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

Computer Classes

Computer Classes

Darwin Festival

Darwin Festival

Kindergarten Open House at Clark School

Kindergarten Open House at Clark School

Governor Patrick Visits Collins Middle School

Governor Patrick Visits Collins Middle School

Sea Turtle vs. Bag Monster

Sea Turtle vs. Bag Monster

Coffee & Conversation with Brookwood School Parents

Coffee & Conversation with Brookwood School Parents

Saint Mary School, Open House, Beverly

Saint Mary School, Open House, Beverly

School Building Committee

School Building Committee

New Year's Resolution Class

New Year's Resolution Class

Book Club for Babies

Book Club for Babies

Lecture Series: Geologic History and Evolution of Boston Harbor

Lecture Series: Geologic History and Evolution of Boston Harbor

Lecture Series: Conservation Research in the Stellwagon Bank National Marine Sanctuary

Lecture Series: Conservation Research in the Stellwagon Bank National Marine Sanctuary

Shore Country Day School Admissions Open House

Shore Country Day School Admissions Open House

Salem Landlords Association

Salem Landlords Association

Tower School Admission Open House

Tower School Admission Open House

Greater Salem Landlord Association

Greater Salem Landlord Association

Teaching Yoga for Special Needs Children

Teaching Yoga for Special Needs Children

Council on Aging Board Meeting

Council on Aging Board Meeting

Salem School Committee Meeting

Salem School Committee Meeting

Licensing Board Meeting

Licensing Board Meeting

Contributory Retirement Board

Contributory Retirement Board

Historical Commission Meeting

Historical Commission Meeting

School Building Committee Meeting

School Building Committee Meeting

Salem School Committee Meeting

Salem School Committee Meeting

No Place for Hate Committee Meeting

No Place for Hate Committee Meeting

School Building Committee Meeting

School Building Committee Meeting

School Building Committee Meeting

School Building Committee Meeting

forum - Democracy Betrayed: the Citizens United Supreme Court Decision and How Corporations Rule America

forum - Democracy Betrayed: the Citizens United Supreme Court Decision and How Corporations Rule America

Salem City Council and the Salem School Committee Joint Convention

Salem City Council and the Salem School Committee Joint Convention

School Committee Personnel Subcommittee

School Committee Personnel Subcommittee

Tower School Admission Open House

Tower School Admission Open House

Seminar Series for Small Businesses: “Take your local business to the global market”

Seminar Series for Small Businesses: “Take your local business to the global market”

School Committee Personnel Subcommittee Meeting

School Committee Personnel Subcommittee Meeting

Salem State University Neighborhood Advisory Committee Meeting

Salem State University Neighborhood Advisory Committee Meeting

Salem School Committee Meeting

Salem School Committee Meeting

Salem State University Neighborhood Advisory Committee Meeting

Salem State University Neighborhood Advisory Committee Meeting

School Building Committee Meeting

School Building Committee Meeting

18th Annual Salem Children's Charity Party

18th Annual Salem Children's Charity Party

School Committee Personnel Subcommittee Meeting