About The Festival
How We Got Started
Mayor Peter Torigian founded the International Festival in 1984. The goal was simple; an opportunity for neighbor to meet neighbor, while celebrating and appreciating each other’s culture.
The International Festival is the largest festival of its kind and the signature event in Peabody for over 35 years. The Festival continues to attract between 50,000 and 80,000 people to Peabody Square.
Statement of Purpose
The International Festival Committee is organized and operated to utilize a combination of funding from the City of Peabody and private contributions to provide the maximum benefits to the entire Peabody Community.
The Committees goals are to:
- Highlight the ethnic diversity that comprises and strengthens the City.
- Present examples of the various ethnic groups’ art, culture, music, dance, literature and food.
- Provide an opportunity for diverse individuals and groups to work together on a community project that positively contributes to the quality of life in Peabody.
- Provide a showcase of artists of all cultures and expertise (for example: fine arts, sculpture, music, dance, narrative arts etc.) to present their work to the community.
- Provide a day of total enjoyment and entertainment for young and old, to highlight the educational and historical culture of the community.
Festival Committee
Honorary Chairman:
Mayor Edward Bettencourt
Co-Chairs:
Camille Bartlett & Barry Osborne
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Beth Amico John Andrews Jennifer Brickley Tim Brown Sharon Cameron Donna Connelly Chris Dowling Lisa Greene
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Kevin Guzofski Paul Lazzaro Courtney Macloon Shawn Mahoney Darryl McCarthy Ruth Mowder Scott Richards Chris Ryder John Yale |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does admission cost?
The International Festival is a free event.
Is the Festival rain or shine?
The Festival date is September 10, 2023 and it is rain or shine.
Where can I park?
Parking is available on Chestnut Street, Foster Street, Mill Street, Washington Street, and Railroad Ave.
What streets are closed during the Festival?
Check out our map for street closures: https://ifestpeabody.com/interactive-map/
Are there shuttles available?
The shuttles for the festival will run from the Higgins Middle School parking lot and the front parking lot of Sports Medicine North at the North Shore Mall closes to Route 128.
The drop spots will be: (1) at the municipal parking lot on Central Street; (2) behind the upper Main Street stage at intersection of Main Street and Washington Street and (3) at Park Street and Summer Street.
Where are the restrooms?
Restrooms are available at the corner of Lowell/Foster Street, Nichols Street, and East End Veterans Memorial Park.
Are dogs allowed at the Festival?
As much as we love them, we ask that you please leave your furry friends at home.
Is there alcohol at the Festival?
The Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce and Peabody Rotary host a beer garden located behind North Shore Bank. Granite Coast Brewery will also be open at their location (77 Main St).
Peter Torigian Memorial International Festival Spirit Award
Mayor Peter Torigian founded the International Festival in 1984 and it is considered to be one of his crowning achivements.
This award, which was founded in 2005 after Torigian’s passing, honors his memory while recognizing those who are committed to his ideals of community service.
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2005 – Judy Selesnick 2006 – Rich Howcroft 2007 – Larry O’Keefe 2008 – St Vasilios 2009 – Mary Bellavance 2010 – Lola Busta 2011 – Debbie Magregor 2012 – Judy Meserve 2013 – Jackie Torigian 2014 – Banda Recreativa, Escola Portuguesa de Peabody, Our Lady of Fatima Church, Portuguesa Lodge 10, Rancho Folclorico |
2015 – Kay Morocco 2016 – Natalie Maga 2017 – Italian-American Club 2018 – Peabody Rotary Club 2019 – Peabody TV 2022 – Carolyn Wynn 2023 –
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