This weekend, Salem is offering plenty of reasons to step away from the usual routine and see what’s unfolding around the city.
NW MiniTruckin Nationals
The first-ever Northwest MiniTruckin Nationals is rolling into the Oregon State Fairgrounds for a full weekend of custom trucks, judging, games, awards, raffles, cruising, and community fun. Vehicle registration and camping are sold out, but spectator admission will be available at the gate.
Date: July 31 – August 2, 2026
Time: Friday 9 AM – 8 PM | Saturday 9 AM – 8 PM or after awards | Sunday 9 AM – 2 PM
Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds // 2330 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $20 for spectators at the gate
Salem Photo Expo
The Shutterbug is transforming its Salem Superstore into a two-day photography wonderland filled with in-store deals, bonus trade-in offers, raffles, giveaways, and prizes. Enjoy free classes, workshops, and photo walks for all skill levels. KEH Camera will be on-site to purchase used gear and offer exclusive trade-in bonuses!
Date: July 31 – August 1, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: The Shutterbug // 3932 Commercial St S, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE to attend; items for purchase
Concert in the Park Featuring The Druthers
The City of Salem Parks and Recreation invites the community to enjoy a free summer concert featuring The Druthers at Riverfront Park’s Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater. Bring family, friends, and a low-back chair or blanket for an evening of live music, food, and outdoor fun.
Date: July 31, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – End time not provided
Location: Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater // 200 Water St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE to attend
Capital City LIVE! Jon Pardi with Special Guests The Kruse Brothers
Country star Jon Pardi takes the stage at the L. B. Day Amphitheater with special guests The Kruse Brothers for an exciting night of live music. Presented by Capital City LIVE!, the concert benefits Family Building Blocks and its programs supporting children and families throughout Marion and Polk counties.
Date: July 31, 2026
Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM; concert begins at 7:30 PM
Location: L. B. Day Amphitheater // 2310 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $70+ (view ticket information)
The Art Critique Comedy Show
Comedy and art are coming together at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. During The Art Critique Comedy Show, comedians Jeremy Talamantes and Jordan Cerminara will offer hilariously “expert” opinions on a curated gallery of thrift-store artwork before auctioning each piece to the highest bidder. This playful show is a fun pick for comedy fans, art lovers, date nights, and anyone looking for a fresh local experience.
Date: July 31, 2026
Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM; show begins at 8:00 PM
Location: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre // 187 High St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $15 presale plus fees; $20 at the door (view ticket information)
Salem Pop-Up Comic Swap! August 2026
Collectors and pop-culture fans can shop, sell, and trade comic books, video games, action figures, trading cards, vinyl records, LEGO sets, Funko Pops, vintage toys, and so much more at the Salem Pop-Up Comic Swap. Held at Salem Center Mall alongside their Summer Block Party (Chemeketa Street), the event will also feature local food, treats, arts, crafts, and family-friendly fun.
Date: August 1, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Salem Center Mall // 401 Center St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE admission; items for purchase
On High Oregon 2026 Featuring Slightly Stoopid, Big Boi & More
On High Oregon is coming to Salem Riverfront Park for an epic day of live music, vendors, and festival energy. The lineup features Slightly Stoopid, Big Boi, The Elovaters, DENM, and more. Children ages 6 and younger can attend free with a paid guardian.
This all-ages event will take place rain or shine
Date: August 1, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Location: Salem Riverfront Park // 183 Front St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $56.49 (view ticket information)
Sol Seed at Salem’s Grand Theatre — Official “On High” Afterparty
Keep the night going on High Street with a live performance by Pacific Northwest reggae-fusion group Sol Seed. Blending reggae with rock, soul, hip-hop, and world music influences, the band brings an uplifting, high-energy sound to Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre for the official festival afterparty.
Guests with an On High wristband can get in free until 11:00 PM.
Date: August 1, 2026
Time: 10:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Location: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre // 187 High St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $10; FREE with an On High wristband until 11:00 PM (view ticket information)
Minty & T Too Memorial Car Show
The Minty & T Too Memorial Car Show is returning for the fourth event in its seven-show series, featuring classic cars, modern muscle, 4x4s, semis, and more. Guests can enjoy music from DJ Russ Strohmeyer, raffle prizes, and a variety of food, retail, and beverage vendors. The first 150 vehicle registrations will also receive a free T-shirt.
Date: August 2, 2026
Time: Vehicle gates open at 8:00 AM; spectator entry begins at 9:00 AM
Location: 4070 27th Ct SE // 4070 27th Ct SE, Salem, OR
Cost: FREE for spectators; $20 vehicle entry
Pick a place to start and let Salem shape the rest of the weekend!