Summer in Salem is a season locals look forward to all year long. With the sunshine out and the community buzzing, there's always something happening—whether it's catching live music downtown, heading to the Oregon State Fair, or enjoying a refreshing treat from a favorite local spot. The energy this time of year is unbeatable, and there's no better place to be. Here's a roundup of some of our favorite summer events, experiences, and restaurants that make Salem shine. Salem never shies away from an opportunity to gather as a community, and that's what makes this city so special. With weekly events like the Saturday Farmers Market and annual favorites like the World Beat Festival, Oregon State Fair, and the Hoopla Basketball Tournament, it's almost impossible to stay inside. In recent years, we've seen the addition of some exciting new events, like the Ironman triathlon, Movies in the Park at Riverfront Park, and unique flea markets like the Cherry City Flea. There's always something new popping up, and we're looking forward to seeing everyone out and about this season. For more information on community events, check out the Travel Salem website or Instagram page, along with @PressPlaySalem and @WhatsHappeningInSalem social media pages. When it comes to summer fun, you might be surprised by what's already right in front of you. There are so many great local experiences to check out! Ever heard of Taco Tuesday at Bryn Mawr Vineyards? Every Tuesday from June through August, they host a fun evening with live music, delicious tacos, and their very own wine. It's always a great way to enjoy a sunny afternoon with friends or family while soaking in the beautiful views and good vibes. For a more family-friendly outing, catch a game with Salem's newest baseball team, the Marion Berries. They're playing their debut season with the West Coast League and have several home games scheduled throughout the summer. The Marion Berries will now be playing all home games at Chemeketa Community College's baseball field. If you're in the mood for something relaxing and scenic, the Deepwood Museum & Gardens is a local gem. Their high tea events—scheduled throughout the summer—feature a charming three-course meal and a mini tour of their historic Victorian-style home. It's a lovely way to spend an afternoon, whether you're strolling through the gardens, snapping a few photos, or learning about the estate's rich history. There are so many fun and delicious spots to grab a bite to eat around town. Some of our favorite downtown spots include Bentleys Grill, Noble Wave, Marco Polo, Thai Orchid, Archive, Fork Forty, Straight From New York, Gamberettis, Taproot, Ritter's, Akai Ramen, The Wild Pear, Fuji Rice Time, and Amadeus. Salem's food truck scene has also exploded in popularity recently, with must-visit spots like The Yard in Lancaster, The Beehive in South Salem, and the brand-new Check Point 221 in West Salem—all offering a variety of delicious options and nice indoor/outdoor seating areas to enjoy with friends. For those with a sweet tooth, don't miss out on Sewell Sweets for incredible cookies and pastries, Bentley's Coffee for fun and flavorful drinks, and Gerry Frank's Konditorei—home to some of the best cakes in town and one of Salem's most beloved dessert spots. There's something about summer in Salem that just brings people together. With so many events to explore, flavors to try, and local gems to support, it's a season that really lets our city shine. We hope you get the chance to soak it all in and maybe even discover a new favorite spot along the way.
