A Season of Arts and Outdoor Activities beginning with Salem Arts Festival 2024
Salem, Massachusetts, is bustling with activity as the warmer months approach. Museums, tour operators, and attractions have reopened with extended spring hours. The city’s restaurants are joining in, offering outdoor dining just in time for the season’s events. The crown jewel of these spring happenings is undoubtedly the Salem Arts Festival, taking place from June 7-9.
Getting Around Salem
Visitors can explore Salem in several exciting ways. The Salem Trolley, which began operating on April 1, offers a scenic tour of the city. For those interested in maritime adventures, Mahi’s Harbor Cruises start on May 10, featuring the Mahi Summer Music Series. Additionally, the FAME of Salem schooner will be back on May 17, providing day and sunset sails. For a more active experience, Coast to Coast offers paddleboard and kayak rentals starting Memorial Day, and Boston’s Salem Ferry resumes service on May 24, ensuring smooth access to and from the city.
Salem Arts Festival: A Celebration of the Arts
Now in its 16th year, the Salem Arts Festival is a vibrant, free event that celebrates arts in all forms — from painting and sculpture to dance, music, and culinary arts. Co-produced by Salem Main Streets and Creative Collective, the festival features a juried gallery at Old Town Hall, multiple performance stages, an artisan street fair, pop-up performances, and a Mural Slam. Supported by partners like the Peabody Essex Museum and Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry, the festival is a showcase of talent from the North Shore arts community, enhancing local economic development and community engagement. Salem Arts Festival 2024
Other Noteworthy Events in Salem
- Jingle Sculpture Community Art Project: Hosted by the Peabody Essex Museum from May 11 to June 7, this community art project invites participants to contribute to a sculpture by artist Marie Watt, with the final piece being revealed at the festival.
- Salem Living Green Expo: Taking place on May 11, this expo, hosted by the Salem Chamber of Commerce, focuses on sustainable living solutions.
- Proyectos Punto: Opening on May 17, this new project by the Punto Urban Art Museum expands its artistic scope and includes the “en Práctica” BIPOC-centered arts initiative.
- Sips by the Sea: an annual fundraiser held on June 1 at The House of the Seven Gables. It features food, music, and philanthropy.
Regular Events and Attractions
- Salem Farmers’ Market: Starting June 13, the market will run every Thursday through October 10, continuing a long tradition dating back to 1634.
- North Shore Pride Parade and Festival: Scheduled for June 22, this event celebrates community unity with a parade, festival, and more.
For more information on Salem’s rich array of events and attractions, or to plan your visit, head to Salem’s official tourism website.
Salem Main Streets
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Salem Main Streets’ (SMS) mission is the continued revitalization of downtown Salem as a vibrant, year-round, retail, dining and cultural destination through business retention, recruitment, and promotion of the downtown district. SMS produces and supports numerous community events and initiatives throughout the year, including the Salem Farmers’ Market, Salem Arts Festival, Salem’s So Sweet, and the October Information booth. SMS
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