Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page, here is where you can read up on whats going down!
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.
When is the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival?
The festival takes place on August 17th this year, from 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where will it take place?
At historic Salem Willows, 167 Fort Avenue, Salem, Mass.
How much does it cost?
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.
What kind of music can I expect?
The 2024 band schedule will be announced soon!
What if it rains?
The event is rain or shine unless there is catastrophic weather. Check our homepage or our Facebook page for updates.
Is there parking?
Some, but never enough. Seriously, it gets pretty tight, particularly later in the afternoon. You can park in all the regular Salem Willows parking areas. (Please be advised, a lot of changes have happened as part of the City of Salem’s Signature Park initiative.) Still, these fill up quickly, so we strongly advise using alternative transportation, including Blue Bikes and the Salem Skipper, carpooling, taxiing, riding a bicycle, or walking. The Salem Police Department will be ticketing and towing illegally parked cars. Please note that the spaces directly in front of the Carousel, Salem Lowe, and Hobbs are reserved for festival operations only. Overview parking in Salem information.
Are there other ways to get there?
Consider taking the Salem Trolley! Please see the Salem Trolley website for more up-to-date details: http://salemtrolley.com
Can I bring my dog?
Only if it’s leashed and friendly.
What else should I bring?
A low-back lawn chair, blanket, snacks, nonalcoholic drinks, dancing clothes, a good attitude, and your ears.
What is prohibited?
Alcohol, weapons, and fireworks. Salem Willows is a public city park, and the Salem Police Department will be patrolling the grounds.
Can I have a beer at the festival?
Yes, our Beer Pavilion overlooks the stage, but bring your Mass. ID or U.S. passport if you plan to imbibe. The beer pavilion is cash-only, and just one ATM is nearby, located at Salem Willows Arcade and Casino.
What else happens at the festival?
Besides our 21-plus beer pavilion, our Music Education Tent will return with music education workshops, mini-performances, and more! There will also be 30 artisan vendors selling hand-made crafts, jewelry, clothing, artwork, and more, as well as some nonprofits.
Tell me about the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival.
We’re a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit that aims to produce free concerts and raise money to support music education causes on Massachusetts’ North Shore. We were founded in 2007, produced more than 100 free concerts, and raised more than $70,000 for music-education causes.
I am coming in from out-of-town; could you suggest some places to stay?
Our favorite places to stay are the Hawthorne Hotel, Salem Waterfront Hotel and Marina, the Wylie Inn and Conference Center and Hampton Inn Salem Boston.
Can I volunteer?
Yes! We’d love your help. Please see our Volunteer page for more information! You can also email our fantastic volunteer coordinator Bethany at volunteers@salemjazzsoul.com.
More questions?
You can email us at info@salemjazzsoul.com – we will do our best to answer your questions.
How do I get there?