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, 2025Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMLocation: Willamette Heritage Center // 1313 Mill St SE, Ste 200, Salem, OR 97301Cost: FREE Learn More Big Bounce Americ…

SALEM, Ore. | September 2025 – Petra Technologies, a trusted provider of managed IT services for Salem businesses, has moved into a larger, more visible office space at 2720 Commercial St SE, Suite 201. The new location marks a significant milestone for the company, reflecting steady growth and a continued commitment to client support. With expanded square footage and improved street-level visibility, the upgraded office allows Petra Technologies to better serve its growing client base and enhance collaboration across its team. The move also supports the company’s long-term strategy to remain a reliable technology partner for organizations across the region. “This move represents a major milestone for Petra Technologies,” said Chris Cumming…

Looking to get active, gain confidence, or learn practical self-defense skills? Whether you're new to martial arts or returning after time away, Salem, Oregon is home to a diverse and welcoming martial arts community. From traditional Taekwondo to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, mixed martial arts (MMA), and even historical European swordsmanship, there’s a local school ready to support your journey. Let’s take a look at ten local martial arts schools in the Salem area that are building strength, character, and community. Empower ATA Martial Arts With locations in both Salem and Keizer, Empower ATA offers age-specific taekwondo programs that emphasize leadership, confidence, and respect. Led by Master Carson Clews and family, Empower ATA fosters a pos…

Discover festivals, markets, live music, and community fun happening in Salem this weekend. Mt. Angel Oktoberfest – 60 Years of Celebration Mt. Angel Oktoberfest returns for its 60th year, drawing over 350,000 visitors to the beloved Bavarian-style festival. Hosted in the charming town of Mt. Angel, the celebration features five Biergartens, world-class entertainment across four stages, and over 50 nonprofit food booths offering both Bavarian classics and local favorites. Guests can also enjoy family-friendly activities like a free Kindergarten area, arts and crafts, the Cruz-n Car Show, wiener dog races, and a 5/10K run. Entry is free, but tickets are required for select premium venues. Date: September 11–14, 2025Time: Thurs - Sat 11 AM –…

Updated September 2025 When it comes to pet grooming services in Salem, Oregon, pet owners have a variety of highly-rated local options to choose from. PNW Pooch, LLC PNW Pooch is a locally owned grooming studio in NE Salem. With more than a decade of experience and a Fear Free certification, Cassy takes extra care to provide 1:1 low stress grooming for every dog. The calm and positive environment can be especially helpful for pets who might feel anxious about grooming. With a convenient location, dedicated customer base, and a reputation for gentle service, PNW Pooch has quickly become a trusted spot for Salem dog parents. Claws-N-Paws Claws-N-Paws LLC offers a range of professional pet grooming, boarding, and daycare services, making sure…

Looking for fun plans this weekend? Here’s a roundup of events happening in Salem from September 5–7. Open Skate Night! Glow Neon Party Cherry City Derby Girls is bringing back their glowing Friday night tradition with Open Skate Night! Join the fun under the neon lights with skating from 8–10 PM. Admission is $10 with skate rentals available for $5, or you can bring your own wheels. New to skating? Come early for a beginner’s lesson at 7 PM ($5 cash or $6 with card). Date: September 5, 2025Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PMLocation: CCDG Mad House // 1335 Madison St NE, Salem, OR 97301Cost: $10 admission, $5 skate rental (view ticket information) Learn More Social Dance Fridays at Adobe Get ready to dance the night away at Adobe Restaurant and Bar d…

Keeping your car clean is as much about looks as it is about pride, maintenance, and protecting your investment. In Salem, Oregon, local car owners have access to a range of car detailing and car wash professionals who go above and beyond to make every vehicle shine. Here are some of the top-rated local auto detailing services in the Salem area. Businesses at a Glance: Ultimate Auto DetailKeptCarFine Touch Detailing LLCAll Star DetailPolished Mobile DetailingS.C.A. DetailingDetailed AutomotivesRugged Cross Auto DetailWillamette Auto DetailForever Young Mobile DetailingGrease Monkey Detailing, LLC Ultimate Auto Detail Ultimate Auto Detail delivers more than 35 years of professional experience and continued innovation for every vehicle they s…

Wrap up summer with this fun Labor Day weekend lineup in Salem! Tap Takeover with Silver Falls Brewery Gamberetti's Italian Restaurant is partnering with Silver Falls Brewery for a Tap Takeover to celebrate the end of summer. Guests can order signature brews, exclusive food, and beer specials by Chef Jeremy and Chef Derek, raffle giveaways, and growlers to-go. Happy Hour pricing is available until 5 PM. Date: August 29, 2025Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: Gamberetti’s Italian Restaurant // 195 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97301Cost: FREE Learn More Oregon State Fair – Weekend 2 The Oregon State Fair continues into its second weekend with more excitement, entertainment, and family-friendly fun at the fairgrounds. Fairgoers can enjoy rides, g…

Welcoming a new pet into your home can be an exciting time of joy and companionship for you and your family. For those looking to adopt a new furry family member in Salem, Oregon, there are several wonderful shelters and local organizations dedicated to connecting cats and dogs with loving families. Oregon Humane Society The Oregon Humane Society (formerly the Willamette Humane Society) is one of the leading pet adoption centers in the state. They provide services including pet adoption, education and training, and animal rescue. With a mission to create an environment of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals, they strive to find each pet the perfect home. Potential adopters can view available pets online or in-person at t…

Check out these local events happening in and around Salem this weekend. Oregon State Fair The Oregon State Fair returns with 11 days of attractions, competitions, goods, and entertainment at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. This beloved end-of-summer tradition features thrilling carnival rides, live concerts from performers like All-American Rejects, Wynonna Judd, and The Beach Boys, local artisan showcases, farm animals and 4-H, and classic fair food. Date: August 22 – September 1, 2025Time: Opens at 10 AM daily (carnival rides open at 11 AM). Closes at 10 PM or 11 PM depending on the day.Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds // 2330 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301Cost: Ticket prices vary. Parking is $5. (View ticket information) Learn More Capital…

When you're celebrating a milestone, needing updated family photos, or simply capturing life's special moments, Salem, Oregon has plenty of picture-perfect backdrops to choose from. Between lush parks, beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and natural landscapes, the options are endless for creative sessions. Here are just a few photogenic spots in and around Salem to ask your photographer about. Note: Be sure to follow signage, respect wildlife and natural areas, and leave places better than you found them. Bush’s Pasture Park Bush's Pasture Park is one of the most versatile places to take photos in Salem. The 90.5 acre park includes a beautiful grove of Oregon White Oaks, fields of Camas flowers, sprawling grass pastures, Rhododendron…

Family festivals, live music, serving the community, and more great events are taking place in Salem this weekend. Salem Police & Fire Battle of the Badges The annual Battle of the Badges Red Cross Blood Drive returns to the Salem Police Department. Community members are invited to join Salem’s Police and Fire departments in giving the gift of life by donating blood. Help support the local blood supply and be part of a meaningful cause. Date: August 15, 2025Time: 8:30 AM - 1:30 PMLocation: Salem Police Department // 333 Division St NE, Salem, OR 97301Cost: FREE (Register to donate) Learn More Grand Opening of B3: Beauty, Beverages, and Books Join the celebration for the grand opening of B3, Salem’s newest spot for used books, local auth…

When it comes to custom gear and signage in Salem, Oregon, there's no shortage of talented local businesses ready to bring your branding to life. Whether you need embroidered uniforms, printed promotional products, business signage, or vehicle graphics, these Salem shops offer top-tier service with a personal touch. Let’s take a look at some standout businesses in the Salem area that specialize in signs, printing, and embroidery. Print Specialties of Salem Anchored in the local community, Print Specialties combines deep knowledge of Salem businesses with access to a global catalogue of items. Think custom embroidery, screen printing, apparel, and branded merchandise, along with traditional printed materials like brochures and business cards…

There’s a full weekend of fun waiting in Salem! Big ol' Bin Sale! The UGM Mission Thrift Store is hosting their weekly Big ol’ Bin Sale again this Friday! Shoppers can explore a wide variety of miscellaneous goods and clothing set up outside the store, with deals that let you fill a bin, cart, or bag for one low price. Date: August 8, 2025Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMLocation: UGM Mission Thrift Store // 885 Commercial St NE, Salem, OR 97301Cost: Free to attend; Bins and Bags range from $10–$40 Learn More Suite Night In Head to The Forge for an exciting evening celebrating the Women’s Collective on the second floor. "Suite Night In" will feature local vendors, live music, delicious food and drinks, and community. Explore local talent, visit The F…

If you ask Antonio Iniguez, CEO of Empire Roofing, how he ended up owning and leading a growing commercial and residential roofing company in Salem, Oregon area, his answer isn’t the typical business success story. It’s something more personal, and a whole lot more inspiring. “We never thought we’d be running a company out here,” Antonio said, recalling the day he and his wife packed up their lives in Louisiana and moved to Oregon in 2019. “We didn’t really have any friends or family here, so it took us a while to really learn and get adapted to this region.” Antonio and his wife are very grateful. “I think Oregon has provided us a blank canvas for us to paint whatever we want on, and it’s been great,” he shared with a smile. What started a…

Looking for ways to mix up date nights this summer? Here are some of our favorite summer date ideas around Salem, Oregon. Take a Stroll Walking and talking is a great way to get to know each other, no matter how long you've been dating. Riverfront Park is a go-to for a relaxed summer evening, especially with its proximity to downtown. Grab a coffee or ice cream cone from one of the nearby local businesses, pack a picnic, ride the carousel, or walk hand-in-hand across the pedestrian bridge to Minto-Brown Island Park. Some evenings and weekends, you might catch a free concert or outdoor movie night. Just south of downtown Salem, Bush's Pasture Park is a 90.5-acre area perfect for a peaceful and scenic date. Take a stroll under the Oregon Whit…

Looking for local fun this weekend? Here are 11 events happening around Salem you won’t want to miss! August 1st Opening Reception at the Bush Barn Art Center Hosted by the Salem Art Association, this special reception celebrates the opening of two new exhibitions: Garden of Wonders by David Cohen in the Camas Gallery, and The Snail Blog: Keeping in Touch by Ellen Crocket and Bonnie Hull in the Focus Gallery. Visitors are invited to explore themes of natural beauty and the power of lifelong friendship through over 5,000 exchanged postcards. Artist introductions will begin at 6:00 p.m. Date: August 1, 2025Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PMLocation: Salem Art Association // 600 Mission St SE, Salem, OR 97302Cost: FREE Learn More Concert in the Park Head…

Updated July 28, 2025. Salem, Oregon’s dining scene continues to evolve, and 2025 has introduced a number of notable new restaurants. This latest wave of openings includes everything from expanded food truck favorites to creative concepts in refreshed downtown spaces. These new spots bring bold flavors, fresh ideas, and a whole lot of local character to the table. Here are a few new restaurants in the Salem area that should be on your radar: Clink! Clink! is adding a little sparkle to downtown Salem with their curated wine list and French-inspired plates. Located on the 2nd Floor of The Forge, Clink! is perfect for date nights, group hangouts with friends, or just winding down with a glass of wine. View this post on Instagram A post shared…

It's another packed summer weekend in Salem, Oregon! Here are just a few events that are going on. Oregon Specialty Group's Hoopla XXVI Oregon Specialty Group’s Hoopla XXVI returns for four days of exciting street basketball action at the Oregon State Capitol. From the high-energy 3x3 tournament on Saturday and Sunday to the fan-favorite Kona Ice 2x2 tourney on Friday and the Chuck E. Cheese 1x1 matchups on Thursday, there’s something happening every day. It's always a great day to play (and watch) basketball! Date: July 24–27, 2025Time: Various times (see event site for details)Location: Oregon State Capitol // 900 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301Cost: FREE Learn More Big ol' Bin Sale! The UGM Mission Thrift Store is hosting a Big ol' Bin Sale…

Salem, Oregon is full of opportunities to get active and build connections, especially when the fresh air and Oregon scenery call you outside. Local run clubs, cycling groups, and community fitness meetups in our city are great opportunities to move your body, get outdoors, and meet people who share your passion for fitness! With a variety of groups for any level of experience, these local groups offer supportive spaces to help you stay active and inspired. Willamette Valley Road Runners This well-established run club brings people together through a shared love for movement and community. Willamette Valley Road Runners supports runners of all ages and ability levels, and they are all about encouraging fitness and fun through running. Membe…

Summer is in full swing, and this weekend in Salem is full of fun local events! Summer Cruise-In West Hills Vineyards is hosting a lively evening of classic cars, music, and summer fun. Cruise in on Friday to enjoy live tunes by Blacksmith Neighbors from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, plus a full menu and bar available throughout the evening. Date: July 18, 2025Time: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PMLocation: West Hills Vineyards // 4785 Salem-Dallas Hwy NW, Salem, OR 97304Cost: FREE to attend; items for purchase Learn More Nashville Singer-Songwriter Experience at The Grand Ballroom Step into a Nashville-style listening room right in downtown Salem as The Grand Ballroom hosts an intimate evening of story-driven music. Featuring two to three talented singer-songwriters…

When it comes to protecting your home or business from unwanted pests, choosing a local expert can make all the difference. In Salem, Oregon, there are a number of pest control companies that offer tailored solutions, excellent customer service, and deep knowledge of local pest issues. Whether you’re dealing with ants, rodents, termites, or wildlife, these locally-owned or family-run pest control businesses in Salem stand out for their commitment, experience, and community roots. Valley Pest Control With over 20 years of experience, Valley Pest Control is a locally-owned and -operated company offering general pest and rodent control without requiring service contracts. Their specialties include inspections and treatments for wood-destroying…