🌮 Salem Summer Bucket List: 9 Must-Do Family Activities

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We made a change with the podcast and are now recording in person at The Rec.

It’s been fun bantering with Eleanore and following her journey has an up and coming comedian.

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Former Portland Timber Nat Borchers Plans to Revitalize Downtown Salem’s Old JC Penney Building

Former Portland Timbers defender Nat Borchers has purchased the long-vacant JC Penney building in downtown Salem for about $5 million, with hopes of transforming the historic 100,000-square-foot space. Borchers, now a real estate investor, aims to breathe new life into the building and is seeking input from the community on its future use. Originally opened in 1917 and shuttered in 2020, the building was once a key part of downtown Salem’s retail scene. Borchers envisions creating a vibrant new hub and encourages Salem residents to share ideas via Instagram, with the goal of reopening in about three years. (Fox 12)

Sprague’s Andrew Mhoon Steps Up as Leader On and Off the Field

Sprague High School senior Andrew Mhoon has gone from a self-described “pretty immature” sophomore to a standout leader in the classroom, on the baseball field, and on the basketball court. After retaking a leadership class and bringing a new sense of purpose, Mhoon impressed teacher Chris Trammell with his growth and empathy. A star shortstop, Mhoon helped lead Sprague’s baseball team and played a key defensive role on the school’s best-ever basketball squad. He graduates with a high GPA and will play Division 1 baseball on scholarship at Loyola Marymount University, while planning to study political science with hopes of becoming a lawyer. First, he’ll suit up this summer for the Marion Berries, Salem’s new summer collegiate baseball team. (Salem Reporter)

9 Must-Do Family Activities

June 21, 2025: Make Music Salem
This FREE, citywide music festival brings Salem to life with live performances by local musicians throughout the day. While the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater at Riverfront Park hosts a central hub of activity, stages and pop-up performances can be found all across Salem — from sidewalks and parks to shops and cafes — as the community comes together to celebrate music in every corner of the city

June 27-29: World Beat Festival
Multicultural festival at Riverfront Park with music, dance, and food from over 70 nations. Tickets: $10/day or $15 for three days; free for kids 14 and under and SNAP card holders. Hours: Friday 5–11PM, Saturday from 9:45AM, Sunday 11AM–6PM

July 22: Hoopla Basketball Tournament
Downtown Salem’s streets turn into basketball courts for this high-energy 3-on-3 tournament, one of the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. Open to players of all ages and skill levels, with divisions for youth, adults, and elite competitors. A fun weekend of hoops and community spirit.

July 26–27 & August 2–3, 2025: Powerland Heritage Park – Great Oregon Steam-Up
Experience Oregon’s largest gathering of vintage steam engines, tractors, trolleys, and machinery in action. Enjoy interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, trolley and train rides, a flea market, and food vendors. Fun for history buffs and families alike

August 2: Riverfront Family Fest
A FREE health and safety fair with 65+ vendors, hands-on activities, and fun for all ages. Held annually, it draws thousands of families for a lively day of community, wellness, and play. 10AM-2PM

August 31: Punx in the Park
A FREE, youth-powered celebration at Riverfront Park and Amphitheater, open to the public and packed with punk energy. Enjoy free meals for ages 11–18 from local food trucks, live performances by youth-selected punk bands, 50+ community booths, mentorship from “Elder Punx,” youth speakers, a free clothing closet, DIY stations like Build-a-Punk Hair and Battle Vest tents, band meet-and-greets, merch, and more.

Movies in the Park
Various Fridays Throughout Summer
A FREE, family-friendly outdoor movie series at Riverfront Park. Bring blankets, low-back chairs, and snacks, and enjoy popular films under the stars. Movies begin at dusk. Alcohol, smoking, and vaping are not permitted. Donations help support future screenings.
Lineup:
July 11 — Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (PG-13)
July 25 — Inside Out 2 (PG)
August 8 — The Wild Robot (PG)
August 29 — Wicked (PG)

Now through Summer 2025: U-Pick Saturdays @ Fordyce Farm
Mondays–Saturdays, 8AM–6PM Bring the family to pick your own strawberries! Hoods ($2.25/lb) and Albions ($1.95/lb) available. A fun outdoor activity with delicious rewards.

Thursday, June 12

👩‍🔬Science Pub: The Big Bang and Beyond: A beginner’s guide to the universe • Venti’s Cafe + Beer Vault • 6:30PM

💁‍♂️Hear You Loud and Queer: An LGBTQIA+ Comedy Show • Infinity Room •8PM

Friday, June 13

💃Belly Dancer USA • Historic Grand Theatre • 3PM

🎆Post-Ballgame Firework Show • Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Stadium • 6PM

🍀2nd Friday Céilí • VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE • 7PM - 11PM

🏃‍♀️Salem Summer Solstice 5/10K • Minto Brown Park • 7PM

🌃2000’s Hip Hop Takeover • Mykie’s Bar & Lounge • 10PM - 2AM

Saturday, June 14

🐕Doggie Dash Walk/Run & Pet Festival • Riverfront Park • 8:30AM - 1PM

🧩Speed Puzzling Contest • Salem Public Library • 2PM

💃Belly Dancer USA • Historic Grand Theatre • 3PM

👶School’s Out Kids Day - All kids under 18 FREE • Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Stadium • 6PM

🌃GLOW PARTY • The Side Hustle Bar • 10PM - 2AM

Sunday, June 15

👨‍🚒Father’s Day Firehouse Fun • Powerland Heritage Park • 9AM - 2PM

🧔‍♂️You Dad to Be There: An All-Dads Comedy Show for Father's Day • Infinity Room • 7PM

🐶PET OF THE WEEK: Theodore

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See you next Thursday,

Ernie