Art and creativity are the lifeblood of Salem, fostering connections and healing within our community. We’re excited to announce the 16th annual Salem Arts Festival, set for June 7-9, 2024. This event is a vibrant celebration of local creativity and a showcase for the talent that enriches our city’s cultural and economic landscape, drawing over 7,500 attendees each year.

This year’s festival, taking place in historic downtown Salem, promises an array of free, family-friendly activities. Attendees can look forward to a diverse lineup of art, music, dance, and theatre performances across various outdoor stages. The festival will also feature interactive art-making opportunities for all ages, a marketplace filled with local artisans and makers, pop-up art exhibitions in surrounding businesses, a live mural slam on Artists’ Row, and a captivating temporary public art installation.

As we celebrate the 16th anniversary of this beloved event, we recognize the essential role of the creative workforce in enhancing our daily lives and strengthening our local economy. The Salem Arts Festival, a collaborative effort between Salem Main Streets and Creative Collective, is more than a celebration; it’s an investment in the vibrancy and resilience of our community.

Join us for an unforgettable weekend that not only highlights the incredible talents of our local artists, artisans, performers, and creators but also embodies our collective hope and optimism for the future. Let’s come together to make the 2024 Salem Arts Festival a testament to the enduring power of art to unite and inspire our community.

The SAF Organizing Committee:

Kylie Sullivan, Salem Main Streets

Elise Towle Snow, Salem Main Streets

John Andrews, Creative Collective

Arielle Kaplan, Creative Collective

Kati Nalbandian, Creative Collective

Jim Bostick, Salem Arts Association

Karen Gahagan, Salem State University

Eric Small, resident

Ann Marie Catabia, Graphic Design

Jeannette Mitton Coleman, resident

Dennis Shafer, ChagallPAC

Claudia Paraschiv, Studioful

Betsy Miller, Salem State University

Linda Mullen, Grace & Diggs

Bethany Beatrice, Peabody Essex Museum

Doneeca Thurston, LynnArts/Lynn Museum

Leslie Levesque, The Phoenix School

With support from

Kate Fox and Stacia Cooper, Destination Salem

Kate Luchini, Endicott College

Christopher Wilson, SkewSound

Paige Besse

You can learn more about the awesome things happening around Salem on Destination Salem and across the North Shore on Creative North Shore.