Mayor Dominick Pangallo announced that Salem’s Heritage Days festival will take place August 3rd through August 11th, 2024, 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 begins with the Salem Maritime Festival, hosted by the National Park Service, which will be anchored by the exciting second-annual Great Salem Maritime Cardboard Boat Regatta on Saturday, August 3rd at the Historic Derby Wharf. During this event, families can also enjoy crafts, activities, live music, entertainment and visiting vessels, as well as the reopening of the Custom House.
The week includes several events exclusively for older adults, including an ice cream social, a couple of meditation themed events, a special event designed around getting MBTA Charlie Cards, and an Arabian-themed dance.
Sunday, August 4th 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 evening, August 5th, 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 6th, the North Shore Concert Band will perform a program of All-American Composers.
The Salem Police Department Community Impact Unit are planning a community cookout this year at Mary Jane Lee Park on Monday, August 5th at which residents will have a chance grab a burger or a hot dog and some ice cream with the city’s police officers. Come say hello!
On Wednesday, August 7th, residents are invited to the Salem Common for the very popular Ice Scream Bowl where SPS Superintendent Zrike will be on hand to chat with families about our public schools. Proceeds will benefit Salem Main Streets. 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, Jumanji.
Thursday, August 8th is a wonderful chance to visit Salem’s weekly Farmers Market on Front Street, including a story time for youngsters hosted by the Salem Public Library at the market.
Heritage Days comes to a close on Sunday, August 11th with three exciting events: The 21st Annual Phillips House Car Meet on Chestnut Street, the S.C.E.N.E.’s Sunset Hang at the Willows, and the second-annual Fusion Fest at the House of the Seven Gables, celebrating Salem’s immigrant communities.
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 https://www.salemma.gov/home/events/36910
