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- 🌮 Thanksgiving Weekend in Salem!
🌮 Thanksgiving Weekend in Salem!
Let's have some fun this weekend Salem.

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Thank you all 10,271 for joining this journey.
Oregon in the fall is absolutely stunning, and it’s hard to believe 2024 is almost over! A huge thank you to everyone who has helped us spread the word about the amazing things happening in our community.
Is anyone planning to join a Turkey Trot tomorrow or attend the Holiday Parade in downtown Salem this Friday?
We’d also love to see you at our Content Creator Meet-Up on December 9!
If you’re creating content in Salem, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with others in your community and learn from some of the best local creators.
Registration is free—click here to sign up and get all the details.
We hope to see you there!
👉 Also, do you have an event you’d like added to our weekly calendar?
Now, let’s see what’s happening in Salem.
Weather
😶🌫️Thu: Mostly cloudy with a high of 45
☁️Fri: Partly cloudy with a high of 46
🌫️Sat: Cloudy with a high of 43
😶🌫️Sun: Mostly cloudy with a high of 42
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What Happened Last Week in Salem?
Tuesday is the deadline for resolving signature issues for ballots cast in the Nov. 5 election, with 596 ballots in House District 22 still needing verification as of Friday. Lesly Muñoz leads incumbent Rep. Tracy Cramer, R-Gervais, by 149 votes in the district, which includes Woodburn, north Salem, Gervais, Brooks, and Labish Village. If certified on Dec. 2, Muñoz's victory would restore a Democratic supermajority in the Oregon House, allowing tax bills to pass without Republican support. Voters can check their ballot status online and must submit signature updates to the Marion County Clerk’s Office by 5 p.m. Tuesday. (Statesman Journal)
City Council Updates
Supporting Vulnerable Populations
City staff are working to support vulnerable communities through partnerships with local organizations. At a recent event at Oak Park Church on Lancaster Drive, 140 meals and 50 hygiene kits were distributed to residents in need.
“These events are essential for connecting with people where they are,” said Anna Brace, a member of the Housing Authority’s special programs team. “We’re already planning another event during January’s Point-in-Time homeless count.”
This annual count is crucial for gathering data on homelessness in Salem and Marion County, which helps secure funding and develop targeted solutions.
Honoring Veterans and Promoting Inclusion
Salem recognized two significant events this month: the unveiling of the Vietnam War Memorial and the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
“The Vietnam War Memorial is a beautiful tribute that has been years in the making,” said Councilor Stapleton. “It was an honor to celebrate the lives and sacrifices of our veterans.”
The Transgender Day of Remembrance, hosted at the Salem Public Library, provided a solemn moment to honor lives lost to anti-transgender violence, reaffirming the city’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for all communities.
Salem Airport Boosts Local Economy
Record-Breaking Growth
In its first year of commercial air service, Salem Municipal Airport has welcomed 22,600 new visitors, generating $19 million in local economic impact. Visitors from Burbank and Las Vegas have provided a significant boost to local businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and wineries.
“This airport is a game-changer,” said Airport Manager John Pascal. “We’ve made air travel accessible and affordable, with an average one-way fare of just $63.”
Looking Ahead
Plans are underway to expand destinations, with Phoenix and the Bay Area identified as top priorities for future service. These expansions aim to strengthen the airport’s economic impact and convenience for Salem residents.
Upcoming Events |
Wednesday, November 27
💡Magic of Lights | State Fairgrounds | 5:30PM - 9:00PM
🕯️Drop-in Grief Discussion Groups | Willamette Vital Health | 5:30PM - 6:30PM
🎤Stand-up open mic & karaoke | Infinity Room | 7:00PM | FREE
🍸😂Drunksgiving Comedy | The Yard Food Park | 8:30PM
Thursday, November 28
🧘Thanksgiving Day Yoga | Resonance Yoga Collective | 9:00AM
🦃FREE Thanksgiving Meal | Oak Park Church of God | 11:00AM - 1:00PM
🦃FREE Thanksgiving Dinner | The River Church | 2:00PM - 4:00PM
💡Magic of Lights | State Fairgrounds | 5:30PM - 9:00PM
Friday, November 29
🍇Thanksgiving Open House | Bethel Heights Vineyard | 11:00AM - 4:00PM
🎅Santa arrives in Salem aboard the Carousel Express | Riverfront Park Carousel | 12:00PM - 5:00PM
💪Meet the Hulk - Lou Ferrigno | Radar Toys | 3:00PM - 6:00PM
🎄Holiday Village | State Fairgrounds | 5:00PM - 10:00PM | FREE ADMISSION
💡Magic of Lights | State Fairgrounds | 5:30PM - 10:00PM
✨Magic at the Mill | Willamette Heritage Center | 5:30PM - 8:00PM
☃️Downtown Salem Holiday Parade | 6:30PM
🤶Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley | Pentacle Theatre | 7:30PM
🏠Movies at the Grand: Home Alone | Historic Grand Theatre | 8:00PM - 9:30PM
Saturday, November 30
🌨️Indoor Winter Market | Wavra Farms and Nursery | 10:00AM - 3:00PM
🍇Thanksgiving Open House | Bethel Heights Vineyard | 11:00AM - 4:00PM
🎄Holiday Village | State Fairgrounds | 11:00AM - 10:00PM | FREE ADMISSION
🦁The Wizard of Oz screening | Salem Cinema | 12:00PM
👪Family Drop-In Activities | Salem Public Library | 2:00PM - 4:00PM
💡Magic of Lights | State Fairgrounds | 5:30PM - 10:00PM
✨Magic at the Mill | Willamette Heritage Center | 5:30PM - 8:00PM
😂Rob Schneider: Rescue Husband | Elsinore Theatre | 7:30PM
🤶Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley | Pentacle Theatre | 7:30PM
Sunday, December 1
🎄Holiday Village | State Fairgrounds | 11:00AM - 10:00PM | FREE ADMISSION
🎅Santa Day | West Hills Vineyards | 12:00PM - 4:00PM
🤶Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley | Pentacle Theatre | 2:00PM
💡Magic of Lights | State Fairgrounds | 5:30PM - 10:00PM
✨Magic at the Mill | Willamette Heritage Center | 5:30PM - 8:00PM
Monday, December 2
💡Magic of Lights | State Fairgrounds | 5:30PM - 9:00PM
✨Magic at the Mill| Willamette Heritage Center | 5:30PM - 8:00PM
Tuesday, December 3
📖Brown Bag Book Club | Salem Public Library | 12:00PM - 1:00PM
🤖Tinker Tech Tuesday for Kids | Salem Public Library | 4:30PM - 5:45PM | FREE
♟️Chess Night | Santiam Brewing | 5:00PM - 9:00PM | NO COVER
💡Magic of Lights| State Fairgrounds | 5:30PM - 9:00PM
Wednesday, December 4
📚Book Giveaway | Salem Public Library | 10:00AM - 6:00PM | FREE
💡Magic of Lights | State Fairgrounds | 5:30PM - 9:00PM
🌲Festival of Trees | North Salem High School | 6:00PM - 9:00PM
🦁The Wizard of Oz screening | Salem Cinema | 6:30PM
Thursday, December 5
🤝LEAD Small Business Series: Cultivating a Dynamic Staff Culture | Salem Area Chamber of Commerce | 11:30AM - 1:30PM
🎄Holiday Village | State Fairgrounds | 5:00PM - 10:00PM | FREE ADMISSION
💡Magic of Lights | State Fairgrounds | 5:30PM - 9:00PM
🧘Cheerful Yoga | CreativiTee | 6:00PM - 8:00PM
🤶Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley | Pentacle Theatre | 7:30PM
Government
Monday, December 2
Executive Session of the Salem City Council | Civic Center, City Manager’s Office | 5:00PM - 6:00PM
City Council Meeting | Council Chambers | 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Tuesday, December 3
Planning Commission | Council Chambers | 5:30 - 8:30
Southwest Association of Neighbors Meeting | Westminister Presbyterian Church | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
Wednesday, December 4
Community Police Review Board | City Manager’s Office | 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Capital Pride Board Meeting | Marion Polk Food Share | 6:30PM - 7:30PM
North Lancaster Neighborhood Association Meeting| Blanchet Catholic School | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
Thursday, December 5
Business Advocacy: Meet Your New City Councilors | Salem Area Chamber of Commerce | 7:00AM - 8:30AM
Grant Neighborhood Association Meeting | Broadway Commons, 3rd Floor | 6:15PM - 7:45PM
West Salem Neighborhood Association Meeting | Roth’s Fresh Market, 1130 Wallace Rd NW | 6:30PM - 8:00PM
Live Music and Dance |
Friday, November 29
🎶Symmetry/Symmetry Album Release Party with Jordan Taylor Roach | Infinity Room | 7:00PM
🎤Open Mic Night | RiverCity Rock Star Academy | 7:00PM - 9:00PM | FREE
Saturday, November 30
💃Salsa Lessons | VFW Marion Post 661 | 1:00PM - 5:00PM
🍷LeAnne McClellen & Nathan Olsen | West Hills Vineyards | 5:00PM - 7:00PM
🦃The Oregon Opry with Roman & The Long Haul, Dumpster Joe, and Simon Sharipoff | Historic Grand Theatre | 7:00PM - 9:00PM
⚡Felitare, Happy Front, 39 Zayz and Wongstar | Infinity Room | 7:00PM
🥵A Red Hot Dance Party | Southside Speakeasy | 8:00PM
Sunday, December 1
🕺Bachata Night | Fork Forty | 6:30PM - 10:00PM
Tuesday, December 3
🧥Holiday with The Coats | Elsinore Theatre | 7:30PM
Thursday, December 5
🍷Tyler Stenson | Chemeketa Cellars, NW Wine Studies Center | 6:00PM - 8:00PM | FREE
🎤Music & Poetry Open Mic | Infinity Room | 7:00PM | FREE
🎻Holidays in Hudson | Willamette University, Hudson Hall | 7:30PM
🎅Leslie Odom, Jr. – The Christmas Tour | Elsinore Theatre | 7:30PM
Sports |
Wednesday, November 27
🫧Airsoft | 3046 Portland Rd NE | 5:00PM - 7:00PM
🐢Slow Runners of Salem | Riverfront Park Carousel | 6:00PM | FREE
🏐Adult Volleyball Open Gym | NPJ Sports Complex | 9:15PM - 11:15PM
Thursday, November 28
🦃Burn the Bird: Thanksgiving Day Fitness Class | 2164 Davcor St SE | 8:00AM - 9:00AM | FREE
🏃Run’ucopia Turkey Trot 6K, 10K, 15K | Riverfront Park | 9:00AM
Friday, November 29
🏀College Women’s Basketball: Willamette Bearcats vs. Redlands @ Willamette University, Sparks Center | 2:00PM
🎨Paintball Black Friday Event | 3046 Portland Rd NE | 12:00PM - 4:30PM
🤑Airsoft Black Friday Event | 3046 Portland Rd NE | 1:30PM - 8:00PM
⚽Drop-In Co-Ed Soccer | Capital Futbol Club | 8:00PM
Saturday, November 30
🚲Super Casual Saturday Salem Bike Ride | Meet at Bush Park soap box roller derby hill (bottom) | 11:00AM | FREE
🛼Open Roller Skate | CCDG Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE | 1:00PM - 3:30PM
🎨Paintball | 3046 Portland Rd NE | 12:00PM - 7:00PM
Sunday, December 1
🐢Slow Runners of Salem | Riverfront Park Carousel | 9:00AM | FREE
Monday, December 2
🫧Airsoft | 3046 Portland Rd NE | 5:00PM - 7:30PM
🏐Adult Volleyball Open Gym | NPJ Sports Complex | 9:15PM - 11:15PM
Tuesday, December 3
🎨Paintball | 3046 Portland Rd NE | 5:30PM - 7:30PM
⚽Drop-In Co-Ed Soccer | Capital Futbol Club | 8:00PM
🏐Adult Volleyball Open Gym | NPJ Sports Complex | 9:15PM - 11:15PM
🏀Adult Basketball Open Gym | NPJ Sports Complex | 9:15PM - 11:15PM
Wednesday, December 4
🐢Slow Runners of Salem | Riverfront Park Carousel | 6:00PM
🏐Adult Volleyball Open Gym | NPJ Sports Complex | 9:15PM - 11:15PM
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