Last weekend, a small but mighty team of student engineers from North Salem High School represented Salem, Oregon on one of the biggest stages in student robotics. North Salem’s Viking Robotics Team Valkyrie traveled more than 2,000 miles to St. Louis, Missouri, where they competed in the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship at the America’s Center Convention Complex. The international event brought together top student robotics teams from around the globe to compete, collaborate, and celebrate STEM innovation. For Team Valkyrie, simply earning a spot at Worlds was a major accomplishment. According to Salem Reporter, this marked only the second time in North Salem High School’s history that a robotics team reached this elite level of compet…

Spring weekend plans are looking good in Salem. What are you adding to your calendar April 24 - 26? Care Summit 2026: Movement Rooted in Care Hosted by Family Forward Oregon, Care Summit 2026: Movement Rooted in Care brings caregivers together for a weekend of connection, education, and advocacy at the Salem Convention Center. Attendees can take part in conversations around key care issues, gain practical leadership skills, and join a growing movement working toward a stronger future for caregivers. Date: April 24, 2026 - April 26, 2026Time: Friday 5 PM - Sunday 2 PM (schedule varies)Location: Salem Convention Center // 200 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97301Cost: FREE Learn More The Many: An Evening of Resistance & Hope The Many will kic…

Families in Salem, OR and surrounding areas looking for trusted, professional senior in-home care for their aging loved ones are finding comfort in JBEE Pacific Homecare. Led by a team of dedicated and motivated individuals, this family-owned in-home care agency based in the Salem, OR is built on lived experience, deep care, and a passion for helping seniors remain safely and comfortably in their own homes despite the challenges that come from aging. For the team at JBEE Pacific Homecare, this task is not just a profession; it is personal. It is also deeply connected by faith, family, and a calling to serve others with compassion and integrity. Rebecca Nguea-Njoh and Beatrice Yamoah of JBEE Pacific Homecare serving seniors in Salem, OR and…

Salem's history can be found in the details. As the cherry blossoms give way to late spring greenery, Salem is preparing to honor the stories etched into its brick, wood, and stone. May is Historic Preservation Month, and the Salem Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) has organized a lineup of events designed to help residents reconnect with the history found in our downtown alleys, historic neighborhoods, and local landmarks. Capture Salem’s “Hidden History” The month kicks off with the annual “Hidden History” Photo Contest. This city-wide event invites photographers of all ages and skill levels to notice and highlight the historic spaces woven throughout Salem. If you have a keen eye for detail, you can submit up to three photos (one per c…

Salem has a fun weekend ahead with spring sales, live music, family activities, and pop culture events happening across the city! 2026 Mission Street Parks Conservancy Spring Plant Sale Spring planting season gets a local boost at the Mission Street Parks Conservancy’s fundraiser plant sale at Bush’s Pasture Park Soapbox Derby Track. Visitors can shop a wide mix of plants from local specialty nurseries, including fruiting trees, shrubs, vines, herbs, annuals, perennials, veggie starts, succulents, and native and pollinator-friendly plants. Proceeds support projects in Bush’s Pasture Park. Date: April 17 - 18, 2026Time: Friday 10 AM - 6 PM | Saturday 9 AM - 3 PMLocation: Bush's Pasture Park Soapbox Derby Track // 600 Mission St SE, Salem, OR…

WFMC Health recently celebrated a major milestone with a ribbon cutting event marking the reopening of its newly remodeled facility and the return to full staffing, which allows the organization to officially welcome new patients once again. The event brought together staff, community members, patients, board members, and local leaders to recognize the organization's continued commitment to accessible, equitable healthcare in the Salem area. The celebration also highlighted WFMC Health’s 30-year legacy of serving the community as a non-profit 501(c)(3) medical clinic. CEO and Medical Director Dr. Galvez shared the organization’s mission and the personal experiences that helped shape it. Growing up in the Hood River Valley, she witnessed fir…

A big change is coming to one of downtown Salem’s most-loved family playgrounds. The Riverfront Park playground will close on Monday, April 13, 2026, for a full replacement project, with the new playground expected to open by mid- to late summer 2026. During construction, the area around the playground will be fenced off, some spaces in the south parking lot will be used for staging, and the nearby restrooms will also be closed. A Longtime Family Favorite in Salem For years, Riverfront Park has been a go-to place to play for many local families. The current playground dates back to the late 1990s, so this update marks a meaningful new era for a spot that has been part of childhood memories in Salem for nearly three decades. Bigger, More Inc…

It's shaping up to be another great weekend in Salem, Oregon! Take a look at these upcoming events. See's Candies Shop 45th Year Anniversary Celebration! See’s Candies is celebrating 45 sweet years in Salem with a special anniversary event. Guests can stop by for giveaways, promotions, and festive fun, and the first 100 visitors will receive a free reusable tote! Come celebrate a longtime favorite in the community. Date: April 10, 2026Time: 10:00 AMLocation: See's Candies // 355 Liberty St NE, Salem, OR 97301Cost: FREE Learn More The CABA Classic The CABA Classic brings one of the country’s largest and most competitive alpaca shows to Salem for a full weekend of fun at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Hosted in the Livestock Pavilion, the even…

Downtown Salem is getting an important upgrade. Starting today, April 6, the City of Salem is breaking ground on The Marion Parking Structure Revitalization project at 538 Liberty Street NE. The goal is to create a space that feels safer, brighter, and more welcoming for everyone who lives, works, shops, and spends time downtown. This project, made possible by Riverfront Downtown Urban Renewal funds, represents a major investment in the future of downtown Salem. With improvements focused on visibility, accessibility, and comfort, the revitalized structure is designed to better serve residents, visitors, and the local businesses that help keep the heart of the city moving. Safety Through Transparency A major focus of this revitalization proj…

Salem has a full weekend ahead, including lots of Easter fun for local families to enjoy around town. Weekend Events 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month Car Parade & Community Gathering Community members are invited to gather in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month at this annual Salem car parade and community event! Guests can arrive early to decorate their vehicles with provided car paint and pinwheels before the parade heads to the Center for Hope & Safety for a community gathering. Local elected officials and partner organizations will then share ways to help prevent child abuse. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Date: April 3, 2026Time: 7:30 AM - 10:30 AMLocation: Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavi…

There are so many people in our local schools who help students feel encouraged, supported, and seen. The annual Crystal Apple Awards give the Salem-Keizer community a chance to celebrate those everyday efforts in a big way! This year, 108 educators and staff members from public and private schools across Salem and Keizer were nominated for the 27th Annual Crystal Apple Awards, a longtime local tradition that recognizes excellence in education. A Meaningful Community Tradition The Crystal Apple Awards are presented by the McLaran Leadership Foundation and the Salem-Area Chamber of Commerce, with Salem-Keizer Public Schools also involved in the annual program. What makes these awards especially meaningful is the nomination process. Any commu…

Spring is bringing plenty of fun to Salem this weekend! Drop-In Activities for Kids Families can stop by the Children’s Corner at Salem Public Library for an easygoing afternoon of coloring, board games, and a craft. Designed for kids and their grown-ups, this free drop-in activity includes all materials for a fun and creative visit. Date: March 27, 2026Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PMLocation: Salem Public Library // 585 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97301Cost: FREE Learn More Fairy Cookie Class at Sweetly Baked Sweetly Baked is hosting an enchanting cookie decorating class featuring six fairy-themed treats. Participants will learn how to flood, frost, and add detailed designs with royal icing while picking up helpful tips from the bakery team along the…

Access to sports can make a huge difference in a child's life. In Salem, that access just grew in a meaningful way. A New Field for East Salem Final Pass Field, a new soccer field at the East Salem Community Center, officially opened on March 15 and is expected to help expand free youth soccer opportunities for hundreds of local kids this spring. Capital Fútbol Club manages the new field, which is located at the East Salem Community Center at 1850 45th Ave. NE. The club says the space was created to support its Final Pass programs, which are designed to remove barriers and make sure cost, circumstance, or background are not the reason a young person is left out of the game. The project represents a major investment in East Salem youth. Acco…

Spring break is here, and families in Salem have a fun (and affordable) way to explore some of the city’s most beloved downtown destinations! From March 23 through March 27, 2026, the Spring Break Passport to Fun invites kids and their grown-ups to visit seven participating locations for hands-on activities, local history, art, and creativity. The program is presented with support from the Oregon State Capitol Foundation and is designed to help families experience downtown Salem in a fresh, interactive way. How the Passport to Fun Works Families can participate in the free passport program by visiting participating locations throughout the week, completing activities, and collecting stamps along the way. Once at least four stamps have been…

Spring fun is blooming in Salem this weekend! Enjoy live music, family outings, cultural events, and local experiences. Deepwood Plant Sale and Horticultural Tours Deepwood Museum & Gardens invites the community to its spring Plant Sale, featuring hard-to-find native and companion plants, pottery, houseplants, and more. Guests can also enjoy free educational programming throughout the event, including guided nature trail tours, formal garden tours led by the Lord & Schryver Conservancy, a history talk on exotic plant collecting during the Victorian era, and free guided tours of the museum home. Plant experts will be available to answer questions, and a portion of proceeds will support Deepwood’s preservation efforts and programs. Da…

In northeast Salem, a new chapter for 120 local families is beginning. This past Wednesday, March 11, the community gathered under the shelter of the newly completed clubhouse at Gussie Belle Commons for a rain-soaked but celebratory ribbon-cutting. The event marked the official opening of Phase I of a landmark affordable housing project that is as much about honoring Salem’s history as it is about securing its future. More Than Just a Building Located on Northeast 23rd Street, Gussie Belle Commons is not your typical apartment complex. The $45 million development—a collaborative effort between Green Light Development, Home First Development, and Seed of Faith Ministries—was specifically designed to address the critical need for stable, hig…

Make plans for the weekend with local live music, family fun, classes, shows, and festive St. Patrick’s Day events happening around Salem. Salem Slam 4 Cherry City Roller Derby will host Salem Slam 4, a high-energy tournament featuring Concussion Roller Derby as they defend their title as the No. 1 team in North America. This year’s event will include MRDA A and B groups, along with a JRDA group for the first time. Guests can also enjoy vendors, massage services, skate parts and accessories, plus food and beer available onsite. This exciting tournament brings together competition, community, and plenty of derby action in Salem. Date: March 13, 2026 - March 16, 2026Time: 8:30 AM - 8:30 PM (match schedule varies)Location: Cherry City Roller D…

The 17th Annual Young Artists' Showcase is officially underway at the Bush Barn Art Center. This annual showcase, hosted by the Salem Art Association (SAA), opened Saturday with a ceremony that recognized the talent of K-12 students from Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties. The showcase is now open for public viewing through April 26. Admission is free. During Saturday's event, individual artist awards were presented across various grade levels, validating the hard work of young creators who now see their pieces hanging in a professional gallery. This experience can be a landmark moment for aspiring artists! Supporting Art at an Early Age The A.N. Bush Gallery currently houses a collection of works that offer a panoramic view of the student…

There are lots of great events happening this weekend in Salem! She's Speaking Live – A Concert Celebrating Women Songwriters She’s Speaking Live returns to Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre for a night celebrating the voices and creativity of women songwriters. The showcase brings together a powerful lineup of Northwest artists, including Crystal Lariza, Ashleigh Flynn, Jenny Conlee, Kristen Grainger, Beth Wood, Marilyn Keller, Bre Gregg, and special guest Mary Flower. Guests can expect an evening filled with heartfelt originals, powerful storytelling, and genre-spanning performances that highlight the magic of live music and community. Date: March 6, 2026Time: 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM)Location: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre…

As the first hints of spring continue to add color to the Willamette Valley, the Salem Public Library is inviting the city's youngest residents to participate in a hands-on environmental legacy. In partnership with the national non-profit Neighborhood Forest, registration is officially open for the Free Earth Day Tree Program. A Partnership Rooted in Community This program is part of a broader effort by Neighborhood Forest to provide children with the joy of watching a tree grow from a sapling to a towering part of the local ecosystem. The initiative aims to "put a forest in every backyard," and by partnering with the Salem Public library, the environmental benefits are accessible to families across the city at zero cost. By giving a child…

Salem is closing out February with a weekend full of music, movement, family fun, and community connection. Take a look at these great local events. Hiring Event Those looking to make a meaningful impact in the Salem community are invited to attend the Hiring Event hosted by Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency. With more than 30 career opportunities available (including Preschool Teachers, Case Managers, Finance and IT roles, and more) this event is a great chance to explore a career that serves local youth, veterans, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Attendees can participate in on-the-spot panel interviews for Site Assistant positions, learn about part-time and on-call roles starting at $26 per hour, and discover benefi…

In the complex landscape of homelessness, statistics often tell a story of struggle. However, a new annual report from Church at the Park, a Salem-based non-profit, is approaching that narrative with a story of progress. Released on February 18, the report reveals that more than half of the residents departing its microshelter programs last year successfully transitioned into "positive destinations," including permanent homes, supportive housing, and recovery programs. The organization currently operates three microshelter sites in Salem and a fourth in Polk County that serve hundreds of adults, families, and young adults. Residents receive assistance from Church at the Park to be connected with work opportunities, health care, and housing.…