WHEN: The festival takes place on August 16th this year, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE: At the historic Salem Willows, 167 Fort Ave., Salem, Mass.

It’s all FREE!  The Festival is our biggest fundraiser that we run throughout the year, so we ask that you please donate or purchase festival merchandise to help further our mission of producing free concerts and supporting music-education causes on Massachusetts’ North Shore.

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival features a diverse mix of musical styles anchored in jazz and soul traditions. Visitors can expect to hear everything from traditional jazz and big band sounds to funk, R&B, soul, Latin jazz, and blues. The festival typically showcases both established regional artists and talented student musicians, creating an engaging blend of performances that honor both the past and present of these beloved musical genres.

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching our community through music. Since our founding in 2007, we've produced over 100 free concerts and raised more than $70,000 to support music education initiatives across Massachusetts' North Shore.

Get Involved We welcome volunteers to join our vibrant community! To become part of our team, please visit our volunteer signup form or contact our volunteer coordinator Bethany at volunteers@salemjazzsoul.org.

Contact Us For any additional questions or information, please email us at info@salemjazzsoul.org.

The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. goes here

Beyond the live music performances, the festival offers a vibrant array of activities and experiences:

Our Music Education Tent provides engaging workshops and intimate mini-performances, offering unique opportunities to learn about and experience music up close. In our dedicated MusiKidz Tent, young aspiring musicians can explore and learn about various musical instruments through hands-on activities guided by experienced educators (parental supervision required).

Festival-goers can also enjoy our beer pavilion (21+ with valid ID) and browse through a carefully curated marketplace featuring 35 artisan vendors. Here you'll find handcrafted jewelry, original artwork, unique clothing, and other local artisanal goods. Local nonprofit organizations are also on-site, connecting with the community and sharing their missions.

Beer and Cider Service

Our Beer and Cider Pavilion offers a scenic view of the stage while serving a curated selection of local craft beverages. Valid identification (Massachusetts ID or U.S. passport) is required for all alcohol purchases, and both cash and cards are accepted. The pavilion features rotating selections from local breweries and cideries.

Parking is available but limited at Salem Willows. As part of the City of Salem's Signature Park initiative, there have been recent changes to the parking layout. While public parking areas are accessible, they tend to fill quickly, especially during peak afternoon hours. Parking in Salem information.

We recommend these parking and transportation options:

Free parking at Bentley Academy Charter School (25 Memorial Drive)

Salem Willows public parking areas

Blue Bikes bike-sharing service

Salem Skipper

Rideshare services and taxis

Bicycle racks for personal bikes

Walking from nearby areas

Please note that spaces directly in front of the Carousel, Salem Lowe, and Hobbs are strictly reserved for festival operations. The Salem Police Department will enforce parking regulations, including ticketing and towing of illegally parked vehicles.

Given limited parking availability, we strongly encourage festival-goers to consider alternative transportation methods or carpooling to enhance their festival experience.

Salem offers a variety of lodging options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some recommended places to stay:

The historic Hawthorne Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Salem, offers classic New England charm and full-service amenities. The Salem Waterfront Hotel provides waterfront views and is conveniently located near the Salem Ferry terminal. The Wylie Inn and Conference Center on the Beverly shoreline offers scenic ocean views for those seeking a peaceful coastal setting. The Hampton Inn Salem Boston provides comfortable, modern accommodations with easy access to Salem attractions and Boston.

All these properties are within a short drive or ride-share trip to Salem Willows Park. We recommend booking accommodations well in advance, as Salem is a popular destination, and rooms fill quickly during the festival season.

We encourage you to visit the Destination Salem website or contact Salem's tourism office for additional accommodation options and booking information.

We encourage you to bring:

Low-back lawn chairs or blankets

Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages

Weather-appropriate clothing

Your best dancing attitude

Prohibited items include outside alcohol, weapons, and fireworks. As the festival takes place in Salem Willows, a public city park, these restrictions are strictly enforced by the Salem Police Department to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment.

DOGS ARE ALLOWED IF LEASHED AND FRIENDLY!