Salem Jazz and Soul Festival 2026
The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival returned to Salem Willows on Saturday, August 15, 2026 — a full day of free, live music by the sea, 11 AM to 7 PM.
Set in the historic oceanfront Salem Willows park, the festival spreads out under the shade trees with the harbor as its backdrop — steps from the Willows' beloved arcade, flying-horses carousel, and seaside food stands (yes, the popcorn and chop suey sandwiches). Bring a blanket or a beach chair, grab a bite, and settle in.
Main stage
• 10:45 — Jesse Ciarmataro opens with "America the Beautiful"
• 11:00 — Salem High School Jazz Band
• 12:30 — Wood & Bone
• 2:00 — Lydia Harrell
• 3:30 — The Nth Power
• 5:30 — Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers (2024 GRAMMY nominee) close it out
• All day — DJ Skotvoid spins between sets
Education Tent — free, all-ages workshops all day:
• Noon — Lydia Harrell: the magic of improvisation
• 1:30 — Nate Edgar (The Nth Power): the world of rhythm
• 3:00 — Dwayne Dopsie: zydeco music & culture
• 5:00 — Percussion & flute with Shira Moss, Steve Tapper & the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem
• All day — an open drum & percussion jam. No experience needed. Bring the kids.
Around the grounds: 25+ local makers from across New England, a festival merch area, and — new for 2026 — a 21+ Mercy Lawn up front. In honor of Salem's 400+ commemoration, take a tour through the history of jazz at the Willows, starting with Duke Ellington, who once performed on these very grounds.
The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) dedicated to free live music and music education across the North Shore. Festival day is our biggest gathering, but the mission lasts all year.
Free and open to all, rain or shine. Help keep it going: volunteer at salemjazzsoul.org/volunteers or donate at salemjazzsoul.org/donate.
See you at the Willows.