Salem, Oregon is a city bursting with creativity and artistic expression. The local art scene includes everything from traditional galleries and art pop-ups to museums and public art installations. If you love art or are simply looking for a creative way to spend an afternoon, these local art galleries and installations are worth a visit. Salem Art Association: Bush Barn Art Center + Annex The Salem Art Association (SAA) operates the Bush Barn Art Center + Annex, a cornerstone of Salem’s art community. SAA is dedicated to fostering creativity and arts education, hosting events, classes, and art programs for all ages throughout the year. They also host the annual Salem Art Fair & Festival, the largest art festival in Oregon! …

BOO! 👻 It's Halloweekend in Salem, Oregon, which means there are tons of Halloween events happening around the city. Check out this lineup of family-friendly events, costume contests, and other local celebrations happening from October 25-27th. 🎃 Kroc Pool Pumpkin Palooza Join the Kroc Center for the return of their annual Pumpkin Palooza! Enjoy swimming in a floating pumpkin patch, hunting for eyeballs, a craft station, and a diving board competition. This event is perfect for creating positive Halloween memories with the whole family. Children 5 and under must have a supervising adult within arm's reach, while children ages 6-9 need an adult present (who can attend for free if not participating). Date: October …

In Salem, Oregon, Aunt Bee’s House is more than just a store—it's a beloved gathering place for those who enjoy the thrill of treasure hunting, finding unique vintage pieces, and supporting local entrepreneurs. Recently, the team at Aunt Bee’s hosted the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Greeters networking event at the Northern Lights Theatre Pub, showcasing the atmosphere and culture that make their store so special. Hosts and staff members Kira Hammond and Téa Cole began with a brief introduction, followed by a video presentation that featured the store’s owners, staff, and vendors, giving the audience a closer look at the people who make Aunt Bee’s House so special. How Aunt Bee's House Got Its Start The story of Aunt…

Just outside of West Salem, West Hills Vineyards offers a unique event space for weddings, family events, and community gatherings. At the heart of this picturesque venue is the Gulick family—Jim and Myrna Gulick, along with their daughters Jenny and Lisa—who purchased the historic property in 2020 and have carefully preserved its rich heritage while transforming it into a welcoming and versatile event space. Photo Credit: Hot Tea Media A Family with a Vision for Preservation When the Gulick family first laid eyes on the property, they knew they had found something special. With a long history dating back to the mid-1800s, the land had passed through generations, its roots deeply entwined with Salem’s early pioneers. "Our fa…

Finding plant-based or vegetarian dining options can be a challenge. Luckily, in Salem, Oregon, there are several local restaurants that offer some great choices! Here's a quick glance at some of Salem's top vegan and vegetarian-friendly spots. 1. Infinity Room Infinity Room is an event space with a fully vegan kitchen in downtown Salem. Their event calendar is always full with comedy shows, live music, and more! Enjoy delicious dishes made with chickpeas, marinated tofu, Beyond Meat, and other plant-based proteins. If you're craving their food but would rather stay in, you can order for takeout Wednesday - Saturday. Visit their website View this post on Instagram A post shared by Infinity Room (@infinityro…

This weekend in Salem is packed with fantastic local events! Check out what's happening October 18-20th. The Great Junk Hunt - Salem It's the weekend a lot of you have been waiting for—the Great Junk Hunt is back at the Oregon State Fairgrounds! Shop over 85,000 sq. ft. of vintage items, home décor, and more from some of the best vendors in the Pacific Northwest. Also enjoy live music, cocktails, and one-of-a-kind finds. Date: October 18-19, 2024Time: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Friday), 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Saturday)Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds // 2330 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301Cost: $10-$20, $5 parking, kids 12 and under FREE (view ticket information) Learn More Spooky Yoga at CreativiTee Celebrate Halloween wit…

In 2024, two longtime friends turned business partners, Adam Stebbins and TJ Mozee-Baum, set out to create something special in the world of plumbing. They wanted to serve their community in the Salem and Portland areas with the same care and attention they would give to their own homes. The result? Paradise Plumbing NW, LLC, a small, local plumbing company that prides itself on quality work and personalized service, all while helping customers enjoy their "slice of paradise" in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Photo Credit: Paradise Plumbing NW, LLC A Name That Embraces the Northwest The name "Paradise Plumbing" wasn’t chosen at random. Adam and TJ wanted a name that reflected their deep love for the region they call home. As A…

If you love craft beer, look no further than Salem, Oregon. Salem is home to a thriving craft beer scene that truly has a draft for everyone that walks through their doors. You'll find casual spots to unwind with friends, brewery tours and festivals, and lively community spaces. Let's explore some of the top local breweries (and one cider house) that define Salem's craft beer scene. Santiam Brewing Santiam Brewing is well-known for their British-style ales, but they also have a selection of American and European brews. This cozy British brewpub features a rotating tap list that includes IPAs, stouts, and unique seasonal offerings. Their "Bloody Hell" (a blood orange and grapefruit-infused IPA) and "Pirate Stout" (a barrel-aged rum a…

The weekend is nearly here! Check out this exciting line-up of local events in Salem, Oregon. 43rd Annual Salem Fall RV Show Oregon's multi-dealer RV show is back for four days at the Oregon State Fair & Expo Center. From October 10 to 13, explore hundreds of new and used RVs across 200,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor displays. With special "show-only" pricing and end-of-year closeouts, this is the perfect opportunity for travelers, sportsmen, and outdoor enthusiasts to find their next adventure vehicle. Admission is good for all four days! Date: October 10 - 13, 2024Time: Thu - Sat: 10 AM - 7 PM | Sun: 10 AM - 5 PMLocation: Oregon State Fair & Expo Center // 2330 17th St NE Salem, OR 97303Cost (CASH ONLY): $9.00 for…

We recently had a chance to hear the inspiring story of Azucena Alvarez, owner of Azucena’s Cleaning LLC, and how she has built a thriving business from the ground up, combining hard work, family support, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Today, her business is known for its dependable and detailed cleaning services, serving both residential and commercial clients. But the journey to success wasn't easy. Azucena’s story is one of perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and always striving for more. Photo Credit: Azucena's Cleaning Early Beginnings: Learning to Clean from a Young Age Azucena’s journey started long before she became a business owner. Born and raised in Mexico, she began developing her cleaning skills at…

As autumn breezes into Salem, Oregon, it's time to stock up on cozy fall essentials. From stylish sweaters to statement accessories, Salem’s boutiques are brimming with trendy and unique options to help you build the perfect fall wardrobe. Top Drawer Top Drawer Boutique is a Salem staple for women’s fashion. Open seven days a week, this boutique is a go-to spot for all your fall fashion needs. Their latest collection includes cozy essentials like sweaters, jeans, hats, and beanies—everything you need to stay warm and stylish this season. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Top Drawer Boutique (@topdrawersalem) Olivia's Olivia’s is a chic women’s clothing store that focuses on empo…

B2 Community Care recently hosted the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Greeters networking event at the Yard Food Park in Salem. The local business community gathered to learn about B2 Community Care’s mission and its impact on individuals with disabilities. Co-owners Baylee and Blair Goldstein, along with Regional Employment Specialist Katie Goltz, shared the story of their organization's rapid growth and the ways it provides crucial services in Salem and surrounding areas. B2 Community Care started just six years ago with a small team and big ambitions. Co-owner Baylee Goldstein, the Creative Director, explained how she and her husband Blair, who also co-owns the company, didn’t foresee how quickly their vision would grow into the t…

Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Salem? Check out these local events happening from October 4 - 6, 2024! Day of Free Dentistry Hunsaker Dental is hosting its 10th annual Day of Free Dentistry, offering free dental care to those 18 and older who are unable to receive care elsewhere. Attendees can choose from a cleaning, filling, or extraction, with the first 75 patients guaranteed to be seen. Registration starts at 7:30 AM, so early arrival is encouraged. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring snacks, water, and chairs while you wait. Date: October 4, 2024Time: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PMLocation: Hunsaker Dental // 1595 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302Cost: FREE Learn More Pumpkin Patches & Harvest Fest…

Salem is known for its beautiful natural scenery and temperate climate, making it a prime location for stunning and functional landscape designs. As homeowners increasingly look to blend beauty, sustainability, and practicality, several trends have emerged that fit perfectly with the unique environment of the Willamette Valley. From eco-friendly solutions to maximizing outdoor living spaces, these landscape design trends are reshaping yards across Salem. Native Plants Native plants are gaining popularity in Salem as more homeowners recognize the ecological and practical benefits they offer. These plants, like the Oregon grape, evergreen huckleberry, and salal, are well-adapted to the region’s specific soil and climate conditions, m…

Fall is a magical time in Salem, Oregon, where the crisp air and beautiful autumn colors signal the start of harvest season. If you're ready to embrace all things fall, there's no better way to celebrate than by visiting a local harvest festival or pumpkin patch! If you're looking for family-friendly activities, the perfect pumpkin, or just a fun weekend outing, here are five local pumpkin patches you won’t want to miss. Bauman's Farm and Garden Located in Gervais, Bauman's Farm and Garden is a favorite for fall activities. Their Harvest Festival features everything from a giant pumpkin patch and hayrides to a corn maze, dark hay maze, apple cannon, and petting zoo. Don't forget to enjoy their fresh apple cider and apple cider don…

On a bright morning in September, members of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce gathered at The Rec in Keizer for their regular Greeters networking event. This time, the focus was on community strength and resilience, led by Jim Seymour, Director of the Community Business and Education Leaders Collaborative (CBEL). The presentation, filled with insightful stories, a powerful video, and heartfelt messages, highlighted CBEL’s mission to support families in the Salem-Keizer area through grassroots involvement, collaboration, and civic engagement. Jim Seymour began the presentation by explaining the heart of CBEL’s work: bringing together leaders from business, education, and the community to find solutions for the challenges families f…

Looking for something fun to do in Salem this weekend? Check out these festivals, fundraisers, and family fun—oh my! Ladies Night at the Honky Tonk Bar & Grill Join Honky Tonk Bar & Grill for another fun-filled Ladies Night on Friday, September 27th! Enjoy food and drink specials, permanent jewelry, a charm bar, rancher hat bar, and fine line tattoos from local vendors. The event is perfect for a night out with friends and family. TVs will be on and there will be Whiskey specials at the bar. Date: September 27, 2024Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PMLocation: Honky Tonk Bar & Grill // 2275 McGilchrist St SE, Salem, OR 97302Cost: FREE to attend, items for purchase Learn More Family Game Night Miller’s BBQ…

In November 2022, Heather Schiess’s life changed forever. Her son Tristin, a young man known for his immense kindness and love for others, passed away tragically, leaving behind a legacy of compassion that Heather could not let go unnoticed. From this deep loss emerged Tristin's Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to continuing Tristin’s spirit of giving through random acts of kindness across the Salem community. Honoring Tristin’s Legacy For those who knew Tristin, his kindness was legendary. Heather describes him as the type of person who "carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, especially for those closest to him." Whether he was paying for someone’s meal without a second thought or offering an uplif…

Salem, Oregon, and its surrounding areas are home to a thriving disc golf community, with several courses offering a variety of challenges for all skill levels. Let’s explore nine exciting disc golf courses in and around the Salem area that are perfect for your next round. Woodmansee Disc Golf Course Woodmansee Disc Golf Course in Salem offers a 9-hole, 18-tee pad layout, providing a challenging and scenic experience. The fairways are mostly flanked by trees, with some holes requiring precise throws through tighter wooded areas. The course features a few elevation changes, both uphill and downhill. With DISCatcher Pro targets, concrete and rubber tees, and a mixed-use setting in a public park, it's a great spot for all skill levels…

Looking for exciting things to do this weekend in Salem? From fall festivals to live music and community celebrations, here's a great lineup of events happening in the area! Polk County Fall 2024 Home Show The Polk County Fall Home Show returns for three days of home and garden inspiration. With over 50 vendors, you'll discover a wide range of products and services to help improve your living spaces. Date: September 20 - 22, 2024Time: Friday: 12 PM - 6 PM | Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM | Sunday: 10 AM - 3 PMLocation: Polk County Fairgrounds // 520 S Pacific Hwy W, Rickreall, OR 97371Cost: FREE Learn more Rodeo of Champions - 2024 NPRA Finals Don’t miss the thrilling Rodeo of Champions at the 2024 NPRA Finals! Watch as…

Attendees at the recent (CBW) Salem Chamber Business Women's luncheon had the privilege of hearing Marion County Commissioner Danelle Bethell’s powerful and insightful talk on how citizens can actively participate in Oregon’s legislative process. She highlighted that the upcoming long session of the Oregon Legislature will focus on three critical issues: transportation, education, and the re-criminalization of drugs, along with a host of other issues. While these topics are heavy, Bethell emphasized that regular citizens can make a real difference in shaping policies—if they engage effectively. So, how do you get involved in a system that can seem overwhelming at times? According to Bethell, it boils down to five essential steps…

If you're in Salem, Oregon, and craving flavorful, authentic Indian food, you're in luck! The city is home to a variety of excellent Indian restaurants, offering everything from spicy curries to aromatic biryanis. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or a sit-down dining experience, here are eight Indian restaurants in Salem that you won't want to miss. India Palace India Palace on Court Street has been a staple in Salem's Indian food scene since 1992. Known for their warm service, experienced chefs, extensive menu, and flavorful cuisine, they feature both North and South Indian specialties. Popular dishes include the Tandoori Chicken, Paneer Tikka Masala, and Lamb Vindaloo. They also offer a variety of vegetarian options on thei…