What's up Salem,

I'm working on an article about Salem's coffee culture ahead of Coffee Week (Aug 1–7) — and I want your take.

Salem has more coffee shops per capita than most cities our size. Drive-thru huts, sit-down cafés, roasters doing their own thing. But what actually makes our coffee scene ours?

Drop a comment or vote below. I'll be pulling from your answers for the article.

Also… so much to do this weekend. I’ll be at Hoopla all weekend grabbing content for their page. You can follow along here, and if you see me down there say hello.

Stay safe Salem,

Jacob

Mark your calendars for the Englewood Forest Festival on Aug. 8, a free celebration of art, nature, music, and community in the heart of one of Salem's most beautiful parks.

This free, family-friendly festival fills the park with live music, dance performances, hands-on activities, local artists, food vendors, and opportunities to explore the beautiful forested landscape designed by the renowned Lord & Schryver landscape architecture team.

More than 80 vendors will be on site, alongside two stages of entertainment featuring the Ty Curtis Blues Band, Paradise of Samoa Polynesian Dance Troupe, Salem Aerial Dance Company, Ballet Folklorico Guelaguetza, Premier Academy of Performing Arts dancers, and many more. Visitors can also enjoy interactive activities like aerial trapeze, butterfly crafts, solar telescope viewing, wildlife education, a free Repair Fair for small household items, and plenty of opportunities to connect with local artists, environmental organizations, and community groups.

Whether you're looking to enjoy live entertainment, create something new, or simply spend a summer day surrounded by nature, the Englewood Forest Festival offers something for all ages. 🌿🎶🎨

July 23-26 | Downtown Salem

One of the Northwest's biggest summer traditions returns as Oregon Specialty Group Hoopla XXVII takes over downtown Salem for four days of basketball, competition, and community. With nearly 1,100 teams and more than 50,000 spectators attending last year, Hoopla brings together athletes of all ages and skill levels for an action-packed weekend featuring tournaments, special events, and plenty of excitement on and off the court.

Fri, July 24 | 1PM-8:30PM

Grab a teammate and hit the court for this fast-paced two-on-two tournament. Open to a wide range of age groups and skill levels, the Kona Ice 2x2 Tournament is the perfect warm-up before Hoopla's signature 3x3 competition.

Sat, July 25 & Sun, July 26

The main event returns as thousands of players compete in one of the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournaments in the Northwest. Teams from across the region fill downtown Salem courts for two days of competition, making this the heart of the Hoopla experience. Registration is currently closed, with limited openings available in select divisions on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sat, July 25 | 6PM

Looking for Hoopla's biggest challenge? THE GAUNTLET is one of the weekend's premier featured events, bringing together elite teams for a high-energy showdown. Participation is by application only, with teams required to apply in advance for a chance to compete.

I’m just here for the soundboard, the home runs, and the hot dogs.

Upcoming Games:

Fri, July 24 | 6PM
Senators vs. Campesinos
Roto-Rooter Park

Sat, July 25 | 6PM
Mavericks vs. Volcanoes
Spec Keene Stadium

Sun, July 26
Game 1: Senators vs. Mavericks | 5PM
Game 2: Campesinos vs. Volcanoes | Following Game 1
Roto-Rooter Park

Salem's summer night market returns with local vendors, live entertainment, food, drinks, games, and community fun. Bring your friends, shop local, and enjoy one of Salem's newest after-hours traditions.

Kick off the weekend with free live music from The Wild Animals, a seven-piece horn band performing hits from the '60s, '70s, and beyond.

Grab a blanket or low-back chair and enjoy a free outdoor showing of The LEGO Batman Movie under the stars at Riverfront Park.

Thousands of vintage treasures, antiques, collectibles, home goods, and garage sale finds fill the Oregon State Fairgrounds during Oregon's largest open-air garage and vintage sale. 

Early bird tickets available. Come early for the best selection.

Grab your pup and support a great cause at Walk-N-Wag. Enjoy a scenic walk, games, vendors, raffles, and activities while helping keep hospice patients and their pets together through Willamette Vital Health's Pet Peace of Mind program.

Cheer on local performers as Salem's Got Talent returns for another showcase of music, dance, comedy, and more. This community favorite also raises funds and awareness for local schools while celebrating talented performers from across the area. 

Bring your favorite board game or join a table to learn something new at this free afternoon of games, conversation, and community at the Salem Public Library.

Enjoy an evening of soul, jazz, and R&B featuring acclaimed vocalist LaRhonda Steele, keyboardist Nick Milo, and an all-star lineup of Northwest musicians performing classics and original music.

Blues guitar powerhouse Carvin Jones brings his high-energy live show to Salem. Dubbed "The King of Strings" and recognized as one of the world's top blues guitarists, expect an evening of incredible musicianship and classic blues rock.

The Marion Berries are keeping things fresh with midweek games that add some excitement to your after-work hours.

Upcoming Games & Promotions:

Tue, July 28 | 6:35PM
BearWise Night
vs. Bellingham Bells

Wed, July 29 | 6:35PM
Lego Night
vs. Bellingham Bells

Thu, July 30 | 6:35PM
Salem Angels Night
vs. Bellingham Bells

Tickets from $10 for all games

Music at the Mill continues with live music from Dave's Killer Band. Grab dinner and drinks from Lively at the Mill and enjoy another summer evening of outdoor music.

One of the most inventive and talked-about films of the past decade returns to the big screen for Art House Theater Day. If you've never seen Sorry to Bother You, this is the perfect chance to experience its wild satire with a theater audience.

Catch the trailer here.

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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