The Salem Arts Festival stands as a cornerstone of our community's cultural landscape, celebrating the vibrant artistic spirit that defines our historic city. Founded with the vision of showcasing local talent and fostering creative connections, this annual celebration has grown to become one of the region's most anticipated cultural events, attracting over 7,500 visitors each year to downtown Salem.

Our festival transforms the historic streets of Salem into an immersive artistic experience through a thoughtfully curated blend of visual and performing arts. From the energetic performances on our outdoor stages to the dynamic marketplace featuring local artisans, every aspect of the festival is designed to engage, inspire, and celebrate creativity in all its forms. Visitors can experience live music, dance, and theatre performances while exploring pop-up art exhibitions hosted by local businesses throughout downtown.

A collaboration between Salem Main Streets and Creative Collective, the festival embodies our commitment to supporting and elevating our creative workforce. We believe in the power of art to strengthen our local economy while enriching our community's cultural fabric. Our signature events, including the live mural slam on Artists' Row and temporary public art installations, showcase the innovative spirit of our creative community.

What sets the Salem Arts Festival apart is our dedication to accessibility and community engagement. As a free, family-friendly event, we ensure that art remains accessible to all. Interactive art-making opportunities invite visitors of all ages to become part of the creative process, fostering a deeper connection between artists and community members.

The 17th annual Salem Arts Festival will take place June 6-8, 2025, continuing our tradition of celebrating and nurturing the artistic soul of Salem. Through this festival, we reaffirm our belief in art's unique ability to unite, inspire, and strengthen our community bonds.