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

Salem Goes to the Dogs: Howl-o-ween Pet Parade and Historic First Dog Mayor Election Celebrate Community Spirit Local nonprofit Salem Main Streets brings neighbors together for furry fun while supporting downtown revitalization Salem, Massachusetts – In a city known for its historic charm and October festivities, something delightfully different is happening this fall. Salem Main Streets is proving that community

Creative Collective to Manage Salem’s 2025 Haunted Happenings Marketplace Expanded Partnership Includes Salem Common, Derby Square, Old Town Hall, and Front Street Programming Through November 2 SALEM, MA – Creative Collective LLC returns to manage Salem’s Haunted Happenings Marketplace for the 2025 season, operating vendor markets and entertainment programming from September 26 through November 2, 2025. The renewed contract represents

The energy in the Peabody Essex Museum‘s atrium on September 4 was unique. Furthermore, it was not the polite enthusiasm of typical morning panels, but the electric charge of people recognizing transformative change. As leaders gathered for Creative Capital: Investing in Community, organized by PEM in partnership with Creative Collective, they weren’t just discussing programs. Indeed, they were witnessing how