On Monday, January 26, the Salem City Council will consider a proposal to repeal a long-standing parking tax on downtown businesses and issue refunds for payments made since last summer. The shift comes as the city’s new paid on-street parking system, launched in July 2025, has proven to be a significantly higher revenue generator than initially anticipated. A Surplus of Success When Salem ended its era of free downtown street parking on July 10, 2025, city officials projected the program would bring in roughly $1.4 million in its first year. However, according to a staff report from Community Planning and Development Director Kristin Retherford, the program has already generated approximately $1.2 million in its first six months alone. Thi…

Looking for something fun and local? Here's what's going on in Salem this weekend. YF&R Communications Boot Camp The YF&R Communications Boot Camp is a three-day training focused on helping young farmers and ranchers from Oregon and Washington sharpen their communication and leadership skills. Through educational sessions, peer collaboration, and industry networking, attendees will explore how to better share their agricultural stories, engage the public, and grow as leaders in their communities and businesses. Online registration is closed, but onsite registration will be available. Date: January 23–25, 2026Time: Friday 6 PM - 8 PM | Saturday 8 AM - 6 PM | Sunday 8:30 AM - 3 PM Location: Oregon Farm Bureau Federation Headquarters /…

When Lacey Landecho talks about wellness, she is not speaking from theory or trends. She is speaking from lived experience. Earth Angel Wellness in Salem was born out of a deeply personal health journey, shaped by an unexpected trauma, and the determination to find answers when no one else seemed willing to listen. Today, that journey has grown into a medical weight loss and wellness clinic with an individualized, whole-body approach, helping people throughout the Salem area take control of their health in a way that feels supported, informed, and sustainable. Lacey is the kind of person who sits with you, listens carefully, and makes you feel understood. That quality did not come from business training. It came from necessity. Lacey Landec…

Finders Keepers Unique Boutique LLC in Salem did not happen overnight. It grew slowly, intentionally, and with a lot of heart. After ten years in business, owners Tony and Bryn Martinez have created more than a place to shop. They have built a shared space where local vendors, artists, collectors, and neighbors come together under one roof in downtown Salem. Now located at 409 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301, Finders Keepers Unique Boutique LLC represents a full-circle moment for the couple. The move downtown marked a new chapter, one rooted in community, collaboration, and a vision that looks far beyond quick growth or trends. At a Glance: Finders Keepers Unique Boutique LLC Location: Downtown Salem at 409 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301 Owners:…

Across Oregon, too many kids are starting school already behind when it comes to reading. Nearly two-thirds of children aren’t meeting third-grade literacy benchmarks, which creates a gap that can ripple through a child’s entire education. This Willamette University alumna is working to change that. Kaylee Chrystal (BA 2020) now helps guide the statewide growth of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Oregon, a program that mails free, age-appropriate books to young children every month. Her work helps make sure the joy and routine of reading reach families in every corner of the state. Rooted in Salem, Focused on Service As Community Engagement Coordinator for the Imagination Library of Oregon, she supports 56 local program partners across…

In Salem, Oregon, there is a growing conversation around wellness that goes beyond quick fixes and surface-level care. At Radiant Wellness, LLC, owner Teresa Lulay is offering something different: a calm, welcoming space where people can slow down, support their bodies, and feel better from the inside out. Through red light therapy and infrared sauna treatments, Radiant Wellness is helping Salem residents recover, relax, and reconnect with how their bodies are meant to feel. What makes this business especially meaningful is that it was not built from a trend or a sales pitch. It grew out of personal experience, research, and a genuine desire to help others heal the way Teresa did herself. At a Glance Business Name: Radiant Wellness, LLC Loc…

Looking for weekend plans? There’s a lot happening around Salem this weekend. Firepit Friday Kick off the weekend with a cozy night at RH Wines! The firepit will be crackling, the wine will be pouring, and local musician Leland Hallahan will be playing live country, rock, and crowd-favorite covers. Plus, Kruncheeze Food Truck will be serving up gourmet grilled cheese to keep you warm and well-fed. Date: January 16, 2026Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PMLocation: RH Wines // 2995 Michigan City Lane NW, Salem, OR 97304Cost: FREE to attend; food and drink for purchase Learn More The Problem Party: A D&D-Inspired Improv Comedy Adventure Gather your party and head to Salem's Historic Grand Theatre for a one-of-a-kind improv show. "The Problem Party" is…

The business community and local residents packed a recent Salem mayoral forum hosted by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce to hear directly from Julie Hoy, the city’s incumbent mayor, and Vanessa Nordyke, a current city councilor, as the two candidates debated the future of Salem. The event covered a broad range of topics, including homelessness, public safety, housing, business regulation, transportation, city finances, and ethics in government. While moments of sharp disagreement surfaced, the forum also revealed areas of notable overlap between the two candidates. Opening Visions: Stability vs. Leadership Style Mayor Hoy opened the forum by highlighting what she described as a significant financial turnaround during her first year in of…

Updated January 12, 2026. Salem, Oregon’s dining scene continues to grow in all the right ways. Over the past several months, we’ve seen longtime favorites expand, new concepts take root, and fresh flavors arrive in both Salem and nearby Keizer. These openings reflect the creativity and community spirit that make eating local so special. Here are some of the newest local restaurants in the Salem area worth adding to your must-try list. Restaurante El Jacalito Taqueria El Jacalito has expanded with a second Salem location on McGilchrist Street SE. Known for their authentic Mexican dishes and generous portions, the new spot makes it even easier to find great tacos, burritos, and other favorites without going far. View this post on Instagram A…

It’s the first upcoming events article of 2026, and Salem’s local event scene is already buzzing! From live music and art openings to cake tastings and bird walks, it’s a great time to try something new, get inspired, and ease into the new year with a little fun. January 2026 Opening Reception at the Bush Barn Art Center The Salem Art Association is kicking off the new year with four exciting exhibitions and a welcoming reception at the Bush Barn Art Center. Guests can explore works by Yuji Hiratsuka, Sam Marroquin, and other represented artists, with artist introductions beginning at 6:00 PM. Date: January 9, 2026Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PMLocation: Bush Barn Art Center // 600 Mission St SE, Salem, OR 97302Cost: FREE Learn More F-Stop: A Momen…

Salem artists, families and clay lovers have reason to celebrate. After an intense period of uncertainty, moving, and renovations, the Willamette Art Center is reopening in a bigger and brighter space in SE Salem. For more than two decades, the nonprofit ceramics studio has been a go-to creative space for people of all ages and backgrounds. Low-cost classes, open studio hours and beloved events like Family Clay Day helped build a lively community of makers right here in Salem. But last year brought a major challenge. In early 2025, the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center announced it would not renew the art center’s long-standing lease at its location on the north side of the fairgrounds. That decision meant the center had only a few mo…

For local businesses in Salem, Oregon, standing out in a competitive market requires more than good service or strong tools. It starts with a clear and consistent brand story. At WhirLocal, this is not just a helpful tip. It is a core part of our five-part Brand Authority Framework. Recently, we recognized that we were not applying this principle ourselves. While we were helping other local service businesses clarify their messaging, we realized we needed to do the same. In a recent podcast episode, Tim and Pam Fahndrich shared what that process looked like, what changed, and why brand clarity matters more than ever for local businesses. If you are a business owner in Salem trying to attract more of the right customers, here is what a clear…

As 2025 comes to a close, Salem is ready to celebrate. If you're looking for a way to ring in the new year, here's a mix of ways to welcome 2026 with the community. Check out these New Year’s Eve events happening around town! New Year's Eve at Archive Archive Coffee & Bar is hosting a stylish celebration to welcome 2026, featuring special cocktails, kitchen creations, and champagne at midnight. Guests can enjoy dishes like herb-crusted prime rib and drinks like “The Gilded Age,” a rich bourbon-based cocktail. Come dressed up or come as you are! Date: December 31, 2025Time: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AMLocation: Archive Coffee & Bar // 102 Liberty St NE Ste 120, Salem, OR 97301Cost: FREE to attend; food and drink for purchase Learn More NYE at…

A new portal to the 1980s and 90s has officially opened in Salem this month. Subatomic Vintage Toys, located at 1910 Commercial St. SE, celebrated its grand opening this month, turning a former estate sale building (and one-time KFC) into a sanctuary for toy collectors and nostalgic families. A Partnership of Local Legends The store is a collaboration between two familiar faces in the Salem hobby scene: CJ Nelson, owner of the downtown arcade bar Coin Jam, and Tom Engen, who formerly ran the beloved "Pop Culture" toy store on Lancaster Drive. After more than a year of meticulously renovating the space, the duo has filled the shop with decades of history. The shop boasts an impressive range of inventory dating from the 1930s all the way to t…

Visibility Isn’t Enough Anymore If you're a local service business owner in Salem, Oregon, chances are you've wrestled with one or more of these challenges: not enough people know your business exists, those who do aren’t sure if they can trust you, and you're wearing so many hats that fixing these problems feels overwhelming. You’re not alone. “Most local service businesses are facing one or more of the following challenges,” said Tim Fahndrich, CEO and co-founder of WhirLocal, in a recent podcast episode. “They lack visibility in their community. They lack trust overall in the broader community. And they lack the time or expertise to fix it”. Many businesses try to solve these problems with traditional marketing like billboards, radio, or…

It’s the weekend after the holidays, and while things are winding down, there are still a few local events worth checking out if you're looking to get out and about. Teen Create and Connect: DIY Lafufu Bag Charms Salem Public Library is inviting middle and high school students to a fun, drop-in crafting session. Teens can bring their own creative projects (like drawing, beading, or crochet) or use the fiber arts and crafting supplies provided. This month’s featured activity is making DIY Lafufu bag charms with materials supplied by the library. Come spend a day of winter break at the library! Date: December 26, 2025Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PMLocation: Salem Public Library // 585 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97301Cost: FREE Learn More Ugly Sweater P…

Just before winter break, the Maps Community Foundation brightened classrooms throughout the Mid-Willamette Valley with a generous show of support. As part of its annual Teacher Grant program, the foundation awarded $50,000 in funding to 50 dedicated educators in Marion and Polk counties (plus schools in Wilsonville). Each teacher received a $1,000 grant to bring creative ideas and much-needed resources to life—many of which go beyond what school budgets can typically provide. Surprise Moments and Heartfelt Gratitude Between December 11 and 15, Maps representatives and local branch managers made surprise visits to classrooms, presenting oversized checks and heartfelt congratulations to stunned and emotional recipients. One memorable visit t…

Salem is filled with holiday cheer this weekend! Take a look at what's going on in the area. Christmas Cookie Class Sweetly Baked is hosting a Christmas cookie decorating class just in time for the holidays! Participants will decorate six holiday-themed sugar cookies using royal icing, with step-by-step guidance, helpful tips, and all supplies provided. No experience is needed, but prepayment is required to reserve a spot. Call 503-508-2444 to register. Date: December 19, 2025Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PMLocation: Sweetly Baked // 680 Hawthorne Ave SE, Salem, OR 97301Cost: $65 per person Learn More Photos with Santa (Walk-ins) Santa's still at the Riverfront Carousel for walk-in photo sessions and visits! Families can capture holiday memories wit…

One of Salem's most critical infrastructure projects—the seismic retrofit of the Center Street Bridge—is nearing its construction phase. The multi-year effort, led by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), is scheduled to begin major construction work in mid-2026. Its purpose is not merely structural but existential: to make sure at least one Willamette River crossing remains operational for emergency response after a major Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake (commonly referred to as "The Big One"). Why Center Street Bridge? The Center Street Bridge, which carries eastbound traffic into downtown Salem, was identified as the best candidate for a retrofit because a substantial portion was replaced in 1985. Its counterpart, the Marion…

Like usual, Salem is buzzing with fun this weekend! This week's lineup is very holiday-heavy. From markets and Santa visits to concerts and cocoa, there are lots of local events to add to your calendar. HUGE Salem Holiday Market Hosted by Salem Community Markets (the team behind the popular Salem Saturday Market) this festive three-day event at the Oregon State Fairgrounds features over 200 local vendors selling their handmade gifts, crafts, and holiday goods. Enjoy free entry, live music, door prizes, kids activities, and more. There is a parking fee for parking at the fairgrounds. Date: December 12-14, 2025Time: Friday 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM | Sunday 10 AM - 4 PMLocation: Oregon State Fairgrounds // 2330 17th St NE, Sal…

A Local Perspective on Our State's Economic Wake-Up Call About two years ago, economist Eric Fruits, Ph.D., and his wife experienced a tragedy in their own neighborhood. While out for her early morning walk, his wife found their neighbor, the school custodian who worked across the street, dead on the sidewalk. “Had she been there just a few minutes earlier, she might have called 911,” Fruits told a room of Salem business and community leaders at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Forum Lunch. “She might have even tried her hand at CPR. But it was too late.” Dr. Fruits opened with that story to deliver a sobering metaphor. Oregon, he said, is in a similar condition. “We are suffering what I would call an economic coronary. It’s a devastating…

The holidays in Salem, Oregon, are a time of enchantment and wonder—especially when it comes to the amazing light displays throughout the area. There are several great places to view holiday lights around town, including drive-through experiences, beautiful park displays, and winter festivals. Here's a guide to the best displays in and around Salem in 2025. Holiday Sparkles at Powerland Powerland Heritage Park, a 62-acre campus with 14 museums near Salem, Oregon, is hosting their 6th annual "Holiday Sparkles at Powerland" event! On December 12th - 14th and 19th - 21st, from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, this spectacular drive-thru holiday light experience is ready to dazzle visitors with its display of twinkling lights and festive decorations. Marvel…