Destination Salem

Salem Arts Festival
2026-06-06 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-05 10:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Downtown Salem, Essex St, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Join us for the 18th annual Salem Arts Festival, June 5-7, 2026, in historic downtown Salem, celebrating our Salem 400+ milestone through a vibrant showcase of local art, music, dance, and theatre performances across outdoor stages. This free, family-friendly event honors four centuries of creative spirit through interactive art-making, a makers’ marketplace, pop-up exhibitions, a live mural slam, and public art installations, drawing over 10,000 attendees annually.

Miz Diamond Wigfall Friday Night Drag
2026-06-05 20:00 - 22:00 | Bit Bar, 278 Derby St, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Miz Diamond Wigfall drag extravaganza at Bit Bar.

The New York Neo-Futurists: The Infinite Wrench
2026-06-05 19:30 - 21:00 | Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
PEM Presents is made possible by The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation.
Join the New York Neo-Futurists for an off-the-wall theater experience at PEM! Watch this experimental ensemble attempt to perform 30 short plays in one hour with The Infinite Wrench.
Each play offers something different — something funny, profound, elegant, disgusting, topical, irrelevant, terrifying or musical. All are truthful and tackle the here-and-now, inspired by the lived experiences of the performers. The Infinite Wrench is the Neo-Futurists’ ongoing and ever-changing attempt to shift the conventions of live performance and speak to audiences, including people who feel “unreached or unmoved” by traditional theater.
The New York Neo-Futurists are a radically dynamic ensemble of multidisciplinary artists who write and perform original work rooted in the truth of their own lived experiences. They fuse elements of poetry, game and performance art to create ever-changing theatre and other artistic experiments to respond to the world around us.
This show may include the use of flashing/strobing lights. It may also include adult themes, humor, language and content, including alcohol use and partial nudity.
Happens on the following Dates:
Jun 5, 2026, 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Jun 6, 2026, 7:30pm to 9:00pm

A Spirited Evening Connecting with the Other Side
2026-06-05 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-05-30 19:00 - 20:30 | Celestial Navigation Astrology & Wellness, 254 Essex St Suite 204 Salem, MA 01970, Salem, 01970, United States
Join educator, author, and former Paranormal Salem owner Kimberly Peterson for an intimate 90-minute indoor workshop exploring the tools, history, and lived experience behind paranormal investigation in Salem. Blending real investigative methods with intuitive development and mediumship, this hands-on experience includes intuitive exercises, a guided spirit communication circle, and the use of tools such as K2 meters and spirit boxes. Each guest receives a pendulum and a signed book. Part history lesson, part intuitive development, part séance. Limited to 12 guests.

Sunset Paddle Tour
2026-06-05 18:45 - 20:15 | Salem Willows, 167 Fort Ave, Salem, MA, United States
Enjoy a relaxing kayak or paddleboard tour along the coastline of Salem Neck as the sun sets over Beverly Harbor.

Queens at the Castle
2026-06-05 18:00 - 22:00 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Ave, Gloucester, 01930, United States
Get ready for a night of glitz, glam, and fierce performances in a setting like no other! Join us for two performances of Queens at the Castle, a high-energy, laugh-out-loud evening hosted by one of Boston’s most iconic Queens and featuring three of the region’s top drag performers.
This event is strictly 21 & over. I.D. will be required upon admission.

Salem Arts Festival Kick Off and Tiny Art Spree
2026-06-05 17:30 - 20:30 | Derby Square, 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Summer kicks off in Derby Square with the launch of the Salem Arts Festival — a celebration of four centuries of Salem’s creative heritage. Live performances, the Juried Art Gallery grand opening (every piece for sale), a grazing table and cash bar by Bambolina, a mocktail bar by EDEX Provisions, and creative surprises around every corner. At 7 PM upstairs: the 2nd Annual Tiny Art Spree, Salem’s most exhilarating art acquisition event. Ticket holders sprint to claim original works by local artists. $20 — limited tickets, while they last. Produced by Salem Main Streets and Creative Collective.

Tea & Cake Tasting
2026-06-05 15:00 - 17:00 | Jolie Tea Company, 316 Derby Street, Salem, MA, United States
Free Tea & Cake Tasting at Jolie Tea Company. Every Friday afternoon, 3:00-5:00pm.
Come enjoy and taste some of our favorite tea blends and cake flavors!

PEM Pals: Pride
2026-06-05 10:30 - 11:30 | Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Join us for a reading of the book I Love You Because I Love You by Muợn Thị Văn, illustrated by Jessica Love.
Designed for children (5 and under) and their caregivers, PEM Pals aims to engage and excite all of the senses through books, movement, music, art and hands-on activities. Held on the first Friday of the month at 10:30 am. Please join us again in September after our summer break.

Arcade Era Karaoke Thursdays
2026-06-04 21:00 - 23:00 | Bit Bar, 278 Derby St, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Come belt out your favorite songs from the late 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s! Be cosmically inspired by the warm glow of 60 cathode ray tube arcade monitors and oh so shiny pinballs.

Open Mic
2026-06-04 19:30 - 23:30 | Gulu-Gulu Cafe, 247 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Come join us for our weekly free Open Mic shindig every Thursday. Sign ups start at 7:30pm and the event starts at 8pm. Hope to see you here!

Mahi Summer Music Series
2026-06-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Mahi Mahi Cruises and Charters, Pickering Wharf 24 Congress Street, Salem, MA, United States
Nothing beats music on the ocean. Live music every Thursday on the Hannah Glover. Dance with friends and strangers under the stars with the best local bands on the North Shore, a boat drink in hand, and munching on a backyard favorite – 21+ cruise.

Thursday Night Trivia at Couch Dog Brewing
2026-06-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Couch Dog Brewing Co., 76 Lafayette Street, Salem, 01970, United States
Game time! Every Thursday from 7:30-9:30pm, join trivia emcee extraordinaire Tressa for some friendly competition and small-batch, home-brewed questions. Top 3 teams will win a Couch Dog gift card, and a random runner-up team will go home with a random physical prize!

East Reggie Run Club
2026-06-04 18:00 - 19:00 | East Regiment Beer Company, 30 Church St, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Calling all runners! Are you ready to lace up your shoes, hit the pavement, and join a fantastic community of like-minded individuals? Look no further than the Thursday Night Regiment, East Regiment Beer Company’s very own run club, designed to bring together runners of all levels for an incredible weekly experience. Every Thursday at 6pm. Running in a group offers numerous benefits beyond the physical. It provides motivation, accountability, and safety while building camaraderie that can make long miles feel effortless. Together, we’ll explore the beautiful streets and scenic routes of Salem!

Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament @ Bit Bar Salem!
2026-06-03 20:00 - 22:00 | Bit Bar, 278 Derby St, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
We’re back with another round of Smash Ultimate here at the Bit Bar in Salem, MA
All skill levels are welcome!
Doors open for friendlies at 7pm, bracket starts at 8pm!
-$10 entry fee, 100% goes to prize pool
-BYO-controller highly encouraged
-Competitors who bring a complete Smash Bros setup (Switch, Dock, Copy of Smash Ultimate with all DLC, AC Adaptor, and GameCube adaptor) will have their entry fee waved
-Extra setups are first come, first served, and slots are limited, so please reach out to us if you plan on bri

Free Bingo Night with Will Pottorff
2026-06-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Gulu-Gulu Cafe, 247 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Come enjoy our weekly free Bingo hosted by the BINGO KING himself Will Pottorff!

Notch Run Club Wednesdays!
2026-06-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Notch Brewing, 283R Derby Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Meters for Liters is a weekly 5k run from the brewery. This is not a race, just a chance to get out and earn some cold beer. When we get back to the brewery, there will be plenty of beer and free pretzel bites for runners!
No sign up is required but you do have the option to “sign in” before the run. Meet at the Tap Room between 6pm and 6:30!

Open Mic Night
2026-06-03 17:00 - 20:00 | Far From the Tree, 108 Jackson Street, Salem, MA, United States
Join us at Far From The Tree for Open Mic Night, a laid-back evening featuring local talent, good cider, and great energy. Whether you’re a musician, poet, comedian, or just there to listen, all are welcome.
Sign-ups are free and open to anyone who wants to share their craft. Come support local creatives or take the mic yourself.
Wednesdays | 5:00–8:00 PM
Far From The Tree Taproom, Salem MA

Tuesday Trivia @ ERBC
2026-06-02 19:00 - 21:00 | East Regiment Beer Company, 30 Church St, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Join us for a 5 rounds of general-knowledge pub trivia! One finally Jeopardy-style question for all the marbles–winning team goes home with a gift card and bragging rights!

Full Moon Yoga
2026-06-02 18:00 - 19:00 | The House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Wild Sea Wellness will be offering monthly yoga classes at The House of the Seven Gables throughout 2026. Be sure to check their website and calendar for details, dates, and links to register.

Open Mic Night
2026-06-01 19:00 - 21:00 | East Regiment Beer Company, 30 Church St, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
INDUSTRY NIGHT OPEN MIC
6:30pm Sign Ups Start
7-9pm Open Mic
First come, first serve, with PA provided.
Drink, sing, and be merry with your host and bartender, Dylan!

Mystery at the Garden Party
2026-05-31 16:00 - 19:00 | Salem Athenaeum
Calling all detectives, sleuths, and suspects for the Athenaeum’s annual garden party!
Enjoy killer cocktails and fare (if you dare), a scavenger hunt, silent auction, live jazz — and more!
Sunday, May 31, 2026
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $75 / $65 Members
Get promoted!
Detective: $250* 2 tickets
Investigator: $500* 4 tickets
*includes a whodunit champagne toast at 4:15 pm

Vivaldi with Symphony by the Sea
2026-05-31 14:00 - 16:00 | Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Join us for a concert and talk with the North Shore’s professional symphony orchestra, Symphony by the Sea. Over the centuries, the four seasons have inspired numerous composers to represent their moods in music. During the Baroque period (1500-1750), many composers produced cycles of concertos representing the seasons. Antonio Vivaldi used four sonnets of his own creation as a starting point for the vivid and lively music of his Four Seasons. Follow the sonnets together with Maestro Donald Palma, then enjoy a virtuosic performance.
The program will include a 20-minute talk by Maestro Donald Palma.

Diamond's Dine In w/ DJ Maxine Harrison
2026-05-31 14:00 - 16:00 | Gulu-Gulu Cafe, 247 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Diamond’s Dine In the musical millennial revue with singing, dancing, and of course comedy! Cohosted by DJ Maxine Harrison and featuring rotating weekly special guests! Please come and celebrate Sungay with us and bring all the good energy!

Polish Fest @ Notch
2026-05-31 12:00 - 18:00 | Notch Brewing, 283R Derby Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Notch’s annual Polish Festival ft Piwodiwa Polka Band, Notch’s own Lojko Polish Lager, Jaju Pierogi Pop Up, Blue Seal Keilbasa food specials, and more! All ages welcome, no door fee.

Tour en Español
2026-05-31 12:00 - 13:00 | The House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
¡Un recorrido por La Casa de los Siete Tejados en español!

Silent Movie Night with Live Accompaniment
2026-05-30 20:00 - 21:30 | First Church, 316 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Step into the dazzling world of the Roaring Twenties with It — the sparkling silent comedy that made Clara Bow an international sensation. Full of romance, mischief, glamour, and irresistible charm, It follows a spirited young shop girl who sets her sights on the handsome owner of the department store where she works. What follows is witty, stylish, funny, and unexpectedly modern.

But this is more than just a movie night. Experience silent film the way audiences did nearly 100 years ago: on the big screen, with live organ accompaniment filling the room with drama, laughter, suspense, and joy. In the warm glow and beautiful acoustics of our church sanctuary, the film comes alive in a way no streaming service can recreate. It’s cinematic magic — immersive, communal, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re a lifelong film lover or completely new to silent movies, this is a rare chance to experience one of cinema’s great classics as it was truly meant to be seen and heard. Don’t miss it — bring friends, family, and anyone ready for a one-of-a-kind evening at the movies!

Sips by the Sea
2026-05-30 18:00 - 22:00 | The House of the Seven Gables, 115 Derby Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
The House of the Seven Gables invites you to our seaside lawn for an unforgettable evening on May 30! We welcome all to enjoy an open bar, gourmet fare by Creative Catering, live music by Primera Clase, an enticing silent auction, and the company of your fellow supporters to ensure a bright future for The Gables. With every sip and every contribution, you’ll be supporting the organization’s vital work in preserving our historic site and providing free education to immigrants.
