SALEM, – Mayor Dominick Pangallo announced that Salem’s Heritage Days festival will take place August 2nd through August 10th, 2025, with a line-up of non-stop fun and special events. “I’m excited that our community will be able to celebrate over the course of this popular festival with so many special events,” said Mayor Pangallo. “I want to thank all of the organizations that coordinate these festivities to ensure the continuance of Salem’s Heritage Days.”
The week kicks off on Saturday, August 2nd with the Making of a Witch, a one act play at St. Peter’s Church.
Sunday, August 3rd offers youngsters a chance to climb and explore all sorts of big trucks and emergency vehicles at the ‘Tour-a-Truck’ event at the Salem Willows.
Monday, August 4th, Miss Shelley will be leading a children’s yoga and mindfulness class for kids ages 4-9 at the Community Life Center.
Monday evening, August 4th, the Salem Community Concert Band and Community Jazz Band, under the direction of Cynthia Napierkowski, will take place at the Salem Willows Shell, and on Tuesday, August 5th, the North Shore Concert Band will perform a ‘Red White and Blue’ Concert featuring conductor Robert Chadwick at the Salem Willows.
On Wednesday, August 6th, residents are invited to the Salem Common for the very popular Ice Scream Bowl. Proceeds will benefit Salem Main Streets and the City of Salem’s annual Fourth of July celebration. Wednesday evening following the Ice Scream Bowl, the Salem Common Neighborhood Association invites all to bring a blanket or a chair to the Common to enjoy a screening of the beloved family-friendly film, Toy Story.
Thursday, August 7th is a wonderful chance to visit Salem’s weekly Farmers Market on Front Street, including musical entertainment and demonstrations, as well as a story time for youngsters hosted by the Salem Public Library at the market.
The week includes several events exclusively for older adults, including an ice cream social, a day of Mahjong, a special event designed around getting MBTA Charlie Cards, a BBQ at Winter Island, and a night of dinner and dancing.
On Saturday, August 9th, the National Park Service hosts the annual Salem Maritime Festival, which will be anchored by the exciting second-annual Great Salem Maritime Cardboard Boat Regatta at the Historic Derby Wharf. Throughout the day, families can also enjoy visiting historic buildings as well as the Friendship of Salem, which is back and ready for the festival!
Heritage Days comes to a close on Sunday, August 10th with four exciting events: The 23rd Annual Phillips House Car Meet on Chestnut Street, the S.C.E.N.E.’s Sunset Hang at the Willows, the annual Fusion Fest at the House of the Seven Gables, celebrating Salem’s immigrant communities, and the City of Salem’s Mack Park Farm Fest.
During Heritage Days we would also like to highlight all of the opportunities for Salem residents to visit many of our downtown museums and attractions for free and receive discounts on the Salem Ferry. So, whether it be a free Salem Trolley Tour, enjoying a free community meal, tasting some ice cream, dancing, and enjoying a variety of music, or climbing a big dump truck, Heritage Days offers something for everyone.
For a complete schedule, more details about the Salem Heritage Days Festival, and about each of its many events, please visit the City of Salem website.
