Peabody Gears Up For International Festival's Return

PEABODY, MA — Those who want to be part of the first Peabody International Festival in three years have until Sunday to get in their vendor or Galleria applications.

The 37th festival, which was canceled for the past two years because of the COVID-19 health crisis, returns on Sept. 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Peabody.

For the first time, Festival booth and Galleria applications can be completed online. The deadline to submit applications has been extended with those interested able to apply online here by July 31.

"The International Festival is our city's signature community event which attracts tens of thousands of people to Main Street and downtown Peabody," Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt said. "It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our ethnic heritage and cultural diversity through food, art and entertainment."

This year’s entertainment lineup includes Irish musicians Tony Giblin and Eamon Coyne, the North Shore Dance Academy, Grupo Fantasia, the Warszawiaki Orchestra, St. Vasilios Greek School Dancers, and the Brian Maes Band, among many other acts.

Food offerings include those from Poland, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, Greece and specialty foods from the Philippines, Cambodia and Thailand. Kabobs, fried ice cream, fried dough and other festival fare will also be available.

The artisan market on Foster Street will include 40 local vendors selling crafts, clothes and gifts from all over the world.

The Galleria features paintings and photography from some of the region's most talented and creative artists.

There will be an International Festival Kid's Corner at the East End Veterans Memorial Park next to the Peabody Institute Library from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities include arts and crafts, character shows, interactive games, music, dance and a bounce house. Hot dogs, chips, watermelon, water, soda and ice cream will be available for sale.

For the older crowd, the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Peabody will co-host a Craft Beer and Sangria Garden for those 21+ in the Courthouse Plaza all day during the festival.

The 21st Progeria Research Foundation Race for Research will kick off the weekend on Sept. 10 at 9 a.m. at the Leather City Common at 53 Lowell Street. Registration begins at 7:45 a.m.

Businesses interested in becoming a sponsor for this year's festival can contact the Mayor's Office at 978-538-5702.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)