The best things to do in Salem

43 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 43 places · showing the latest additions first

Northgate Bowl

Entertainment

Northgate Bowl keeps it classic with 24 lanes, automatic scoring, and 20 bumper lanes for the kids, plus a non-smoking, family vibe and a…

2380 Northgate Ave NE

Northgate Bowl keeps it classic with 24 lanes, automatic scoring, and 20 bumper lanes for the kids, plus a non-smoking, family vibe and a legit snack bar. If you're feeling social, their fall leagues kick off in September, so assemble your crew and claim a lane.

From the Salem newsletter, August 31, 2026

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The REC: Lanes

Entertainment

The REC: Lanes keeps Keizer bowling fun with leagues, Glow Bowl weekends, open mics, and simple online reservations. Between frames, hit…

3500 River Rd N Ste 1 (Keizer)

The REC: Lanes keeps Keizer bowling fun with leagues, Glow Bowl weekends, open mics, and simple online reservations. Between frames, hit Town & Country Cafe, serving diner classics since 1967, with locally roasted Trade & Ferry coffee... then go chase that turkey.

From the Salem newsletter, September 9, 2026

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Back Nine Golf brings Full Swing simulators to Keizer so you can play courses from around the world with instant feedback on ball speed,…

5063 River Rd N (Keizer)

Back Nine Golf brings Full Swing simulators to Keizer so you can play courses from around the world with instant feedback on ball speed, launch, and more. Book a bay with friends starting at $50/hour, no membership needed, or join for 24/7 access, leagues, and easy event hosting when you want something different.

From the Salem newsletter, September 11, 2026

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Skip the parachute and float on a smooth column of air at iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Portland, complete with quick pre-flight coaching, gear,…

10645 SW Greenburg Rd (Portland)

Skip the parachute and float on a smooth column of air at iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Portland, complete with quick pre-flight coaching, gear, and one-on-one instruction. It’s perfect for kids and adults, a high-energy birthday or team outing, and a fun way to break up the workweek without leaving town.

From the Tigard newsletter, August 19, 2026

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Run a Salem business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden swaps the city buzz for meandering trails, year-round water features, and a staggering collection of…

5801 SE 28th Ave (Portland)

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden swaps the city buzz for meandering trails, year-round water features, and a staggering collection of rhodies that light up spring and summer. Even now, the shady paths and calm views deliver that deep-breath energy your week could use.

From the Portland newsletter, August 8, 2026

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Creekside Golf Club

Entertainment

Creekside Golf Club has been Salem’s premier spot since 1993 for a proper 18, plus extras that keep non-golfers happy too. Think a…

6250 Club House Dr SE

Creekside Golf Club has been Salem’s premier spot since 1993 for a proper 18, plus extras that keep non-golfers happy too. Think a championship course, a Golf Performance Center to tune up your swing, pickleball and bocce, a seasonal pool, fitness, on-site massage, and a meal at Rudy’s Greenside Steakhouse...

From the Salem newsletter, August 6, 2026

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Craving something beyond superhero sequels? Living Room Theaters lines up new indie and foreign gems, plus comfy loveseats and legit…

341 SW 10th Ave (Portland)

Craving something beyond superhero sequels? Living Room Theaters lines up new indie and foreign gems, plus comfy loveseats and legit in-seat dining, so your pizza, salad or glass of pinot shows up right when the opening credits roll. Perfect midweek reset with a friend or a solo escape.

From the Vancouver newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Studio One Theaters

Entertainment

Studio One Theaters turns a flick into a proper night out, with farm-to-table plates and full +21 bar service delivered to your seat,…

3945 SE Powell Blvd (Portland)

Studio One Theaters turns a flick into a proper night out, with farm-to-table plates and full +21 bar service delivered to your seat, including 50+ wines by the glass, 12 taps, and serious cocktails. Catch a film, weekend brunch, or one of their live events and feel fancy without trying.

From the Portland newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Theater complex with multiple screens featuring new release films, plush seating & concession stand.

831 Lancaster Dr NE #8

Theater complex with multiple screens featuring new release films, plush seating & concession stand.

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Whether you’re shaking off the rust or chasing that one pure strike, Laurelhurst Golf Club is a low-key spot to get reps, compare notes…

500 NE 28th Ave (Portland)

Whether you’re shaking off the rust or chasing that one pure strike, Laurelhurst Golf Club is a low-key spot to get reps, compare notes with fellow golf nerds, and leave feeling a little more dangerous off the tee. Put it on your weekly reset list.

From the Gresham newsletter, August 20, 2026

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Regal Fox Tower

Entertainment

Theater complex with multiple screens featuring new release films, plush seating & concession stand.

846 SW Park Ave (Portland)

Theater complex with multiple screens featuring new release films, plush seating & concession stand.

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McNary Golf Club

Entertainment

McNary Golf Club brings a classic parkland vibe with tree-lined fairways, true greens, and those sneaky lakes and fountains, all on a…

155 McNary Estates Dr N (Keizer)

McNary Golf Club brings a classic parkland vibe with tree-lined fairways, true greens, and those sneaky lakes and fountains, all on a 6,239-yard, par-71 layout that plays year-round. Open to the public, so grab a tee time this week and make it a midweek reset.

From the Keizer newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Since 1923, Rose City Golf Course has been serving up tree-lined fairways, a few sneaky technical holes, and a low-key clubhouse grill…

2200 NE 71st Ave (Portland)

Since 1923, Rose City Golf Course has been serving up tree-lined fairways, a few sneaky technical holes, and a low-key clubhouse grill perfect for post-round debriefs. A mellow spot to work on your game, join a club, or just linger over a bite with your foursome.

From the Portland newsletter, September 17, 2026

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Need a low-key spot to swing without giving up your whole afternoon? Salemtowne Golf Club keeps it friendly and focused on the game,…

2900 Oakcrest Dr NW

Need a low-key spot to swing without giving up your whole afternoon? Salemtowne Golf Club keeps it friendly and focused on the game, perfect for a quick loop, dialing in the wedges, and a little challenge to keep you honest.

From the Salem newsletter, August 15, 2026

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Salem Cinema

Entertainment

If your streaming queue feels like leftovers, Salem Cinema serves up new flavors with art and foreign films across three screens. It’s the…

1127 Broadway St NE

If your streaming queue feels like leftovers, Salem Cinema serves up new flavors with art and foreign films across three screens. It’s the go-to when you want conversation-starting movies, thoughtful programming, and the simple joy of seeing a great film with a local crowd.

From the Keizer newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Oaks Amusement Park

Entertainment

Skip the couch and go putter around Chipper's Woods Miniature Golf Course at Oaks Amusement Park, the area's most scenic spot for a…

7805 SE Oaks Park Way (Portland)

Skip the couch and go putter around Chipper's Woods Miniature Golf Course at Oaks Amusement Park, the area's most scenic spot for a friendly grudge match, then cool off with a few laps at their famous roller rink. Classic Portland fun that feels like a mini vacation without leaving Sellwood.

From the Lake Oswego newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Eastmoreland Golf Course keeps things fun with adult and junior instruction, a friendly Men’s Club and Women’s Club plus the EWGC 9-Holers,…

2425 SE Bybee Blvd (Portland)

Eastmoreland Golf Course keeps things fun with adult and junior instruction, a friendly Men’s Club and Women’s Club plus the EWGC 9-Holers, and a comfy Bar & Grill. Book a tee time, rally the crew for an outing or even scope wedding-worthy greens this week.

From the Oregon City newsletter, August 19, 2026

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Birdie Time Pub and Mini Golf nails the sweet spot between neighborhood bar and playful escape, with a 9-hole course through PNW sports…

925 SE Main St (Portland)

Birdie Time Pub and Mini Golf nails the sweet spot between neighborhood bar and playful escape, with a 9-hole course through PNW sports themes, 35+ local taps, pub grub, big-screen sports, and the official Seahawks Portland watch party. Ten bucks gets you a round.

From the Portland newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Skip the couch and catch a movie with actual dinner at Northern Lights Theatre Pub. Think hot pizza, burritos, and solid pub bites with…

3893 Commercial St SE

Skip the couch and catch a movie with actual dinner at Northern Lights Theatre Pub. Think hot pizza, burritos, and solid pub bites with beer and wine, all while you watch. Perfect for last-minute plans, date night, or escaping the Salem drizzle this week.

From the Salem newsletter, August 20, 2026

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Cinemagic

Entertainment

Built in 1914, Cinemagic is a single-screen gem that mixes current, second-run, and classic films with quirky series like VHS Night, Movie…

2021 SE Hawthorne Blvd (Portland)

Built in 1914, Cinemagic is a single-screen gem that mixes current, second-run, and classic films with quirky series like VHS Night, Movie Quiz, and Family Flix. When you're craving big-screen vibes without the multiplex chaos, this lovingly curated lineup scratches the itch and then some.

From the Portland newsletter, September 6, 2026

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Salem Golf Club

Entertainment

Salem Golf Club has been teeing up since 1927, a public track with a country club feel and well kept greens. Expect a course with varied…

2025 Golf Course Rd S

Salem Golf Club has been teeing up since 1927, a public track with a country club feel and well kept greens. Expect a course with varied hole distances that keeps your bag busy, plus a clubhouse restaurant for the post-round debrief with friends.

From the Salem newsletter, September 18, 2026

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This week, give your swing a proper test at Columbia Edgewater Country Club, where an A.V. Macan-designed championship 18 pairs with a…

2220 NE Marine Dr (Portland)

V. Macan-designed championship 18 pairs with a friendly 9-hole Mason Course and nationally recognized practice facilities. Membership leans into community with year-round, firm-playing conditions plus programs for women and juniors that keep everyone swinging.

From the Gresham newsletter, August 15, 2026

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Colwood Golf Center

Entertainment

Colwood Golf Center keeps golf low-pressure with a friendly par-3 loop, a bucket-friendly driving range, and lessons when the slice gets…

7313 NE Columbia Blvd (Portland)

Colwood Golf Center keeps golf low-pressure with a friendly par-3 loop, a bucket-friendly driving range, and lessons when the slice gets loud. Sneak in a quick round after work or swap cleats for footgolf, because cardio disguised as fun totally counts.

From the Portland newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Whether you're chasing a tougher track, a post-round bite, or a spot to actually lower your handicap, Riverside Golf & Country Club has…

8105 NE 33rd Dr (Portland)

Whether you're chasing a tougher track, a post-round bite, or a spot to actually lower your handicap, Riverside Golf & Country Club has that classic 1925 pedigree, golf instruction, and members-only calm. Locals join for the golf, stay for the dining, and celebrate everything in between.

From the Portland newsletter, September 3, 2026

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Portland Golf Club

Entertainment

Established in 1914 and known for championship golf, Portland Golf Club is a private, member-owned retreat with a challenging 18, swimming…

5900 SW Scholls Ferry Rd (Portland)

Established in 1914 and known for championship golf, Portland Golf Club is a private, member-owned retreat with a challenging 18, swimming and racquet sports, solid clubhouse dining, and event spaces. S. Senior Women’s Amateur host, so yeah, your short game will get humbled.

From the Portland newsletter, September 1, 2026

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Laurelhurst Theater

Entertainment

When you want a low-key movie night without 20 minutes of ads, Laurelhurst Theater keeps it tight with five-minute previews and no…

2735 E Burnside St (Portland)

When you want a low-key movie night without 20 minutes of ads, Laurelhurst Theater keeps it tight with five-minute previews and no commercials, plus a lineup that includes The Dog Stars and Coyote vs. ACME this week.

From the Portland newsletter, August 30, 2026

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Heron Lakes Golf Course brings a Robert Trent Jones Jr. touch to Portland golf with two distinct 18s, one friendly and one that loves to…

3500 N Victory Blvd (Portland)

Heron Lakes Golf Course brings a Robert Trent Jones Jr. touch to Portland golf with two distinct 18s, one friendly and one that loves to keep your short game honest. It’s a true city-muni scene with instruction and clubs if you’re trying to level up or meet more playing buddies.

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If you need a rainy day reset, Glowing Greens Indoor Mini-Golf serves up a 13-hole, blacklight, 3-D pirate adventure that takes about 45…

509 SW Taylor St (Portland)

If you need a rainy day reset, Glowing Greens Indoor Mini-Golf serves up a 13-hole, blacklight, 3-D pirate adventure that takes about 45 minutes, perfect for spontaneous weeknights or low-stakes bragging rights. Great for groups, plus escape rooms and axe throwing if you want to keep the chaos rolling.

From the McMinnville newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Meadowlawn

Entertainment

Meadowlawn Golf Course keeps it simple and fun with a compact par-32 layout that still makes you think, thanks to tree-lined fairways, a…

3838 Meadowlawn Loop SE

Meadowlawn Golf Course keeps it simple and fun with a compact par-32 layout that still makes you think, thanks to tree-lined fairways, a creek and lake in play, and fresh bunkers. Grab a tune-up in the new practice booth, then loop it again this week.

From the Salem newsletter, August 14, 2026

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Whether your kids need to climb, crawl, or burn off that Saturday-morning energy, The Athletic Edge Adventure Park packs four zones of…

1379 Madison St NE

Whether your kids need to climb, crawl, or burn off that Saturday-morning energy, The Athletic Edge Adventure Park packs four zones of imagination-fueled play plus grown-up distractions like pool, arcade, shuffleboard, and cornhole.

From the Keizer newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Parkland fairways, year-round playability and a riverfront lawn that begs for post-round lingering, Waverley Country Club nails the sweet…

1100 SE Waverly Dr (Portland)

Parkland fairways, year-round playability and a riverfront lawn that begs for post-round lingering, Waverley Country Club nails the sweet spot between casually refined and fully engaging. If you're already part of the family of friends, pencil in a round, a swim or a sunset cocktail this week.

From the Portland newsletter, August 12, 2026

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Wonderwood Mini Golf serves up a whimsical 9-hole indoor course in St. John’s, with hand-painted characters and scenery that make every…

7410 N Chicago Ave (Portland)

Wonderwood Mini Golf serves up a whimsical 9-hole indoor course in St. John’s, with hand-painted characters and scenery that make every tap-in feel like a tiny adventure. Pair your round with the all-day cafe, ice cream, board games, and weekly events for effortless, family-friendly fun.

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Challenging course featuring elevated tee boxes, undulating greens, streams and diverse holes.

21881 NW St Helens Rd (Portland)

Challenging course featuring elevated tee boxes, undulating greens, streams and diverse holes.

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Regal Lloyd Center

Entertainment

Theater complex with multiple screens featuring new release films, plush seating & concession stand.

1510 NE Multnomah St (Portland)

Theater complex with multiple screens featuring new release films, plush seating & concession stand.

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Avalon Theatre

Entertainment

Catch a second-run flick at Avalon Theatre, then wander into the nickel-fueled arcade for that sweet clack-clack of real coins. It’s a…

3451 SE Belmont St (Portland)

Catch a second-run flick at Avalon Theatre, then wander into the nickel-fueled arcade for that sweet clack-clack of real coins. It’s a low-key, high-fun combo with game rooms, escape rooms, and an XD dark ride... perfect when you want something easy after work or errands.

From the Vancouver newsletter, September 2, 2026

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Wunderland Salem

Entertainment

Need a quick midweek reset? Wunderland Salem packs a game room of pixel favorites, fast go karts, and a legit laser tag arena, so you can…

1010 Hawthorne Ave SE #140

Need a quick midweek reset? Wunderland Salem packs a game room of pixel favorites, fast go karts, and a legit laser tag arena, so you can rally the crew, trade screen time for actual fun, and remember what friendly trash talk sounds like.

From the Salem newsletter, August 22, 2026

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McMenamins Kennedy School turns movie night into a mini adventure, with a cozy theater, on-site brewery and bars, and art-lined hallways…

5736 NE 33rd Ave (Portland)

McMenamins Kennedy School turns movie night into a mini adventure, with a cozy theater, on-site brewery and bars, and art-lined hallways that make you want to roam between scenes. Grab a pint, hunt for the secret room, then settle in for a film like a very studious rebel.

From the Portland newsletter, August 15, 2026

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Chipper's Woods Miniature Golf at Oaks Park delivers 18 unique, surprisingly tricky holes winding through a shady oak grove with big…

7805 SE Oaks Park Way (Portland)

Chipper's Woods Miniature Golf at Oaks Park delivers 18 unique, surprisingly tricky holes winding through a shady oak grove with big Willamette River and Portland's West Hills views. It’s a breezy hang with friends or family, and you can even book the whole course for private events.

From the Portland newsletter, September 5, 2026

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McMenamins Bagdad Theater & Pub keeps it classic with first-run films on a massive screen, fresh pizza slices, popcorn, and a solid tap…

3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd (Portland)

McMenamins Bagdad Theater & Pub keeps it classic with first-run films on a massive screen, fresh pizza slices, popcorn, and a solid tap list, so you can turn date night or a midweek escape into an actual event without trying too hard.

From the Portland newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Hollywood Theatre

Entertainment

Whether you're chasing indie gems, cult oddities, or a live show that gets delightfully weird, Hollywood Theatre screens it in a lovingly…

4122 NE Sandy Blvd (Portland) · ✓ checked Aug 13

Whether you're chasing indie gems, cult oddities, or a live show that gets delightfully weird, Hollywood Theatre screens it in a lovingly restored Prohibition-era palace on a 50-foot screen. Grab a friend, pick something unexpected, remember why seeing movies with other Portlanders just hits different.

From the McMinnville newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Twin Pines Country Club is a quirky, 6‑hole side‑yard course in Montavilla that keeps it delightfully simple, community made, and totally…

8434 SE Clay St (Portland)

Twin Pines Country Club is a quirky, 6‑hole side‑yard course in Montavilla that keeps it delightfully simple, community made, and totally free. Bring a friend or the kids, tap foam balls around with rubber‑headed clubs, and soak up that low‑key neighborhood fun that feels like summer every day.

From the Gresham newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Theater complex with multiple screens, all-stadium seating & self-service ticketing kiosks.

4040 SE 82nd Ave (Portland)

Theater complex with multiple screens, all-stadium seating & self-service ticketing kiosks.

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Illahe Hills Country Club is a year-round, full-service spot for members, with a private course offering Salem views and playable greens,…

3376 Country Club Rd S

Illahe Hills Country Club is a year-round, full-service spot for members, with a private course offering Salem views and playable greens, chef-curated seasonal dining, and a busy social calendar.

From the Salem newsletter, August 29, 2026

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