Downtown Salem transforms into a winter wonderland February 6-8 as the Salem So Sweet Festival 2026 returns for its 24th year. This beloved celebration brings together sparkling ice sculptures, decadent chocolate, and Valentine’s Day shopping across the city’s historic streets—all as Salem approaches its landmark 400th anniversary. Salem Main Streets and the Salem Chamber of Commerce have crafted another memorable

Salem Witch Museum Unveils Seven New Artifacts Spanning Three Centuries of Witchcraft History Historical acquisitions include rare books owned by Salem witch trials magistrate and evolving cultural representations from 1650 to 2008 Museum Expands Permanent Collection with Significant Historical Pieces The Salem Witch Museum announced that seven new artifacts are now on display in the exhibit Witches: Evolving Perceptions. The

Women-Led Independent Production ‘The Better World’ Brings Beloved Fantasy Series to Screen for First Time; Event Features Book Sales, Cosplay, and Q&A SALEM, MA – January 16, 2026 – Cinema Salem will host an exclusive screening of The Better World, an independent fan film based on Sarah J. Maas’s bestselling Throne of Glass fantasy series, on Thursday, January 23, 2026, at 9:00

Mayor Pangallo begins second term at PEM ceremony as poets and performers frame the moment—and the creative sector speaks without being named. On a Monday morning in January, just days before Salem’s official 400+ anniversary kickoff, the city inaugurated its 2026 leadership the way this city does so many things: surrounded by art, grounded in history, and looking resolutely forward.

Salem poetry events are flourishing as the city approaches its 400th anniversary celebration. On Sunday, January 11, the city’s first Poet Laureate, J.D. Scrimgeour, will launch his new book at the Peabody Essex Museum. This special reading marks nearly three decades of literary engagement with Salem. For poetry lovers and community members alike, it’s a meaningful moment. Salem’s First Poet

The magic of the holiday season came to life on December 20 as The Greater Salem Ballet Company took the stage at Lynn Auditorium for their beloved production of The Nutcracker. This year, Salem resident Olivia Meechin danced the role of Clara, leading audiences on a magical journey through the Battle of the Mice, the enchanted Christmas Tree forest, and

Gothic holiday magic took over Old Town Hall on December 6-7 as Grave Tidings returned for its haunted holiday market! Over 50 dark artists and vendors filled Derby Square with unique creations — from macabre art and handcrafted jewelry to oddities, candles, and everything beautifully dark in between. Produced by Liz Frazier of Witch City Wicks, Grave Tidings has become

Salem kicked off 2025 the best way we know how — together! On New Year’s Eve, families braved the cold and gathered at Artists’ Row for LAUNCH!, Salem Main Streets’ annual family-friendly celebration. From magic to face painting to hat-making, the afternoon was filled with creativity, laughter, and community spirit. A huge thank you to the Artists’ Row tenants who

When the Chinese government pressured filmmakers to abandon an independent film festival in New York City, a Salem movie theater decided to act. Cinema Salem is now hosting a Chinese Indie Film Day Festival on December 21, featuring films and the filmmaker who faced government intimidation. The festival represents more than just a screening event—it’s a direct response to censorship

Salem Arts Association Opens New Gallery Space on Historic Pickering Wharf Beloved nonprofit arts organization relocates to expanded waterfront location, bringing enhanced visibility and community programming to Salem’s creative scene New Chapter for Salem’s Premier Arts Organization The Salem Arts Association is embarking on an exciting new phase with the announcement of a gallery and shop opening at 88 Wharf