Salem To Host Juneteenth Events Across Witch City: Flag Raising, Festival, Film

SALEM, MA — Salem is hosting several free Juneteenth events on June 15 and June 19, beginning with a flag-raising at Riley Plaza and continuing with a day of performances, activities, and a movie screening across the city.

All events are open to anyone who wishes to participate.

The first event is scheduled for June 15, at 1 p.m. at Riley Plaza.

The Juneteenth Flag Raising is being held in collaboration with the North Shore Juneteenth Association and will include remarks from NSJA President and Lynn City Councilor Nicole McClain, elected officials and community members.

The ceremony will end with the raising of the Juneteenth flags and a performance of "Lift Every Voice."

"As Salem commemorates our 400th anniversary throughout 2026, it is my great honor to invite our community to join us as we again celebrate the Juneteenth holiday, this year with even more programming and support," Mayor Pangallo said. "Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, joy, and Black culture and history."

This year's ceremony theme is "Honoring Our Legacy, Building Community Together."

Salem is partnering with the Peabody Essex Museum and Real Pirate Salem Museum for the event.

"We are thrilled to partner with the city to celebrate and honor Juneteenth with a robust slate of programs and performances," said David Snider, Director of Learning & Community Engagement from the Peabody Essex Museum. "It's going to be a great day."

On June 19, Salem's Juneteenth Jam Festival III begins at 11:30 a.m. at Charlotte Forten Park on Derby Street. The keynote will be delivered by History Alive's re-enactor Sarah Parker Remond.

"This year we are honoring Sarah Parker Remond on the anniversary of her 200th birthday," said Pangallo. "She was a trailblazer and freedom fighter, with global impact, but roots here in Salem. We hope that by partnering with History Alive and bringing Sarah Parker Remond to our community, people will be able to learn more about her life and her legacy."

The festival will include a public reading and community discussion of Frederick Douglass's "The Meaning of The Fourth Of July for the Negro," games, crafts, face painting, music, free food, a pop-up market and community tables.

A free Black history tour of Salem will leave Charlotte Forten Park at 1:30 p.m., with sign-ups starting at 1 p.m. and limited to 40 spots.

Additional Juneteenth programs are planned at the Peabody Essex Museum, Armory Park and Salem Common.

Admission to the museum will be free on Juneteenth, with community circles, live music, and an outdoor performance by Black Experimental Arts Theater.

Another performance by Black Experimental Arts Theater is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at Armory Park.

The day will close with a screening of Pixar’s 2020 film "Soul" on Salem Common at about 8:30 p.m., with free popcorn provided by CinemaSalem.