Salem Heritage Days

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A long-standing tradition started in 1962 and continuing today, the Salem Heritage Days takes place in the second week of August.

The first Salem Heritage Days on Aug. 9th 1962, sponsored by the Salem Chamber of Commerce, was presented on Riley Plaza. The producer was international fashion authority, Carol Nashe. It consisted of a musical revue, with singers such as Ray Dorey and music from the McDonald Plaid bagpipe band, which piped is way from the Bridge Street overpass to Riley Plaza. The entertainment included sports personalities and a fashion show, ending with a block dance. It drew big crowds, and according to the Salem Evening News, 15,000 people were expected to attend the 1963 event.

Television personality Rex Trailer joined the Salem Heritage Days Parade in 2001, on Aug. 19, 2001.

The present day Heritage Days events last a full week, including activities such as a Street Fair, Scooper Bowl, Dog Show, music concerts, Kid's night, Chowderfest and a popular Road Race.

The first road race began in 1965 with 100 entrants. Women didn't run the race until 1971. It was inspired by the Olympic's 10,000 meter (6.2 miles) race.

The Pride of Baltimore II will visit Salem at Central Wharf for 2026's Salem Heritage Days Festival. The ship is a replica of an early 19th-century Baltimore Clipper ship. Visitors will be able to board the ship and learn more about the vessel and its' part in maritime history. Proceeds from the event will directly support Salem 400+ programming, including Salem Heritage Days.

The Salem Heritage Days Parade returned to the city for the first time in over 30 years in 2026 in honor of Salem's 400+ Celebrations. The parade took place on August 1, 2026. The theme was Salem Through the Centuries and over 70 organizations took part in the parade.

2026 marked the 35th anniversary of the partnership between Salem and Ota, Japan. Chairperson of the City Assembly of Ota, Japan, Takayuki Suzuki was in attendance for the Salem Heritage Days Festival in August 2026 and congratulated Salem on their quadricentennial anniversary.

See Also

  • Vertical File in Salem Collection - Heritage Days
  • "Gala Extravaganza planned for Riley Plaza Thursday" Salem Evening News, Aug. 7, 1962, p. 1
  • "Expect 15,000 will attend Heritage Festival Tomorrow" Salem Evening News, Aug. 8, 1963. p.1
  • "City ready to kick of Heritage Days festivities" Salem Evening News, Aug. 5, 1999, p. A1
  • "Tuning in to the pyrotechnics: WBACH teaming up with Heritage Days Committee for festival's finale" Salem Evening News, Aug. 11, 1993 p. A1
  • "Salem To Welcome 'Pride of Baltimore II' For Heritage Days Festival" Patch July 9, 2026
  • Seaside Soirée Aboard the Pride of Baltimore II to Kick Off Salem 400+ Heritage Days" salemma.gov July 15, 2026
  • "Salem culture shines through - Return of Heritage Days Parade and Festival draws hundreds of marchers, thousands of spectators" Salem Evening News Aug. 9, 2026, p. A01
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