The days are growing longer and the weather is warming up, and there are plenty of great local events going on in and around our city. Let’s dive into a few of the highlights.

Spring Book Sale at Keizer Community Library

The Keizer Community Library invites everyone to explore a wide selection of used books at their Spring Book Sale. Each purchase will help support the library.

Prices:

  • Paperbacks: $0.50
  • Hardbacks: $1.00

There will also be a “Bag of Books for $5” sale starting at 2:30 PM on Saturday, May 18th. Both cash and debit/credit cards will be accepted.

Date: May 17 – 18, 2024
Time:  Friday 9 AM – 5 PM | Saturday 9 AM – 4 PM
Location: Keizer Civic Center // 930 Chemawa Road NE, Keizer, OR 97303
Cost: FREE to attend

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2024 Bloom Season Event

Schreiner’s Gardens invites everyone to their annual Bloom Season Event, a month-long event in May celebrated for its breathtaking display of over 500 named irises in full bloom. As the largest iris farm in the country, it’s a must-visit for gardeners and flower enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the iris fields, stroll through the 10-acre display gardens, and enjoy the beauty and fragrance of rare irises and other perennials like lupines, allium, and delphinium.

Early Bird Tickets offer access to the fields and gardens from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., perfect for photographers. The event also features a gift shop with fresh-cut irises, potted plants, and garden-related items, as well as food trucks and vendors available on weekends and most weekdays. On May 19th, Family Day, the garden will host face-painting and kid-friendly activities, with free entry for children 12 and younger all season.

Date: May 3 – 31, 2024
Time:  9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Schreiner’s Iris Gardens // 3625 Quinaby Rd NE, Salem, OR 97303
Cost: Varies (view ticket information)

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S.T.E.A.M.’D Up For Kids

Get ready for a roaring good time at the annual S.T.E.A.M.’d Up for Kids event at Powerland Heritage Park. This event is packed with excitement, learning, and adventure for both kids and parents. Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including workshop fun where kids can build something to take home, miniature train rides (weather permitting), hands-on history demonstrations, and trolley rides ($5 for adults and $3 for kids) through the park. There will also be opportunities to make and eat your own ice cream, see amazing steam engines, participate in a scavenger hunt, and hop on a wagon ride to enjoy the scenery. Additional activities include crafting, taking photos on outdoor tractors, and exploring the park’s many museums.

The event also features a scaled-down version of the Great Oregon Steam-Up’s “Parade of Power,” showcasing massive steam traction engines, tractors, and fire engines. Admission is affordable at just $10, with kids 12 and under getting in free.

Date: May 18, 2024
Time:  9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Powerland Heritage Park // 3995 Brooklake Rd NE, Salem, OR 97303
Cost: $10 per person (12 and under get in FREE)

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Bloomin’ Iris Day Parade

Join the Keizer community for the annual Bloomin’ Iris Day Parade, themed “Shake, Rattle, & Roll,” on May 18th.. The parade will take place along River Road between Lockhaven Drive in north Keizer, featuring a fun display of floats, teams, and marching bands. This beloved tradition is a wonderful celebration of the community.

Date: May 18, 2024
Time:  10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: River Road between Lockhaven Drive
Cost: FREE

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Kids’ Clothing Spring Consignment Sale

The Baby’s Bottom Dollar sale is a pop-up children’s consignment event taking place in Salem! This event aims to help busy moms turn their gently used baby items into cash, allowing them to declutter their lives, save money, and shop for the next stage of childhood.

The consignment event offers a clean, organized, and top-quality shopping experience, making it the perfect way to buy and sell children’s clothes, toys, and gear without breaking the bank or paying full retail prices.

Date: May 15 – 18, 2024
Time:  9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds, Columbia Hall // 2330 17th St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Cost: FREE to attend

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Noche de Karaoke & Social Dancing

El Ranchero Market invites everyone to a fun night of karaoke and social dancing on May 18th. Enjoy drink specials and a delicious food menu while soaking in all the good vibes. This event is for guests aged 21+.

Date: May 18, 2024
Time:  9:30 PM – 2:00 AM
Location: El Ranchero Market // 2615 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97305
Cost: Food and drink for purchase

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Magic Show LIVE at Taproot

Taproot Lounge and Cafe will host Finn the Magician for an enthralling live magic and mind-reading show. Attendees can look forward to an evening of tricks, captivating illusions, and mentalism entertainment.

Date: May 18, 2024
Time:  9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Taproot Lounge & Cafe // 356 State St, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE

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ShowBiz Salem Rummage Sale and Craft & Vendor Market

ShowBiz’s Rummage Sale and Craft & Vendor Market will take place at the Scottish Rite on Sunday, May 19th. Shoppers can explore a variety of handmade items, artisanal products, and fantastic bargains. It’s the perfect opportunity to support local artisans and find one-of-a-kind treasures.

Date: May 19, 2024
Time:  10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Scottish Rite Center // 4090 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE to attend

Learn more

Be sure to mark your calendars and take advantage of all the excitement happening around town this weekend. See you out and about!

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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