Peabody International Festival Returns For 41st Year In 2026

PEABODY, MA — Peabody's International Festival is set to return for its 41st year on Sept. 27, with a full day of food, entertainment and family activities planned across downtown.

The free event will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a rain date scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4.

The annual festival will again center on the city's cultural diversity and bring together food vendors, artists, performers and local businesses.

"Year after year, the community gathers at the International Festival to celebrate the vast cultural diversity of our city. With a wide variety of food, music, art, entertainment, and activities, there is so much to experience and truly something for everyone. I hope to see you and your family downtown," Mayor Ted Bettencourt said.

This year's festival is expected to include more than 65 food booths serving ethnic foods along Main Street. New this year, three food trucks will be stationed at Courthouse Plaza.

Festival activities will also be spread across several downtown locations. The Galleria will showcase local art at 81 Main Street, while the Artisan Market will be set up along Foster Street. Live entertainment is planned in three locations: Peabody Square, upper Main Street and Foster Street.

Families with children can head to the Kids Corner, which will offer children's activities at East End Veteran Memorial Park.

The International Pavilion will be located behind TruNorth Bank, and vendors hosted by the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce will be based in the TruNorth Bank parking lot.

Vendor applications are now closed, but sponsorship opportunities are still available.

More information about sponsorships is available here.