Looking for local fun this weekend? Here are 11 events happening around Salem you won’t want to miss!
August 1st Opening Reception at the Bush Barn Art Center
Hosted by the Salem Art Association, this special reception celebrates the opening of two new exhibitions: Garden of Wonders by David Cohen in the Camas Gallery, and The Snail Blog: Keeping in Touch by Ellen Crocket and Bonnie Hull in the Focus Gallery. Visitors are invited to explore themes of natural beauty and the power of lifelong friendship through over 5,000 exchanged postcards. Artist introductions will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Date: August 1, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Salem Art Association // 600 Mission St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE
Concert in the Park
Head to the Gerry Frank Amphitheater for an evening of live music and community fun. The show kicks off with Portland indie duo Bees In A Bottle, followed by synth-pop favorites Camp Crush. This free, family-friendly event invites guests to relax on the lawn (bring a blanket or low-back chair). Alcohol and smoking/vaping are not permitted.
Date: August 1, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Gerry Frank – Salem Rotary Amphitheater // 200 Water St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
Drone Show Weekend
The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes are making history with their first-ever post-game drone shows at Roto-Rooter Park! From August 1–3, fans can enjoy thrilling baseball action followed by a dazzling drone light show each evening.
Date: August 1–3, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Roto-Rooter Park // 6700 Field Of Dreams Way NE, Keizer, OR 97303
Cost: Varies (view ticket information)
Fear of the Dark (Iron Maiden Tribute) + Boundless Joy
Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre will host an electrifying night of metal as Fear of the Dark, a PNW Iron Maiden tribute supergroup, takes the stage. The band brings Iron Maiden’s iconic sound to life with energy and skill. Local band Boundless Joy will open the show, All ages are welcome.
Date: August 1, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM (Doors open at 7:00 PM)
Location: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre and Event Center // 187 High St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $20 Online | $25 Day Of (+ Fees) (view ticket information)
Riverfront Family Fest 2025
Hosted by Family Building Blocks, this free annual health and safety fair at Riverfront Park offers fun for all ages. Families can enjoy activities like face painting, tasty treats, obstacle courses, and even a helicopter landing! Fire trucks and other hands-on exhibits will also be on site.
Date: August 2, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Riverfront Park // 200 Water St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
Salem Jeepfest 2025
Head to the Oregon State Fairgrounds for Salem Jeepfest 2025, a free, family-friendly celebration of all things Jeep! The event will feature a massive Show & Shine car show, live DJ, food carts, raffles, vendor booths, and a tire obstacle course. Kids can enjoy a bouncy house and activities, while Jeep enthusiasts can test their rigs on an RTI ramp and connect with local clubs.
Date: August 2, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds // 2330 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
Summer Sip & Shop
Swing by iWingz for the Summer Sip & Shop, a weekend market filled with unique local vendors, arcade games, music, and bingo. Shoppers can browse handmade crafts, jewelry, anime and Sanrio merch, Pokémon items, clothing, purses, Labubu, and more. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Date: August 2–3, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: iWingz // 2445 25th St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE (food and drink for purchase)
Cat Video Fest 2025 at Salem Cinema
Celebrate the internet’s best of the best at Cat Video Fest 2025! This 75-minute compilation will feature the best cat clips from around the world in one funny, heartwarming, and family-friendly viewing. A portion of the proceeds will go to support Friends of Felines.
Date: August 2, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM & 5:00 PM
Location: Salem Cinema // 1127 Broadway St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $11 (view ticket information)
Basic Calligraphy Class
Affordable Framing invites you to a hands-on introduction to modern cursive in their Basic Calligraphy Class. Participants will learn to write their name and simple phrases while enjoying snacks and drinks. The $25 registration fee includes a calligraphy pen to keep.
Date: August 3, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Affordable Framing // 750 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $25 (reserve a spot by calling 503.363.5834 or emailing [email protected])
Mele Aloha with Special Guest Kaleo Titcomb
Celebrate Holoholo Island Grill’s one-year anniversary with Mele Aloha, an evening of Hawaiian music, hula, and storytelling at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Hosted by Aunty Jackie and Uncle George of Holoholo Island Grill, this celebration features heartfelt performances, hula dancers from Hawaii and the Salem area, and special guest Kaleo Titcomb.
Date: August 3, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre and Event Center // 187 High St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $21.50 (view ticket information)
Howie Mandel
Legendary comedian and TV personality Howie Mandel is bringing his signature stand-up comedy to the Elsinore Theatre. With over four decades in the entertainment industry, Mandel is known for his roles on America’s Got Talent, Deal or No Deal, and his hit podcast Howie Mandel Does Stuff. Don’t miss this chance to see one of comedy’s most recognizable voices live in Salem!
Date: August 3, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Elsinore Theatre // 170 High St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $51.62 to $89.36 (view ticket information)
What a weekend! Get out and enjoy these amazing local events around Salem.
