You read this newsletter every week. You know what's happening around town before most people do. But here's something I've been thinking about…We've never actually sat down at the same table.
I’ve never met most of you. That is a problem.
I'm bringing back What's Happening Salem Dinner Club.
Here's the idea: a laid-back night, good food, and a small group of people. Same friendly vibe you get from these weekly updates, but in person and over a meal.
This isn’t stiff networking energy. All we ask is you come ready to connect and get to know other Salem folks getting together one table at a time.
And then after dinner, we will all get together as one large group. (The after party, if you will.)
Whether you've been reading since day one or you just subscribed last week, this is your invite.
Come meet the people behind the neighborhood favorites, make a few new friends, and put some faces to the town we all keep tabs on together.
Come hungry. Leave with new friends.
- Jacob Espinoza
This is an Ad. This is why we get to send this newsletter out. But know I wouldn’t advertise something I wouldn’t personally use.
I genuinely mean that. So when I found out my friend Alex and his company, Elevate Health & Performance, launched massage therapy right here in Salem, I knew I had to let my good readers know, and make sure he hooked you all up with a discount.
Now here's the thing I love about it. It's not one-size-fits-all. You're not getting the same generic rubdown as the person before you. It's tailored to you, your goals, what you're working through, and we all got stuff we're working through. No judgment here. You walk in wound up, you walk out feeling like a functioning human again. That's a big deal, and that's what they promise to deliver.
And I can vouch for it. My good friend Noey traveled down from Vancouver, WA to get a massage here and she loved it.
📍 2007 25th St SE, Salem
🗓️ Book online in under two minutes.
🏙️ Things to Do Downtown: Late August + September
Summer may be winding down, but Downtown Salem isn't slowing down. From outdoor movies and live music to punk shows, comedy, dancing, art, and a little yoga in the park, there are plenty of reasons to head downtown through the end of August and throughout September.
🥬 Salem Saturday Market
Saturdays Through Oct. 31 | 9:00AM-2:00PM | 865 Marion St. NE
Summer may be winding down, but the Salem Saturday Market isn't going anywhere just yet! Take in this beloved Salem tradition throughout the fall and keep supporting the local farmers, makers, artists, and small businesses that make the market special.
🎶 Concerts in the Park
Fri, Aug. 28 | 6:30PM–9:00PM | Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater | Free
Summer isn't over yet! Head to Riverfront Park for another evening of live music at the amphitheater and enjoy one of the final big outdoor concert nights of August.
🎶 Yoga in the Gardens
Sun, Aug. 30 | 10:00AM–11:00AM | Deepwood Museum & Gardens
Slow down your Sunday with an hour of yoga on Deepwood's front lawn, surrounded by the greenery of one of Salem's beautiful historic spaces.
😂 Weekly Drop-In Improv Comedy
Every Monday | 7:30PM–8:30PM | Salem's Historic Grand | $5
Try something completely different this Monday night. Build confidence, communication, and quick-thinking skills through improv games and scene work. Beginners and experienced performers are welcome.
💃 Salsa & Bachata Night
1st & 3rd Fridays | 9:00PM | Adobe Restaurant & Bar | $10 | 21+
Put on your dancing shoes and learn some new moves. Salem Salseros kicks things off with a beginner-friendly salsa lesson before opening the floor for a late-night social filled with salsa and bachata. No expert footwork required.
🎤 First Tuesday Music & Poetry Open Mic
Tue, Sept. 1 | 7:00PM–10:00PM | Historic Grand Ballroom | Free | All Ages
Take the stage or just enjoy the show at the Grand's monthly open mic. Musicians, bands, poets, and performers of all kinds are welcome for a free night showcasing Salem's creative community.
🤘 Punx in the Park
Sat, Sept. 5 | Riverfront Park
Turn up the volume. Punx in the Park takes over the Riverfront Park amphitheater for a full day dedicated to punk music right in Downtown Salem.
🧘 Yoga at Riverfront Park
Wed, Sept. 9 | 6:00PM–7:00PM | Riverfront Park Amphitheater
Take the workout outside with an evening yoga session at Riverfront Park as the final weeks of summer begin giving way to fall.
🤠 Boot, Scoot & Brew
Sat, Sept. 12 | 11:00AM–10:00PM | Riverfront Park | $8 | Kids 12 & Under Free
Dust off those boots! Boot, Scoot & Brew brings an entire day of music to Riverfront Park alongside food trucks, beer, wine and spirits, vendors, raffles, line dancing, dance demonstrations, a bounce house, and even zucchini races. VIP passes are also available.
🧘 Yoga in the Gardens
Sun, Sept. 27 | 10:00AM–11:00AM | Deepwood Museum & Gardens
Welcome fall with a peaceful Sunday morning in the gardens. Deepwood hosts another outdoor yoga session on its historic grounds.
🩰 Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights
Tue, Sept. 29 | 7:00PM | Salem's Historic Grand Theatre
End September with a little drama and spectacle. Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights brings the timeless ballet to Salem's Historic Grand as part of its 2026 tour.
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
This is the penultimate weekend of Mavericks League Baseball, with the playoffs and championship series beginning next week! Don’t miss your chance to catch the action before the postseason. We’ll see you there!
Plus, each game this weekend will be followed by a drone show.
Upcoming Games:
Fri, Aug 21 | 6PM
Mavericks vs. Volcanoes
Roto-Rooter Park
Sat, Aug 22 | 6PM
Senators vs. Volcanoes
Roto-Rooter Park
Sun, Aug 23 | 5PM
Game 1: Senators vs. Mavericks
Game 2: Campesinos vs. Volcanoes
Roto-Rooter Park
Thu, Aug 27 | 6PM
Championship Game 1
Roto-Rooter Park
🧘 Free Summer Yoga in the Park
Thu, Aug. 20 | 6PM–7PM | Bush Barn Art Center | Free/Donation-Based
Take your yoga practice outdoors with a free community Vinyasa Flow class on the lawn behind the Bush Barn Art Center. All experience levels are welcome. Bring a mat or blanket and water, and enjoy an evening of movement in the park.
🎤 Night Show ft. Young Dre
Fri, Aug. 21 | 7PM–10PM | The Bad Space | All Ages
Rhythm & Flow brings live hip-hop and rap to The Bad Space with a high-energy showcase headlined by Vegas artist Young Dre. Expect live performances, party vibes, and music from Inferno & Friends throughout the night.
🦊 Movies in the Park: Zootopia 2
Fri, Aug. 21 | 8PM | Riverfront Park | Free
Summer movie nights are coming to an end! Catch the FINAL Movies in the Park of the summer with Zootopia 2 on the big screen at the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater. Admission is always free, so bring a blanket or low-back chair and enjoy one last movie under the stars.
🦖 Night at the Museum: Y2K Edition
Sat, Aug. 22 | 7PM–10PM | Gilbert House Children's Museum | 21+ | $50
No kids. No screen time. Just three hours of playing like it's 2002. Gilbert House turns into an adults-only playground with full museum access, Y2K crafts, a photo booth, the Bubble Factory, throwback hits, food, and drinks.
Admission includes three drink tickets, a light dinner, and hands-on activities. Butterfly clips optional, but encouraged.
💃 The Women Next Door With a Touch of Burlesque
Sat, Aug. 22 | 9PM | Historic Grand Theatre
From the producers of The Magic Mike Experience comes an electrifying female revue combining dance, burlesque, and high-energy entertainment. Expect a bold, playful night inspired by the worlds of Hustlers and Fifty Shades of Grey.
💇 Bob Night at Mykie’s
Sat, Aug. 22 | 9PM–2AM | Mykie's Bar & Lounge
Bob Night is back for round two! Throw on your best bob and head downtown for a night dedicated to questionable wigs, good drinks, and even better dance-floor energy. The only assignment: bring the bob.
🎲 Adult Game Day
Sun, Aug. 23 | 2PM–4PM | Salem Public Library | Free
Meet some new people over a board game at the library. Bring a favorite from home or join a table and learn something new at this free, drop-in afternoon for adults.
🎬 Pitch Perfect at Salem Cinema
Mon, Aug. 24 | 6:30PM | Salem Cinema | $15
Get ready to get pitch-slapped. Salem Cinema brings Pitch Perfect back to the big screen for a special Reel Change for Our Community screening benefiting Confluence Willamette Valley LGBT Chorus.
🎶 Music at the Mill: PDX Preachers
Tue, Aug. 25 | 6PM–8PM | Willamette Heritage Center | $10 Advance
Soak up one of the final summer evenings with live music from PDX Preachers in the historic mill yard. Food and drinks will be available from Lively at the Mill. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, and kids 12 and younger get in free.
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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