August is shaping up to be packed with fantastic local events in the Salem, Oregon area. Let’s take a look at the lineup for this weekend!

Lee Farms Sunflower Festival 2024

Lee Farms is hosting its annual Sunflower Festival, offering over a million sunflower blooms to explore. Visitors can enjoy a scenic hayride to and from the sunflower maze, dance to live music, and indulge in food and beverages, including beer, wine, and hard cider. The festival also features farm animals, a farm market and bakery, and various fun activities like a hay maze, bounce pillow, and jump pad. Pre-purchase tickets online to reserve your preferred date and time.

Date: First three weekends in August
Time: Fridays 10 AM – 7 PM | Saturdays 10 AM – 7 PM | Sundays 10 AM – 6 PM
Location: Lee Farms // 21975 SW 65th Ave, Tualatin, OR 97062
Cost: Varies (view ticket information)

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Lancaster Family Health Fair

On August 2nd, Lancaster Family Health Center will host the Lancaster Family Health Fair, a family-friendly event filled with free food, games, activities, raffles, and more. Attendees can also take advantage of sports physicals, immunizations, and well-child checks, making it a convenient way to stay on top of health needs while having fun with the family.

Date: August 2, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Lancaster Family Health Center // 255 Lancaster Drive NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE

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CatVideoFest 2024

Salem Cinema is bringing back CatVideoFest, a fan-favorite event featuring a collection of hilarious and heartwarming cat videos. This fun-filled screening supports local cats in need, with a portion of ticket sales benefiting Friends of Felines. Join fellow feline fanatics for a purr-fectly entertaining experience on the big screen.

Date: August 2 – 5, August 8, 2024
Time: Friday & Saturday 3 PM | Sunday & Monday 1:30 PM | Thursday 7 PM
Location: Salem Cinema // 1127 Broadway St NE, Salem, OR, United States, Oregon 97301
Cost: $11 (view ticket information)

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First Friday Art Walk

Guess what? The first Friday of the month is here! Come downtown to experience the First Friday Art Walk. Stroll through downtown from 5 PM – 8 PM, enjoying local art, pop-up events, live music, and more. Grab an Art Walk Passport and enter for a chance to win the Art Walk Raffle Basket!

Date: August 2, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Salem
Cost: FREE

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The Great Oregon Steam-Up (Weekend Two)

It’s weekend two of Powerland Heritage Park’s Great Oregon Steam-Up, an event showcasing incredible machinery and historical demonstrations. Highlights include the Parade of Power, family activities, live demonstrations of blacksmithing, threshing, logging, and more. This family-friendly event offers a chance to experience history in motion and explore 14 fascinating museums and attractions.

Date: August 3 – 4, 2024
Time: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (most museums open between 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
Location: Powerland Heritage Park // 3995 Brooklake Rd NE, Salem, OR 97303
Cost: Adults – $17 | Youth – $12 | Children under 12 – FREE | Parking – $5 (view ticket information)

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Riverfront Family Fest

Family Building Blocks will host the Riverfront Family Fest at Riverfront Park on August 3rd. This annual health and safety fair is FREE and features exciting activities like a helicopter landing, fire trucks, fun little treats, face painting, obstacle courses, and more. It’s a great opportunity for families to enjoy a fun and educational summer day together.

Date: August 3, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Riverfront Park // 200 Water St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE

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Home Canning How-To

The Salem Public Library is hosting a Home Canning How-To session, guided by an expert from the Marion County Extension Service. This free community event provides an excellent opportunity to learn the art of preserving your garden’s harvest. Seating is available on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Date: August 3, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Salem Public Library // 585 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE

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Pints for Pups Adoption Event

Join 4 All Muttkind (4AMK) at Ratchet Brewery for the Pints for Pups Adoption Event on August 3rd! This great event features adoptable pups, craft brews, and a fundraising raffle. Attendees can also drop off cans and bottles for the Oregon Bottle Drop. Come enjoy a pint, play with puppies (maybe take one home?), and support a great cause. Proceeds from sales will go towards 4AMK.

Date: August 3, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Ratchet Brewery // 2475 25th St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: Can and bottle donations encouraged

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Summer Cheer Camp

Salem Gymnastics Center will host a Summer Cheer Camp on August 3rd for kids ages 5-12. The camp includes jumps, stunting, chants, crafting a bow, and a routine with poms, followed by a pizza party and open gym.

Date: August 3, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM (open gym from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
Location: Salem Gymnastics Center // 2775 19th St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: $35 per child (view registration information)

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Bike Ride to Silverton Bake Shop (44 miles)

Salem’s Social Cyclists are organizing a bike ride to the Silverton Bake Shop on Sunday, covering approximately 44 miles round trip. The ride begins at Riverfront Park and includes rolling hills and roads without bike paths. The group will stop at the Silverton Bake Shop for treats before heading back to Salem. All bikes are welcome, and no cyclist is left behind.

Date: August 4, 2024
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Meet in Riverfront Park by the bathrooms // 101 Front St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE

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La Margarita Co.’s 40th Anniversary

La Margarita Co. is celebrating their 40th anniversary! The celebration will include live music in the parking lot and visitors can spin the wheel to win prizes. As Salem’s longest-running Mexican restaurant, La Margarita Co. thanks their loyal customers for the support over the past 40 years.

Date: August 4, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: La Margarita Co. Salem // 545 Ferry St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE to attend, food & drink for purchase

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From beautiful sunflower fields and community health fairs to entertaining cat videos and canning workshops, there’s plenty going on in Salem to keep you busy. Mark your calendars, invite a friend, and get out there this weekend!

Elyssa at WhirLocal

About the Author

Elyssa Henry is the Content Director for WhirLocal Salem and has been with the company since 2015. Born and raised in Salem, she has a passion for supporting local businesses and fostering community connections. Elyssa loves using her skills to highlight the best of what Salem has to offer and is dedicated to creating content that reflects the heart of the community.

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