Image source: Anna M. Restaurant
Salem, Massachusetts welcomes 2022 with an exciting lineup of festivals and events that are sure to captivate both residents and visitors alike. With celebrations spanning every season, Salem embraces its rich heritage, vibrant arts scene, and diverse culinary offerings. Get ready to embark on a year-round adventure filled with laughter, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences.
Salem Comedy & Spirits Festival
Thursday, January 13 through Saturday, January 15
Lift your spirits and banish the winter blues with the Salem Comedy & Spirits Festival. Over the course of three days, the historic city of Salem will come alive with laughter. Featuring top local and national comedians, along with a selection of locally crafted spirits and beer, this festival promises endless entertainment. Various renowned Salem venues will host this celebration of comedy, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.
Image source: Anna M. Restaurant
20th Annual Salem's So Sweet
Thursday, February 10 through Sunday, February 13
Love is in the air as Salem hosts its sweetest event of the year, the 20th Annual Salem's So Sweet festival. Just in time for Valentine's Day, this decadent tradition offers a delightful fusion of delectable chocolate, sparkling ice sculptures, and charming Valentine's Day shopping. Don't miss the mesmerizing ice sculpture illumination, a true feast for the eyes.
Salem Restaurant Week
March - Dates to be confirmed
Calling all food enthusiasts! Salem Restaurant Week is a culinary extravaganza you absolutely cannot miss. Experience the city's exceptional dining scene as the finest eateries showcase their gastronomic prowess. From succulent steaks to fresh seafood, classic Italian dishes to contemporary cuisine, and American favorites to exotic ethnic treats, Salem's restaurants offer a diverse array of options. Indulge in multiple choices for appetizers, entrees, and desserts, making every meal a memorable experience.
Salem Film Fest
Thursday, March 24 through Sunday, April 3
Lights, camera, action! Get ready for the 15th season of the Salem Film Fest, the largest documentary film festival in Massachusetts. Immerse yourself in the world of captivating documentaries from around the globe, with more than 30 films on display. Engage with visiting filmmakers and embrace the power of storytelling. The festival also features local musicians and bands, adding a vibrant musical touch to this celebration of the arts.
Salem Women's History Day
Sunday, March 27
Celebrating women's history month, Salem Women's History Day pays tribute to the remarkable women who have shaped the city's past. Join various historical sites, including The House of the Seven Gables, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and the Witch House, as they share stories spanning 400 years. Explore the rich heritage of Salem through engaging programs and gain a deeper understanding of the contributions of extraordinary women.
Salem Ancestry Days
Friday, April 29 through Monday, May 2
Uncover the ancestral and immigrant connections that tie us all to Salem during the vibrant Salem Ancestry Days. Embrace the opportunity to celebrate your own ancestral heritage as residents and visitors come together for a weekend filled with lectures, tours, research opportunities, and insightful information. Discover the stories that connect us and forge lasting connections within the community.
Salem Arts Festival
Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5
Art lovers, rejoice! The Salem Arts Festival is a grand celebration of creativity in all its forms. From painting to photography, sculpture to dance, music to writing, and beyond, this festival showcases an array of artistic expressions. Immerse yourself in a gallery of juried artists' work, witness captivating performances, and have the chance to actively participate in the arts. With a street fair and multiple venues, the Salem Arts Festival is an inclusive event that welcomes everyone to experience the magic of art.
Image source: Anna M. Restaurant
Salem Farmers' Market
Thursdays, June 19 through October 13
Experience the rich tradition dating back to 1634 at the Salem Farmers' Market. Discover a wide array of local produce and goods as vendors come together to offer the finest offerings from the region. Rediscover the joy of shopping for fresh ingredients while supporting local farmers. Every Thursday, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Derby Square transforms into a vibrant market where the community gathers to celebrate the bounty of the land.
North Shore Pride Weekend
Thursday, June 23 through Sunday, June 26
Join local businesses, faith groups, and community organizations in celebrating unity and love at the North Shore Pride Weekend. This four-day extravaganza, culminating in the North Shore Pride Parade and Festival, offers a warm and inclusive atmosphere for all. From the colorful parade to the vibrant drag brunch and interfaith service, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this joyous celebration of community.
Salem Celebrates the 4th!
Monday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day in style with "Salem Celebrates the 4th!" Bring your beach blankets and folding chairs and head to Derby Wharf at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Enjoy a grand concert by the 42-piece Hillyer Festival Orchestra, filled with patriotic tunes. Kids will have a blast in the Kid Space play area, and as the sun sets, marvel at the spectacular fireworks over Salem Harbor. This quintessential 4th of July celebration is not to be missed.
Image source: Anna M. Restaurant
Salem Heritage Days
Monday, August 1st through Sunday, August 7th
Travel back in time and celebrate the past and present during the annual Salem Heritage Days. This week-long event offers a blend of food, fun, and activities suitable for all ages. Join in the festivities at the Essex Street Fair, indulge in the Ice Cream Bowl, and admire the classic cars on display at the Car Show on Chestnut Street. This is a chance to immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant spirit of Salem.
Image source: Anna M. Restaurant
Salem Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, September 24 and Saturday, September 25
Prepare your taste buds for a mouthwatering experience at the Salem Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival. Food Truck Festivals of America presents this two-day extravaganza, featuring some of the area's most popular food trucks. Indulge in a wide array of culinary delights while enjoying regional and national craft brews. Join the festivities and savor every bite and sip at this ultimate food truck experience.
Salem Haunted Happenings
Saturday, October 1 through Tuesday, October 31
Get ready for a spine-tingling experience at Salem Haunted Happenings, an internationally renowned celebration of Halloween and autumn in New England. Welcoming over half a million visitors each year, this month-long festival has become the largest Halloween celebration in the world. Immerse yourself in the eerie ambiance as you explore ghost tours, haunted houses, live music, and chilling theatrical presentations. From the Grand Parade to family film nights and costume balls, Salem Haunted Happenings offers a thrilling experience for all.
Salem Holiday Happenings
Friday, November 25 through Sunday, January 1, 2023
Experience the magic of the holiday season in Salem. Celebrate, shop, and dine amidst the enchanting atmosphere of Salem Holiday Happenings. Explore the annual Christmas in Salem Historic House Tour organized by Historic Salem, Inc. Don't miss Santa's arrival at the iconic Hawthorne Hotel. And as the year comes to a close, join the festivities of Launch!, an early family-friendly event on New Year's Eve. Embrace the holiday spirit and create lasting memories during this joyful season.
These events are just a taste of the vibrant programming that awaits visitors to Salem throughout the year. The Peabody Essex Museum, Salem State University, the House of the Seven Gables, Historic New England's Phillips House, and the numerous restaurants and bars ensure that every visit offers a unique and enriching experience. For more information on everything happening in Salem, Massachusetts, visit Salem.org or reach out to Destination Salem.
Please note that safety measures are in place to protect everyone during these events. Stay updated on the latest guidelines, including mask requirements and vaccination mandates, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Let's come together and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Salem in 2022!
Categorised In: Do, Eat, Learn, Plan Tags: Family, Film, Gallows Hill Museum/Theatre, Halloween, History, Holiday, Maritime, Salem Ancestry Days, Salem Heritage Days, Salem Witch Trials, Things To Do
