This Weekend · August 21 – August 23
Salem, MA This Weekend
Salem is one of New England's busiest weekend destinations — historic walking tours and the Witch Trials Memorial, the Peabody Essex Museum and the House of the Seven Gables, dinner on Pickering Wharf, indie cinema, ghost walks at dusk, and live music until last call. Below: every event we know of in Salem this weekend.
- Beer Release
Fri, Aug 21 · 12 PM
Beer Release!
Beer Release at Couch Dog Brewing Co — an all-day special on Friday, August 21. Come try what’s fresh on tap.
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Fri, Aug 21 · 3 PM
Tea & Cake Tasting
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!
- Lecture
Fri, Aug 21 · 4 PM
Under the Gýgr's Wing: Giantesses and Trollwomen as Tutelary Spirits
at Salem Witchcraft Folklore Festival
A Salem Witchcraft Folklore Festival talk with Emily Íviðja exploring giantesses and trollwomen as tutelary spirits in folklore. In-person & online. Friday, August 21 at 4 PM.
- Live Music
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Fri, Aug 21 · 6:45 PM
Sunset Paddle Tour
Enjoy a relaxing kayak or paddleboard tour along the coastline of Salem Neck as the sun sets over Beverly Harbor.
- Live Music
Fri, Aug 21 · 7 PM
73 Duster
at The Cannery
73 Duster plays the outdoor waterfront bar at The Cannery in Salem, 7–10 PM.
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Fri, Aug 21 · 7 PM
Sea Witch Ball Workshop
Join The Sea Wych Salem for a magical experience in Witch City as she presents the history & lore of the witch ball, & guides you as you create your own using ocean elements, herbs, salts, & more to welcome in joy, banish negativity, or simply for a pretty souvenir to display. Spend some time with us and bring home your own unique and uniquely crafted souvenir. Tix must be purchased in advance Ages 13+ Contact to schedule private parties up to 12 ppl, or for families w/children under 13
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Fri, Aug 21 · 7 PM
A Spirited Evening Connecting with the Other Side
at Celestial Navigation Astrology & Wellness
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.
- Live Music
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Fri, Aug 21 · 8 PM
Miz Diamond Wigfall Friday Night Drag
at Bit Bar
Miz Diamond Wigfall drag extravaganza
- DJ Night
Fri, Aug 21 · 9 PM
DJ Night
Boston's best DJs every Friday and Saturday at Village Tavern — no cover charge. Starts 9 PM.
- DJ
- Art
Sat, Aug 22 · 10 AM
ARTBLOCK
ARTBLOCK at Couch Dog Brewing Co, 10–11:30 AM — a creative morning art session in the taproom.
- Culture
Sat, Aug 22 · 10 AM
Slime Potion Brewing Class
at The Lost Library
Get Ready for a Magical Experience at Our Slime Potion Brewing Class! We’re calling all aspiring wizards, witches, and slime enthusiasts to join us at Burying Point Productions for an enchanting Slime Potion Brewing, This family-friendly event invites participants of all ages to dive into the magical world of potion-making by crafting their custom slime “potions.” With Halloween-themed charms, glittering mix-ins, and a touch of whimsy, attendees will unleash their creativity and take home a fun and unique keepsake. Event Highlights: Hands-On Potion Making: Learn how to mix, swirl, and craft the perfect slime potion using simple ingredients. Participants can customize their creations with colors, glitter, charms, and even scents. Potion Personalization: Everyone will have the chance to name their potion and label their magical creation in their own unique way. Take-Home Fun: Each participant will leave with their own bottled slime potion to show off or gift to friends.
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Sat, Aug 22 · 11:30 AM
Saturday Morning Run Club
Join us for a 5K run or 1 mile run/walk and then enjoy beer or coffee with fellow runners — all are welcome (including sporty pups!). Prizes at every 5th run, and also at milestones of 10, 25, and 50 total runs.
- Culture
Sat, Aug 22 · 3 PM
Cry Innocent: the People vs. Bridget Bishop (at the VC)
at Salem Armory Visitor Center
It’s 1692. Bridget Bishop is accused of witchcraft and YOU are the jury. Hear the evidence, cross-examine the witnesses and determine the outcome. The actors respond as Puritans, revealing much about the Puritan mind. Is Bridget Bishop capable of witchcraft? YOU decide. This summer (2026), by special arrangement, Cry Innocent can be enjoyed in the air-conditioned auditorium of the Salem Armory Regional Visitor Center Auditorium thanks to our hosts Essex National Heritage Area!
- Book Fair
Sat, Aug 22 · 5 PM
Brew & Book Fair
Brew & Book Fair at Couch Dog Brewing Co with Copper Dog Books, 5–9 PM. Browse books and grab a beer.
- Live Music
- Live Music
Sat, Aug 22 · 7 PM
Saturday Jam with Danny Mac
Danny Mac hosts the Saturday Jam at Brodie’s Seaport every Saturday, 7–10 PM — a rotating cast of guest musicians sits in. This week: Danny Mac, Renato Morais, Dave Walker and Steve Dineen.
- DJ Night
Sat, Aug 22 · 7 PM
DJ Big Daddy
at The Cannery
DJ Big Daddy spins at the outdoor waterfront bar at The Cannery in Salem, 7–10 PM.
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Sat, Aug 22 · 7 PM
Sea Witch Ball Workshop
Join The Sea Wych Salem for a magical experience in Witch City as she presents the history & lore of the witch ball, & guides you as you create your own using ocean elements, herbs, salts, & more to welcome in joy, banish negativity, or simply for a pretty souvenir to display. Spend some time with us and bring home your own unique and uniquely crafted souvenir. Tix must be purchased in advance Ages 13+ Contact to schedule private parties up to 12 ppl, or for families w/children under 13
-
Sat, Aug 22 · 7 PM
A Spirited Evening Connecting with the Other Side
at Celestial Navigation Astrology & Wellness
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.
- DJ Night
Sat, Aug 22 · 9 PM
DJ Night
Boston's best DJs every Friday and Saturday at Village Tavern — no cover charge. Starts 9 PM.
- DJ
- Live Music
Sun, Aug 23 · 2 PM
Ryan Kelleher Live at Longboards
at Longboards Restaurant & Bar
Ryan Kelleher plays Longboards on Wharf Street — piano and vocals, 2–5 PM on the Sunday afternoon.
- Live Music
- Live Music
Sun, Aug 23 · 5 PM
Sunday Funday with Chris Fitz & Steve Peabody
Sunday Funday at Brodie’s Seaport from 5 PM, with Chris Fitz and Steve Peabody, plus Lisa Marie and Russell Keys.
- Karaoke