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Things to Do in Salem in June

May 27, 2026
Written By: Jess Shada

Above Photo Credit – Sunset Sail Salem

June in Salem brings outdoor dining with ocean views, cruises through Salem Harbor, Pride celebrations, and fun-filled weekends across downtown. From murals and live performances at the Salem Arts Festival to RenFaire revelry, Father’s Day sails, and Salem 400+ events throughout the city, June is packed with color, creativity, and long days on Pickering Wharf.

The Salem Arts Festival – June 5 – 7
Downtown Salem comes alive with a weekend of live music, dance, theater, interactive art-making, public installations, and local creativity during this FREE, family-friendly festival. Along with outdoor performances, pop-up exhibitions, and a lively makers’ marketplace, favorite traditions like the Tiny Art Spree return to kick off the weekend on June 5th at Old Town Hall.

Queens at the Castle – June 5
An evening of drag, comedy, cocktails, and live performances takes over Hammond Castle Museum during this 21+ event just beyond Salem in Gloucester. Hosted by Boston drag icon Kris Knievil, the night includes reserved table seating, signature cocktails, and snacks inside the castle’s historic Great Hall.

Tea Tasting with Diehl Marcus & Company – June 11
Explore the global history of tea during this guided tasting experience led by Diehl Marcus & Company. Sample five custom loose-leaf blends while learning about their origins, ingredients, and traditions before exploring a Peabody Essex Museum gallery connected to the teas featured in the tasting.

Food at 400+ – June 11 – 22
Join Salem Food Tours to celebrate Salem’s rich history and vibrant dining scene with a lineup of family-friendly, free, and ticketed events throughout the month. Alongside community programming and speaker series events at Old Town Hall, the celebration features special dining experiences, historic-inspired menus, and opportunities to explore Salem through food – including a premier evening with award-winning chef Scott Conant, a descendant of Salem founder Roger Conant.

Salem RenFaire – June 13
Salem RenFaire brings a full day of medieval-inspired fun to the city with a lively marketplace, combat demonstrations, roaming performances, interactive roleplay quests, and plenty of community spirit. Hosted by Notch Brewing, this all-ages event offers a playful, immersive take on the classic Renaissance Faire experience.

Salem Farmers’ Market – June 11 – October 8
Since 1634, Salem’s Farmers’ Market has been a gathering place for local food and community. Join Salem Main Streets in Derby Square every Thursday from 3 – 7 PM for fresh produce, baked goods, specialty foods, and goods from regional farms and makers.

Juneteenth Jam – June 19
Celebrate Juneteenth at Charlotte Forten Park with an afternoon of live music, community, food, vendors, games, and family-friendly activities hosted by the City of Salem. The celebration continues with special programming at the Peabody Essex Museum before concluding with an outdoor film screening on Salem Common.

Summer Solstice Sea Witch Ball Workshops – June 20 – 21
Celebrate the Summer Solstice at The Sea Wych Salem with a hands-on workshop creating your own solstice witch ball, designed to welcome light, abundance, and summer energy. Guests will craft a one-of-a-kind keepsake to remember their travels by. Advance tickets are required.

Papa Don’t Need Another Necktie Cruise – June 21
Celebrate Father’s Day on the water aboard the Hannah Glover with Mahi Mahi Cruises & Charters ⚓ This lively cruise features live music from Los Sugar Kings, harbor views, and special deals for dads.

Spaced Out! Pride Party at PEM – June 26
Peabody Essex Museum’s annual Pride celebration returns with an out-of-this-world night of drag, dancing, music, and immersive fun ✨ Hosted by the Hometown Queeros and featuring performances by Miz Diamond Wigfall alongside a lineup of local drag artists, the evening also includes themed cocktails and mocktails, cosmic photo ops, and late-night energy throughout the museum.

North Shore Pride Parade & Festival – June 27
Downtown Salem for a joyful day of community, celebration, and visibility. The parade fills the streets with color, music, and energy before the festivities continue at the Salem Common with live entertainment, local vendors, activities, and more throughout the day. All are welcome – come celebrate Pride in Salem!

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Things to Do

 

Vampire Ghost Adventures
Step beyond the usual Salem ghost tour with Vampire Ghost Adventures, where tales of witches, vampires, poltergeists, and hauntings lead guests through some of the city’s darker legends. Led by a vampire guide, this unique experience also includes entry into a haunted building filled with eerie objects and unsettling history you won’t find on other tours.

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AliJen Charters
Head out on the water for a classic North Shore fishing experience, with rod-and-reel trips targeting cod, haddock, stripers, and tuna off the Massachusetts coast. Led by an experienced captain, these half and full-day excursions welcome all skill levels and also offer scenic cruising options for a memorable day at sea. Check their schedule for fishing season updates. At AliJen Charters, it’s not about the catch; it’s about the adventure!

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