Salem is packed with creative workshops, live music, family festivals, community fundraisers, theater, dancing, and more this weekend. Start planning your local adventures!
Mushroom Growing Workshop
Dig into the fascinating world of fungi during this hands-on workshop at Pringle Creek Sustainable Living Center. Participants will learn about mycelium and explore practical ways to grow mushrooms at home, with kid-friendly activities included. All ages, learning abilities, and identities are welcome.
Date: August 7, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM–7:30 PM
Location: Pringle Creek Sustainable Living Center // 3911 Village Center Dr SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE (view registration information)
Date-Night Dinner/Cruise Paint Party
Turn date night into a creative evening aboard the Willamette Queen Sternwheeler in Salem. This 18+ dinner cruise and paint party features the “Beloved Beach” painting, with all supplies and step-by-step instruction included. No painting experience is needed, and both couples and singles are welcome.
Date: August 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Location: Willamette Queen // 200 Water St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $35 per adult to paint, plus $65 for the cruise and dinner (view ticket information)
Family Feud
Put teamwork and quick thinking to the test during Family Feud at Heroes Tap House Bar & Grill. Played just like the TV show, this professionally hosted game night brings friends and families together for an entertaining evening. Reservations are recommended.
Date: August 7, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
Location: Heroes Tap House Bar & Grill // 4555 Liberty Rd S, Ste. 350, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: Free to attend; food and drink for purchase
Theatre 33 Presents: Lights in the Sky by Ricky Zipp
Political satire takes center stage as Theatre 33 presents Lights in the Sky at Willamette University. The play follows Jimmy King on his first day at a Washington, D.C., office that investigates UFO reports, where he uncovers a hidden alien encounter with potentially catastrophic consequences. Through sharp humor and high-stakes tension, the production explores power, violence, and humanity’s failure to learn from the past.
Date: August 7, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM–8:30 PM
Location: Willamette University // 935 Mill St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: Suggested donation of $20 general admission | $15 senior | $12 student
Dueling Pianos: Elton John vs. Billy Joel
Two legendary catalogs go head-to-head when The Dueling Hobbits bring the music of Elton John and Billy Joel to Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. This high-energy, all-ages show will feature familiar hits, audience singalongs, surprise requests, and plenty of playful banter throughout the night.
Date: August 7, 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: $25 general admission (plus fees); $30 at the door (view ticket information)
Run for Salem Free Clinics
Lace up for a meaningful morning at the 14th annual Run for Salem Free Clinics, presented by Pioneer Trust Bank. This community fundraiser supports accessible healthcare for vulnerable neighbors, while registration includes an event T-shirt, a Café Yumm bowl, access to the popular snack table, and samples from Raw Blendz.
Date: August 8, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Minto-Brown Island Park // 2200 Minto Island Rd SW SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: $35 (view registration information)
Englewood Forest Festival
Celebrate local art, nature, and community at the eighth annual Englewood Forest Festival in Salem’s historic Englewood City Park. The free festival will feature 50 local artists, live music and dance across two stages, food vendors, and hands-on art and nature activities for families. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s shady setting, splash pad, playgrounds, and native pollinator garden.
Date: August 8, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Englewood City Park // 1300 19th St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
Riverfront Family Fest 2026
Riverfront Park will fill with family-friendly fun during this annual community celebration hosted by Family Building Blocks. Nearly 4,000 parents and children attend each year to explore health and safety resources, enjoy activities together, and connect with neighbors in a welcoming outdoor setting. Come get connected!
Date: August 8, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Riverfront Park // 200 Water St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
CatVideoFest 2026 at Salem Cinema
Cats are taking over the big screen during CatVideoFest 2026, an entertaining compilation of standout feline clips, animations, music videos, and internet favorites. Salem Cinema will share a portion of ticket proceeds with Friends of Felines, who support local cats in need.
Date: August 8 & 9, 2026
Time: Saturday 1:45 PM | Sunday 1:45 PM and 6:30 PM
Location: Salem Cinema // 1127 Broadway St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $12 (view ticket information)
Pachanga Latin Band of Salem
Turn up the rhythm at Xicha Brewing Norte with an evening of live music from Pachanga Latin Band of Salem. The dance floor will be open for a fun Saturday night filled with Latin beats!
Date: August 8, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Xicha Brewing Norte // 2195 Hyacinth St NE, Ste. 162, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: Free to attend; food and drink for purchase
Make the most of the weekend by supporting local organizations, artists, venues, and businesses throughout Salem.