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

PHOTO: Basketball Is Their Favorite Sport...

PHOTO: Basketball Is Their Favorite Sport...

PHOTO: Lynnfielders Visit Fenway Park

PHOTO: Lynnfielders Visit Fenway Park

Grades 1-9: Interested In Synchronized Swimming?

Grades 1-9: Interested In Synchronized Swimming?

Canasta at the Senior Center

Canasta at the Senior Center

Scrabble at the Senior Center

Scrabble at the Senior Center

1st Annual Lynnfield Caasino Night

1st Annual Lynnfield Caasino Night

Canasta at the Senior Center

Canasta at the Senior Center

Junior May Free Clinics at Reedy Meadow Golf Course

Junior May Free Clinics at Reedy Meadow Golf Course

Bootcamp

Bootcamp

Winter Moonbounce @ Square One Mall!

Winter Moonbounce @ Square One Mall!

Peabody Pop Warner Football & Cheering Registration

Peabody Pop Warner Football & Cheering Registration

Stitch and Chat at the Senior Center

Stitch and Chat at the Senior Center

Chair Exercise at the Senior Center

Chair Exercise at the Senior Center

Chair Exercise at the Senior Center

Chair Exercise at the Senior Center

Chair Yoga at the Senior Center

Chair Yoga at the Senior Center

Jazzercise Lite at the Senior Center

Jazzercise Lite at the Senior Center

Yoga at the Senior Center

Yoga at the Senior Center

Yoga at the Senior Center

Yoga at the Senior Center

Zumba Drumming at the Senior Center

Zumba Drumming at the Senior Center

Zumba at the Senior Center

Zumba at the Senior Center

Zumba at the Senior Center

Zumba at the Senior Center

Line Dancing at the Senior Center

Line Dancing at the Senior Center

Line Dancing at the Senior Center

Line Dancing at the Senior Center

Game Day and Lunch!

Game Day and Lunch!

Ballroom Dance Lessons at the Senior Center

Ballroom Dance Lessons at the Senior Center

Beginner Bridge Lessons at the Senior Center

Beginner Bridge Lessons at the Senior Center

LHS Pioneers Boys Varsity Ice Hockey

LHS Pioneers Boys Varsity Ice Hockey

LHS Pioneers Boys Varsity Ice Hockey

LHS Pioneers Boys Varsity Ice Hockey

LHS Pioneers Girls Varsity Basketball

LHS Pioneers Girls Varsity Basketball

LHS Pioneers Girls Varsity Basketball

LHS Pioneers Girls Varsity Basketball

LHS Pioneers Boys Varsity Basketball

LHS Pioneers Boys Varsity Basketball

LHS Pioneers Boys Varsity Wrestling

LHS Pioneers Boys Varsity Wrestling

LHS Pioneers Girls Varsity Basketball

LHS Pioneers Girls Varsity Basketball

LHS Pioneers Girls Varsity Basketball

LHS Pioneers Girls Varsity Basketball

Lynnfield Youth Volleyball registration

Lynnfield Youth Volleyball registration

Lynnfield vs. North Reading Thanksgiving Football Game

Lynnfield vs. North Reading Thanksgiving Football Game

Ahern Family Charitable Foundation hosts Army-Navy Football Luncheon

Ahern Family Charitable Foundation hosts Army-Navy Football Luncheon

Get Your Tiles Ready! Play Mah Jong at the Senior Center

Get Your Tiles Ready! Play Mah Jong at the Senior Center

Play Cribbage at the Senior Center