October is here, and Salem is settling into the season! 🎃 This weekend has lots of local ways to spend time in the community.
Local Pumpkin Patches & Harvest Festivals
Fall fun is in full swing around Salem. Through October, explore local pumpkin patches and harvest festivals with plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy! WhirLocal has rounded up several favorites in one handy guide to help make planning a fall outing easier.
Deepwood Pop-Up “Boo-tique”
Deepwood Museum & Gardens is getting into the Halloween season with a special Pop-Up “Boo-tique” in the Solarium. Browse seasonal accessories, jams and butters, jewelry, tea, and more while supporting the care and preservation of Deepwood.
Date: October 2, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Deepwood Museum & Gardens // 1116 Mission Street SE Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE to attend; items for purchase
Yoga + Wine at Willamette Valley Vineyards
Cheers & Namaste is wrapping up the season at Willamette Valley Vineyards with a special sunset yoga practice. The 60-minute outdoor class (led by Mikki Trowbridge) is timed to take place during sunset, followed by time to enjoy wine or food from the vineyard.
This class is open to all-levels. Participants should bring their own mat or towel, and attendees are encouraged to support the host with a purchase.
Date: October 2, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Willamette Valley Vineyards // 8800 Enchanted Way SE Turner, OR 97392
Cost: $5 – $10 suggested donation; food and wine for purchase
DTE Dance Collective – Open Floor Night
DTE Dance Collective is hosting an “open mic for dancers” experience with Open Floor Night. The evening in downtown Salem will feature 12 live dance and movement performances from both emerging and experienced artists.
Date: October 2, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: RJ Dance Studio // 317 Court St NE Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $10 – $15
Family Weekend Concerts: Choir & Orchestra, Jazz
Willamette University’s Department of Music invites families, friends, and the Salem community to enjoy two evenings of student performances during Family Weekend. Friday’s concert will feature choir and orchestra ensembles, while Saturday’s program will spotlight jazz.
Date: October 2 & 3, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Hudson Concert Hall, Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center, Willamette University // 900 State Street Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
Oregon’s Bounty: A Celebration of Agriculture
Celebrate Oregon agriculture with a family-friendly day at the Oregon State Capitol. Enjoy hands-on activities, educational exhibits, live music, face painting, a free pumpkin patch with decorating, farm animals, and more throughout the Capitol grounds. The day will also include a square dance performance in the Rotunda and intermittent live music by True North until 1 PM.
Date: October 3, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Oregon State Capitol // 900 Court St NE Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
Salem Pop-Up Comic Swap
Comic fans and collectors can buy, sell, and trade at the Salem Pop-Up Comic Swap inside Salem Center. Stop by the hallway near the food court to browse comic books, collectibles, action figures, trading cards, and more.
Date: October 3, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Salem Center // 401 Center St NE Salem, OR 97301
Cost: Free to attend; items for purchase
What If: A Workshop in Abstract Acrylic Painting
Artists with acrylic painting experience are invited to explore a more abstract approach during this two-day workshop at Art Department. Participants will experiment with color, line, shape, and texture while creating two paintings and taking part in group critiques designed to encourage fresh ideas and creative growth.
Date: October 3 – 4, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Art Department // 254 Commercial St NE Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $145 (view ticket information)
Salem’s Trading Card Showcase – Sports Cards & Pokémon TCG Show
Collectors and trading card fans! Come browse more than 85 vendor tables at Salem’s Trading Card Showcase. The event will feature sports cards, Pokémon, One Piece, Magic: The Gathering, Lorcana, and more.
Free admission and parking.
Date: October 4, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Salem Scottish Rite Center // 4090 Commercial St SE Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE to attend; items for purchase
Pup-tober Fest
Oregon Humane Society and Capitol Subaru are teaming up for a festive fall celebration made with pups in mind. The event includes free pumpkins, gift cards for pup cups, snacks, drinks, giveaways, dog training demonstrations, a themed photo booth with costumes, paw print activities, and more. No registration is required.
Date: October 3, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Capitol Subaru // 920 Auto Group Ave NE Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
Make the most of the first weekend of October by getting out in Salem and supporting the local places that make the season feel special.