Salem Sizzles This Summer with Festivals, Fireworks, and Family Fun

Salem is heating up with a vibrant lineup of events all summer long. From the beloved Salem Arts Festival in June to the soulful rhythms of the Salem Jazz & Soul Festival in August, the city offers something for everyone—whether you’re a history buff, foodie, art lover, or outdoor adventurer.

Signature events like the North Shore Pride Parade, Salem Heritage Days, and the Fourth of July celebration on Derby Wharf highlight the city’s inclusive spirit and deep-rooted traditions. With dozens of free and family-friendly happenings, waterfront concerts, walking tours, and food festivals, Salem invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate the season in one of New England’s most dynamic coastal destinations.

Summer Events Schedule

Salem Arts Festival

Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8

The Salem Arts Festival, now in its 17th year, celebrates the arts in all its forms: painting, photography, sculpture, installation, dance, music, writing, film, new media, performance, theater, poetry, culinary, visual art, and more. The 2025 festival will consist of a gallery of juried artists’ work, performances in an outdoor stage venue, indoor performances, a street fair, and opportunities for the community to actively participate in the arts. Individuals are welcome to contribute at multiple venues and events.

Fiesta en la Calle

Saturday, June 14

Fiesta en la Calle is North Shore CDC’s annual festival celebrating the vibrant culture of the Point neighborhood that includes live music, dancing, art, and the premiere of a new collection of murals in the Punto Urban Art Museum by New England-based artists and Point residents. The annual Block Party celebrates the diverse community and culture of the people who live and work there.

Juneteenth Jam

Thursday, June 19

The City of Salem is excited to invite all community members to this year’s Juneteenth Celebration, taking place on June 19th at Charlotte Forten Park. This significant event, known as the Juneteenth Jam, will commence at noon and is an inclusive, free community event celebrating freedom and unity.

North Shore Pride Parade & Festival

Saturday, June 28

A day to celebrate Pride with local businesses, faith groups, and community organizations at the fifth annual North Shore Pride Parade and Festival. All are welcome to attend any activity during the day-long event celebrating unity in the community which includes the North Shore Pride Parade and Festival, North Shore Pride Afterparty, North Shore Pride Drag Brunch, and North Shore Pride Interfaith service.

Salem Celebrates the 4th!

Friday, July 4

Bring your beach blankets and folding chairs to enjoy the 42-piece Hillyer Festival Orchestra on Derby Wharf at the Salem Maritime National Historical Park for a grand celebration of our nation’s Independence Day. Featuring a Pops concert, a Kid Space play area, and fireworks launched over Salem Harbor, this is a quintessential celebration of the 4th of July.

Salem Heritage Days

Saturday, August 2 through Sunday, August 10

Celebrate the past and the present during the annual Salem Heritage Days. Highlights for Heritage Day include activities at the Community Life Center, Ice Scream bowl on the Salem Common, Concerts at the Willows and Touch a Truck for kids.

Salem Maritime Festival & 3rd Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta

Saturday, August 9

Join us for the second annual Salem Merry-time Fest at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Street. This event is free and open to the public and includes the Cardboard Boat Regatta.

Salem Jazz & Soul Festival

Saturday, August 16

On Saturday, August 16, the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival will return to the Salem Willows for its 19th season! The free, all-day, community-run concert will feature talented musicians from around the region, an education tent, and a curated vendor’s fair.

Salem Lit Fest

Wednesday, September 3 through Sunday, September 7

The Salem Literary Festival aims to inspire and promote literacy and a love of books and reading by creating connections through sharing stories. The Festival hosts readings, writing workshops, panel discussions, and artistic expression in music, theater, dance, etc. Lit Fest primarily features local and regional authors of recently published work, some of whom have an international audience. Held in historic venues in and around Salem, Lit Fest unites published authors and book lovers, and encourages aspiring writers.

Trails & Sails

Saturday, September 13 through Sunday, September 28

Celebrating its 24th year, Trails & Sails is an event series that brings awareness and appreciation for heritage resources around Essex County, which is a federally designated National Heritage Area. Historically, Trails & Sails has focused on outdoor activities such as guided hikes and excursions on the water, but over the years it has grown to include historic house tours, lectures, community celebrations, special exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and many other diverse activities.

Salem Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival

Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21

Food Truck Festivals of America returns to Salem with the ultimate food truck experience for a two-day festival that will feature some of the area’s most popular food trucks. The vendors will be dishing out fan favorites as well as dozens of regional and national craft breweries.

Ongoing Summer Events

Salem Farmers’ Market

Thursdays, June 12 through October 9

The Salem Farmers’ Market is a tradition that dates back to 1634. The Salem Farmers Market features local farms every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Mahi Cruises: Summer Music Series

Through August 28, Thursdays, 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Nothing beats music on the ocean. Live music every Thursday on the Hannah Glover. Dance with friends and strangers under the stars with the best local bands on the North Shore, a boat drink in hand, and munching on a backyard favorite. 21+ cruise.

Coast to Coast Paddle

Discover Salem from the water with Salem Discovery Tours—guided kayak and paddleboard adventures that blend scenic beauty with rich maritime history. Whether you’re exploring hidden coves, soaking in a magical sunset, or enjoying a family-friendly paddle with kids ages 3–15, these relaxed tours offer a unique and memorable way to see the city—no experience necessary!

Village Tavern

Weekly events happening including Trivia nights, & Dance Lessons Live DJs Friday and Saturday Nights.

The Salem Trolley: Tales & Tombstones Tour

Dusk transforms the city of Salem. As the city of renown seafarers and distinguished architecture fades into the shadows, a new Salem of the occult and paranormal emerges. Visit scenes of grisly murders and ghastly executions, hear tales of ghosts, both mischievous and malevolent, of Salem’s haunted hotels and restaurants, of long forgotten underground passageways, ancient curses, and legends of ghost ships and haunted islands.

Artist’s Row

2025 welcomes an all-new array of artists and artisans down on Artists’ Row. Located at 24 New Derby Street in the heart of downtown Salem, this city sponsored art space showcases artist makerspaces and store fronts where you can enjoy live music, watch live artists demonstrations, participate in a hands-on workshop, find unique handcrafted gifts, and so much more!

Melt Ice Cream

Cool off with homemade ice cream at Melt, where small-batch flavors and seasonal specials make every visit a treat. New this summer, dog ice cream sundaes are on the menu — perfect for four-legged visitors exploring Salem alongside their humans.

Step Into Revolution: Salem’s Rev250 Walking Tour

Join Salem Historical Tours this summer for the Rev250 Tour, a special guided experience honoring the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. This 90-minute walking tour dives deep into Salem’s pivotal role in the path to independence, spotlighting key events, sites, and figures that helped ignite a revolution. Timed to coincide with historically significant dates throughout the summer, the tour runs at 11 a.m. on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays—including an extended schedule during the Fourth of July weekend. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about Salem’s Revolutionary legacy, this tour offers an engaging, on-the-ground look at the events that shaped a nation.

Plan your summer visit today at Salem.org and follow @DestSalem for seasonal highlights