Hey Salem,

You know what your garage looks like.

You know what’s in those bins in the basement. The bike your kid outgrew three years ago. The waffle maker you used twice. The lamp your aunt gave you in 2019.

We’re giving you somewhere to take it.

The last Saturday of June, July, and August, Salem Center Mall becomes the biggest garage sale this city has ever seen. Hundreds of sellers. Thousands of shoppers. Indoors when it’s hot. Covered when it rains.

This is what malls were built for.

If you want to sell, a booth is $75 for one Saturday or $200 for all three. We promote it across the newsletter and Instagram. We handle the permits. You handle the haggling.

If you want to shop, just show up. It’s free. Bring cash. Bring a wagon. Bring the friend who always finds the best stuff.

We will also be sure you are entertained. 

More on that coming soon! 😁

First sale is Saturday, June 27. 11 AM to 5 PM.

First come, first serve!

See you there,

Jacob

Have a business or event you’d like to get in front of our newsletter audience? Email [email protected] and she’ll help you get started. :)

June 1-7 | $10 Burger Specials

Salem Burger Week is bringing a full lineup of local restaurants, food trucks, breweries, and cafes together for one delicious week of $10 burger specials. From classic smash burgers and smoky BBQ builds to Hawaiian, shawarma, and mango-chutney creations, this year’s participating spots are giving burger lovers plenty of reasons to eat local and try something new.

Burger: Moonstruck
Retro Burger Company is serving up the Moonstruck, a double smash burger stacked with provolone, applewood smoked bacon, red wine braised shallots, arugula, and truffle aioli. It is rich, savory, and built for anyone who loves a burger with a little extra flair.

Burger: Grilled Jalapeño Cream Cheese Popper Smash Burger
Roger That BBQ is bringing the heat with a double hand-ground smash burger topped with white American cheese, cream cheese spread, and crispy bacon on a toasted brioche bun. Inspired by a jalapeño popper, this one is a smoky, creamy, and indulgent Burger Week pick.

Burger: The Salem Burger
Smitty’s Smash Burger Oregon is keeping things local with The Salem Burger, a smash burger topped with American cheese, grilled onions, crispy bacon, and their special Salem sauce. It is a classic, crowd-pleasing build with plenty of flavor.

Burger: The Mad Hawaiian
Bo & Vine Burger is bringing a sweet, spicy, and tropical option to Burger Week with The Mad Hawaiian. This seasoned smash burger comes topped with Swiss cheese, teriyaki glaze, grilled pineapple, sriracha mayo, onions, cilantro, and jalapeño coleslaw.

Burger: Shawarma Burger
Damascus Kitchen Salem is adding Middle Eastern flavor to Burger Week with a shawarma-style burger available with beef, chicken, or lamb. Each burger is packed with fresh veggies, pickles, garlic sauce, melted cheese, and bold shawarma seasoning on a toasted bun. This is a strong option for readers looking for something different from a traditional burger.

Burger: FTWD Burger
For Tomorrow We Die Brewing Co. is featuring its signature FTWD Burger, made with a Fire River Farms beef patty, sliced cheddar, pickled cabbage, spinach, tomato, red onion, pickles, and house-made Dijon on a brioche pub bun. Pair it with a beer and make it a full Burger Week stop.

Burger: Spicy Pig
Adam’s Rib Smoke House is leaning into its BBQ roots with the Spicy Pig, featuring a flame-grilled quarter-pound Angus beef patty, pepper jack cheese, slow-smoked pulled pork, pickled jalapeños, crispy fried onion straws, chipotle ranch, and a toasted fresh-baked bun. This one is built for BBQ fans who want smoke, crunch, and a little kick.

Burger: Chicken Bacon Burger
Angel’s Share Barrel House is offering a signature Chicken Bacon Burger made with seasoned grilled chicken, sliced cheddar, applewood smoked bacon, spinach, tomato, pickled onions, and house-made Dijon on a brioche burger bun. It is a nice option for anyone who wants a Burger Week special without going the traditional beef route.

Burger: The Atomic Wrangler
Black Sheep Cafe is going big with The Atomic Wrangler, a quarter-pound charbroiled all-natural beef patty topped with Muenster cheese, thick-cut bacon, fresh jalapeño, creamy peanut butter, sriracha sauce, French fried onions, and cilantro Dijon coleslaw on a warm pub bun. Their staff summed it up best: “This burger has no business being this good.”

Note: Black Sheep Cafe is not open Mondays, so this burger will not be available on June 1.

Burger: Bango Burger
Athletic Edge Adventure Park is using Burger Week to show off its kitchen with the Bango Burger. This build starts with a 7-ounce all-beef patty, then adds hot honey chipotle aioli, thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, Swiss cheese, fresh mango, and spiced mango chutney. It is sweet, spicy, smoky, and a fun reminder that the adventure park has more to offer than just activities.

Burger: El Dorado
Cadillac Grille is serving the El Dorado, a half-pound beef patty topped with BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, bacon, onion rings, lettuce, tomatoes, and house-made secret sauce. This is a big, classic, fully-loaded Burger Week option for anyone craving a hearty build.

Burger: TBD
Lively Station is joining Burger Week with a $10 burger special, with the final burger details still to come.

Known for its community feel and South Salem location, this will be one to keep an eye on as the Burger Week menu gets finalized.

Burger: TBD
Lively at the Mill is also participating in Burger Week, with burger details still being finalized.

Located at the Willamette Heritage Center, this could be a great downtown-adjacent stop once the final special is announced.

Have an event for us to feature? Submit your events HERE to get them added to the newsletter

Mavericks League Baseball
Tickets starting at $6

Get some time in the sun and catch a ball game this week as Mavericks League Baseball keeps rolling with a packed lineup.

This weekend also marks the first Mavericks League game at Willamette University’s newly renovated Spec Keene Stadium, giving fans the perfect excuse to check out the upgraded ballpark, grab a hot dog, and enjoy a classic summer night at the stadium.

Upcoming Games:

Friday, May 22 | 6PM
Campesinos vs. Volcanoes
Roto-Rooter Park

Saturday, May 23 | 6PM
Mavericks vs. Senators
Spec Keene Stadium

Sunday, May 24 | 5PM
Game 1: Mavericks vs. Senators
Game 2: Volcanoes vs. Campesinos
Roto-Rooter Park

Monday, May 25 | 6PM
Volcanoes vs. Mavericks
Roto-Rooter Park

Wednesday, May 27 | 6PM
Campesinos vs. Mavericks
Roto-Rooter Park

Thursday, May 28 | 6PM
Senators vs. Campesinos
Roto-Rooter Park

👽 OUTTA THIS WORLD
Fri, May 22 | 10:00PM–2:00AM | Mykie’s Bar & Lounge

Mykie’s goes full alien mode for OUTTA THIS WORLD, a late night party packed with rap, reggaeton, house music, and nonstop energy from DJ Sticky Ohm. Expect drink specials, big vibes, and a dance floor that stays moving all night long.

🎪 Salem Center Circus
Sat, May 23 | 12:00PM–5:00PM | Salem Center Mall | Free 

Salem Center transforms into a full circus experience with stilt walkers, magicians, jugglers, balloon artists, aerial performances, and interactive fun throughout the afternoon. Add in vendors and shopping around the mall, and this is an easy family outing packed with big top energy.

🌊 Ride the Waves: A Surf Rock Show
Sat, May 23 | 8:00PM | Historic Grand Theater Ballroom | $13 presale, $15 day of show

Surf rock and vintage beach vibes take over the Grand Ballroom with The Valiants, The Von Dwells, and The Velvet Stingrays. Expect reverb heavy guitars, energetic performances, and sounds that feel made for a summer drive down the coast.

🍷 Chardonnay Festival
May 23–25 | 11:30AM–5:00PM | Willamette Valley Vineyards | $30 GA

Spend Memorial Day Weekend sipping estate grown Chardonnay, enjoying seasonal bites, and soaking in vineyard views at Willamette Valley Vineyards. Tickets include tastings, a glass of wine, guided experiences, and plenty of wine country atmosphere.

💃 Memorial Day Weekend at Cubanisimo Vineyards
May 23–25 | 12:00PM–6:00PM | Cubanisimo Vineyards | From $30

Three days of live Latin music, salsa dancing, wine, and high energy vibes are taking over Cubanisimo Vineyards for Memorial Day Weekend. With bands, dance lessons, and nonstop movement all weekend long, this sounds like one of the liveliest parties in wine country.

🌟 Drag Me to the West: A Theatrical Drag Experience
May 21–23 & May 28–30 | Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre | $25

Part jukebox musical, part drag spectacular, Drag Me to the West blends live singing, dance, lip syncing, and theatrical storytelling into one glamorous stage experience. Featuring music from artists like Prince, Cher, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, and Whitney Houston, this show is packed with humor, heart, and big performances.

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

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