and its role as a filming location for the original 1993 film.
What to Expect at the Event
The event takes place at the historic Hawthorne Hotel, beginning during the day with registration before guests set off on guided walking tours led by Black Cat Tours. The tours take attendees through Salem’s landmarks and the iconic Hocus Pocus filming locations, following in the footsteps of Max, Dani, Allison, and Thackery Binx. As night falls, the Black Flame Ball itself begins, styled after the colorful Halloween party scene from the original film, with a live band playing Halloween hits, food, an open bar for guests 21 and over, and an appearance by the Sanderson Sisters. Every ticket also includes a limited-release Black Flame Ball pin, event credential, and swag bag.
The addition of Doug Jones is a significant highlight. Jones has been one of the most enthusiastic ambassadors of the Hocus Pocus franchise, bringing Billy Butcherson back to life for the 2022 sequel on Disney+ alongside original stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. His appearances at fan events are always warmly received.
Tickets and Pricing
Tickets went on sale Wednesday, June 24, 2026, priced at $259 plus a processing fee for D23 Gold Members and $299 plus a processing fee for General Members. Quantities are limited and first come, first served. For those in the Salem area who aren’t attending the ball, D23 is also hosting a free outdoor screening of the original Hocus Pocus on Thursday, September 24, on the steps of Old Town Hall in partnership with Creative Collective.
Hocus Pocus and Disney+
Both Hocus Pocus films are currently streaming on Disney+. The original 1993 film has grown from a modest theatrical release into one of Disney’s most beloved Halloween properties, regularly ranking among the most-streamed titles on the platform every October. Hocus Pocus 2 arrived on Disney+ in September 2022 and drew record viewership for the service at the time of its debut. A third film is also in early development at Disney with the original Sanderson Sisters attached to return.
Full event details are available at D23.com. For more D23 coverage, see our story on D23 Marceline Magic returning this September for Walt Disney’s 125th birthday.
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