"Great tours! It hit major spots in Salem we hadn't been to yet." — Olivia C. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Worth the haunt! Our guide truly brought out the characters in the tour." — Michelle L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Warm, welcoming, and ghoulishly fun. Highly recommend for your visit to the Witch City!" — Dylan J. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Super personable guide and great historic stops. Me and my husband had a great time!" — Nicole P ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Salem Events
As we like to say, Salem is a five season city; spring, summer, fall, winter, and October (Halloween). There's so much to see and do in our beautiful city from arts festivals to annual winter balls. Check out the list below to see what's going on when you're visiting.
SALEM
FILM FEST
Since 2007, Salem Film Fest (SFF) has brought the world’s best independent documentaries and their makers to Boston’s North Shore. Now the largest international documentary film festival in Massachusetts, the event annually presents features, shorts and special events to a loyal audience of thousands. The festival is mostly run by volunteers through a non-profit entity, Salem Community Arts Center, Inc.
The 16th edition of our fest will take place March 23 – April 2, 2023 in a hybrid format consisting both of in-person and virtual screenings, filmmaker q&as as well as parties and other special events.
For updates, please like us on Facebook and/or sign up for our mailing list.
4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
The city's July 4th celebration will be celebrated at Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Wharf.
There is a Kids' Space tent featuring crafts, games and prizes for the little one.
There will be live entertainment on the Main Stage. Food tents will be open on site selling hot dogs, French fries, fried dough, kettle corn, ice cream, and other fair favorites.
Opening Ceremonies begin around 7 pm followed by music. The fireworks start around 9 p.m.
Salem So Sweet Festival
The annual Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival is a decadent tradition of delectable chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures, and Valentine’s Day shopping.
The event features ice sculptures around the city, starting with an evening of illuminated ice sculptures on the first night. There is a kickoff party, a game involving businesses where participants win prizes and sweet treats and deals at many of the amazing local shops and eateries all weekend. The event runs on the weekend before or after Valentine's Day.
SALEM HERITAGE DAYS
Heritage Days is the celebration of Salem's History that will be highlighted this year by a parade on Aug. 1 followed by a week of daily events through the following weekend.
There are events all week that include an ice cream social, plays, concerts, Farmer's Market, Phillips House Vintage Car Meet on Chestnut Street, the S.C.E.N.E.’s Sunset Hang at the Willows, Fusion Fest at the House of the Seven Gables, Mack Park Farm Fest and the increasingly popular Salem Maritime Cardboard Boat Regatta at the Historic Derby Wharf.
The week includes several events exclusively for older adults, including a day of Mahjong, a BBQ at Winter Island, and a night of dinner and dancing.
SALEM
HORROR FEST
Salem Horror Fest is a celebration of diverse voices and innovative filmmaking within a genre that best reflects our cultural demons. The festival runs late April or early May. https://salemhorror.com/
FOOD TRUCK FEST
Prepare your taste buds for mouthwatering dishes from some of the area’s most popular food trucks. Indulge in Mac n Cheese, Cookie & Ice Cream Sandwiches, bold Venezuelan flavors, smashburgers, BBQ, rich Coffee, Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, and the freshest Seafood.
Craving something sweet? Try Bubble Tea, Sweet & Savory Crepes, Handmade Sopapillas, and Topped Gourmet Fries—no need to worry, they’re all magically delicious.
This event runs on the Salem Common and is usually the third weekend of September. https://www.foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/salem
.
NEGRO ELECTION DAY
Negro Election Day
This amazing event is steeped in history and takes place at the Salem Willows (the park at the tip of Salem's penninsula, every third Saturday in July.
In 1741, an enslaved man named Pompey convinced his owner to allow him to hold elections and govern his own people. Pompey won the election. and a celebration was held. It started in Lynn and moved to Salem in the 1880s. The election does not take place, but the celebration does and 2023 is the 282nd year. Families are allowed to barbecue, play games, enjoy live music. The event is open to everyone who wants to celebrate Black History and diversity.
SALEM ARTS
FESTIVAL
The biggest art collaboration of the year in Salem, the Salem Arts Festival takes place in the heart of Salem at a variety of indoor and outdoor venues. The annual Juried Art Gallery will be held in Old Town Hall throughout the festival weekend, with an artisan street fair in the surrounding areas of the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and Front Street on Saturday and Sunday. Live performances and pop-up dance stages will take place (weather permitting) on Derby Square, Front Street, and Artists’ Row. This happens the first weekend in June. https://www.salemartsfestival.com/