First off—
A huge welcome to the 100 new subscribers who joined this week. Glad you're here.
Now, the big news around Salem:
The City of Salem filed suit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the planned Detroit Reservoir drawdown—joining Marion County, which sued in May. The Corps wants to lower the reservoir this fall to help endangered salmon, but the city warns the resulting sediment could overwhelm the filters that keep our drinking water clean.
A bomb threat shut down Enchanted Forest, but deputies searched the park and found nothing suspicious. Everyone's safe.
For next week, we're working on a piece about the future of Riverfront Park—what's happening there (On High Festival!), what could be, and whether Salem's making the most of its best public space. Before we dig in, we want to hear from you:
What kind of events would you want to see at Riverfront Park?
A quick ad and we’ll get back to the newsletter…
Salem's best makers and collectors are taking over the mall—and you're going to want an empty tote and a little walking-around money.
Expect a floor full of vintage clothing, original art, fiber arts, handmade jewelry, vintage home goods, and much more. Whether you're a seasoned picker or just after a fun way to spend the afternoon, this is where Salem comes to dig, discover, and shop local.
📍 Salem Center Mall · 401 Center St NE
🗓️ Saturday, July 18 · 11am–5pm
💵 Free to browse
Got something to sell? We're still taking vendors—apply to be a vendor here →
🎬 Movies in the Park Returns This Summer
One of Salem's favorite summer traditions is back! Grab a blanket or low-back chair and head to Riverfront Park's Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater for four free movie nights under the stars.
2026 Schedule
July 10: Superman (2025) – Approx. 9PM
July 24: The LEGO Batman Movie – Approx. 8:45PM
Aug. 7: How to Train Your Dragon (2025) – Approx. 8:30PM
Aug. 21: Zootopia 2 – Approx. 8PM
Movie start times are based on sunset. Attendance is always free, and captions are provided on a separate screen to help make the experience more accessible for everyone.
Whether you're planning a family outing, a date night, or an evening with friends, Movies in the Park is the perfect excuse to enjoy a summer night outdoors.
Donations are welcome and help keep this beloved community tradition free for years to come.
Have an event for us to feature? Submit your events HERE to get them added to the newsletter
They say you are what you eat. I guess that makes me a Roto-Rooter Park hot dog.
Upcoming Games:
Fri, July 10 | 6PM
Campesinos vs. Mavericks
Roto-Rooter Park
Sat, July 11 | 6PM
Game 1: Mavericks vs. Volcanoes
Game 2: Mavericks vs. Campesinos
Spec Keene Stadium
Sun, July 12 | 5PM
Game 1: Mavericks vs. Campesinos
Game 2: Volcanoes vs. Senators
Roto-Rooter Parks
Tickets starting at $6
🎭 Mean Girls: The Musical - Theater Under the Stars
July 9–12 | 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.
Don’t miss $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.
🎤 Stormy Daniels: An Evening of Storytelling & Comedy
Fri, July 10 | 8PM | Historic Grand Theatre | $28+
Stormy Daniels brings her hit one-woman comedy show to Salem, blending candid storytelling, sharp humor, and a live audience Q&A.
VIP meet-and-greet packages are also available.
🎄 Christmas in July Movie Night
Fri, July 10 | 5PM–8PM | Salem Center Mall | Free
Celebrate Christmas in July with holiday crafts, letters to Santa, free popcorn, and a family-friendly Christmas movie.
Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a festive summer movie night.
☘️ 2nd Friday Céilí
Fri, July 10 | Lesson 7:15PM | Dance 8PM | VFW Hall | $10
Enjoy an evening of traditional Irish music and dancing with live musicians Dale & Nell Russ and Teresa Baker.
No experience or partner is needed, and beginners are always welcome.
🎬 Movies in the Park: Superman (2025)
Fri, July 10 | 9PM | Riverfront Park | Free
Catch Superman on the big screen under the stars during Salem's free Movies in the Park series. Bring a blanket or low-back chair and enjoy an evening at Riverfront Park.
🇺🇸 Free Concert at the Capitol
Sat, July 11 | 11AM–Noon | Oregon State Capitol | Free
Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with a free outdoor concert by the Salem Philharmonia Orchestra featuring patriotic favorites.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy music in Capitol Mall.
🏛️ Philosophy Talks: Stoicism
Mon, July 13 | 6:30PM | Venti's Cafe | Free
Curious about philosophy? This free monthly discussion series explores big ideas in an approachable, community-focused setting.
July's topic is Stoicism, covering themes like virtue, reason, and resilience, followed by an open discussion. No philosophy background is required.
🎶 Music at the Mill: THIS The Funk
Tue, July 14 | 6PM–8PM | Willamette Heritage Center | Free
Music at the Mill continues with THIS The Funk performing live in the historic mill yard. Bring a chair and enjoy food and drinks available for purchase from Lively at the Mill.
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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