Happy almost Fourth, Salem.
This weekend is stacked. Marion Berries baseball with fireworks three nights running. The Mavericks' America 250 celebration at Roto-Rooter Park. A city-wide fireworks spectacular at the fairgrounds. Whatever your plans are, we've got them below.
But first, a heads up. On Tuesday we're sending out a deep dive on why Cherriots and Salem's business community couldn't strike a deal on the transit tax that's been debated for the better part of a year. Nine months of negotiations, a $39 million question, and a pause that just happened this week. We talked to the board chair and the business coalition's lobbyists to find out what actually went wrong. You won't want to miss it.
Do you think Cherriots needs more bus routes and service, or is what's currently offered enough?
Now, here's what's happening this week…
A quick ad and we’ll get back to the newsletter…
A Party to Change the World 🎉
Got your invite yet? We're throwing a party on July 18th, 3-7pm, and you're invited.
It's called A Party to Change the World. Great people. Great music. A purpose that actually matters.
🎟️ Early bird pricing ends July 4th. Grab your tickets now: luma.com/l8xeg8zt
Here's what's in store:
🎵 Live music headlined by Melody Jordan, plus DTW. Tim Rist is even hopping on stage for a few songs.
🎁 Raffle prizes and auction items include professional massages, an Apple Watch, a $15,000 roofing credit, an Airbnb getaway experience, and a lot more.
❤️ We're celebrating local businesses giving 1% or more of their gross revenue back to charity. Proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs across the state, Jackson Street Youth Services, and Safe Haven Humane Society.
There's a kids station and family-friendly activities too, all set at a beautiful outdoor venue in West Salem.
Every dollar from ticket sales, raffle tickets, and auction proceeds goes straight to these causes.
This is going to be a special night. Think you can make it?
What’s Happening at The Grand Theater This Month?
😂 Rodney Norman
Fri, July 3 | 8PM | $20
Viral comedian Rodney Norman returns to Salem with his signature blend of offbeat wisdom, deadpan humor, and unexpected life advice. Expect a feel-good night packed with laughs and plenty of Norman's uniquely uplifting style.
🔍 The Imperfect Murder Society
Fri, July 10 | 7:30PM | $15 online, $20 door
A murder has been committed, and the audience helps solve the case. This fully improvised murder mystery creates a brand-new whodunit every night using audience suggestions, complete with detectives, suspects, and surprise twists.
🎤 Stormy Daniels: An Evening of Storytelling & Comedy
Fri, July 10 | 8PM | $28+
Celebrate Independence Day weekend at the ballpark with three nights of Marion Berries baseball. Friday features postgame fireworks, Saturday includes a replica Purple Berries jersey giveaway for the first 700 fans, and Sunday honors local veterans during Veterans Appreciation Night.
🖤 Emo Night ft. My Chemical Fauxmance & Business of Misery
Sat, July 11 | 8PM | $20 advance
Relive the glory days of emo and pop-punk with tribute performances celebrating My Chemical Romance and Paramore. Expect a night full of nostalgia, singalongs, and all your favorite 2000s anthems.
🤼 Portland Wrestling Showdown: Cruel Summer
Sun, July 12 | 5PM | $25+
Championships are on the line as Portland Wrestling returns to Salem for another night of hard-hitting action, fan favorites, and larger-than-life personalities inside the ring.
😂 Perritos Only Presents: That's Not Me Comedy Tour ft. Concrete
Fri, July 17 | 8PM |$35+
Social media star and comedian Concrete brings his nationwide comedy tour to Salem. Known for his viral videos and relatable humor, he's quickly becoming one of the most recognizable names in Latino comedy.
🎶 Free Music with The Wild Animals
Fri, July 24 | 8PM | FREE
The Wild Animals bring their seven-piece horn band to the Grand Ballroom for a free night of hits from the '60s, '70s, and beyond. Come ready to dance and sing along.
🌟 Salem's Got Talent
Sun, July 26 | 4PM | $6.50 presale
Local performers take the spotlight during Salem's Got Talent, showcasing singing, dancing, comedy, and more. It's a fun community celebration of local talent and creativity.
🎸 Robert Wynia with Tim Ontiveros
Sun, July 26 | 7PM | $20
Celebrate Independence Day at Detroit Lake with live music, food vendors, a beer garden, and a fireworks display over the water.
🎶 COLOSO + Iron Prophecy
Fri, July 31 | 8PM | $20
COLOSO closes out the month with a high-energy mix of reggae, rock, and island-inspired grooves. Iron Prophecy opens the night with roots-driven rhythms and live energy.
Have an event for us to feature? Submit your events HERE to get them added to the newsletter
Celebrate Independence Day weekend at the ballpark with three nights of Marion Berries baseball.
Upcoming Games:
Fri, July 3 | 7:05PM
Post-Game Fireworks
vs. Portland Pickles
Sat, July 4 | 1:05PM
Jersey Giveaway
vs. Portland Pickles
Sun, July 5 | 5:05PM
Veterans Appreciation Night
vs. Portland Pickles
Tickets from $10 for all games
Oregon's largest patriotic celebration returns to Roto-Rooter Park for a two-day America 250 event featuring baseball, military tributes, family activities, historical exhibits, and community celebrations.
Highlights include the Wall of Honor, America 250 Kid Zone, veteran recognition ceremonies, and post-game fireworks over two nights.
Upcoming Games:
Fri, July 3 | 6PM
Mavericks vs. Volcanoes
Roto-Rooter Park
Post-game fireworks
Sat, July 4 | 6PM
Volcanoes vs. Mavericks
Roto-Rooter Park
Post-game fireworks
Sun, July 5 | 5PM
Game 1: Volcanoes vs. Mavericks
Game 2: Campesinos vs. Senators
Roto-Rooter Park
Tickets starting at $6
🦅4th of July Spectacular: America 250 Celebration
Sat, July 4 | 4PM–11PM | State Fairgrounds | Free Admission
Celebrate Independence Day with carnival rides, fair food, live tribute bands, and one of Salem's biggest fireworks shows of the year. This year's celebration marks the nation's 250th anniversary with a patriotic fireworks spectacular set to music and visible throughout the fairgrounds.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, arrive early to claim a viewing spot, and enjoy an evening of family-friendly entertainment before the fireworks light up the sky. On-site parking is available for $10, with VIP parking available for $20.
🎤 Noche de Karaoke
Fri, July 3 | 8PM–1AM | Xicha Brewing Norte
Grab some friends and take the mic at Xicha's monthly karaoke night. Enjoy great food, drinks, and plenty of laughs as singers of all skill levels share their favorite songs throughout the evening.
🥋 Free Self-Defense Classes
Fri, July 3 | Kensho Martial Arts | Free
Learn practical safety skills and self-defense techniques during these free community classes for kids and women.
No experience is necessary, and participants will build confidence through hands-on instruction in a welcoming environment.
Kids (ages 7-14): 4:30PM–5:30PM
Women (ages 14+): 5:30PM–6:30PM
😂 Rodney Norman
Fri, July 3 | 8PM | Historic Grand Theatre | $20
Viral comedian Rodney Norman returns to Salem with his signature blend of deadpan humor, offbeat wisdom, and feel-good comedy. Expect a night of laughs, unexpected insights, and the uniquely uplifting style that has earned him fans across the country.
💃 Saturday Salsa Classes
Saturdays | 1PM–4PM | VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE
Looking for a fun way to stay active and meet new people this summer? Salsa classes at the VFW Hall offer instruction for all skill levels, from beginner fundamentals and bachata to intermediate salsa. No partner required.
🎭 Mean Girls: The Musical - Theater Under the Stars
July 7–12 | Riverfront Park Amphitheater
Chemeketa Community College brings the hit Broadway musical Mean Girls to the Riverfront Park Amphitheater for a summer theater experience under the stars.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live music, big laughs, and a talented local cast performing one of Broadway's most popular modern musicals.
🎡 Marion County Fair
July 9–12 | State Fairgrounds | $9 adults
One of Salem’s biggest summer traditions returns with carnival rides, fair food, live entertainment, contests, exhibits, and community celebrations.
Highlights include $3 admission Thursday, Honor Day for military and first responders, Family Day on Sunday, and plenty of competitions, activities, and hands-on fun for all ages.
America 250 Celebrations Surrounding Salem
🤠 St. Paul Rodeo
June 30-July 4 | St. Paul
One of Oregon's most iconic Fourth of July traditions returns with rodeo action, family entertainment, and nightly fireworks. If you're looking for a classic small-town Oregon celebration, this is it.
🎇 July 3rd Fireworks Celebration
Fri, July 3 | The Oregon Garden, Silverton
The Oregon Garden's biggest event of the year features food, live music, family activities, and a fireworks display over the gardens. Advance tickets are recommended.
⛰️ Mt. Angel 4th of July Parade & Fireworks
Sat, July 4 | 11AM–11:30PM | Mt. Angel | Free
One of the Mid-Valley's favorite Independence Day traditions returns with a parade, Air Force flyover, live music, food vendors, family activities, and a community fireworks show to close out the night.
🎆 Lincoln City Fireworks
Sat, July 4 | Lincoln City
Celebrate Independence Day on the Oregon Coast with a fireworks show over the Pacific Ocean. Pair it with a beach day for the ultimate coastal Fourth of July.
🥳Red, White & Blue Riverfront Festival
Sat, July 4 | Corvallis | Free
Corvallis' annual Fourth of July celebration features live music, food vendors, family activities, and patriotic fun along the riverfront throughout the day.
🎆 Fireworks Over Detroit Lake Viewing Party
Sat, July 4 | Detroit City Park
Celebrate Independence Day at Detroit Lake with live music, food vendors, a beer garden, and a fireworks display over the water.
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