Salem, MA — Salem has announced a full schedule of festivals for 2024 that provide fun and interactive activities for all – including foodies, history buffs, and art enthusiasts. The festivals take place in many forms and locations including outdoors, in Museums, or in historical attractions. From film festivals to parades, Salem always provides a vibrant scene.
 
“We are so pleased to announce this robust schedule of festivals that are produced by our partners in Salem," said Stacia Cooper, Interim Director of Destination Salem. “The many different venues in Salem offer the opportunity to celebrate history, diversity, and culture.”
 
The schedule of Salem’s events and festivals are posted on the Destination Salem website www.Salem.org and in the new 2024 Destination Salem Visitor Information Guide. Guides are available at the Destination Salem Visitor Information Center at 245 Derby Street in Salem. This year's Destination Salem Visitor Guide highlights the Point Neighborhood and the vibrant Arts and Culture scene in Salem. 

Below is the schedule of events:
 
Salem Film Fest
Thursday, March 21 through Sunday, March 24
The largest all-documentary film festival in Massachusetts returns to Salem for its 17th season. For four days, attendees can view films from around the world and engage with visiting filmmakers at screenings, parties, and forums. Each year, Salem Film Fest also showcases a variety of local musicians and bands. The second annual Lineup Reveal Party will take place on Sunday, February 25. www.SalemFilmFest.com

377th Anniversary of the First Muster of the National Guard
Saturday, April 13
A grand commemoration of the anniversary of the country's first muster in 1637 in Salem Massachusetts. Participants typically include the Massachusetts National Guard, Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, Salem Trayned Band, 2nd Corpos Veterans Group, and historic military companies.
www.SalemMA.gov

Salem Arts Festival
Friday, June 7 through Sunday, June 9
The Salem Arts Festival, which is now in its 15th year, celebrates the arts in all its forms: painting, photography, sculpture, installation, dance, music, writing, film, new media, performance, theater, poetry, culinary, visual art, and more. The 2024 festival will consist of a gallery of juried artists’ work, performances in an outdoor stage venue, indoor performances, a street fair, and opportunities for the community to actively participate in the arts. Individuals are welcome to contribute at multiple venues and events.
www.SalemArtsFestival.com
 
Salem Farmers’ Market
Thursdays, June 13 through October 10
The Salem Farmers’ Market is a tradition that dates back to 1634. At its peak, around 1930 more than 40 vendors sold goods in collapsible wooden stalls and an estimated 10,000 people visited the market on a single Saturday. In the early 1970s, the market ended, and the Salem Redevelopment Authority redesigned the square into what we now know as Derby Square. The Salem Farmers Market features local farms every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
www.SalemFarmersMarket.org

North Shore Pride Parade and Festival
Saturday, June 22
A day to celebrate Pride with local businesses, faith groups, and community organizations at the fifth annual North Shore Pride Parade and Festival. All are welcome to attend any activity during the day-long event celebrating unity in the community which includes the North Shore Pride Parade and Festival, North Shore Pride Afterparty, North Shore Pride Drag Brunch, and North Shore Pride Interfaith service.
www.NorthShorePride.org
 
Salem Celebrates the 4th!
Thursday, July 4
Bring your beach blankets and folding chairs to enjoy the 42-piece Hillyer Festival Orchestra on Derby Wharf at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site for a grand celebration of our nation’s Independence Day. Featuring a Pops concert, a Kid Space play area, and fireworks launched over Salem Harbor, this is a quintessential celebration of the 4th of July.
 www.Salem.com

Salem Merry-time Fest
Saturday, August 3
Join us for the second annual Salem Merry-time Fest at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Street. This event is free and open to the public and includes the Cardboard Boat Regatta.
www.NPS.gov/SaMa 

Salem Heritage Days
Saturday, August 3 through Sunday, August 11
Celebrate the past and the present during the annual Salem Heritage Days. Featuring food, fun, and activities for all ages, highlights include National Night Out, Ice Cream Bowl, live music, outdoor films, and more.
www.Salem.com

Salem Ancestry Days 2024
Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10
Residents and visitors are invited to celebrate their ancestral and immigrant connections to Salem, Massachusetts during our Salem Ancestry Days celebration. The weekend will feature lectures, tours, research opportunities, and information on the people who connect us all to Salem.
www.salemancestry.org
 
Preservation in a Changing Climate
Wednesday, September 18
This annual conference recognizes the ongoing impacts of climate change on historic resources and the need for action to protect these irreplaceable assets. The City of Salem and the Salem Preservation Partners joined together in 2021 to create this annual conference.
www.PreservingSalem.com
 
Salem Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22
Food Truck Festivals of America returns to Salem with the ultimate food truck experience for a two-day festival that will feature some of the area's most popular food trucks. The vendors will be dishing out fan favorites as well as dozens of regional and national craft
breweries.
www.FoodTruckFestivalsofAmerica.com

Salem Haunted Happenings
Tuesday, October 1 through Thursday, October 31
An internationally renowned celebration of Halloween and fall in New England. What started as a Saturday in 1982 has grown to become the largest celebration of Halloween in the world. Events include the Grand Parade, Howl-o-Ween Pet Parade, Family Film Nights on Salem Common, costume balls, ghost tours, haunted houses, live music, and chilling theatrical presentations. www.HauntedHappenings.org
 
Salem Holiday Happenings
Friday, November 29 through Thursday, January 2, 2025
Celebrate, shop, and dine in Salem during the holiday season. Festival highlights include Historic Salem, Inc.’s annual Christmas in Salem Historic House Tour and Santa’s arrival atop the Hawthorne Hotel. And don’t miss the annual Launch! on New Year’s Eve, featuring an early family-friendly event. These events are just a sampling of the programming that takes place in Salem each year. In addition to these annual events and incredible exhibitions, programming at the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem State University, the House of the Seven Gables, Historic New England’s Phillips House, and the many restaurants and bars guarantee a different experience for every visit. www.Salem.org
 
Salem Comedy & Spirits Festival
Thursday, January 23 through Saturday, January 25, 2025
Lift your spirits and laugh the cold away with this three-day celebration of comedy in historic Salem. Featuring top local and national performing comedians, locally crafted spirits and beer, and related special events at a variety of renowned Salem venues. www.SalemComedyFestival.com
 
Visit www.Salem.org or reach out to Destination Salem any time to find more information on everything happening in Salem, Massachusetts.

About Destination Salem
As the destination marketing organization for the City of Salem, Destination Salem cooperatively markets Salem as one of Massachusetts’ best destinations for families, couples, and domestic and international travelers who are seeking an authentic New England experience, cultural enrichment, American history, fine dining, unique shopping, and fun. Stay connected with us on social media @DestSalem. For more information, visit Salem.org.

High-resolution images are available HERE.