Salem 400+ Heritage Days Full Schedule Announced

SALEM, MA — Salem will hold its 2026 Heritage Days festival from Aug. 1 through Aug. 9, with the weeklong lineup opening with the return of a parade that has been paused for more than 30 years.

The parade will begin at the O'Keefe Center parking lot, travel down Lafayette and Derby streets, and end at Salem Maritime National Historical Park.

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"This year, as Salem celebrates our 400+ anniversary, our annual Heritage Days festivities take on special significance," Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo said. "I'm especially thrilled that, in response to feedback and fond nostalgia from across our community, we are kicking off Heritage Days this year with the return to a beloved tradition after a pause of more than 30 years — I encourage everyone to come out for the Salem 400+ Heritage Days Parade and Festival."

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The Aug. 1 festival will include visiting vessels, including the Pride of Baltimore II tall ship, and the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. The day will also include food, a beer garden, family activities, a DJ, live music and entertainment.

On Aug. 2, Fusion Fest at the Gables will mark its fourth annual celebration of Salem’s cultures with live music, food trucks, dancing, art, dominoes and kids’ activities.

On Aug. 3, the Salem Community Concert Band and Community Jazz Band, under the direction of Cynthia Napierkowski, will hold their 17th annual concert at Salem State University, either outside near the Marsh Dining Hall or indoors in the recital hall, depending on weather.

The schedule also includes a North Shore Concert Band performance Aug. 4 at the Salem Willows Shell, the Ice Scream Bowl on Aug. 5 at Salem Common to benefit Salem Main Streets, and a screening of "Casper" later that evening on the Common.

Heritage Days will also include the weekly Farmers Market on Front Street on Aug. 7, several events for older adults, and three programs on Aug. 8, including Mapping a Century of Salem at Old Town Hall, a free music festival at Salem Willows, and Latin Dance at Charlotte Forten Park.

The festival will close Aug. 9 with five events, including the Phillips House Car Meet, Tour-A-Truck, Mack Park Farm Fest and the first Salem Porchfest.

Salem residents will also be able to visit many downtown museums and attractions for free and receive discounts on the Salem Ferry.

A full schedule is available here.