There’s a full weekend of fun waiting in Salem!
Caboose Exhibit Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The Willamette Heritage Center is celebrating the grand opening of Caboose 507, a beautifully restored piece of Salem’s rail history. After more than a decade in the making, the new exhibit featuring a 1909 wooden caboose will be unveiled alongside a newly built accessible ramp. The ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 10:00 AM with free admission all day. Enjoy food, kid-friendly activities, and booths from community partners sharing more about Oregon’s railroad history.
Date: September 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Willamette Heritage Center // 1313 Mill St SE, Ste 200, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
Big Bounce America 2025
The world’s biggest touring inflatable event is bouncing into Salem! Big Bounce America 2025 is taking over the Oregon State Fairgrounds for three days of high-energy fun with four massive attractions: the supersized World’s Biggest Bounce House, The Giant inflatable obstacle course, outer space-themed airSPACE, and the action-packed Sport Slam arena.
With sessions for all age groups, this is a can’t-miss chance to unplug and jump into a wonderland of inflatable excitement.
Date: September 19–21, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds // 2330 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $22–$35 (view ticket information)
IN A LANDSCAPE: Riverfront Park
IN A LANDSCAPE: Classical Music in the Wild tours for its 10th season, transforming natural spaces into concert venues across the American West. On September 19, enjoy an immersive performance by pianist Hunter Noack on a 9-foot Steinway at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater in Salem’s Riverfront Park.
Date: September 19, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: Salem Riverfront Park // 200 Water St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Cost: $45 (view ticket information)
Arte es Vida / Art is Life
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with an evening of art, culture, and community at Stefani Art Gallery. This special pop-up event will feature Salem-based artist Jesus Escobar, whose vibrant paintings and street photography reflect his Guatemalan heritage and life experiences. Enjoy curated wines from Parra Wine Co. and delicious truffles from Truffle Shuffle as you explore the artwork and connect with others in a gallery setting.
Date: September 19, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Stefani Art Gallery // 305 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
Family-Friendly Comedy Magic Night
Bring the whole family out for an evening of laughter and wonder with magician Arthur Atsma! Hosted by Salem First Church of the Nazarene, this free event promises an hour of comedy, illusions, and interactive fun for all ages. Doors open at 6:00 PM and seating is first come, first served.
Date: September 19, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Salem First Church of the Nazarene // 1550 Market St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
Curtis Salgado at The Grand Theatre
Don’t miss an unforgettable night with award-winning blues and soul artist Curtis Salgado at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Known for his powerhouse vocals and heartfelt songwriting, Salgado brings a dynamic blend of blues, gospel, R&B, and rock to the stage. Catch him live as he performs tracks from his latest release, Fine By Me, along with fan favorites from his impressive catalog.
Date: September 19, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre and Event Center // 187 High St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: General Admission $33.50 (view ticket information)
2025 Bauman’s Harvest Festival
Bauman’s Farm and Gardenis kicking off their 38th Annual Harvest Festival on September 20, launching over a month of fall fun for all ages. Located just outside of Salem in Gervais, the popular festival features classic attractions like pumpkin patches, mazes, hayrides, apple cider, and much, much more. Opening weekend includes special promotions as part of Family Rewards Weekend.
Date: September 20 – October 30, 2025 (No activities on Mondays)
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Bauman’s Farm and Garden // 12989 Howell Prairie Rd NE, Gervais, OR 97026
Cost: Varies (view ticket information)
Forge Fest NW
Get ready for a day of fire, creativity, and community at Forge Fest North West in Independence! This hands-on festival supports I.A.C.T. (Industrial Artistic and Creative Therapy), a nonprofit offering therapeutic creative services for veterans and former first responders. Try your hand at forging with expert blacksmiths, enjoy local food trucks, and experience a day dedicated to resilience, artistry, and giving back.
Date: September 20, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: 6665 Rickreall Rd, Independence, OR 97351
Cost: FREE
Kroc Family Fair
The Salem Kroc Center is throwing their biggest family celebration of the year—and you’re invited! The Kroc Family Fair is a free community event packed with fun for all ages, including pony rides, bouncy houses, rock climbing, crafts, vendor booths, and even free swim sessions (don’t forget your swimsuit and towel!). Guests will also receive a free family day pass and can take advantage of waived $75 registration fees for new Kroc Center memberships. This is a perfect chance to experience all the Kroc Center has to offer!
Date: September 20, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Kroc Center Salem // 1865 Bill Frey Dr NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
34th Annual Oregon Grape Stomp Competition & Harvest Celebration
Celebrate the season with wine, live music, and a bit of barefoot fun at Willamette Valley Vineyards – Estate Winery during the 34th Annual Oregon Grape Stomp Championship & Harvest Celebration. Taking place September 20–21, guests can enjoy curated wine flights, food specials, a costume contest, and of course, grape stomping!
General admission includes a $15 wine credit and access to live entertainment and the stomping competition. Designated drivers and guests under 21 can attend at no cost.
Date: September 20–21, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Willamette Valley Vineyards – Estate Winery // 8800 Enchanted Way SE, Turner, OR 97392
Cost: $35 general admission ($25–$20 for Wine Club Members & Owners) (view admission information)
If you’d like to compete, visit this link.
Salem Pride in the Park 2025
Salem’s 47th annual Pride in the Park event is taking place on September 20th at Riverfront Park. This free, all-ages event will fill the park with over 200 booths featuring local artists and free community resources, plus enjoy food trucks, live entertainment, and activities throughout the day.
Date: September 20, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Salem’s Riverfront Park // 101 Front St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE; items for purchase
Stop and Smell the Rosés
Join Jacob Espinoza and What’s Happening Salem for a laid-back Sunday brunch party at Mykie’s Bar & Lounge. Enjoy tasty brunch bites, refreshing drinks, local vendors, and live acoustic sets by Mayra Sandoval (11:00 AM – 12:45 PM) and Katrina Elizabeth (1:00–3:00 PM). It’ll be a super chill vibe!
Date: September 21, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Mykie’s Bar & Lounge // 155 Liberty St NE, Ste 130, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE to attend; food and drink for purchase
Basic Calligraphy Class
Discover the art of lettering at this beginner-friendly calligraphy class hosted by Affordable Framing. For $25, you’ll receive your own calligraphy pen to keep, all necessary materials, and light snacks and beverages. Learn to write your name and simple phrases in a relaxing, creative environment! This is a great activity for anyone looking to pick up a new skill and connect with others in the community.
Date: September 21, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Affordable Framing // 750 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $25 (view registration information)
Don’t miss out! Salem is packed with great local events to explore this weekend.
