America’s 250th anniversary coincides with Salem’s 400+ anniversary in 2026; Annual ‘Salem Celebrates the 4th’ extravaganza to incorporate these milestone themes
SALEM, MA – Mayor Dominick Pangallo is pleased to announce that Salem will hold its annual Independence Day celebration at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Wharf on July 4th.
“As the Mayor of one of our nation’s most historic cities, I am especially looking forward to joining with our community to mark both America’s 250th anniversary and Salem’s 400+ anniversary at this milestone extravaganza,” said Mayor Pangallo, “This event does not happen without our sponsors, and we are especially grateful for the continued support of our Skyrocket Sponsors: Amazon, Footprint Power, Prime Group, Salem 400+, Salem Five Charitable Foundation, Salem Witch Museum, Tropical Products, Witch City Walking Tours, as well as Salem Maritime National Historical Park. I am also deeply grateful to the City staff and volunteers who work so hard to ensure we are able to enjoy a fun, safe and successful 4th of July here in Salem.”
At 4:00 p.m. the Kids’ Space tent, sponsored by Amazon, will open. This year, little ones will be able to do crafts, play games and win prizes.
As a special treat related to the Salem 400+ anniversary, live entertainment on the Main Stage will begin earlier than in the past this year. Starting at 3:30 p.m. the Rule of 3 Experience will take the stage, so come down early and kick off the evening in style with some fun favorite tunes!
Next up, scheduled to start at 5:30pm, Barrence Whitfield & His All Star Band will take the stage. The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival are generously sponsoring this performance, in celebration of the upcoming Jazz and Soul Festival this summer at the Salem Willows Shell on August 15th.
Food tents will be open on site selling burgers, hot dogs, French fries, fried dough, kettle corn, ice cream, and other fair favorites.
Opening Ceremonies begin at 7:15 p.m. when a procession of officials will lead a parade down the wharf accompanied by the Salem Veterans Color Guard. The National Anthem will be sung by Nicole Harris.
Immediately following the opening ceremonies Maestro Dirk Hillyer and the Hillyer Festival Orchestra (HFO) will take center stage and perform a program packed with Broadway show tunes, famous movie themes, and patriotic music, including a special selection related to America’s 250th anniversary. This year, Jeff Leonard and Cynthia Napierkowski will participate as guest conductors, Aaron Larget-Caplan, Jaclyn Tremblay and Greg Naegar will join as guest performers, and Karen Nascembeni will perform a special narration.
Salem’s 2026 Independence Day event is dedicated in memory of Mr. James Bailey, who was one of the original sponsors of this event.
At 9:15 p.m., Salem ends its Independence Day celebration with a fireworks extravaganza, accompanied live by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra playing the 1812 Overture and other patriotic tunes throughout the entire fireworks display.
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Families are encouraged to note that City of Salem sponsored celebrations kick off in the morning over at the Salem Common with the Fourth of July Bike Parade, this year once again organized by the City of Salem Bicycling and Shared Path Advisory Committee. This beloved tradition returned in 2025 after a break of several years, and this year will build on last year’s enthusiasm. This event will begin on Saturday, July 4th at 11:00am, when kids are invited to head to the Salem Common playground, where they can adorn their bicycle, scooter, stroller, wheelchair, etc. in festive decorations (please plan to carry in and carry out any fun and festive décor or streamers) together with other kids. At 12:00pm, the bike parade will begin with a loop around the perimeter of the Common. Immediately following the parade, participants are invited to the parking lot at O’Donnell Funeral Home (84 Washington Square) for a bike rodeo and refreshments.
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In celebrating the 4th of July in the City of Salem, please make note of the following guidance:
*Be safe. To ensure a safe and fun celebration, the Salem Police Department will have enhanced security in place on July 4. Guests are asked to carry any items in clear plastic bags and be prepared for possible bag checks by uniformed officers.
*Say something. If you see something, say something to uniformed police at the celebration. In addition to officers who will be moving throughout the area all evening, you can also always find officers at the public safety tent, which will be clearly identifiable on site. Concerns can also be called into the Salem Police at (978) 744-1212.
*Derby Wharf access. Police will be monitoring access points into the Derby Wharf area throughout the afternoon and evening. Please plan for additional time to arrive at the wharf for the festivities.
*Road closures. Derby Street from Congress Street to Daniels Street, and Orange Street and Curtis Street at Essex Street, will all be closed to traffic from 4:30pm until 11:00pm.
*No Parking Areas. There will be no parking on Derby Street from Herbert Street to Daniels Street, on Orange Street, and a portion of Herbert Street from 8:00am to 11:00pm. Please remove all vehicles from the street, or they will be towed. No parking on Derby Street from Congress Street to Herbert Street from 3:00pm to 11:00pm.
*Avoid driving to Derby Wharf. Seek parking downtown in a lot, or Museum Place Garage on New Liberty Street and the South Harbor Garage on Congress Street are available for parking. There is overflow parking at Prime Group Shetland Park on Congress Street, or take the commuter rail or Salem Ferry (https://www.cityexperiences.com/boston/city-cruises/salem-ferry/) to avoid anticipated traffic congestion. The last MBTA trains depart Salem station at 11:10 p.m. (southbound) and 10:52 p.m. (northbound/Newburyport Line) and 12:22 a.m. (northbound/Rockport Line)
*Handicapped parking. There is limited handicap-accessible parking at Derby Wharf and in the Immaculate Conception parking lot on Hawthorne Boulevard, which will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a mobility impaired/wheelchair accessible seating section reserved at the beginning of Derby Wharf so that attendees do not have to traverse the park’s grassy terrain.
*Don’t bring fireworks. Salem has adopted the maximum fines allowable for both the sale ($1,000 fine) and use ($200 fine) of fireworks. In addition, a dedicated police unit will be tasked with enforcing the laws prohibiting the private use of fireworks. Please help ensure a safe July 4th for all and leave the fireworks to the professionals.
*Harbor access. Recreational boaters and other craft will be restricted from the area around Derby Wharf and the channel in Salem Harbor and the South River for much of the evening. Mariners can call the Harbormaster’s Office at 978-741-0098 or on VHF 16 for emergencies after hours or for more information.
For more information check www.salemma.gov or call Salem City Hall at 978-745-9595.
