Mark your calendars for Peabody International Festival 2025! This beloved cultural celebration returns Sunday, September 7, transforming downtown Peabody into a vibrant global village. Thousands of neighbors will gather to share food, music, and traditions at this FREE community event. Complete festival information can be found at the festival website.
A Festival Born from Vision, Built on Community
Four decades ago, Mayor Peter Torigian laid the foundation for the Peabody International Festival 2025 with a powerful mission. He wanted to create “an opportunity for neighbor to meet neighbor, while celebrating and appreciating each other’s culture.” This vision has blossomed into the region’s premier cultural celebration.
This year’s 40th anniversary represents more than a milestone. It’s a testament to what makes Peabody extraordinary. FREE admission ensures everyone can participate, regardless of economic circumstances. Generous sponsors have maintained this commitment for four decades.
What’s New for Peabody International Festival 2025
Fresh Faces on Stage
Exciting newcomers join festival favorites this year. El Grupo Chevere brings over 30 years of Latin music from Boston. Their 8-11 piece powerhouse blends salsa, merengue, bachata, and cumbia. Cultura Latina Dance Academy makes its debut, empowering communities through Latin dance.
Expanded Culinary Journey
73 food vendors represent over 39 cultures at Peabody International Festival 2025. The festival features 65+ food vendors and 8 information booths. Visitors can savor a variety of dishes, from traditional Polish pierogi to Brazilian street food.
The International Pavilion Experience
The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce transforms North Shore Bank’s parking lot at 32 Main Street. Here’s what awaits:
- Photo booth hosted by North Shore Bank
- Beer Garden sponsored by Peabody Rotary
- Pop-up performances, including Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts (11:30 AM)
- Crystal Joyce Dance (2:00 PM) and Dance with Dena (4:00 PM)
Your Hour-by-Hour Festival Game Plan
Morning Magic (11 AM – 1 PM) (Full scheudle below)
Begin your Peabody International Festival 2025 journey at Peabody Square Stage. The Warszawiaki Orchestra plays at 11:00 AM. Under Tony Malionek’s direction, they’ve performed at every festival for 40 years!
The Brian Maes Band kicks off Upper Main Stage simultaneously. They feature former members of RTZ and Peter Wolf’s Houseparty 5.
Pro tip: Beat the lunch rush early. Head to vendor row before noon for shorter lines.
Afternoon Energy (1 PM – 3 PM)
Both stages come alive with simultaneous performances. Don’t miss these highlights:
- 2:10 PM at Upper Main Stage: Sinha Capoeira presents Afro-Brazilian martial art with 15 performers
- 2:00 PM: Official ceremony begins
- 2:30 PM at Peabody Square Stage: Sayat Nova Dance Company celebrates Armenian culture through vibrant folk dance
Family moment: Take kids to East End Veterans Memorial Park for Kids’ Corner activities.
Grand Finale (3 PM – 5 PM)
The music reaches its peak at Peabody International Festival 2025:
- 4:15 PM at Peabody Square Stage: Mery EME & The Latin Roots Band specializes in merengue and bachata
- 4:00 PM at Upper Main Stage: Grupo Fantasia has been performing under Angel Wagner’s leadership since 1993
Photos by Creative Collective – @creativecollectivema
The Food Adventure You Can’t Miss
Instagram-Worthy Stops
Try these verified standout vendors at Peabody International Festival 2025:
- Mr. Petisco (@mrpetisco2020): Brazilian chicken coxinha, cheese bread, churros
- ELOTI (@eloti): Mexican street corn on and off the cob
- Dancing Donuts (@dancingdonutsma): Mini donut 6-packs, nut-free and kosher
- The Skinny Pancake (@skinnypancake): Sweet and savory crepes
Cultural Cuisine Highlights
These traditional favorites return:
- St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church: Gyro wraps, Greek salad, grilled lamb skewers
- Escola Portuguesa de Peabody: Caldo verde, linguica, bifana sandwiches, custard cups
- Worcester Filipino Cuisine: Pansit noodles, pork BBQ skewers, lumpia
- Theara Spicy Kitchen: Thai/Cambodian wings, Lao minced chicken salad, papaya salad
Dietary Accommodations
Everyone can enjoy the festival:
- Gluten-Free: 13 vendors offering options
- Vegan: 8 vendors with plant-based choices
- Kosher: 2 vendors (Chabad, Dancing Donuts)
- FREE Food: Spencer Home Services booth (#45) – smoked brisket, hot dogs, burgers (while supplies last)
Sweet Treats
Save room for dessert:
- 98 Cafe Bakery and Diner: Brazilian cakes, sugarcane juice, fresh orange juice
- Art Di Karina Dominican Bakery: Tres Leches, Dulce de Leche, Guava cake slices
- Vine Street Cider Donut Co.: Hot fresh cider donuts
Beyond Food: Artisan Treasures
The marketplace transforms Main Street into an open-air gallery. Twenty-five artisan vendors showcase regional talent. Each tells their creativity story. Marketplace curation and management by Creative Collective.
Don’t miss these artisans:
- Wicked Good Henna (@wickedgoodhenna): Natural henna designs by Mandy Roberge with nearly 20 years experience
- Heart Lynx (@heartlynxpj): Interactive jewelry making with permanent jewelry
- Northeast Arc/ArcWorks (@arcworksart): Supporting artists with disabilities
- Sketches Lee Art (@sketchesleeart): “Spooky with a touch of color” aesthetic
- Face Paint Fantasy (@bostonfacepaintfantasy): Professional face painting for all ages
Photos by Creative Collective – @creativecollectivema
Kids’ Corner at East End Veterans Memorial Park – Follow the Raw Artworks sidewalk chalk installaion!
Families enjoy all-day entertainment from 11 AM to 5 PM:
- DJ Michael Phillips of American Entertainment hosts throughout
- 11:00-11:20 AM: Magic & Puppets by Steve
- 12:15-12:45 PM: Brazilian dancers
- 1:00-1:30 PM: US Taekwondo Middleton, MA
- 3:00-3:30 PM: Character show
- All day: Face painting, balloon artists, activity tables, and R & A Anthony Ice Cream Truck
Festival Logistics for Peabody International Festival 2025
Getting There
Streets close at 6 AM. Plan accordingly:
- FREE shuttle services are available throughout the day
- Arrive early for the best parking spots
Beer & Wine Locations
Adults can enjoy beverages at:
- Granite Coast Brewing Company Beer Garden (77 Main Street)
- Rotary Beer Garden at International Pavilion
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Peabody International Festival 2025 remains FREE thanks to generous sponsors:
- Title Sponsor: North Shore Bank
- Broadcast Sponsor: Salem Five
- Art Activation Sponsors: Eastern Bank, Northeast Arc, Salem Country Club
- Community Partners: Jordan Lodge A.F. & A.M., Beth Israel Lahey Health
- Plus dozens of supporting sponsors
Behind the scenes, a dedicated committee works year-round. The collaboration between City of Peabody, Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce, Peabody TV, Northeast Arc, Creative Collective, and volunteers proves partnership power. This united vision has sustained our festival for four decades.
Photos by Creative Collective – @creativecollectivema
Complete Entertainment Lineup
Peabody Square Stage
- 11:00 AM: Warszawiaki Orchestra (Polish traditional music)
- 12:00 PM: Cultura Latina Dance Academy (Latin American Folklore) – NEW
- 12:45 PM: El Grupo Chevere (Latin) – NEW
- 1:40 PM: St. Vasilios Greek Dancers
- 2:30 PM: Sayat Nova Dance Company (Armenian)
- 3:15 PM: Kadanz Jazz (Haitian/French Caribbean/American)
- 4:15 PM: Mery EME & The Latin Roots Band
Upper Main Stage
- 11:00 AM: The Brian Maes Band
- 12:00 PM: Tony Giblin and Eamon Coyne (Irish duo performing for over 15 years)
- 1:15 PM: The Camelia Latin Dance Band (Led by Berklee grad Roderick Camelia)
- 2:10 PM: Sinha Capoeira (Afro-Brazilian martial art/dance)
- 2:30 PM: Dis N Dat Band (Caribbean – led by 4-time Grammy nominee Rangotan)
- 3:30 PM: Rancho Folclórico de Peabody (Portuguese folk dance)
- 4:00 PM: Grupo Fantasia (Latin)
International Pavilion Pop-Up Performances
- 11:30 AM: Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts
- 2:00 PM: Crystal Joyce Dance
- 4:00 PM: Dance with Dena
Join Us September 7
Whether your first or fortieth festival, Peabody International Festival 2025 promises unforgettable memories. From 11 AM to 5 PM, Peabody Square becomes your passport-free world journey. After 40 years, this festival continues embodying Mayor Torigian’s original vision.
Bring your appetite and dancing shoes. Most importantly, bring your neighbors. The best celebration ingredient isn’t food or music—it’s the people you share it with.
Festival Fast Facts
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025 (Rain date: September 14)
- Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Peabody Square & Main Street
- Admission: FREE for all
- Food: 73 vendors, 39+ cultures
- Entertainment: 12+ performances on 2 stages
- Artisans: 25 craft vendors
- Expected attendance: 50,000-80,000
- Website: ifestpeabody.com
- Email: ifestpeabody@gmail.com
- Phone: 978-538-5702
- Social: @ifestpeabody (Instagram) | @peabodyinternationalfestival (Facebook)
This story comes from the Creative Collective community, comprising Essex County businesses that believe that when we thrive together, our entire region becomes more vibrant. We’re entrepreneurs, creators, and service providers across all industries, collaborating to build the community we want to be part of. If you see your business as more than just commerce – as a way to contribute to our regional ecosystem – you belong here. Join the Collective today.
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