Salem families, neighbors and friends are invited to gather at Forest River Park this Sunday, July 12, 2026 for the Salem 400+ Family Field Day - a free, fun-filled afternoon celebrating community, Summer, and the City's extraordinary quadricentennial year.
Presented by Salem 400+, the City of Salem Parks & Recreation, the Salem Boys & Girls Club, and the Salem YMCA, the event brings together some of Salem's most beloved community organizations for a day of classic field day activities, friendly competition, and outdoor fun for all ages.
Highlights of the day include:
- Classic field day games for kids and families in the Front Lawn from 10:00am-1:00pm
- Kickball tournament open to participants ages 14 and up (pre-registration required) from 11:00am-3:00pm at the Stephen O’Grady Field
- Free pool access for Salem residents from 1:00pm-5:30pm
- Fire Department spray zone in the Front Lawn at 1:00pm
Admission to the park is free and open to the community. The kickball tournament requires pre-registration – teams or individual participants can sign up at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/kickballtournament/event/bgcgs2026kt/.
Come cheer for the various kickball teams, get a fun Salem 400+ temporary tattoo, play pick up lawn games, test your bravery in the face of the famous concrete slide, get free ice cream while supplies last, plus so much more! This event is sure to have something for everyone. Parking at Forest River will be free for the day, and visitors can park at the Salem State University O’Keefe Sporting Complex at 225 Canal Street as well.
"This is exactly the kind of event Salem 400+ is all about," said Virginia Cherol, the Salem 400+ Coordinator. "Bringing families and neighbors together at one of Salem's most beloved parks is a perfect way to celebrate everything that makes this city so special. I hope everyone comes out to support the Salem 400+ kickball team!”
Salem 400+ Heritage Days Parade and Festival Taking Shape Ahead of August 1st- Volunteers Needed!
Just a few weeks away, the Salem 400+ Heritage Days Parade, taking place on Friday, August 1st, is shaping up to be a landmark moment in the city's quadricentennial celebration - with over 60 businesses, civic groups, and community organizations already registered to march. Together, these participants will represent Salem through the ages, telling the story of four centuries of history, resilience, and community pride in one unforgettable procession through the city. After the parade, the fun continues at Salem Maritime National Historical Park with the festival from 11 am to 6 pm.
We need help for this parade! We are looking for volunteers to help make it happen. There is a role for everyone who wants to be part of this milestone celebration. Whether you can spare a couple of hours or the whole day, your help will ensure this historic parade runs smoothly for the 60+ marchers and thousands of spectators expected to line the streets. Interested in joining the team? Go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1G6siR5Ypq5rOsv8X4S1jJ9FHced0IUPsTTu_XaVQRQU/edit to sign up!
The Salem 400+ Heritage Days Parade and Festival would not be possible without partnership with Salem State University and Salem Maritime National Historical Park, and all parade sponsors including our Heritage level sponsors, Crowley and Fiesta Shows.
The Forest River Family Field Day and the Salem 400+ Heritage Days Parade and Festival, are among the many ways Salem is marking its 400th year. For more information on all Salem 400+ programming, visit https://www.salem400.org/.