DON’T MISS THE SALEM AREA’S HOTTEST SUMMER EVENTS

Salem knows how to celebrate summer. The sparkling sunshine and shady forests are the perfect setting for the area’s many outdoor music and art festivals, small-town rodeos, Fourth of July parades, colorful powwows and, of course, the iconic Oregon State Fair. Want to enjoy these amazing events — and everything else the region has to offer — at your own pace? Start planning your multi-day trip here and get ready to have the best summer ever.

6/8/26

Credit: World Beat Festival
World Beat Festival

June 27 — 28

As the largest multicultural event in the state, this festival in Salem’s Riverfront Park celebrates over 70 cultures that thrive in the region. Bring the family for a weekend of traditional dance, food, music, a beer garden and a dragon-boat race along the Willamette River. This year will specifically honor the cultures of Pacific Islanders. Pack a blanket for the grassy area and stay all day.

buy tickets here; kids 14 and under are free
Credit: St. Paul Rodeo
THE 90TH ANNUAL ST. PAUL RODEO

JUNE 30 — JULY 4

Kick up the dust at this all-American event saluting the grit and courage of today’s cowboys and cowgirls. The rodeo officially turns 90 this year, and the five-day lineup is packed with professional bull-riding, barrel-racing, nightly fireworks displays, a Fourth of July parade and more. The 10,500-seat arena also hosts a saloon and a carnival for your young bucks.

Lasso Tickets here
Credit: Independence Days
Fourth of July Independence Days Celebration

July 3 — 4

Since 1902, the historic town of Independence has been putting on a Fourth of July party in Riverview Park like no other. Grab the kiddos for two days of good-old-fashioned fun, including a rubber-duck derby race on the Willamette River, a talent show, live music, elephant ears and food galore, a parade and a mind-blowing fireworks show.

Buy tickets here
Credit: Hoopla
HOOPLA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

JULY 21–26

Did you know one of the biggest street-basketball tournaments in the Northwest is held in downtown Salem every summer? This week-long event draws thousands of athletes, families and fans from across the region and includes games for all age and skill divisions, free kids’ clinics, shooting contests and cool prizes. Put together a team or cheer from the sidelines.

learn more
Credit: Powerland Heritage Park
GREAT OREGON STEAM-UP

JULY 25 — 26 AND AUGUST 1 — 2

This celebration of steam-powered trains and old-timey tractors brings Oregon’s industrial past to life and has been voted the “Best Annual Event” in the Best of the Willamette Valley Awards four years in a row. Held at Powerland Heritage Park and just 10 miles from Salem, kids can get up close to the equipment and take miniature train rides. A flea market and tasty food carts top it off.

get tickets here
Credit: Englewood Forest Festival
ENGLEWOOD FOREST FESTIVAL

AUGUST 8

A free Salem festival that celebrates nature? You bet. Englewood was the first park purchased by the City of Salem and it turns 100 this year. Relax under the shady canopy of a 7-acre native forest of Oregon white oak and Douglas firs. Enjoy music, kid’s activities, local artists, authors and delicious food while connecting with nature — and other nature-lovers.

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Credit: Reed Lane Photography | Grand Ronde Powwow
GRAND RONDE ANNUAL CONTEST POWWOW

AUGUST 14 — 16

One of the Northwest’s largest powwows comes to the Uyxat Powwow Grounds each year, 30 miles west of Salem. The Grand Ronde Tribe’s contest powwow is a weekend full of traditional dancing competitions in full regalia and across all age groups, plus drumming, food vendors, traditional crafts and more. Everyone is invited.

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Credit: Fiesta Mexicana
WOODBURN FIESTA MEXICANA

AUGUST 21 — 23

Just north of Salem, Woodburn has the largest Hispanic and Latino population per capita in the state — and this annual celebration shows off its community pride in spades. Come early and stay late for the three-day event full of food vendors, live music, a Mexican parade, lucha libre, carnival rides and more. This year is the event’s 62nd anniversary.

learn more
Credit: Oregon Expo Center
OREGON STATE FAIR

AUGUST 28 — SEPTEMBER 7

Oregon’s all-American fair has drawn millions of thrill-seekers since it launched in 1862, and it gets better every summer. Parents will love the top-notch food, crafts, beer gardens and live music — Nate Smith and theBeach Boys are on the docket this year. The kiddos will go nuts for the cute petting zoos, cotton candy and over 50 rides.

get tickets here
Credit: Ron Cooper | Salem Art Fair & Festival
SALEM ART FAIR AND FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 11 — 13

This inspiring event in Salem’s Bush’s Pasture Park is one of the largest of its kind in the Northwest and draws artists from all over the country. With live performances and music, hands-on activities for the kiddos and artists selling everything from handmade jewelry to ceramics, your whole crew will have a blast.

Get tickets here; kids 12 and under are free

There are so many summer events happening around Salem, a multi-day trip is definitely in order. You can find several lodging options in the area, from charming bed and breakfasts to modern resorts and downtown hotels. Start planning your itinerary today.

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