Monday night's City Council meeting had the usual budget talk and fee schedules. But it also had three moments worth pausing on. Three proclamations. Three reminders that this city shows up for the things that matter.

Make Music Day is back June 21st for its 11th year. If you've never wandered downtown on the summer solstice while free live music spills out of every park, plaza, and storefront, this is your year. It started in France back in 1982 and somehow landed here in Salem in 2016. This year it carries a little extra weight. The celebration honors Mark Green, the man who brought it to town. His family stood up at the meeting and said they want to keep the music going. So let's help them do that.

Juneteenth lands June 19th, recognized alongside Black Joy Oregon. A day to remember, reflect, and celebrate the contributions Black Americans have made to this community and this country.

And Pride Month got its proclamation too, with Salem Capital Pride's parade and block party happening this Saturday. Free activities, food vendors, entertainment all day. The president of Salem Capital Pride said something at the meeting that stuck with me. It's easy to feel like you don't do much that matters. But you show up, and you realize there's more of you than you thought. That's the whole point. Showing up.

So that's the invitation this week. Make some music. Learn some history. Show up for your neighbors.

Party.

Kick off the tournament with fútbol, chelas, and good vibes at Xicha.

The Salem location will be showing matches throughout the World Cup, making it a great place to catch the action from day one.

Santiam Brewing will show every World Cup match throughout the tournament.

Special USA Men's National Team watch parties take place at The BAD Space on a giant 110-inch projector screen June 12, June 19, and June 25.

Pizza, beer, and Team USA. Cellar 54 is hosting a free watch party for fans looking to cheer on the United States in a lively game-day atmosphere.

Big screens, burgers, cold drinks, and one of the liveliest sports crowds in town make Magoo's a solid spot to catch every match.

There will be an official watch party for every USA game.

With giant screens, great food, and a soccer-loving crowd, MexiYaki is ready for a month of World Cup action.

Enjoy drink and lunch specials with delicious Mexican and Teriyaki food.

Half Court will be showing matches throughout the tournament, giving fans another great option to follow the action from kickoff to the final.

The World Cup only comes around every four years. Grab your jersey, find your watch spot, and get ready for a month of unforgettable moments.

The Marion Berries return to the newly improved Chemeketa Baseball Field for another season packed with themed nights, community celebrations, and hometown baseball energy. Opening Night kicks things off with the first 1,000 fans receiving a free magnet schedule courtesy of Odd Moe’s Pizza, and the fun keeps rolling with teacher appreciation, LEGO Night, World Cup celebrations, and more throughout the opening stretch of the season. Grab a hot dog, settle into the stands, and welcome summer back to the ballpark.

Upcoming Games & Promotions:

Fri, June 12 | 6:35PM
Star Wars Night
vs. Ridgefield Raptors

Sat, June 13 | 6:35PM
Little League Night
vs. Ridgefield Raptors

Sun, June 14 | 5:05PM
Agriculture Appreciation Night
vs. Ridgefield Raptors

Tickets from $10 for all games

Get some sun and catch a ball game as Mavericks League Baseball rolls into another packed week of summer action featuring the Mavericks, Volcanoes, Campesinos, and Senators. More games are also heading to Willamette University’s newly renovated Spec Keene Stadium, giving fans another chance to check out the upgraded ballpark while soaking in classic summer baseball vibes. Grab a hot dog, bring some friends, and spend a summer evening at the park.

Upcoming Games:

Fri, June 12 | 6PM
Senators vs. Volcanoes
Roto-Rooter Park

Sat, June 13 | 6PM
Volcanoes vs. Senators
Roto-Rooter Park

Sun, June 14 | 5PM
Game 1: Mavericks vs. Campesinos
Game 2: Volcanoes vs. Senators
Roto-Rooter Park

Wed, June 17 | 6PM
Volcanoes vs. Campesinos
Roto-Rooter Park

Thu, June 18 | 6PM
Campesinos vs. Volcanoes
Roto-Rooter Park

Celebrate the longest days of the year with an evening run through Minto-Brown. Choose a 5K or 10K route, then cool off with a well-earned ice cream sundae at the finish line. Proceeds benefit the McKay High School Cross Country team.

Live music, dancing, and plenty of Irish craic return to the VFW Hall for the monthly Céilí. No partner or experience is needed, and beginners are welcome. 

A short lesson kicks things off before an evening of dancing, laughter, and community. 

Kick off Pride weekend with a night of dancing, music, and celebration at Southside Speakeasy. Expect colorful outfits, great energy, and plenty of reasons to hit the dance floor.

Get moving with Salem's city-sponsored STRIDE run series. Open to all ages and abilities, these affordable community runs welcome walkers, runners, strollers, and leashed dogs. 

Registration starts at just $10.

One of Salem's biggest celebrations of the year returns with a parade from the Capitol to downtown followed by a block party packed with food, entertainment, vendors, community organizations, and activities for all ages.

World of Flavors is celebrating its completion with a Summer Bash featuring food, live music, games, face painting, a taco eating contest, and exotic animals from Newport Zoo. Bring the family and enjoy an afternoon packed with fun.

Browse hundreds of vendor booths featuring antiques, collectibles, handmade goods, jewelry, artwork, clothing, home décor, and more at this massive indoor marketplace.

Throw on your best white outfit and celebrate the start of summer with a night of 2000s hip-hop, R&B, throwbacks, and nonstop dance floor energy.

Support families affected by rare diseases at the Haley's Heroes Run/Walk for the Rare. Choose from a 10K, 5K, or one-mile walk while helping raise awareness and funds for an important cause.

The popular summer concert series returns with live music from Rich Swanger. 

Bring a chair, grab food or drinks from Lively at the Mill, and enjoy an evening of music in a beautiful outdoor setting.

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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