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

Northshore Mall Hosts Holiday Retail Job Fair

Northshore Mall Hosts Holiday Retail Job Fair

Medical Marijuana Physicians

Medical Marijuana Physicians

Animal Lover Availible All Week For Dog Walking, Pet Sitting and Care

Animal Lover Availible All Week For Dog Walking, Pet Sitting and Care

The North Shore Marketing Exchange

The North Shore Marketing Exchange

Learn to Skate Program

Learn to Skate Program

Chair Acupunture Now Available at Pain and Wellness Center in Peabody

Chair Acupunture Now Available at Pain and Wellness Center in Peabody

Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffee & Smoothies

Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffee & Smoothies

Medical marijuana physicians' network

Medical marijuana physicians' network

Ribbon cutting at Peabody Wealth Advisors in Danvers

Ribbon cutting at Peabody Wealth Advisors in Danvers

Google Business Photos- A Virtual Tour Of Your Business Using Street View Technology

Google Business Photos- A Virtual Tour Of Your Business Using Street View Technology

The Difference Between Entrepreneurs and the Self-Employed

The Difference Between Entrepreneurs and the Self-Employed

MEET “TROUBLE THE DOG” AND HEAR A READING OF HIS STORY AT BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSTORE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 AT 7:00PM

MEET “TROUBLE THE DOG” AND HEAR A READING OF HIS STORY AT BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSTORE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 AT 7:00PM

Medical Marijuana Physicians' Network: Apply Online

Medical Marijuana Physicians' Network: Apply Online

HEALTHY HOUNDS DOGGIE DAYCARE - FAMILY PORTRAIT DAY AND MEET UP GROUPS

HEALTHY HOUNDS DOGGIE DAYCARE - FAMILY PORTRAIT DAY AND MEET UP GROUPS

Stress Reduction Workshop

Stress Reduction Workshop

Rediscover The Ship Restaurant: Getting past the Maiden Voyage

Rediscover The Ship Restaurant: Getting past the Maiden Voyage

Childbirth, Breastfeeding & Newborn Care Classes at Kiwi Kids Studio

Childbirth, Breastfeeding & Newborn Care Classes at Kiwi Kids Studio

Mommy n Me Card is having a Labor Day Sale!

Mommy n Me Card is having a Labor Day Sale!

Northeast Clinical "Chew for Charity Success!"

Northeast Clinical "Chew for Charity Success!"

Could A Data Breach Happen to Your Business?

Could A Data Breach Happen to Your Business?

Life Coach Launches E-Learning Program Designed to Empower Women to Live Life on Their Own Terms

Life Coach Launches E-Learning Program Designed to Empower Women to Live Life on Their Own Terms

Locksmith Danvers MA

Locksmith Danvers MA

Fall Dance Classes at DeAngelis Studio of Dance Starting September 3, 2013

Fall Dance Classes at DeAngelis Studio of Dance Starting September 3, 2013

Five Steps to Building an E-Commerce Site for Your Small Business

Five Steps to Building an E-Commerce Site for Your Small Business

Prepared Childbirth Education Classes Starting at Kiwi Kids Studio

Prepared Childbirth Education Classes Starting at Kiwi Kids Studio

Happy Halloween from Healthy Hounds Doggie Daycare!

Happy Halloween from Healthy Hounds Doggie Daycare!

Danvers Hair Cuttery Salon Donates Back to School Haircuts to Local Kids in Need

Danvers Hair Cuttery Salon Donates Back to School Haircuts to Local Kids in Need

Danvers Taco Bell ‘Strike Out Cancer’ with the Jimmy Fund

Danvers Taco Bell ‘Strike Out Cancer’ with the Jimmy Fund

New Danvers Skin Care Co. is in the Business Spotlight at People's United Bank, Danvers

New Danvers Skin Care Co. is in the Business Spotlight at People's United Bank, Danvers

ESTATE PLANNING SERVICES - Do you need a Will or Trust?

ESTATE PLANNING SERVICES - Do you need a Will or Trust?

Danvers Bridal Boutique to Give Away FREE wedding gowns to military brides THIS WEEKEND!

Danvers Bridal Boutique to Give Away FREE wedding gowns to military brides THIS WEEKEND!