Don’t just take our word for it, as we are obviously biased in favor of the Salem Arts Festival, (after all, SMS started the Festival) set for June 7-9. Go check out other websites and community calendars. We don’t mind. We’ll wait.

Interested now? Over 60— let’s repeat that, over 60– artists and performers will share a variety of music, art, dance and poetry performances during this free, family-friendly event, jointly held with the Chamber of Commerce and Salem First Friday.

“There is truly something for everyone,” is how Matt Caruso, Acting Manager of Salem Main Streets describes the Salem Arts Festival.

The opening reception kicks off Friday at 7 pm in Salem’s Old Town Hall. Visitors may enjoy beautiful art work while being entertained by renowned musicians B.J. O’Reilly, Jim Forest and Machine 475.

There will be Juried Artist Vendors along the Pedestrian Mall, live music and dance at the East India Fountain on Essex Street, a Juried Art Show for viewing in Old Town Hall and performances on Derby Square.

Highlights Feature Community & Neighborhood

This year’s highlights include the addition of a Community Art Space in Museum Place Mall hosting activities that will engage and entertain the public of all ages. Full schedule and programs will be available on site and on the Festival website.

One of the most anticipated events this year is “Get to The Point: Neighborhood Narratives,” an installation by Salem Public Space Project showcasing memories experienced by Point residents in their neighborhood. The installation commences with a performance on Saturday, June 8th at 11 am, in which the stories are shared with the public as the neighborhood becomes the stage. The interactive project will be located at the top of the Old Town Square through Sunday.

And if all that’s not enough, the Festival also includes art-making for all ages and Juried Artist vendors selling their creations.

“Each year just seems to get better and better, and each year we are impressed with the talent and variety that we are able to present to the community,” says Matt Caruso,

The goal of the Salem Arts Festival is to promote all the arts in Salem and to provide the entire North Shore arts community an opportunity to showcase their talents. The Festival is run by a team of dedicated volunteers, including representatives from Salem State University, the Peabody Essex Museum, and the Salem Arts Association.

Last year’s Festival attendance numbers were over 4,000 people. The event is rain or shine, held in a variety of venues in downtown Salem, with a rain location for performances held upstairs at Old Town Hall and at The Gathering.

Interested in being more than an observer? Volunteers looking to help with the Festival are warmly welcomed and encouraged to contact salemartsfestival@gmail.com for more information.

Adds Caruso: “We couldn’t do this without the help of our wonderful Sponsors, including Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, Eastern Bank, Massachusetts Cultural Council, Center for Creative and Performing Arts at Salem State, Peabody Essex Museum and our many volunteers”

Visitors interested in attending the Salem Arts Festival can find easy access to the downtown by public transportation or parking at one of the many downtown lots in the City. For more information, please visit www.salemartsfestival.com.