LOCAL HAPPENINGS 

MAY

"Pressing Importance: Salem and the Declaration of Independence" Exhibition

May 2nd - July 25th 2026 | The exhibition features rare Revolutionary-era objects—including early printed versions (broadsides) of the Declaration of Independence—alongside newspapers, pamphlets, and manuscripts that helped spread ideas of freedom, liberty, and equality throughout the colonies. Located at The Peabody Essex Museum.

APRIL

Revolution 250 Salem Tour

April 19th, 2026 | The Revolution 250 Salem Tour is a guided walking tour exploring Salem’s role in the American Revolution. Starting at Salem Historical Tours (8 Central Street, Salem, MA), visitors will discover historic sites and stories of Salem’s patriots, privateers, and the events that helped shape America’s fight for independence.

Salem Main Streets Fashion Show

April 8th, 2026 | The 2026 Salem Main Streets Fashion Show event will take place April 8 at the Peabody Essex Museum (161 Essex Street, Salem, MA) and features a runway show with looks from local shops modeled by Salem personalities, along with music, raffles, and a cocktail hour.

MARCH

St. Patricks Day Trolley

March 15th, 2026 | Join The Good Witch of Salem on a "Rainbow Ride" - embark on an enchanting adventure with the Good Witch of Salem and the mischievous Leprechaun aboard the Salem Trolley!

Salem Film Fest

March 26th - 29th, 2026 | The 19th annual Salem Film Fest returns to downtown Salem, showcasing a curated selection of independent documentary films. The in-person festival will take place across several local venues, including Cinema Salem, the Peabody Essex Museum, and the National Park Service Visitor Center.

FEBRUARY

Salem's So Sweet

February 6th - 8th, 2026 | Join Salem's So Sweet Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival - a decadent tradition of chocolate, ice sculptures, and Valentine's Day shopping!

JANUARY

Salem 400+ Kickoff Festival and Volunteer Fair

January 10, 2026 | Located at Salem High School

DECEMBER

Salem Wax: Ghosts of Holidays Past-Yuletide Spirits and Haunted History

Runs daily from November 28 to January 2, 2025 | Located at Salem Haunted Neighborhood: 288 Derby St., Salem, MA.

NOVEMBER

Salem Holiday Happenings

11/28-12/28 | Presented by Salem Main Streets & Creative Collective

OCTOBER

Haunted Happenings Grand Parade

October 2nd 6:30 PM | Salem Common. Kicking off the month-long Halloween festivities in Salem.

Festival of the Dead

Oct-Nov | Various locations in Salem. An immersive, month-long celebration held throughout October. Runs daily from October 1 to October 31, 2025. It operates 10 AM to 10 PM at Witch City Mall, 176 Essex Street, Historic Downtown Salem.

This unique event series delves into death's mysteries and the city's supernatural heritage through a wide range of themed experiences.

The festival features events such as:

The Salem Psychic Fair & Witches Market

All October | daily psychics, tarot readings, and magical happenings. Authentic Séances under "Messages From the Spirit World" - nightly spiritual communications with mediums.

Graveyard Magic with Witchdoctor

October 30th  | cemetery rituals

The Salem Witches Halloween Ball & Magic Circle

Oct 31 | culminating evening events celebrating witchcraft and the afterlife.

The Mourning Tea & Dumb Supper 

Nov 21 | a communal remembrance meal in honor of loved ones who have passed.

SEPTEMBER

Salem Lit Festival

Sept 3-7th | Celebrate reading and creativity at this literary festival. Activities include author talks, writing workshops, panel discussions, and performances in historic venues across Salem.

Trails & Sails

Sept 13-28 | Explore Essex County's heritage through guided hikes, boat excursions, historic house tours, craft demos, lectures, and community gatherings.

Salem Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

Sept 20-21st | Enjoy a weekend food adventure with local food trucks paired with regional and national craft beers.

AUGUST

Salem Maritime Festival

August 16th | A free, family-friendly event featuring maritime crafts, music, and the entertaining.

Salem Jazz & Soul Festival

An all-day, free community concert showcasing regional musicians, an education tent, and a curated vendor fair.

JULY

Salem Celebrates The Fourth

July 4th 5-10 | Enjoy live music, food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks display over the harbor.

Witch City Tarot Gathering

July 25-27  | 18 Washington Square, Salem

A weekend of taret workshops, readings and community gatherings. 

JUNE

Salem Arts Festival

June 6-8 | Downtown Salem (Centre at Old Town Hall) A vibrant free, three-day celebration featuring local artists, live music, dance, interactive installations, and family-friendy.