387th Negro Election Day
Parade & Festival
Negro Election Day
July 18, 2026
Starts at: 8:00 a.m.
Ends at: 8:00 p.m.
Where:
Salem Willows Park, 140 Fort Avenue, Salem, MA
Admission: FREE
Categories: Festivals & Parade
Event website: www.salemunitedinc.org
2026 marks the 387th Anniversary of Negro Election Day Parade and Festival in Massachusetts!
Join us as we proudly celebrate the rich history and legacy of the first Negro Election Day in 1639. This parade and festival honor the brave ancestors who paved the way for us today. We are thrilled to gather with loyal members, families, friends, and visitors at the sacred grounds to carry on this cherished tradition.
Let's come together to commemorate and honor their remarkable contributions!
Event Schedule:
Saturday, July 18th, 2026
Parade, 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Vendors, 10:00 - 5:00 pm
D.J & Live Entertainment, 10:00 - 1:30 pm
2:00 - 7:00 pm
Flag Raising, 10:00 am - 10: 15 am
Speakers/Awards, 1:30 - 2:00 pm
Artist Workshop, TBA
Negro Election Day Traveling Museum Tent, 10:00 - 6:00 pm
Kid's Corner, 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Games & Contests, 10:00 - 4:00 pm
Sunday July 19th, 2026
Brunch in honor of our Guest Speaker - TBA
Welcome to Salem United, Inc.! We are excited to open our membership to families have been part of this cherished event for centuries. Your support in any form is greatly appreciated as we embark on our upcoming lecture series, aimed at enlightening our youth and the community about the profound history of Negro Election Day. Join us in making this 387-year celebration a success by becoming a sponsor, vendor, or participant!
For inquiries regarding sponsorship, vendor opportunities, parades, and more, please visit our dedicated pages that provide specific information. We're excited to explore potential partnerships and opportunities with you!
See You Saturday, July 18, 2026!
Permit Process
Salem United, Inc. is excited to announce our application for to host the 2026 Negro Election Day parade and festival at a beautiful location. This beloved event celebrates our community's rich history and cultural heritage, together residents and visitors for a day of joy and unity. We look forward to making this year's parade and festival a memorable experience for everyone involved. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for this significant occasion!
It was disappointing to witness the low attendance at Salem Willows Park on Negro Election Day State Holiday. The absence of the traditional parade and festival was truly unfortunate, and the effort to hold the festival without the host did not meet expectations.
We hope for a revitalization of these cherished traditions in the future.