SALEM — The annual Salem Maritime Festival will be Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“To celebrate the 30th anniversary of this event, we are broadening the traditional scope of the festival. Festival-goers can expect to find longtime favorites and be introduced to new entertainment and artists, all who showcase the rich cultural heritage of the maritime world,” said Susan Russo, chief of Visitor Experience and Community Engagement.
The festival is hosted by the National Park Service on the wharves and in the historic buildings of Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby Street. This year’s festival offers an array of activities, demonstrations and exhibitors, including live music and dance, free harbor cruises, a magic show, traditional craft demonstrations, re-enactors, animals, the crew of the USS Constitution, kayaking and paddle boarding, kite-flying, remote-controlled boats, and more.
New this year is a small-boat show on Sunday only, featuring an Amesbury skiff, a Swampscott dory and a Mystic whaleboat. Visitors can enter a lottery, which will be offered both days, for a free 90-minute boat ride in Salem Harbor.
There are more than 40 exhibitors, demonstrators, activities and some 10 music, dance and entertainment acts lined up for the weekend.
For a complete list, visit: nps.gov, and for the most up-to-date information go facebook.com/SalemMaritime/.