Salem has plenty happening this weekend! From fall fun and live entertainment to community celebrations and family-friendly outings, here are 10 local events to check out.
What Do We Hold? A Community Conversation
To recognize the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, What Do We Hold? A Community Conversation invites visitors to reflect on American history, present-day challenges, and hopes for the future.
The exhibition, created in collaboration with The Conversation Project and Willamette University’s Office of Civic Engagement, features work by Jacob Lawrence, Roger Shimomura, Wendy Red Star, Jim Lommasson, Carmen Lomas Garza, Bud Lane, and Michael Brophy at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art.
Date: Through November 21, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Hallie Ford Museum of Art // 700 State St, Salem, Oregon 97301
Cost: $8 general admission; $5 seniors (55+); FREE for students, children, and educators; FREE on Tuesdays
A Toast to Tomatoes
Celebrate the harvest season at Painters Hall during A Toast to Tomatoes! Sample organic heirloom tomatoes grown in the Pringle Creek Community Urban Farm’s historic glasshouses, enjoy curated wines from Bar Noira, and listen to live music by Phoelix Music. Non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of savory and sweet bites will also be available.
Date: September 18, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Pringle Creek Community, Painters Hall // 3911 Village Center Dr. SE, Salem, Oregon 97302
Cost: $65 (ages 21+ only) (view ticket information)
Bauman’s Harvest Festival
Bauman’s Harvest Festival is opening this weekend! Families can participate in more than 30 activities, including the corn maze, dark hay maze, hay rides, jumping pillows, mini golf, a ropes course, farm animals, slides, and so more. Visitors can also enjoy fresh-pressed apple cider, Bauman’s famous apple cider donuts, and plenty of seasonal food and drink options.
Date: September 19 – October 31, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Location: Bauman’s Farms // 12989 Howell Prairie Rd. NE, Gervais, Oregon 97026
Cost: Starting at $20 for ages 3-25 | $15 for ages 26+ | FREE for children 2 and under with adult admission (view ticket information)
Salem Pride in the Park 2026
Salem Capital Pride returns with Pride in the Park at Riverfront. This free community event will feature more than 200 booths with handmade goods from vendors, free resources and services, live performances, food trucks, activities, and more throughout the day.
Date: September 19, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Riverfront Park // 147 Front St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Cost: FREE
Cherry City Roller Derby Season Opener Doubleheader
Kick off a brand new season with Cherry City Roller Derby! This family-friendly doubleheader features a junior bout followed by an adult bout, plus food and beverages, adult drinks from Santiam Brewing, and a food truck on site.
The junior bout begins at 4:30 PM and the adult bout is at 6:30 PM. Doors open at 3:30 PM.
Date: September 19, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Doors open at 3:30 PM)
Location: Cherry City Roller Derby Madhouse // 1335 Madison St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Cost: $12 presale | $15 at the door ($16 by credit card) | $30 presale family pass or $35 at the door ($36 by credit card) | FREE for children ages 5 and under (view ticket information)
Next Stop Comedy at Ratchet Brewery – Quinn Fitzgerald
Next Stop Comedy is bringing a fresh lineup of stand-up talent to Ratchet Brewery in Salem, featuring Quinn Fitzgerald. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy an evening of live comedy in a local brewery.
Date: September 19, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM)
Location: Ratchet Brewery // 2475 25th St SE, Salem, Oregon 97302
Cost: $27 general admission (view ticket information)
Chelsea Wolfe: THE DARK World Tour
Singer-songwriter Chelsea Wolfe brings THE DARK World Tour to Salem’s historic Elsinore Theatre, joined by Jonathan Hultén. Known for blending gothic rock, folk, electronic, and heavy metal influences, Wolfe has built a distinctive sound across acclaimed albums including Pain Is Beauty, Abyss, and Hiss Spun.
Date: September 19, 2026
Time: 8:30 PM
Location: Elsinore Theatre // 170 High St SE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Cost: Varies. VIP options are also available. (view ticket information)
2026 Run for Recovery
Bridgeway Community Health invites the community to the 13th Annual Run for Recovery 5K at Riverfront Park. This event celebrates resilience, hope, and recovery while bringing runners, walkers, and supporters together in solidarity with those on the journey toward wellness.
Date: September 20, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Riverfront Park // 200 Water St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Cost: $15-$30 (view registration information)
Character Invasion & Back to School Ride Sale Day!
Salem’s Riverfront Carousel is welcoming a crew of characters from a galaxy far, far away! Bring the family for a fun afternoon of meet-and-greets and photo opportunities, presented in partnership with Star Wars Oregon. Families can also take advantage of a back-to-school special, with 10-ride passes available for $15 throughout the day.
Date: September 20, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Salem’s Riverfront Carousel // 101 Front St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Cost: FREE for the character meet-and-greet | 10-ride passes available for $15
Jon Lovitz
Comedy veteran Jon Lovitz is taking the stage at the Elsinore Theatre for an evening of stand-up in Salem. Best known for his memorable years on Saturday Night Live, Lovitz has also appeared in dozens of films and television shows, including A League of Their Own, The Wedding Singer, Friends, Seinfeld, and The Simpsons. With decades of comedy experience, he brings his unmistakable style and voice to a live local audience.
Date: September 20, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM PDT
Location: Elsinore Theatre // 170 High St SE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Cost: $57.21-$86.07 (view ticket information)
Make the most of the weekend by supporting local and enjoying events in the Salem area. Which activities are making it onto your calendar?