Salem Events This Week: Free Band Night, Vampire Lounge, and Sun Prints
A free waterfront band concert Tuesday, plus a vampire night, sun-print art, and Irish film this weekend.
FromWitchCity
July 16, 2026
Live Music in Salem This Week
Salem's summer soundtrack runs from free outdoor concerts to open-stage nights downtown.
Salem Willows Free Band Concert: Tue 7/21, 7 PM, Salem Willows. Free, outdoors, right on the harbor. Bring a chair and stay for the sunset.
Open Mic Shindig: Thu 7/16, 8 PM, Gulu-Gulu Café. The weekly stage for anyone with something to play or say. Details
Nightlife, Drag and Comedy
The after-dark slate leans loud and 21+ this week, from a themed dance night to stand-up.
Salem Vampire Lounge: Sat 7/18, 8 PM, Longboards Restaurant & Bar. A 21+ vampire night with DJs. Details
Miz Diamond Wigfall Friday Night Drag: Fri 7/17, 8 PM, Bit Bar Salem. No cover, 21+.
Comedy at Gallows Hill: Sat 7/18, 9 PM, Gallows Hill Theatre. Stand-up in the spookiest room in town. Details
Drag Brunch with DJ Maxine Harrison: Sun 7/19, 2 PM, Gulu-Gulu Café. A daytime send-off to the weekend.
Arts, Museums and Film
Hands-on art, an author launch, and a full weekend of Irish film.
Cyanotype Sun Prints with Patricia Scialo: Sun 7/19, 12:30 PM, House of the Seven Gables. Make blueprints in the seaside gardens. Details
Summerween Movie & Craft Night: Fri 7/17, 8 PM, East Regiment Beer Co. A DIY ghost craft and a movie on the patio, materials included. Details
JW Ocker book launch at Wicked Good Books: Sun 7/19, 2 PM. The dark-history author launches "Don't Go There," a tour of the world's most sinister spots. Details
Cry Innocent: The People vs. Bridget Bishop: Sat 7/18, 3 PM, Salem Visitor Center. Interactive 1692 theater where you sit on the jury.
Salem Irish Film Festival: Thu 7/16 through Sun 7/19, CinemaSalem. Kneecap (Fri), A Want in Her and Dead Man's Money (Sat), Horseshoe (Sun). Details
Walking Tours and the Paranormal
If you'd rather be walking, Salem's tour scene covers hidden history and the other side.
Salem Rainbow Stroll, LGBTQ+ History Walking Tour: Thu 7/16, 6 PM. Free. Details
A Spirited Evening Connecting with the Other Side: Fri 7/17 and Sat 7/18, 7 PM, 254 Essex St. Gallery-style mediumship for the curious. Details
Plus the nightly standbys: Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour, Salem's Paranormal Tour, and the daily Witchcraft Walk.
Markets, Community and Craft Nights
A witch-craft workshop and two trivia rooms anchor the low-key weeknights.
Sea Witch Ball Workshop: Fri 7/17, 7 PM, The Sea Wych Salem. Build your own witch ball with ocean elements, herbs, and salts. Details
Tarot-Tastic Manifestation Boards: Fri 7/17, 7 PM, Pentagram Shoppe. A craft night with a witchy twist. Details
Tuesday Trivia: Tue 7/21, 7 PM. Pick your room, East Regiment or Yesh! at The Shanty. Details
Outdoors and Wellness in Salem
Get on the water or run it off before the night starts.
Sunset Paddle Tour: Fri 7/17, 6:45 PM, Salem Neck. Kayak or paddleboard the coastline as the sun drops over Beverly Harbor. Details
Paddle & Play: Sat 7/18, 9 AM, Coast to Coast Paddle. A beach morning for the little ones, ages 2 to 6.
Saturday Morning Run Club: Sat 7/18, 11:30 AM. A 5K or one-mile run, then coffee or a beer with the group. Details
Notch Run Club Sundays: Sun 7/19, 12 PM, Notch Tap Room. A no-pressure group run with pretzels and beer at the finish. Details
On the Horizon
Behind Closed Doors returns Thu 7/23, 7 PM at the House of the Seven Gables.
That's the week. If you only do one thing, catch the free band concert at the Willows on Tuesday, then wander down for a drink on the harbor. See the full calendar any time at fromwitchcity.com/events. Reply and tell us what we missed or what you think of the email. Too long? Just right?
From Witch City, a local's guide to Salem, MA.