Salem’s weekend calendar is looking pretty full (in the best way)! Take a look at what’s happening August 14–16.
Capital City Retro Fest
Three nights of tribute-band favorites are coming to Gerry Frank Amphitheater during Capital City Retro Fest, presented by HAREFEST. The all-ages celebration will feature music inspired by Def Leppard, Fleetwood Mac, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, Duran Duran, Tom Petty, U2, Alanis Morissette, The Doobie Brothers, and Hall & Oates. Food carts and a central bar (for attendees 21+) will also be available throughout the weekend.
Date: August 14–16, 2026
Time: Friday & Saturday: Gates at 6 PM, Music at 7 PM | Sunday: Gates at 4 PM, Music at 5 PM
Location: Gerry Frank Amphitheater // 200 Water St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $30 advanced or $35 day of show | $75 three-day pass (advanced) | FREE for ages 12 and younger (view ticket information)
Curtis Salgado
Award-winning vocalist Curtis Salgado brings more than five decades of blues, soul, funk, gospel, and R&B to Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Known for his expressive voice, sharp songwriting, and commanding stage presence, Salgado has earned 14 Blues Music Awards and worked alongside artists including Robert Cray, Albert Collins, Roomful of Blues, and Santana. This all-ages performance offers a chance to experience one of American roots music’s most distinctive voices live in Salem.
Date: August 14, 2026
Time: Doors at 6:30 PM | Show at 7:30 PM
Location: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre // 187 High St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $30 presale plus fees; $35 day of show (view ticket information)
Train to Busan 10th Anniversary at Salem Cinema
Salem Cinema marks the 10th anniversary of Train to Busan with special screenings of the acclaimed zombie thriller. Set aboard an express train during a rapidly spreading outbreak, the film follows passengers forced to fight for survival as Korea descends into chaos.
Date: August 14 & 15, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM–10:00 PM
Location: Salem Cinema // 1127 Broadway St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $12 (view ticket information)
2026 Backpack Giveaway
The Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties is helping local students start the school year prepared with a free backpack giveaway at its Knudson Branch. Students in grades K–12 can receive a backpack filled with school supplies, along with toothbrush kits, water bottles, and family resource kits.
Supplies are limited to one backpack per student. Children must be present
Date: August 15, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties // 1395 Summer St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
STRIDE 5K Run/Walk
Start Saturday morning with a community 5K through Bush’s Pasture Park. Open to all ages, the STRIDE 5K Run/Walk welcomes runners, walkers, strollers, and leashed dogs. Participants can preregister online or in person at the Customer Service Center (440 Church St SE, 5th floor). Race bibs will be available for pickup at the event.
Date: August 15, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM–10:30 AM PDT
Location: Bush’s Pasture Park // 668 Mission St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: $10 (view registration information)
Street Smarts Safety Workshop
Kensho Martial Arts invites children ages 7–13 to build confidence and practical safety skills during this community workshop. Through age-appropriate instruction, participants will learn how to recognize red-flag situations, strengthen personal safety awareness, and practice basic self-defense techniques. Registration is required. Families can contribute any amount that fits their budget.
Date: August 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: Kensho Martial Arts // 688 High St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $20 suggested donation; pay what you can, including $0. FREE for Kensho students who bring a friend.
Salsa Classes
Spend Saturday afternoon learning Latin dance with Salem Rueda de Casino. The schedule begins with beginner fundamentals, followed by Bachata, intermediate Salsa, and team practice, offering several ways for dancers to build skills and enjoy the rhythm.
Date: August 15, 2026
Time: Beginner and Fundamentals 1 PM | Bachata 2 PM | Intermediate Salsa 3 PM | Team Practice 4 PM
Location: Salem Rueda de Casino // 630 Hood St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: Not specified
Hot Import Nights Oregon
Car culture takes center stage when Hot Import Nights transforms the Oregon State Fairgrounds into an outdoor automotive festival. The one-day event will showcase modified imports, European and domestic vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, drift builds, early-2000s classics, and performance cars alongside live entertainment, competitions, vendors, collectibles, and food.
Discounted advance tickets, family packages, VIP options, and military and student discounts are available. Children ages 12 and younger are free with a paid adult.
Date: August 15, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM–9:00 PM
Location: Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center // 2330 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $12.24–$63.49 (view ticket information)
Capitol Cruise In 2026
Capitol Cruise In 2026 offers a free evening of vehicles, music, and local food. Bring your hot rods, classics, lowriders, motorcycles, and modern cars. All are welcome and no registration is required to participate.
Date: August 15, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Capitol Cruise In // 865 Marion St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
PULL by Sara Jean Accuardi
Theatre 33 presents PULL, a thought-provoking play about a group of teachers attending a gun safety training program for educators considering carrying firearms in the classroom. Over five days, their beliefs are challenged as they confront questions of responsibility, preparedness, and what safety truly means.
Date: August 15, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM–8:30 PM
Location: M. Lee Pelton Theatre at Willamette University // 900 State St, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: Suggested donation of $20 general admission | $15 for seniors | $12 for students
Tyler Fowler
Comedian Tyler Fowler brings his sharp and relatable stand-up to Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre for an all-ages Saturday night show. Known for turning everyday topics like marriage, kids, and work into clever observations, Fowler has topped the iTunes comedy chart, appeared on Billboard’s comedy rankings, and released specials through Dry Bar Comedy and Comedy Dynamics.
Date: August 15, 2026
Time: Doors at 7:00 PM | Show at 8:00 PM
Location: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre // 187 High St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $17 presale plus fees | $20 at the door (view ticket information)
Sunday Salsa at the Rooftop
Spend Sunday evening dancing above the city during Salsa, Bachata, and Cumbia Night at Cascadia Pizza Co. The night begins with a lesson before the dance floor opens for a mix of Latin rhythms. The event is open to ages 18 and older unless minors are accompanied by an adult.
Date: August 16, 2026
Time: Lesson at 6:30 PM | Dancing from 7:30 PM–10:00 PM
Location: Cascadia Pizza Co // 500 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $10-15 cover (includes $5 bar voucher)
Make room on the calendar for a weekend of local fun while supporting the performers, organizations, venues, and businesses that make Salem special.