Third Salem Arts Festival Promises ‘Something for Everyone’

A diverse group of artists and performers will provide free entertainment and interactive workshops downtown this weekend. 

More than 75 of the North Shore’s most talented painters, poets and performers will descend upon the Witch City for the Third Annual Salem Arts Festival this weekend. This year’s event boasts an eclectic mix of street performances, art demonstrations and film screenings. The festival not only provides a showcase for local artists, but an opportunity for residents to learn their tricks of the trade free of charge.

The three-day festival sprawls numerous venues in downtown Salem, anchored at the Essex Street Walking Mall. This year’s event will feature outdoor performances and demonstrations, steps away from an indoor gallery where patrons can view art exhibits of all different mediums. Last year’s event beckoned more than 4,000 people to the Witch City, with more interactive activities and more diverse artists and performers. This year’s festival could very well outdo its predecessors. 

“A big highlight is the range of what we offer,” said Jennifer Bell, manager of Salem Main Streets, the community organization that founded the festival in a press release. “There is truly something for everyone.”

The demonstrations range from tattoo inking to Bonsai tree sculpting; the musical acts span honky-tonk to American opera. There will be participatory gallery installations, collaborative art projects and an expressive therapies workshop right on Essex Street.

The festival kicks off on Friday night with a reception downtown followed by a “Night of Song” at the First Universalist Sanctuary, featuring arias and operettas performed by local chamber musicians. Saturday is jam-packed with art and skills demonstrations, as well as live performances from area musical acts and dance troupes. The festivities wrap up on Sunday with an all-day outdoor concert featuring local favorites Machine 475 and the Dejas.

According to Bell, the festival would not be possible “without the help of our wonderful volunteers and sponsors.” Salem Main Streets, the ,  and Salem Sounds are collaborating on the festival, among others. To find out how you can get involved, contact Salem Main Streets.