Salem has a full weekend of local events for all ages and interests. Take a look at what’s coming up and make plans to enjoy time around town.
Summer Reading Kick-off Party
Salem Public Library is welcoming kids and teens to start the summer reading season! Families can enjoy crafts, games, circus arts featuring Amazama, a chalk obstacle course, scavenger hunts, and more throughout the drop-in event.
Date: June 12, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Salem Public Library // 585 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
STRIDE 5k/10k Run/Walk
Runners, walkers, families, and four-legged friends are invited to participate in an active day at Riverfront Park. The all-ages STRIDE 5k/10k Run/Walk welcomes strollers and dogs on leash, with bibs available for pickup at the event and registration available in advance online or in person.
Date: June 13, 2026
Time: 11:45 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Riverfront Park // 200 Water St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: Registration fee varies (view registration information)
Nature Journaling for All Ages
Families can slow down, explore, and connect with the outdoors during this all-ages nature journaling meetup at Ankeny Hill Nature Center. Hosted by the Nature Journaling OSU 4-H Club, Marion County 4-H Oregon, and OSU Extension Service, participants will use their five senses to make site observations and add to their nature journals while enjoying an area known for birds, nature exploration, and its pollinator garden.
Date: June 13, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Ankeny Hill Nature Center // 130 Ankeny Hill Rd SE, Jefferson, OR 97352
Cost: FREE (RSVP)
ShowBiz Salem Summer Marketplace
Local shopping takes center stage at the ShowBiz Salem Summer Marketplace! Browse a wide variety of vendors offering crafts, jewelry, collectibles, cosmetics, antiques, clothing, handmade goods, home décor, artwork, toys, candles, soaps, home and garden items, professional services, and more.
Date: June 13, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds 4-H FFA Barn // 2001 Sunnyview Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: Items for purchase
Our River Celebration
Celebrate Salem’s local rivers and streams during Our River Celebration, a free, family-friendly event hosted by the Mid-Willamette Outreach Group. The afternoon will feature hands-on activities, interactive stations led by local educators, naturalists, and municipal staff, plus free ice cream from Grace’s Sweets & Treats, face painting from Aunt Toni’s, guided plant walks, prizes, and more.
Date: June 13, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Minto-Brown Island Park Pavilion // 2200 Minto Island Rd SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE
Turkish Art Workshops
Art Masterclass is bringing two hands-on Turkish art experiences to the Salem Convention Center. Guests can create a glowing mosaic lamp or design a Turkish ceramic painting while enjoying complimentary Turkish tea and treats. No experience is needed, making these workshops a creative option for a date, solo outing, or group activity.
Date: June 13 – 14, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 6:00 PM sessions
Location: Salem Convention Center // 200 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: Price varies (view lamp workshop ticket information and ceramic painting ticket information)
Learn More: Lamp Workshop
Learn More: Ceramic Painting Workshop
Salem Pride Parade & Block Party 2026
The Salem Pride Parade & Block Party will take place in downtown Salem with a parade route beginning near the Capitol Building and continuing about seven blocks to the block party area. After the parade, the event will continue on State Street between Liberty and Front with food vendors, entertainment, free activities, community booths, games, crafts, and more.
Date: June 13, 2026
Time: 11:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Parade begins near the Capitol Building on Waverly St NE | Block Party on State Street between Liberty and Front // Downtown Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE to attend; some items for purchase
Summer Bash
World of Flavors Food Park is marking its official completion with a Summer Bash for the Salem community! Stop by for free entry, food vendors, live music, games, face painting, a taco eating contest, and an up-close educational experience with animals from Newport Zoo from 12 PM – 3:30 PM.
Date: June 13, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: World of Flavors Food Park // 1321 Smith St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE to attend; items for purchase
Collage Art Class
Affordable Framing at Willamette Town Center is hosting a creative collage class open to all experience levels. The $35 class includes snacks, drinks, and materials, with participants creating either two 5×7 collages or one 8×10 collage.
Date: June 14, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Affordable Framing // 750 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $35 (view ticket information)
Heritage Talk – 1863 Salem Scandal: When White Elites Defied Custom to Attend a Black Wedding
Salem Art Association will continue its Heritage Talks series with a presentation by Brian Waldo Johnson at Bush House Museum. This talk will examine the 1863 Salem wedding of Richard Bogle and America Waldo, the notable attendance of prominent White community members, and the strong public reaction that followed across the West Coast.
Date: June 14, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Bush House Museum // 600 Mission St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: $20 recommended ticket price (view ticket information)
Sunday Salsa at the Adobe
Salem Rueda de Casino is hosting another evening of salsa, bachata, and cumbia at Adobe Restaurant and Bar. Guests can start with a lesson at 6:30 PM, then stay for social dancing beginning at 7:30 PM; the event is 18+ unless accompanied.
Date: June 14, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Adobe Restaurant and Bar // 508 State St, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $5 cover
Salem is full of ways to connect with the community this weekend. Enjoy a local event, support nearby organizations, and make the most of what’s happening around town.