Make the most of the last weekend of August with free live music, the Oregon State Fair, dancing, family fun, and more happening around Salem.
Concert in the Park
Live music takes over Riverfront Park as Haley Johnsen and opening act Erin Adkisson perform at the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater. Johnsen brings a soulful blend of Alt Pop and Americana inspired by artists like Brandi Carlile and Bonnie Raitt, while Adkisson delivers a powerful, expressive performance style all her own. Bring a low-back chair or blanket, grab some food, and enjoy a summer evening outdoors.
Date: August 28, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater // 200 Water St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
Open Mic Night at RiverCity Rock Star Academy
Musicians of all experience levels can take the Garage Stage at RiverCity Rock Star Academy during their monthly Open Mic Night. Held on the last Friday of each month, the event welcomes solo performers, duets, and full bands (acoustic or amplified). No registration required.
Date: August 28, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: RiverCity Rock Star Academy // 5769 19th St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE
Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery: The Trouble with Angels
Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery are bringing their signature humor to the Elsinore Theatre for a night that’s equal parts music, comedy, and mischief. The Trouble with Angels pairs classic tunes and powerhouse vocals with quick-witted banter, cabaret-style fun, and a few surprises throughout the show. Fans of these familiar faces can expect a playful, high-energy performance with plenty of personality.
Note: This event was rescheduled from September 12, 2025.
Date: August 28, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Elsinore Theatre // 170 High St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $44.96 – $89.36 (view ticket information)
Oregon State Fair
The Oregon State Fair returns to the Oregon State Fairgrounds for its annual end-of-summer celebration!
From August 28 through September 7, the fair will bring 11 days of carnival rides, games, fair food, livestock and agricultural exhibits, 4-H and FFA competitions, creative exhibits, roaming entertainment, and more. This year’s celebration also ties into America’s 250th anniversary, with the fair highlighting the traditions, competition, and community gatherings that have long been part of the event.
The 2026 concert series adds a big-name show nearly every night, with performers including Al Jardine of the Beach Boys + The Pet Sounds Band, Walker Hayes, BigXThaPlug, All Time Low, Jo Dee Messina, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and more.
Date: August 28 – September 7, 2026
Time: Fair opens at 10:00 AM daily; carnival rides begin at 11:00 AM
Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds // 2330 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: Varies (view admission information)
WVSR Annual Carousel Cruise Car Show
Classic cars, hot rods, modern muscle, motorcycles, rat rods, and more will roll into Riverfront Carousel Park for the Willamette Valley Street Rods (WVSR) Annual Carousel Cruise Car Show on August 29. Along with a variety of vehicles on display, the day will feature vendors, food trucks, a poker walk, raffle, silent auction, 50/50 drawing, valve cover races, and other family-friendly activities.
Vehicle registration is available the day of the show. Awards will be presented in the afternoon.
Date: August 29, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Riverfront Carousel Park // 101 Front St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE to attend; $20 vehicle registration
Bingo Loco
Bingo gets a wild makeover at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre with Bingo Loco. The Grand Ballroom will be filled with throwback tunes, plenty of laughs, and a high-energy take on the classic game, making this one feel more like a party than a traditional bingo night.
Date: August 29, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre // 187 High St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $35 (view ticket information)
Noche de Cumbia – Group Lesson & Social Dance
Come by Xicha Brewing Norte for a night of social dancing with instructor Orlando Pacheco. Orlando will lead a group lesson before DJ Cavaliere keeps the music going throughout the night.
Date: August 29, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Xicha Brewing Norte // 2195 Hyacinth St NE Suite 162, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE to attend; food and drink for purchase
ServeFest 2026
A morning of family fun and practical resources is planned at Lakepoint Community Church during ServeFest 2026. The free event will feature a kids’ carnival, clothing, school supplies, family photos, food, manicures, raffle prizes, a video game station, bike repair, pet care, and more.
Date: August 30, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Lakepoint Community Church // 2856 Broadway St NE, Salem, OR 97303
Cost: FREE
Salem’s got a lot going on this weekend! Grab a friend, pick a few favorites, and go have some fun around town.