Remember to leave the fireworks to the professionals! Call 978-744-1212 to report illegal fireworks.
As you prepare your plans to visit Salem for the 4th of July, we encourage you to keep the following information in mind.
Activity Information
- Fireworks and 4th of July activities will take place on Derby Wharf (160 Derby Street).
- Kid's Space opens at 4:00 pm with games and face painting. Food vendors will also open at 4:00 pm.
- Live entertainment begins on the stage at 5:00 pm with the band LUX.
- Opening ceremonies will begin at 7:15 pm with Mayor Kim Driscoll, other local dignitaries, and local organizations leading a short parade through the Wharf. The Hillyer Festival Orchestra will then begin a two hour long concert.
- The night will end with a fireworks display over Derby Wharf beginning at 9:15 pm.
- Check out the detailed press release on Salem.com for more information.
Public Safety
- Fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts, possession or sale of fireworks will result in the maximum fines possible. Call us at 978-744-1212 to report illegal firework activity. We will have extra patrols dedicated to responding to these calls on the 4th. Do not dial 9-1-1 for fireworks complaints, please use our non-emergency request for police line at 978-744-1212.
- As always public drinking and disorderly conduct will not be tolerated and will result in being subject to arrest.
- Report any suspicious activity such as unattended bags, suspicious vehicles, or concerning individuals to the Salem Police right away at 978-744-1212, by dialing 9-1-1 in an emergency, or to any officer you see.
- Remember there will be large crowds and it will be dark out. Pay extra attention to small children, and consider attaching your contact information and their name to their clothes in case you get separated. Pre-plan a meeting place and time with older children in the event they get separated. If your child goes missing do not wait, notify a police officer immediately or dial 9-1-1. Instruct children to stop and stay where they are if they become lost and to notify a police officer.
- Use sidewalks and crosswalks when coming and going from the event. Wear bright colored clothing and consider carrying a flash light. Make sure to follow any directions from officers directing traffic.
- Guests are asked to carry any items in clear plastic bags and be prepared for possible bag checks by uniformed officers. Police will be monitoring access points into the Derby Wharf area throughout the afternoon and evening. Please plan for additional time to arrive at the wharf for the festivities.
Transportation and Road Closures
- Parking will be limited. The South Harbor Garage (10 Congress Street), Museum Place Garage (2 New Liberty Street) and the Salem Depot Garage (242 Bridge Street) will be available. We do anticipate all three to fill up quickly. Additional overflow parking will be available at Shetland Park (35 Congress Street).
- If possible we encourage you to consider walking or biking to avoid congestion on the roads. There will be heavy traffic before and after the event.
- Consider using the MBTA Commuter Rail if you are coming from out of town. The Salem Depot is a short walk from Derby Wharf. Additional parking garages are available at the Lynn and Beverly train stations. The last train to Boston (Inbound) leaves at 10:46 pm and the last train to Newburyport (Outbound) leaves at 10:39 pm. Also keep in mind the MBTA have announced that bicycles are also prohibited on inbound Commuter Rail trains from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as well as on outbound trains after 4 p.m. See this page on the MBTA's site for more information.
- There is limited handicap parking at Derby Wharf and in the Immaculate Conception parking lot on Hawthorne Boulevard, which is first-come first-serve, and there is a mobility impaired/wheelchair seating section reserved at the beginning of Derby Wharf.
- Recreational boaters and other craft will be restricted from the area around Derby Wharf and the channel in Salem Harbor and the South River for much of the evening. Mariners can call the Harbormaster’s Office at 978-741-0098 or on VHF 16 for emergencies after hours or for more information.
- At 6:00 pm we will be closing Derby Street at Herbert Street, Orange Street at Essex Street, and Curtis Street at Essex Street. We will also be posting those areas a "No Parking Tow Zones" from 8:00 am until 11:00 pm. We may close additional streets during the night as needed to ensure public safety.
We suggest you follow our social media accounts on Facebook and on Twitter for up to date information as the night goes along. Be sure to check back here and to salem.com prior to leaving in case there are any last minute changes that are made.
Note: This post was updated on 7/2/2015 at 12:15 pm to include additional information and times for the MBTA.
