Salem, MA

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

Upcoming This Year

Jul

Ceremony

Fourth of July Celebration at Derby Wharf

Derby Wharf / Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Salem, MA

Independence Day observance at Salem's historic waterfront, featuring patriotic readings, ranger talks on Salem's role in the Revolution—including its service as Provincial Capital and its pioneering privateering fleet—live music, and family activities along Derby Wharf and the Custom House grounds.

FreeHeld July 4 or nearest weekend. Contact Salem Maritime National Historic Site to confirm programming.

Aug

Festival

Salem Maritime Festival

Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Derby Wharf, Salem, MA

Annual festival hosted by the National Park Service at Salem Maritime National Historic Site celebrating Salem's rich seafaring heritage, including its critical role in Revolutionary War privateering. Features demonstrations of maritime trades, tall ship tours, live music, children's activities, and ranger-led programs about Derby Wharf and the Custom House.

FreeTypically held on a Saturday in early August; check NPS website for exact date each year.More info →

Date

TBD

Lecture

Privateering & Revolution Lecture Series at Old Town Hall

Old Town Hall, Salem, MA

Periodic lecture and program series hosted by local historical organizations at Salem's historic Old Town Hall, exploring topics such as Salem's privateering operations, its role as the provisional seat of Massachusetts government, and the merchant families—especially the Derby family—who financed and fought the war at sea.

Free or small donationSchedules vary; programs often coincide with Patriots' Day (April) or Leslie's Retreat anniversary (February). Contact Salem Historical Society or Peabody Essex Museum to confirm dates.

Earlier This Year

Feb

ReenactmentFeatured

Leslie's Retreat Reenactment

North Bridge area / Shetland Park, Salem, MA

Annual living history reenactment commemorating the February 26, 1775 confrontation at the North Bridge in Salem, when Colonel Alexander Leslie and 240 British regulars were turned back by armed townspeople—one of the first armed standoffs of the American Revolution, predating Lexington and Concord by two months. Features costumed reenactors, musket demonstrations, and period music.

FreeHeld on or near February 26; exact Saturday may vary. Contact the Salem Maritime National Historic Site or Shetland Park area for confirmation.

Apr

Guided Tour

Revolutionary Salem Walking Tours

Salem Maritime National Historic Site and downtown Salem, MA

Seasonal guided walking tours offered through the Salem Maritime National Historic Site and local historical organizations exploring Salem's Revolutionary War history. Stops include Derby Wharf, the Custom House, Old Town Hall (where the Provincial Congress met), and sites connected to Captain John Derby's famous voyage carrying news of Lexington and Concord to London.

FreeTours typically run spring through fall, often beginning around Patriots' Day in April. Check NPS Salem Maritime or Peabody Essex Museum for current schedules.More info →