By John Andrews, Content Director at Creative Collective — covering the North Shore’s creative economy and cultural programming Every March, something quietly remarkable happens in Salem. A small city on Boston’s North Shore — better known for witch trials and Halloween — transforms into one of New England’s most compelling documentary film festivals. There are no Hollywood blockbusters and no

The GRAYSCALE indie business summit Salem has been waiting for finally has a date. From March 31 through April 2, downtown Salem transforms into a three-day hub for creative entrepreneurs. Specifically, it’s built for indie business owners, artists, and makers who have always felt like outsiders at traditional business events. Amber Newberry and the Die With Your Boots On team

Sunday brought blue skies and sunshine to wrap up the Salem’s So Sweet festival weekend — and what a finish it was. The ice sculptures glistened in the sunlight as visitors made their way through downtown Salem and beyond to landmarks like the House of the Seven Gables and the Salem Witch Museum. The sculpture trail stretched across the city,

Saturday brought heavy snowfall to downtown Salem — and it made Salem’s So Sweet ice sculpture trail even more spectacular. Dozens of hand-carved ice sculptures lined the streets, each one sponsored by a local Salem business and adding a unique touch to the winter wonderland atmosphere. Highlights included a stunning replica of Old Town Hall sponsored by Derby Square Architects,

The Love Letter Market brought together some of the best local artisans and makers for a Valentine’s Day shopping experience like no other. Held as part of the Salem’s So Sweet festival weekend, this curated market filled an elegant ballroom with handmade goods, creative vendors, and plenty of festive spirit. From French Press Candle’s custom Valentine’s candles to Kyella Design’s

The Salem’s So Sweet festival kicked off on Friday night with a magical evening in downtown Salem, MA. Despite the cold and snow, the streets came alive with illuminated ice sculptures glowing in pink, blue, and purple lights, live saxophone music from Chagall PAC, and a warm kickoff event hosted by the Salem Chamber of Commerce. Local artisans showcased their

By John Andrews | Content Director, Creative Collective | February 2026 On Wednesday night, a group of us stood inside something historic. The Peabody Essex Museum opened its doors for a press and influencer preview of Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone — the first major retrospective devoted to a nineteenth-century sculptor who was told, in every way a society can tell someone, that

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