The 18th annual Salem Arts Festival returns June 5-7, 2026, as a special "Salem 400+" edition celebrating four centuries of Salem's creative heritage. This free, family-friendly event transforms historic downtown Salem into an immersive artistic experience, attracting over 10,000 visitors annually.

What to Expect

Explore a juried visual arts gallery at Old Town Hall featuring 60+ works by regional artists competing for Best in Show and the John Boris Memorial Award. Browse a curated artisan marketplace across downtown Salem on Saturday and Sunday, with local makers offering ceramics, jewelry, textiles, woodworking, prints, and more.

Experience live performances across multiple outdoor stages throughout the weekend, including music spanning folk to hip hop, dance from flamenco to contemporary, circus arts, poetry, and more. Watch 12 talented muralists transform blank canvases into vibrant 8'×4' artworks during the Mural Slam at Artists' Row, then vote for your favorite via QR code to determine the People's Choice winner.

Participate in hands-on art-making activities, contribute to the festival's signature Community Art Project, and kick off the weekend Friday evening with the Tiny Art Spree—a fast-paced art exchange fundraiser where $20 tickets give you the chance to take home original artwork.

Festival Highlights

Friday, June 5 (5:30-8:30 PM): Gallery opening, performances at Derby Square, and Tiny Art Spree at 7 PM

Saturday, June 6 (11 AM-7 PM): All festival components active—gallery, artisan marketplace, performances, mural slam, community art, interactive activities

Sunday, June 7 (11 AM-6 PM): All festival components continue through closing

Locations & Access

The festival spans downtown Salem's most beloved spaces: Old Town Hall, Derby Square, Artists' Row, Armory Park, the Pedestrian Mall, and areas near the Peabody Essex Museum. Essex Street and Front Street close to vehicles Saturday and Sunday (8 AM-7 PM), creating pedestrian-friendly festival zones.

Free admission to all events and activities. Bathrooms are available at Artists' Row, the NPS Visitor Center, and Destination Salem. Rain contingency plans ensure performances continue regardless of the weather.

Supporting Local Creativity

Produced collaboratively by Salem Main Streets and Creative Collective MA, the Salem Arts Festival strengthens Salem's creative economy while providing platforms for emerging and established artists. The event embodies community connection, economic revitalization, and the celebration of diverse creative voices.

This special "Salem 400+" edition honors Salem's deep artistic roots while looking forward to the next chapter of creative innovation in this historic city.

Plan your visit at salemartsfestival.com

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Saturday Movie Matinee

Saturday Movie Matinee

Northeast Arc Arcworks! Opening Night Reception

Northeast Arc Arcworks! Opening Night Reception

Live Music: Larry Scott and Company

Live Music: Larry Scott and Company

Irish Set Dancing

Irish Set Dancing

DAA Artist Demonstration of Month

DAA Artist Demonstration of Month

Classic Pop Concert and Open Mic Night

Classic Pop Concert and Open Mic Night

Open House Celebration

Open House Celebration

March Meeting of the Tuesday Morning Book Group

March Meeting of the Tuesday Morning Book Group

SJP Performs Macbeth in Drama Festival

SJP Performs Macbeth in Drama Festival

Arthur Murray Student Showcase Preview

Arthur Murray Student Showcase Preview

Free Film Showing: Inspiring Individuals Documentary

Free Film Showing: Inspiring Individuals Documentary

Free Film Showing: You Can Heal Your Life

Free Film Showing: You Can Heal Your Life

Free Film Showing: the Shift

Free Film Showing: the Shift

Indulge Night

Indulge Night

DAA Artist of the Month

DAA Artist of the Month

Open House & Valentine's Jewelry Trunk Sale

Open House & Valentine's Jewelry Trunk Sale

Star Wars 3-D + Activities & Giveaways

Star Wars 3-D + Activities & Giveaways

Valentine's Family Fun Night

Valentine's Family Fun Night

Seventh Avenue Grand Opening Celebration

Seventh Avenue Grand Opening Celebration

Danvers Art Association Re-opening

Danvers Art Association Re-opening

Danvers Rec Movie Day

Danvers Rec Movie Day

Music in the Woods: Tom Palance and Co

Music in the Woods: Tom Palance and Co

Music in the Woods - Manchester Singers

Music in the Woods - Manchester Singers

Music in the Woods- Brendan Buckley

Music in the Woods- Brendan Buckley

Music in the Woods: Sorrelanza – Sisters in Song

Music in the Woods: Sorrelanza – Sisters in Song

Music in the Woods featuring St. John's Prep

Music in the Woods featuring St. John's Prep

Discovering New England Stone Walls

Discovering New England Stone Walls

Author Vist: John Funchion

Author Vist: John Funchion

Celebrate Black History Month at NSCC!

Celebrate Black History Month at NSCC!

ARBELLA Drum & Bugle Corps - FIRST CORPS MEETING

ARBELLA Drum & Bugle Corps - FIRST CORPS MEETING

A Capella for the Arts

A Capella for the Arts

Danvers Art Association Re-opening

Danvers Art Association Re-opening

Hearts on Fire in Ice Contest

Hearts on Fire in Ice Contest

Saturday Movie Matinee: Ray

Saturday Movie Matinee: Ray

Saturday Movie Matinee: Guess Who's Coming To Dinner

Saturday Movie Matinee: Guess Who's Coming To Dinner

Saturday Movie Matinee: Glory

Saturday Movie Matinee: Glory

Saturday Movie Matinee: Ghosts of Mississippi

Saturday Movie Matinee: Ghosts of Mississippi

Saturday Movie Matinee: Captain Blood

Saturday Movie Matinee: Captain Blood

"Rock the Runway" Prom Fashion Event