Salem Celebrates The 4th At Derby Wharf To Include Fireworks, Music, Bike Parade

SALEM, MA — Salem will hold its annual Independence Day celebration July 4 at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Wharf, with music, family activities, food and a fireworks finale planned through the evening.

Mayor Dominick Pangallo said this year's event will tie in America's 250th anniversary and Salem's 400th birthday.

Activities at Derby Wharf begin during the afternoon with the Kids' Space tent, which opens at 4 p.m., with crafts, games and prizes.

Main stage entertainment starts at 3:30 p.m. with the Rule of 3 Experience, followed by Barrence Whitfield & His All Star Band at 5:30 p.m.

That performance is being sponsored by the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival in celebration of its Aug. 15 event at the Salem Willows Shell.

Opening ceremonies for Salem Celebrates the 4th are set for 7:15 p.m., when a procession of officials will lead a parade down the wharf with the Salem Veterans Color Guard.

Nicole Harris is set to sing the National Anthem.

Maestro Dirk Hillyer and the Hillyer Festival Orchestra will perform Broadway songs, movie themes and patriotic music, including a selection tied to America’s 250th anniversary.

Salem's 2026 Independence Day event is dedicated in memory of James Bailey, one of the original sponsors of the event.

Fireworks, with the orchestra playing the "1812 Overture" and other patriotic music, will begin at 9:15 p.m.

There will also be a city-sponsored Fourth of July Bike Parade at Salem Common earlier in the day.

Children can decorate bicycles, scooters, strollers and wheelchairs at 11 a.m. at the playground, with the parade set to begin at noon around the perimeter of the Common. A bike rodeo and refreshments will follow in the parking lot at O'Donnell Funeral Home on Washington Square.

The Salem Police Department will have enhanced security with possible bag checks by uniformed officers and a request that guests use clear plastic bags.

Road closures and parking restrictions will affect Derby Street, Orange Street, Curtis Street and Herbert Street, and police will monitor access points into the Derby Wharf area.

The city is urging people to allow extra travel time and consider downtown parking, the commuter rail or the Salem Ferry.