Make Music Day turns 11 this year. Here's the story behind it, what to go see, and why this year carries extra weight.

Here's something a lot of Salem doesn't realize: the largest free music festival in Oregon doesn't happen in Portland or Eugene. It happens right here, downtown, once a year, and it's pulled off every year by a small nonprofit and a committee of people who care.

It's Make Music Day, and its June 21 every single year. On the summer solstice, downtown Salem fills up with music on nearly every corner, sidewalk, alley, coffee shop patio, and the steps in front of businesses. It runs 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., it's completely free.

You just walk from corner to corner and let the sound be your guide.

The international version of Make Music Day goes back over 40 years, it began in France as a way to celebrate the solstice, get outside, and bring the community together through music. Today more than a thousand cities worldwide take part on June 21.

But Salem's chapter started right here, with a local who wanted to give the city something to call its own. Mark Green read about New York City's event, the first U.S. chapter, and reached out to the organizer there, a man named Aaron, hoping for advice. Aaron's response: you should host one in Salem. Mark recruited his wife and daughter, found a handful of community-minded folks who wanted in, and they pulled off the very first Make Music Salem on June 21, 2016 — on a Tuesday, of all days, to a turnout that genuinely surprised them. Karen Green, event co-founder, told me that first year drew about 45 performers and 20 venues.

This Sunday is Salem Make Music Day’s 11th year.

Mark Green passed away late last summer after a short illness, making 2025 his final Make Music Day. His fingerprints are on all of it, the relationship with the city, the trust of local businesses, the whole idea that Salem deserved a day like this. He'd also served two years on the national Make Music Alliance board before his passing.

So this year, the committee is keeping it going for him, and building in a few ways to honor him:

It's a hard year for the people who built this, and they've been open about that. Showing up Sunday is one way the rest of us get to say thank you.

This year's lineup is big, roughly 218 performers (solo acts and full bands) across 51 host businesses and locations. You genuinely can't see it all, and that's the fun. A few standouts worth aiming for:

And honestly? The best advice from the organizers themselves: just walk around and take it all in. New bands sometimes play their very first show ever at Make Music Day. Some have formed at the event. Some wear costumes, hand out stuff, pull the crowd in. Anything goes — they encourage the unexpected.

For musicians, it's a rare shot at a real audience with no pay-to-play barrier — a corner becomes a stage, and a passerby becomes a new fan. For downtown businesses, it's foot traffic, sidewalk tables, day-of specials, and people wandering into spots they'd never normally try. For the rest of us, it's the best music day of the year, full stop. Plenty of people take the day off work for it.

It's free for a reason — staying free is a condition of being a host city. But "free" doesn't mean "no cost." Permits, sound equipment, staging, and marketing all add up, and the event runs on fundraising, grants, tax-deductible donations, sponsorships, and in-kind support from good local partners. (If you've got a business and want in, they'd love to hear from you.)

Sunday, June 21 · 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. · Downtown Salem · Free

Some venues keep it rolling with after-parties — indoor karaoke, the Grand's stage — for anyone who doesn't have to clock in Monday.

Full schedule, registration, and ways to support the nonprofit are at makemusicsalem.org.

Pick a corner. Start walking. Let the longest day of the year carry you. And if you catch a set on the Mark Green Memorial Stage, take a second — that's the guy who gave Salem all of this. 🎶

FREE THIS WEEK · NEIGHBOR NIGHT

Salem is more than a city — it's our community. Join us at Isaac's downtown for a fast-paced, low-pressure evening built to turn neighbors into actual friends. Through rotating small-group conversations and quick 1:1s, you'll walk out knowing more people in your city than when you walked in.

We're also spotlighting two locals making Salem better: Tiffany Bulgin on Isaac's Room, the nonprofit that trains, mentors, and employs local young people through the IKE Box and Isaac's Downtown, and Dylan Ferrier for the work he's put into the Mycelium community.

Whether you're brand new in town or grew up next door, come ready to talk, laugh, and swap your best local recommendations.

📅 Tuesday, June 23 · 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Isaac's, Downtown Salem
🎟️ Free

Salem's best days are built by the people who show up.

Register free →

Celebrate art, nature, and community at the Englewood Forest Festival as Englewood Park marks its 100th anniversary. This free family-friendly event transforms one of Salem’s most beloved parks into a day of live music, cultural performances, environmental education, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Highlights include a special performance from Native American artist Jan Michael Looking Wolf, along with appearances by the Salem Aerial Dance Company, Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance, the Ty Curtis Band, and more.

From interactive nature activities to entertainment beneath the trees, this longtime Salem tradition is shaping up to be one of the standout community events of the summer.

Thu, June 18 | 6PM–9PM | Creekside Golf Club | Tickets Required

One of Salem’s sweetest annual traditions returns to Creekside Golf Club for an evening dedicated to celebrating the special bond between fathers and daughters. The CYOJ Daddy Daughter Dance invites dads, grandpas, uncles, and father figures to share a night of music, dancing, photos, and unforgettable memories with the girls in their lives.

Whether it's your first Daddy Daughter Dance or a tradition you look forward to every year, this heartwarming event offers a rare chance to slow down, dress up, and enjoy quality time together. Expect plenty of smiles, laughter, and moments that will be remembered long after the final song of the night.

If you’re 20-30 and your circle isn’t discussing the Marion Berries… Then it’s time to find a new circle.

Upcoming Games:

Fri, June 19 | 6:35PM
World Beat Celebration
vs. Yakima Valley Pippins 

Sat, June 20 | 6:35PM
Noche de Béisbol y Cultura
vs. Yakima Valley Pippins

Sun, June 21 | 5:05PM
Fathers Day
vs. Yakima Valley Pippins

Tickets from $10 for all games

The Mavericks League is BACK for another week at Roto-Rooter Park and Willamette University’s NEWLY RENOVATED Spec Keene Stadium.

Upcoming Games:

Fri, June 19 | 6PM
Senators vs. Mavericks
Roto-Rooter Park

Sat, June 20 | 6PM
Mavericks vs. Senators
Spec Keene Stadium

Sun, June 21 | 5PM
Game 1: Mavericks vs. Senators
Game 2: Volcanoes vs. Campesinos
Roto-Rooter Park

Tickets starting at $6

Wear your Mexico jersey and join fellow fans at Xicha Norte for a World Cup watch party featuring food specials, micheladas, and a live DJ beginning at 5PM.

Market for the Strange returns with a Pride-inspired night market featuring more than 40 artists, makers, performers, and vendors. 

Expect alternative art, handmade goods, creative fashion, and one of Salem's most unique community gatherings.

Premiere Academy’s annual Spring Dance Recital features two original productions showcasing the talents of its young performers.

The afternoon includes Phases, a contemporary showcase exploring the stages of life, followed by Alice in Wonderland, a whimsical ballet celebrating imagination, individuality, and self-discovery.

Portland Wrestling returns to Salem with championship matches, title defenses, fan favorites, and the Salem debut of the Portland Wrecking Crew.

Family-friendly and packed with action, this is a great night for wrestling fans of all ages.

Premiere Academy of Performing Arts brings Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to life through a collaboration of dance and live music.

Ballet dancers and local youth musicians share the stage for a performance that blends movement, artistry, and one of classical music’s most beloved works into a memorable evening at the Elsinore.

Salem's biggest day of live music returns as Make Music Salem fills parks, coffee shops, breweries, wineries, and downtown venues with free performances throughout the day.

With more than 100 artists performing at dozens of locations across the city, it's a chance to discover new local favorites, explore Salem's music scene, and celebrate the first weekend of summer.

Browse vintage vendors while Aperol Spritz tastings, a pop-up tattoo artist at Mykie’s, DJ Sticky, and delicious burgers all afternoon. 

Live music takes over the alley later in the evening with Jake & The Hill People and Shitty Safari.

Young professionals ages 18–40 are invited to network and hear leadership insights from Chick-fil-A franchise owner Lee Richardson. 

A great opportunity to build connections and start the day with community. 

Interested in connecting with our audience and supporting the growth of this publication? Simply reply to this email and we can help you get started.

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