What’s Happening Salem is presented by
What’s Up Salem!
We are recognizing 6 people who show up consistently and connect people in Salem.
Admission is free. Space is limited.
We’d love to see you there. (We will even have food and drinks provided!)
Quick Recap of Yesterday’s Marion County Board of Commissioners Meeting
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October was proclaimed Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The statistics are sobering:
Over 1,000 domestic violence reports received by the DA's office, with 800+ cases filed
3 domestic violence homicides in Marion County in the past year
1,117 protective order requests filed in county courts
Center for Hope and Safety received 38,000 contacts and provided 12,300 nights of shelter
Upcoming Event: Steps to Safety 5K walk/run on October 11th at the DPSST facility on Aumsville Highway. Register at the Center for Hope and Safety Salem website.
Capital Football Club Receives $750,000
The county approved $749,999 in economic development lottery funds for CFC to build a turn lane on State Street near their new Jason Sharp Center. CFC serves nearly 7,000 youth annually with both competitive and affordable recreational soccer programs, and hosts families from Salem's diverse 96-language community. The organization still needs to raise about $1 million for the community center portion of the project.
How to Help: Visit cfcsalem.com or attend their annual auction fundraiser on November 15th.Subscribe Here
Holiday party at someone's cramped house—again? Squeezing coworkers into your living room or hunting for a decent venue that doesn't cost a fortune isn't the move.
Enter Ike Box in downtown Salem, where historic charm meets modern functionality for holiday gatherings that actually feel special. Multiple spaces, flexible setups, and none of the headache of hosting at home.
Your holiday party options:
The Ballroom - The showstopper with original murals, natural light, projector, stage, and sound system. Seats 90, stands 150. Perfect for company parties or big celebrations.
Story Hall - Beautiful hardwood floors and modular furniture for easy arrangement. Seats 30, stands 60. Ideal for team gatherings, holiday showers, or festive craft nights.
Bay Room - Private main-floor space with conference setup and presentation tech. Seats 12. Great for smaller office parties or board holiday dinners.
Bottom line: Stop stressing about where to host. Book a space that looks good, works well, and lets you actually enjoy the party instead of playing host.
Book now: [email protected] | ikebox.com/space
More Salem Kids On Track With Reading and Math, More Work To Be Done
Salem-Keizer schools are showing their first signs of academic recovery since the pandemic, with recent state test results revealing small but meaningful gains in reading and math. Third-grade reading proficiency rose from 24.2% to 25.3%, adding about 160 more students on track, while 8th grade math scores increased from 21% to 22.7%.
Though most students are still below grade level, these improvements mark an encouraging shift after years of decline. With new reading curricula rolling out next fall and districtwide teacher training underway, educators expect faster progress ahead as efforts to close learning gaps continue. (Salem Reporter)
Here’s what’s happening this weekend in beautiful Salem, Oregon
🌟WHS Community Booster Award Show @The Grand Theatre • Friday, October 3
🕕 Doors 6:00PM • Show 7:00PM–8:30PM • 🎟️ FREE General Admission • 👗 Cocktail Attire
Join us for a dazzling night celebrating Salem’s changemakers! Hosted by Jacob Espinoza & Alejandra Escobedo, this uplifting evening will honor:
🎶 George Valdez – music scene champion
🏫 Rhonda Rhodes – CTEC Principal & mental health innovator
🏙️ Nat Borchers – downtown revitalization leader
🌸 OCW Founders – women’s empowerment visionaries
Entertainment lineup:
🎤 Live sets by Finn Joseph, Ky-Lee & Tony Meyer
🎧 DJ ZO on the decks
📸 Photo booth by Apogee Events
🥂 Food by Chick-fil-A South & Encore • Wine by Parra Wine Co.💼 Title Sponsor: @saltwaterwellness503
✨ Come celebrate the people powering Salem!
Thursday, October 2
🎶 Galen Clark Trio ft. Sarah Clarke @Christo's Pizzeria & Lounge • 7:00PM
🎷 Cherry Poppin' Daddies: Return To The Land of Bigfoot Ska! @Salem's Historic Grand Theatre • 7:30PM
Friday, October 3
🦷 Day of Free Dentistry @Hunsaker Dental • 7:30AM–4:00PM
🎃 Movies in the Pumpkin Patch: Halloweentown @Yesteryear Farms • 6:00PM–10:00PM • FREE
🎩 Far Beyond Paranoid: Sabbath & Pantera Tributes @The BAD Space, Santiam Brewing • 8:00PM–11:00PM
🎤 Viva La Raza! El Fantasma & Gerardo Diaz Concert @Oregon State Fairgrounds • 8:00PM
🧛 Deaf/Blind-Friendly Haunted House @The Nightmare Factory, Oregon School for the Deaf • 7:00PM–8:00PM
💃 Friday Social Dance @Adobe Bar & Restaurant • 9:15PM–1:30AM
Saturday, October 4
🏃 STRIDE 5K/10K @Minto-Brown Island Park, Lot #3 • 8:45AM
🎃 Bauman’s Giant Pumpkin Drop @Bauman’s Farm • 1:00PM
🎸 Jon Franke @West Hills Vineyards • 5:00PM–7:00PM
🍺 Oktoberfest Party @The Yard Food Park • 7:00PM
🎩 Michael Carbonaro Live Magic Show @Elsinore Theatre • 7:30PM
Sunday, October 5
🎴 Trading Card Showcase @Scottish Rite Center • 10:00AM–4:00PM
💁♀️ Drag Brunch: Cocktails & Queens @The Night Deposit Whiskey Library • 11:00AM
💃 Bachata Night @VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE • 6:30PM–10:00PM
Monday, October 6
🧘 Yoga + Wine @Chemeketa Cellars • 6:00PM–7:00PM
Thursday, October 9
☕ Cafe y Pan Dulce: Latino Business Alliance Networking @Chemeketa Center for Business & Industry • 8:00AM–9:30AM
🪄 Magicians at the Bar @Southside Speakeasy • 7:00PM–9:00PM
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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