Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of maritime adventure! The Salem Maritime Festival 2025 returns on Saturday, August 9th, from 11 AM to 4:30 PM at Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Street. This free family event promises cardboard boat races, tall ship tours, historic building explorations, and countless activities celebrating Salem’s rich seafaring past. As one of the signature events of Salem Heritage Days, this festival brings the community together to honor over 600 years of New England maritime history.
The Great Salem Maritime Cardboard Boat Regatta Takes Center Stage
First launched in 2023, the cardboard boat regatta has quickly become the festival’s most anticipated attraction. Teams of creative engineers and brave paddlers will test their homemade vessels constructed entirely from cardboard and duct tape. These colorful crafts will launch from Derby Beach in competitive heats throughout the morning.
The regatta begins at 11 AM sharp with the traditional singing of sea shanties. Five boats race at a time, battling both the waves and their competition. Surviving vessels compete for the coveted Beagle Trophy in an exciting final heat.
Spectators can line Derby Wharf for the best views of the action. Arrive early to secure your spot and cheer on your favorite teams. Salem Main Streets provides real-time commentary throughout the races, making the event even more entertaining.
The Great Salem Maritime Cardboard Boat Regatta (2023)
NPS Photo
Step Aboard the Friendship of Salem During the Festival
Next, visitors can explore the magnificent Friendship of Salem from 1 PM to 4:30 PM. This 171-foot replica tall ship represents Salem’s golden age of global trade. Initially built in 1797, the first Friendship made 15 voyages to exotic ports before British forces captured it during the War of 1812.
The National Park Service commissioned this faithful replica in 1996. Built using modern materials while maintaining historical accuracy, today’s Friendship serves as a floating classroom. Park rangers and volunteers offer deck tours, sharing stories of Salem’s maritime heritage.
Visitors learn about the ship’s construction, life at sea for 18th-century sailors, and Salem’s role in global trade. The Friendship brings history to life in ways that static exhibits cannot match. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to board Essex County’s flagship vessel.
Historic Buildings Open Their Doors for Salem Maritime Festival 2025
Several historic structures welcome visitors throughout the festival from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. First, explore the Custom House where author Nathaniel Hawthorne worked from 1846 to 1849. His experiences here inspired elements of “The Scarlet Letter,” making this building literary history.
The Derby House offers glimpses into 18th-century merchant life. Tours reveal stories of the Derby family and the enslaved people who lived and worked there. These narratives connect to larger conversations about freedom and liberty during the American Revolution.
Each building showcases different aspects of Salem’s maritime economy. Visiting multiple sites provides a comprehensive understanding of the port’s historical significance. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers enhance every tour with engaging stories and historical context.
Family Activities Transform Derby Wharf
Throughout Salem Maritime Festival 2025, Derby Wharf becomes an outdoor playground of historical fun. Colonial lawn games invite families to try traditional pastimes. Children can experience games their counterparts played centuries ago on these same grounds.
Food trucks provide delicious sustenance for hungry festival-goers. You can enjoy modern treats while surrounded by centuries of history. The festival perfectly blends past and present for all ages.
Hands-on activities engage young historians throughout the day. These interactive experiences make learning about maritime history exciting and memorable. Children leave with new knowledge and appreciation for Salem’s seafaring heritage.
Salem Maritime Festival 2025, Within Heritage Days Celebration
The Salem Maritime Festival serves as a highlight of Salem Heritage Days, running August 2-10. This beloved tradition has brought the community together for over 50 years. The maritime festival has anchored Heritage Days programming since 1990, making 2025 its 35th anniversary.
Heritage Days offers eight full days of community events. Visitors can extend their Salem experience beyond the maritime festival. Other highlights include the Phillips House Car Meet, Fusion Fest celebrating immigrant communities, and various concerts throughout the week.
Planning Your Visit to Salem Maritime Festival 2025
Here’s everything you need to know for your festival visit. All events are completely free and open to the public. The festival runs from 11 AM to 4:30 PM on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
Arrive early for the best parking and viewing spots for the cardboard boat regatta. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the historic grounds. Bring sunscreen and water, as August weather can be warm.
Whether you’re interested in maritime history, family fun, or community celebrations, Salem Maritime Festival 2025 offers something special. Join thousands of visitors in celebrating Salem’s enduring connection to the sea at this signature Heritage Days event.
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