Salem MA events

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July 26, 2026
Featured image for “Salem Heritage Days 2026: 400 Years Worth Showing Up For”
Beverly
Salem

Salem Heritage Days 2026: 400 Years Worth Showing Up For

by John Andrews
Can you believe it’s been 400 years since Roger Conant landed where the Naumkeag people had already built their home? Fast-forward to Salem Heritage Days 2026, and we’ve got nine days packed with energy: dozens of events, a tall ship, a parade making its comeback after thirty years, and a whole fleet of cardboard boats ready to race. Learn more
July 26, 2026
July 25, 2026
Featured image for “Salem Jazz and Soul Festival 2026: Free Music at the Willows”
Creative Collective Events

Salem Jazz and Soul Festival 2026: Free Music at the Willows

by John Andrews
The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival 2026 returns to Salem Willows on Saturday, August 15, and it’s the kind of day that tells you exactly what the North Shore values. Six-plus acts. Eight hours. One free waterfront stage. Two Grammy-touched headliners. A full education tent. More than 25 artisan vendors. And a ticket price that has stayed at zero for
July 25, 2026
March 8, 2026
Featured image for “Food at 400+: Salem’s 12-Day Culinary Festival Celebrates Four Centuries of History”
Creative Collective Member
Creative Collective Member Events

Food at 400+: Salem’s 12-Day Culinary Festival Celebrates Four Centuries of History

by John Andrews
By John Andrews, Content Director, Creative Collective Salem’s 400th anniversary year is already packed with landmark moments. Now, one of the most ambitious celebrations yet is taking shape. Food at 400+, a 12-day culinary and cultural festival running June 11–22, 2026, will transform the city into a living timeline of food, community, and shared heritage. Produced by Salem Food Tours
March 8, 2026
March 8, 2026
Featured image for “Salem Film Fest 2026: A Lineup Worth Your Weekend”
Creative Collective Member Events
Guide

Salem Film Fest 2026: A Lineup Worth Your Weekend

by John Andrews
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
March 8, 2026
February 10, 2026
Featured image for “Love is in the Air: Your Ultimate Valentine’s Weekend Guide for Essex County”
Creative Collective Member Events
Essex County

Love is in the Air: Your Ultimate Valentine’s Weekend Guide for Essex County

by Creative Collective Team
75+ Valentine’s weekend events across Essex County, curated by Creative Collective Explores. Workshops, live music, comedy, romantic dinners, Galentine’s celebrations, and experiences you won’t find anywhere else — February 13–15, 2026.
February 10, 2026
September 2, 2025
Featured image for “Salem Book Release Party for The Ashen War Saga by Dan LeFever”
Literature
Salem

Salem Book Release Party for The Ashen War Saga by Dan LeFever

by John Andrews
Lynn author Dan Le Fever returns with “In The Dragon’s Wake,” the gripping second installment of The Ashen War Saga. This alternate history fantasy blends revenge, adventure, and deep character development in a reimagined 1910 America. Readers can meet Le Fever at his upcoming Salem book release party on September 23 at Die With Your Boots On, where he’ll sign
September 2, 2025
August 7, 2025
Featured image for “Salem Literary Festival 2025: Your Guide to Five Days of Literary Magic”
Literature
Salem

Salem Literary Festival 2025: Your Guide to Five Days of Literary Magic

by John Andrews
Mark your calendars! The Salem Literary Festival 2025 transforms historic Salem into a literary wonderland from September 3-7. This beloved annual celebration brings together acclaimed authors, emerging writers, and book lovers for five extraordinary days. Best of all, the entire festival remains free to attend, making world-class literary programming accessible to everyone. Salem Literary Festival 2025 Opening Night Features Allegra
August 7, 2025
July 5, 2025
Featured image for “Finding Unity Through Music and Community: Salem Celebrates the Fourth 2025”
Salem

Finding Unity Through Music and Community: Salem Celebrates the Fourth 2025

by John Andrews
You can view the complete set here.  Last night at Derby Wharf, Salem showed us what celebration looks like when a community chooses connection over division. As the sun set over our historic harbor and thousands gathered on the waterfront, we witnessed something more meaningful than a traditional Independence Day event – we experienced the power of coming together through
July 5, 2025
March 20, 2025
Featured image for “A Music Lover’s Guide to Salem Film Fest 2025”
Festivals
Salem

A Music Lover’s Guide to Salem Film Fest 2025

by John Andrews
Are you a music enthusiast looking for compelling stories about sound, expression, and artistry? While Salem Film Fest 2025 is primarily known for its thought-provoking documentaries, several films in this year’s lineup will strike a chord with music lovers. From classical compositions to revolutionary radio, here’s your curated guide to the most music-centric offerings at this year’s festival. Purchase film
March 20, 2025
May 7, 2024
Featured image for “Salem Arts Festival 2024 Kicks Off Special Events throughout Salem”
ART
Festivals

Salem Arts Festival 2024 Kicks Off Special Events throughout Salem

by John Andrews
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
May 7, 2024