🌮 Summer’s Heating Up: 7 Can’t-Miss Concerts Coming to Salem

Plus 4 concerts happening THIS WEEKEND

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Ernie Samora & Jacob Espinoza
May 30, 2025

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On Sunday, June 22 at Riverfront Park, Salem turns into a city-wide comic strip, and you’re invited to be on the page.

Here’s why you don’t want to sit this one out:

  • Free 1-Mile Fun Run – perfect for tiny sidekicks, first-time racers, and anyone who just wants to rock a cape.

  • Choose Your Challenge – 5K or 10K ($45). Ticket sales close 9 a.m. sharp on race day, so snag your spot now.

  • Costume Contest – Adult & Youth divisions. Go all-in on the mask and maybe leave with bragging rights.

  • Full Community Vibes – local vendors, high-five tunnels, and enough positive energy to power a Bat-Signal.

  • Real-World Impact – every dollar fuels CASA’s mission to advocate for kids in foster care across Marion County.

Want to boost the mission even more?
• Sponsor the event: [email protected]
• Volunteer: https://forms.gle/QEqoEKTAtee5CtnD7

Salem shows up for its neighbors.

Salem City Council Approves Six-Year Housing Roadmap

The Salem City Council has unanimously approved the city’s first-ever housing production strategy, a six-year roadmap outlining 17 actions to expand affordable housing and address Salem’s growing housing crisis. The plan includes ideas like streamlining the permit process, expanding tax breaks for developers, and turning underused spaces into apartments. With fewer than half of local households able to afford median rent and only 16% able to buy the average home, city leaders say the strategy is a critical step toward preventing homelessness and increasing housing access. While no policies are enacted yet, each proposed action will be explored and brought before the council for future approval. (Salem Reporter)

Oregon Lawmakers Approve Statewide Ban on Thick Plastic Checkout Bags

Oregon is poised to expand its fight against plastic pollution after lawmakers passed a bipartisan bill banning thick plastic film checkout bags at restaurants, grocery stores, and retail stores statewide. Senate Bill 551 passed 22-8 in the Senate and now awaits Governor Tina Kotek’s signature. Environmental advocates say the ban will reduce waste, protect wildlife, and lessen strain on recycling systems. (Fox12 Oregon)

This Week on the Podcast!

A few updates with the podcast.

1) We have a new co-host filling in for a bit. Salem comedian superstar Eleanor Ryan is bringing a great energy and I’m so excited to have her on board.

2) We are now releasing each episode on Wednesdays. So don’t forget to tune in on your podcast platform of choice

  • Eleanore's rapid rise in comedy, balancing shows in Eugene, Albany, and Salem, and the evolution of her personal style and confidence onstage.

  • Alyssa’s role at Garten Services and how they empower individuals with disabilities through employment, community, and support programs.

  • The growth and impact of Sip and Stroll, a downtown Salem event blending local business promotion, community connection, and nonprofit fundraising.

  • And much more!

7 Concerts to watch for this Summer

Noble Fest @ Noble Wave Downtown • Saturday, May 31 • 1:30PM - 10PM
Celebrate six years of Noble Wave THIS WEEKEND with an all-day, outdoor music festival in the heart of downtown Salem. Noble Fest transforms Liberty Street into a live music stage, featuring an eclectic lineup of local bands—from orchestral rock and pop-punk to video game jazz, honky tonk, and heavy rock. FREE and open to all ages, with great food, frozen cocktails, and sidewalk patio seating.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – All The Good Times: The Farewell Tour @ Elsinore Theatre • June 19
The legendary country-rock band brings their farewell tour to Salem's historic Elsinore Theatre.

Make Music Salem @ Various Venues • June 21
A FREE music celebration with 200+ artists performing at 50+ venues across the city! Sidewalks, parks, businesses, and public spaces with be filled with music.

Lil Jon with the Ying Yang Twins @ Oregon State Fairgrounds • July 4
Part of the 4th of July Spectacular, featuring a concert and fireworks show at the Oregon State Fairgrounds

Johnny Wheels & the Swamp Donkeys @ Hudak House • July 12
Kick off the Summervine concert series with the electrifying blues, funk, and roots rock sounds of Johnny Wheels & the Swamp Donkeys amidst the vineyard's golden hour ambiance.

The All-American Rejects @ Oregon State Fairgrounds • August 22
Kicking off the 2025 Umpqua Concert Series at the Oregon State Fair.

Sean Paul @ Oregon State Fairgrounds • August 24
Dancehall and reggae fusion artist performing as part of the Oregon State Fair concert lineup

Other Oregon State Fair concerts include Cheap Trick, The Beach Boys, Wynonna Judd, The String Cheese Incident, and more!

Friday, May 30

⚾Salem-Keizer Volcanoes vs. Salem Senators • Volcanoes Stadium • 6PM

🦖Open Roller Skate: Blow-up Costume Night • Cherry City MadHouse • 7:30PM

🎶Live Country Music: Jacquie Roar with Jordan Rainer • Historic Grand Theatre • 8PM

Saturday, May 31

🎶Live Folk/Blues Music: Blacksmith Neighbors • West Hills Vineyards • 5PM

Sunday, June 1

🧘Yoga + Coffee • Prismatic Coffee Company • 12PM

💃Bachata Night • VFW 630 Hood St NE • 6:30PM - 10PM

⚾Portland Mavericks vs Salem Senators • Volcanoes Stadium • 6PM

Monday, June 2

🎬$5 Mystery Movie Monday • Salem Cinema Theatre • 7PM

👯‍♂️One Chance Fancy: A Non-Straight-Line Dance • Southside Speakeasy • 7PM

🐶PET OF THE WEEK: Lucky

This is Lucky! He believes the muddier the better, especially on a hike! Caught here mid-adventure on Catamount Trail at Silver Creek Falls, living his best (and dirtiest) life. 🐾🌧️🐶

Our Job Board is now FREE for Salem employers to use. 🙂 

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Thanks for keeping up with Salem this week!

Spotted something interesting in town? Drop us a note at [email protected] We love hearing from you.

See you next Thursday,

Ernie

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