What’s Up Salem!

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all are able to enjoy time with the people you care about most today.

Lot’s going on in Salem right now. Let’s start with a recap of Monday’s City Council Meeting.

SALEM, OR - November 24, 2025 - Salem City Council voted 6-3 Monday night to direct the city manager to draft a state of emergency declaration in response to increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the city.

Over 60 residents testified during the marathon meeting, describing fear in immigrant communities following recent ICE operations. At least 26 people were detained in Salem on November 11th alone, according to testimony.

The council also voted 7-2 to reaffirm Salem as an inclusive sanctuary city, supporting Oregon's Sanctuary Promise Act.

Councilor Nordyke, who brought the emergency motion, said "ICE is already targeting Salem" and the city should "lead with courage." Councilor Matthews opposed it, concerned the declaration could increase federal scrutiny and risk $160 million in federal funding while providing no additional legal protections.

City Attorney Dan Anderson confirmed the declaration is primarily symbolic and administrative, it won't change existing sanctuary laws or prevent federal operations.

Mayor Hoy voted against the emergency declaration but supported the inclusive city statement. She did not explain her vote, despite delivering an opening speech supporting immigrant families.

The emergency declaration draft will return to council December 1st for final consideration. The Human Rights Commission will host a "know your rights" forum for affected residents.

Salem will suspend all paid on-street parking downtown on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 8AM–8PM in honor of Small Business Day and the kickoff of the 2025 holiday shopping season. The city hopes the free parking boost will encourage shoppers to explore local stores, dine downtown, and support the small businesses that power Salem’s economy.

City Manager Krishna Namburi said small businesses are “the heart of Salem’s economy,” and the city wants to make it easier for residents to celebrate and shop local during the holidays. Visitors can enjoy downtown’s mix of unique shops, entertainment venues, and accessible walking and biking routes. (City of Salem)

A minor 3.2-magnitude earthquake shook parts of the Willamette Valley just before 8:00AM on Sunday, Nov. 23, with residents across Salem reporting brief tremors. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake was centered about three miles southeast of Amity and was felt in nearby communities including Dallas, Sheridan and Silverton.

USGS reports classify the shaking as weak, noting that quakes of this size are often felt indoors but people may not be attribute the shaking to an earthquake. (Salem Reporter)

Did you feel the quake? Did you realize it was an earthquake? Let us know!

🏃 Run'ucopia Turkey Trot 6K/10K/15K @Riverfront Park • 9:00AM
🦃 Thanksgiving @Oregon Garden Resort • 11:00AM–7:00PM
🍽️ FREE Thanksgiving Community Dinner @The River Church, 4675 Portland Rd NE • 2:00PM–4:00PM

Looking for catering? Restaurants open on Thanksgiving? Need a free meal? We got you covered with Em’s FREE THANKSGIVING DAY GUIDE!

🧘 Thanksgiving Yoga + Mimosas @Eola Hills Wine Cellars • 10:00AM–11:00AM
🚂 Santa & Elf Arrive to Salem on the Carousel Express Train @Riverfront Park • 12:00PM–5:00PM • FREE
✨ GLOW Christmas Lighting Festival @Roto–Rooter Park • 5:00PM–10:00PM
🎄 Holiday Parade @Downtown Salem • 5:30PM–7:30PM
🎄 Magic at the Mill @Willamette Heritage Center • 5:30PM–8:00PM
🩰 Nutcracker by the World Ballet Company • Elsinore Theatre • 6:00PM
🎙️ Open Mic Night @RiverCity Rock Star Academy, 2769 19th St SE • 7:00PM–9:00PM
🛼Adult–Only Open Skate @MadHouse • 7:30PM–10:00PM • 18+

🍻 Yoga + Beer @Ratchet Brewery, 2475 25th Street SE • 11:45AM–12:45PM
✨ GLOW Christmas Lighting Festival @Roto–Rooter Park • 5:00PM–10:00PM
🎄 Magic at the Mill @Willamette Heritage Center • 5:30PM–8:00PM
🩰 Nutcracker by the World Ballet Company • Elsinore Theatre • 6:00PM

🎅 Santa Day! • 12:00PM–4:00PM • West Hills Vineyards
✨ GLOW Christmas Lighting Festival @Roto–Rooter Park • 5:00PM–10:00PM
🎄 Magic at the Mill @Willamette Heritage Center • 5:30PM–8:00PM
😹 Comedy Competition: Road to Ron @Historic Grand Theatre • 7:00PM

💃 Line Dance Lessons • 5:30PM–8:30PM • The BAD Space, Santiam Brewing
🎄 Magic at the Mill @Willamette Heritage Center • 5:30PM–8:00PM

💄 A Drag Queen Christmas @Elsinore Theatre • 7:30PM
📘 Citizenship Test Preparation Class @Collaboration Studio at Salem Public Library • 4:00PM–5:00PM
🎄Capitol Tree Lighting @Oregon State Capitol • 5:00PM
✨ GLOW Christmas Lighting Festival @Roto–Rooter Park • 5:00PM–10:00PM

 ✨ GLOW Christmas Lighting Festival @Roto–Rooter Park • 5:00PM–10:00PM
🧘 Yoga + Wine @Eola Hills Wine Cellars • 6:00PM–7:00PM

❤️Something Red Art Exhibit Opening Day @Elsinore Framing and Gallery • 5:00PM • submitted by a reader on our Event Submission Form 🎉
✨ GLOW Christmas Lighting Festival @Roto–Rooter Park • 5:00PM–10:00PM
🛼 Open Skate: Twin Night @Cherry City, Mad House • 7:30PM–10:00PM
🎶Holidays in Hudson Concert @Willamette University, Hudson Hall • 7:30PM • submitted by a reader on our Event Submission Form 🎉
🎤 Ron Funches at Salem's Historic Grand! • 8:00PM

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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