Events in Salem today

Learn to scuba dive with Salem Scuba in a PADI Open Water Diver class that takes you from the fundamentals to your first certification. PADI instructors teach in a relaxed, supportive setting so you can build confidence and the know-how to dive locally or while traveling. The course blends a five-section eLearning program with two pool training days, followed by an open-water weekend where you complete your certification dives. You will learn to assemble and use scuba equipment, fine-tune your buoyancy, approach marine life responsibly, and handle common situations that arise underwater. It is designed for anyone who wants to discover more of our planet, support ocean conservation, see new underwater sights, learn with a scuba expert, and earn a globally recognized certification. For details or to enroll, contact the shop at 503-588-3483 or Charline@SalemScuba.com.

Explore scuba in a relaxed, calm-water setting through a PADI Discover Scuba class designed for beginners. With guidance from a highly trained PADI professional, you will learn essential skills, get questions answered, and use provided scuba equipment. It offers a chance to take your first breaths underwater, get a feel for the experience, and decide whether to pursue PADI Open Water Diver certification. The class fee is $200 and includes in-water instruction and rental gear, with a mask and snorkel not included. To register, contact the shop at 503-588-3483 or email Charline@SalemScuba.com.

Enjoy the CAMC S-K (Salem-Kaiser) Car Show at Powerland Heritage Park, with registration available onsite and all makes and models welcome. The show features many vehicle entry classes, dash plaques for the first 200 registrants, and no spectator fee.

Get moving for the Run for Salem Free Clinics on August 8, 2026. This event includes in-person race options (a 10k run, a 5k run/walk, and a 2-mile fun walk) plus virtual options. Registration includes a note about t-shirt availability when registering by the stated deadline, and in-person participants are asked to keep pets at home.

A.C.T. 2 returns to Salem Saturday Market for a live performance. The event welcomes all ages and is free to attend.

Riverfront Family Fest brings families together at Salem's Riverfront Park for a free health and safety resource fair that stands among Salem's largest child-focused community gatherings. Nearly 4,000 parents and children take part each year, exploring a variety of family-friendly activities in a setting focused on safety, fun, and connection. The park becomes a lively place to spend time with loved ones and to build new relationships with other community members.

Enjoy a free day in the forest at Englewood Park, featuring performances, live music and dance, plus art from 50 artists. There will also be food and plenty of family-friendly activities. Free parking is available, and the event is open to all ages.

Join Common People Yoga for a monthly queer yoga class in partnership with Salem Capital Pride. This all-levels session runs for 1 hour and includes modifications so you can adapt poses to your needs. There is no pressure to do anything that does not feel good, and you are welcome to back off or skip parts as needed. Yoga mats may be available to borrow, or you can bring your own. Instructor Michael encourages anyone who needs significant accommodations or has concerns to speak with him before class begins.

A guided shamanic drum journey aligned with the Lion’s Gate Portal invites a pause from the noise of daily life to reconnect with the inner light that has always been present. This gentle gathering is designed for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, uncertain, or simply wishing for deeper self-connection. Participants come together in a supportive circle to slow down, release what no longer serves, and listen to their own wisdom. The experience includes a drum journey supported by meditation and grounding practices, a soft release ceremony, time for reflection with optional sharing, and a soothing sound bath to nurture integration and rest. No prior experience with drum journeys or meditation is required, only an open heart and willingness to receive. Hosted at a private residence in Salem, Oregon, with specific location details shared after RSVP. The fee is $22. Attendance is capped for an intimate setting, so early RSVP is recommended. Please bring a journal and pen, a water bottle, and comfort items such as a yoga mat, blanket, or pillow.

Skaters who want to represent the Beaver State can try out with Team Oregon Roller Derby at the Madhouse. Sign up by accessing the QR code shown in the event image or by using the link in the organizer’s bio, which you can reach by saving or capturing the post. Bring your best effort and team spirit for a chance to skate alongside future teammates.

Explore Latin dance through a sequence of classes that progress from a fundamentals lesson for beginners to a bachata session and then an intermediate salsa class, ending with a team practice session. Suitable for first-time dancers and those with some experience, this schedule offers a clear path to learn basics, cover bachata, and build confidence with intermediate salsa.

Oscilloscope Laboratories presents CatVideoFest 2026, a compilation of cat videos gathered from unique submissions, animations, music videos, and well known internet classics. Each year, local theaters collaborate with nearby cat focused charities, animal welfare groups, and shelters. A portion of every ticket benefits local cats in need through Friends of Felines.

Hope on the Riverfront is a free, high-energy in-person event for youth and families, featuring live music, real stories, community resource booths, and time to connect and reflect. Expect a welcoming atmosphere, food vendors, and opportunities to build relationships with others, all with a focus on reminding young people they matter, they belong, and their future is full of hope.

After nightfall, The Historic Grand Theatre is remade into a moody, living marketplace lit by lanterns and filled with drifting music. Conjure: Salem night market brings together handpicked vendors sharing witchcraft tools, ritual supplies, eerie artwork, jewelry, oddities, and other dark curiosities that are hard to find elsewhere. Each stall is an experience of its own, built to draw you closer and encourage you to linger. The scene shifts around you as the evening unfolds. Live music reverberates through the space, performers appear and vanish, and the blend of laughter, shadow, and glimmering light creates an almost dreamlike feel. A lounge with a bar offers a place to pause with a drink, then it is easy to slip back into the current of the night. It is a summer night that seems to slow, where unfamiliar faces feel connected by the same story and the atmosphere holds on long after you step away.

At the Marion County Agriculture Fair, this Marion Co. Fair program features classes that include Light Modified, Light Super Stock, Super Stock Diesel Trucks, 8500# Limited Pro Stock, 9500# Limited Pro Stock, and Pro Stock.

Put your knowledge to the test at a professionally hosted trivia night featuring questions from set categories. Take part solo or form a team of up to ten players. The experience is presented through the in-house sound system with support from nine 55 inch HD TVs and a 130 inch projection screen. Reservations are mandatory and handled on a first come, first served basis, and teams must arrive 30 minutes early to keep their table. Gift certificate prizes are awarded for first, second, and third place and can be used on a future visit. There is also a chance to advance to the Tournament of Champions. Find the venue in the southwest corner of the back parking lot next to State Farms and the laundromat.

Set in a Brooklyn neighborhood, the story centers on Sal, an Italian pizzeria owner, and Buggin' Out, a local resident, who clash over the shop's photo wall that features only Italian celebrities. Buggin' Out argues that a restaurant in a Black community should honor Black icons, while Sal refuses to change it. What begins as a disagreement over pictures becomes a potent symbol of racism and rising tensions that ripple through the neighborhood.

This witch walk at Minto-Brown Island Park invites a relaxed stroll with pauses to spot and identify flowers and other plants in bloom. Participants will gather at the pavilion just beyond the dog park.

A bird walk at Minto-Brown Island Park explores one of Salem’s most diverse natural settings, where varied habitats draw birds and other wildlife throughout the year. The Peter Courtney Bridge connection makes it easier to explore. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, bring water, snacks, and binoculars, and wear comfortable footwear due to potentially uneven trails. Expect a good walk. The group meets in Parking Lot #3, the last lot in the park, and the outing highlights seasonal changes with opportunities to spot what is active.

Pegeen Flaherty faces upheaval when a young stranger walks into her pub and declares he has killed his father. Instead of being rejected, he is celebrated as a local hero and quickly captures hearts. Everything shifts when a second man arrives without warning, disrupting the newfound admiration and turning the situation on its head.

Explore stained glass in a welcoming workshop with Esther, a popular offering at the Hub. All materials are provided and the prep is handled ahead of time, so you can focus on creating. Over the course of one afternoon, get a feel for stained glass making, craft your own piece, and head out with a finished creation ready to display.

Golden West Winds, the United States Air Force Band’s woodwind quintet, presents a family-friendly concert that pairs precise ensemble playing with expressive artistry. A wide-ranging program salutes those who serve, encourages pride in country, and connects with audiences nationwide through the universal language of music. Admission is free, and seating is first come, first served.

Designed for ages 8 to 10 at Bush's Pasture Park, this tennis camp welcomes beginners and intermediate players. Participants use balls matched to their skill level, practice essential strokes, build coordination through drills, and take part in match play. It highlights the USTA goal of growing the sport to 35 million participants by 2035. The cost is $56 per person per week, with half-price fee waivers available to qualifying Salem residents. Register in person, or call 503-588-6261 for more information.

Designed for ages 11 to 17, this tennis camp at Bush's Pasture Park welcomes beginners and intermediate players. Instruction uses balls matched to skill level and concentrates on core strokes, player coordination, and match play. It supports the USTA aim of reaching 35 million participants by 2035. The fee is 56 dollars per person for each week, and a 50 percent waiver is available to eligible Salem residents. Registration is in person. For additional information, call 503-588-6261.

Chess Wizards offers a week of engaging chess instruction, spirited games, and opportunities to win prizes. Over the week, participants explore variations such as corner chess, take part in tournaments, and work through puzzles. All needed supplies are included.

Explore STEM through a LEGO-inspired camp with Play-Well TEKnologies. Participants bring concepts from physics, engineering, and architecture to life while building through hands-on projects developed by engineers. These projects change with the seasons, giving both newcomers and returning learners fresh challenges and ongoing ways to tap into the creative potential of LEGO building systems.

Darian's Gift Golf Tournament and Fundraiser takes place at Illahe Hills Country Club with a round of golf followed by an outdoor dinner and auction under a large tent. More than thirty silent auction items and about a dozen live auction lots will be available, and prizes will be awarded to the top teams. Entertainment will be provided by Salem band Blacksmith Neighbors. The dinner and auction are open to all golfers and can also be purchased separately. All proceeds support local families undergoing treatment for childhood cancer. Advance registration is required.

Take advantage of a set of specials that make dining out simple and affordable. Children 10 and under receive a complimentary meal with the purchase of an entree, limited to two free kids meals per family. Pizzas are available two for $20, and pints are priced at $6.

Wild Things Games hosts another Fusion World Ultimate Battle tournament with Swiss pairings, best of one matches, and 35 minute rounds. Entry is $12 and participation is limited to 24 players. A BandaiTCG+ account is required to compete. Every entrant receives one FP-092 Son Gohan：SH promo card. The top eight players earn one FB09-096 Warrior Who Defeats the Evil Demon (Alt-Art) promo card, and first place is awarded one FB10-040 Vegito (Alt-Art). In addition, $10 in store credit per participant will be added to a prize pool that is distributed to top finishers based on final standings.

Salem Cinema hosts a Reel Change For Our Community benefit supporting Children's Educational Theatre, featuring a showcase of short films created by the organization's filmmaking students alongside a screening of the 2011 feature Super 8. A single ticket provides admission to both the student shorts and the film. Set in late 1970s Ohio, Super 8 follows a group of friends making their own zombie movie when they witness a violent train wreck. In the aftermath, their town is unsettled by disappearances and peculiar happenings, and the friends come to realize that something frightening has been unleashed. Children's Educational Theatre offers immersive theater education for young people across the Mid-Valley, welcoming a wide range of ages and experience levels. The organization works year round, with a central focus on a five week summer program where students in grades 3 through 12 explore both performance and technical theater.

Entrepreneurs and business owners meet at Citizens Bank for a monthly Coffee Club that nurtures ideas, builds connections, and sparks momentum in Salem’s business community. Discussions focus on practical challenges, local resources, and the next steps for both new ventures and growing companies. Attendees can bring questions, hurdles, and ideas to work through together in a collaborative, supportive setting. Hosted by Launch Mid Valley, the series supports startups and small businesses throughout Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties. Citizens Bank supports this gathering and provides relationship-focused, full-service banking that helps local entrepreneurs and homeowners pursue their goals.

Get better at basketball through a high-energy Attack and Counter skill development camp designed for boys and girls in grades 7 through 12. Over three days, players work on key offensive fundamentals like footwork, guard play, post moves and finishing near the basket, ball handling, fast-break skills, and shooting. The camp runs in a “show and go” format where coaches demonstrate drills to the whole group and then players break into coached groups to put those skills into fast, competitive practice.

Every Tuesday centers on tacos with a full menu designed for cravings, featuring smoked chicken, pulled pork, and ground beef options. Margaritas are $8, and you can choose your favorite flavor.

Catch live folk music with Ida Jane and The Weekend Gardeners at Willamette Heritage Center in Salem. The show starts at 6:00 PM.

Theatre 33 brings Be Witch by Rob Smith to the M. Lee Pelton Theatre on the Willamette University campus. The play follows Kendra, who longs to practice magik with a K but cannot make a living from it. She moves in with her brother, Huey, and their relationship strains as he covers expenses, runs his business, and pursues his goal of becoming a standout bowler while urging her to find stable work. Just when everything seems ready to fall apart, Kendra earns the notice of a powerful Coven in the Magik world. Acceptance comes with strict terms, and she must weigh the chance to realize her dream against the risk of losing the sibling who has always stood by her. Theatre 33 is a donation-based professional company. Suggested contributions are $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors, and $12 for students.

This presentation at Salem Cinema centers on Sal, an Italian owner of a Brooklyn pizzeria, and Buggin' Out, a neighborhood resident who challenges the shop’s Wall of Fame for highlighting only Italian stars in a Black neighborhood. What begins as a disagreement over representation turns the photos into a symbol of racism for many on the block, drawing others into the conflict as tempers rise.

Enjoy a lively Latin Dance Night at Honky Tonk Bar & Grill, beginning with a guided class and continuing with open social dancing. Music features salsa, bachata, cumbia, and other Latin rhythms. Newcomers and experienced dancers are all welcome to learn steps, meet fellow dance enthusiasts, and spend an upbeat evening on the floor in a warm, welcoming setting.

At Minto-Brown Island Park, Junior Ranger Camp introduces kids to the outdoors through ranger-led walks and engaging, hands-on activities. Participants learn how to explore nature responsibly and care for parks and natural areas, building a foundation for lifelong environmental stewardship. The fee is $49 per person, and 50 percent fee waivers are available for qualified Salem residents.

Bring your classic vehicle for a fun cruise night at the Northwest Car and Motorcycle Museum in Powerland Heritage Park. Enjoy the evening with other car and motorcycle enthusiasts from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Put your knowledge to the test at a lively trivia night run by a professional host and broadcast through the house sound system, nine 55-inch HD screens, and a 130-inch projector. Play solo or build a team of up to ten, then tackle rounds drawn from preselected categories. Top teams earn gift certificate prizes for first, second, and third place that can be used on a future visit, and there is a chance to qualify for the Tournament of Champions. Reservations are required and handled on a first come, first served basis. Space fills quickly, and teams must arrive 30 minutes before the start to keep their table. Find the venue in the southwest corner at the back of the parking lot next to State Farms and the laundromat.

Theatre 33 stages PULL, written by Sara Jean Accuardi. The story follows a group of teachers enrolled in a gun safety program tailored to educators who are considering carrying firearms at school. Across five days, their beliefs are pushed as they wrestle with responsibility and the meaning of safety. Mainstage performances are presented at the M. Lee Pelton Theatre on the Willamette University campus. As a donation-based professional theatre, Theatre 33 suggests contributions of $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors, and $12 for students.

A live screening of URGH! A MUSIC WAR pairs with an onstage presentation from The Professors Of Urgh, Chaki and Chris Slusarenko, the hosts of the A Very Opinionated Look At Urgh! podcast. Drawing on more than 55 episodes, they trace how this landmark 1980s concert film came together and share insights from conversations with artists connected to it, including Lesley Woods of Au Pairs, Hugo Burnham of Gang Of Four, Stan Ridgway of Wall Of Voodoo, and Steve Bartek of Oingo Boingo. They also explore the mysteries surrounding the band Invisible Sex. Often cited as a key document of the late 1970s and early 1980s New Music scene, the film is rarely shown on the big screen. It captures performances by 34 bands, from The Police, Devo, X, Joan Jett, XTC, The Go-Go’s, and Gary Numan to underground figures like Dead Kennedys, Magazine, The Cramps, Pere Ubu, Au Pairs, and Klaus Nomi, preserving the distinctive sound and spirit of each act. Chaki is a Los Angeles based electro funk artist and performer whose work blends heavy bass and synth driven grooves with an offbeat stage presence. He has toured with El Vez and Fishbone and has opened for Parliament Funkadelic, as well as multiple dates with Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew’s Remain in Light touring band. His release From L.A. to the Bay on High Occulture Records is a career spanning 12 inch featuring earlier tracks and three new songs. He also created the Punk Rock Graveyard Tour at Hollywood Forever Cemetery and is a recurring guest on The Best Show with Tom Scharpling. Chris Slusarenko hosts the top ten Apple Music Interview podcast Revolutions Per Movie, a guest driven show about music films featuring Peter Buck of R.E.M., Paul Williams, Spiral Stairs of Pavement, Ann Magnuson, and Kevin McDonald of Kids In The Hall. He is a longtime musician with albums on Sub Pop and Rough Trade, has been a member of Guided By Voices and Eyelids, and has operated an independent video store for more than two decades.

Settle into a calming Sonic Journey at Salem Friends Meeting House, a sound meditation that blends gongs, crystal singing bowls, and other instruments to create rich layers of tone and vibration. The experience begins with gentle breathing and a guided visualization to arrive in the moment, then participants recline and let the waves of sound move through the body. Each session is unique, encouraging quiet focus, deep relaxation, and a closer connection to the present, with many people noting dreamlike imagery, meditative states, and renewed access to intuition and creativity. The approach centers on compassion, curiosity, and presence, with guides who offer a safe and supportive space rather than a guru-led format. Expect about an hour of continuous sound within a welcoming atmosphere that invites exploration of self and the connections among all things. Sliding scale admission is $20 to $40. For comfort, bring a yoga or camping mat, a blanket, and a pillow, and wear loose, cozy clothing. An eye mask or other soft covering is optional.

Put your knowledge to the test at a lively trivia night in Salem, with a chance to be recognized on the Knowledge Cup trophy. A full bar and 14 food carts provide plenty of options to keep minds fueled while playing. Results are posted on a trivia board for bragging rights, and the setting is family friendly.

An outdoor mini farmers market offers fresh-from-the-farm produce, baked goods, handmade art and crafts, hot food, and more. Located on a grassy area, it provides a place to pick up ingredients, enjoy something to eat, and browse a variety of creative items.

Basso a Deux brings a mix of classic rock with a jazzy flair to Sokol Blosser Live on the Lawn. The set blends soulful rhythms and familiar favorites with smooth jazz influences.

The karaoke mic is back on, creating a family friendly night centered on singing and fun. A welcoming atmosphere sets the stage for an easygoing karaoke experience.

A relaxed hangout open to everyone, with complimentary chips and salsa. Attendees can order dinner if they wish or simply spend time chatting.

Connections: A Place to Belong creates a welcoming space for people living with disabilities to build friendships, practice social communication, and strengthen ties to the community. Attendees can get to know peers, explore helpful resources, and enjoy a changing mix of activities such as board games, bonfires, movies, and music. The gathering is free to attend.

An outdoor evening at Riverfront Park brings real estate investors together to connect, network, and celebrate the season. Whether just starting out or growing a portfolio, attendees can forge relationships and talk through opportunities with peers across a variety of asset classes. Food and drinks will be available, and conversations focus on sharing strategies and practical takeaways in a relaxed summer atmosphere. Attendance is free. Sponsored by Ferry Insurance with Alex Ferry of State Farm, and Spray-Net Willamette Valley with Sam Espindola.

A community running series returns to Bush Park with races for all ages and abilities. Participants can choose 3K or 5K courses that follow the same routes as last season, and kids can take part in free 500 meter and 1600 meter events. The program typically begins with a 3000 meter race open to everyone, continues with a 500 meter dash for children under 7 and a 1600 meter race for ages 7 to 12, and concludes with a 5000 meter race open to all. The open races cost $10, while the youth distances are free. Online registration is available and encouraged, and on-site signups will also be offered. Youth races require in-person registration. Registering for multiple races in one transaction can reduce processing fees. Trophies are awarded at the end of the series to the fastest overall finishers in each race. Participation supports the Kelsy Oldham Memorial Scholarship Fund and local high school cross country teams. For safety, strollers and pets are not permitted on the race courses.

Theatre 33 brings Ricky Zipp’s Lights in the Sky to the stage at Willamette University, a satirical look at politics and power and the ways people choose violence. The story follows Jimmy King on his first day at a government office in Washington, D.C. that examines UFO reports. As he learns the job, he discovers that his boss, Lillian, and colleagues, Whit and Maye, are hiding evidence of a secret alien encounter with consequences that could endanger the entire planet. The play reflects on how groups can move toward global catastrophe while failing to learn from history.