🌮 4th of July in and around the beautiful Salem, Oregon!

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🎆 4th of July Spectacular • Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St NE, Salem OR • Gates open 4 PM

Celebrate Independence Day in a big way! Lil Jon and the Ying Yang Twins headline the night at the L.B. Day Amphitheater with a full concert starting at 8 PM, preceded by a DJ set from Sterling. Enjoy carnival rides, food trucks, beer garden, and family-friendly activities throughout the fairgrounds. The FREE Fireworks show begins at 10PM.

🎧 AFTER-PARTY: As soon as Lil Jon wraps, keep the celebration going just outside the amphitheater at the FREE Summer Silent Disco, part of the on-site action at the fairgrounds. From 7:30 until late in the night, dance under the stars with glowing headphones and multiple DJs—this all-ages after-party is the perfect way to close out the night.

⚾ Marion Berries 4th of July Cap Giveaway Night • Chemeketa Baseball Field, 4000 Lancaster Dr NE • First Pitch: 1:05 PM

Start your 4th of July with a bang at the ballpark! The first 500 fans through the gates score a free Marion Berries cap featuring mascot Barry.

🌭 Think you’ve got what it takes to be the top dog? Step up to the plate and sign up for the hot dog eating contest at the Marion Berries game! It’s messy, it’s glorious, and it’s your time to shine.

Between giveaways, patriotic energy, and a crowd ready to cheer you on, this is one Independence Day showdown you won’t want to miss.

🎟 Tickets start at $9

🎇 Patriotic Tribute Game • Volcanoes Stadium, 6700 Field of Dreams Way NE • Pre-game ceremony at 5:45 PM, Game at 6:45 PM

Honor the armed forces with a special tribute, then experience breathtaking fireworks after the game, with a second show on July 5th!

🎯 4th of July Corn Hole Tournament • 6250 Clubhouse Dr SE • Registration opens 1 PM, Tournament starts at 2:30 PM

A larger-than-ever double-elimination tourney on 16 courts. Enter at $40 per team—with $200, $100, and $50 prizes!

Events Near Salem

🎖 VetsFest 5K Run & 3K Walk • Keizer Rapids Park, 1900 Chemawa Rd N, Keizer OR • July 2 at 9 AM
A festive morning race honoring veterans. Includes a commemorative t-shirt and post-race snacks.

🤠 St. Paul Rodeo • 20025 4th St NE, St. Paul OR • July 2–6
Five full days of rodeo excitement: bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, and more. Plus carnival rides, mutton bustin’ for kids, nightly fireworks, a beer garden, and live music each evening. Just a 30 minute drive from Salem!

🏃 Independence Day Race • Champoeg State Park, St. Paul OR • July 4
Join the fun with a 10K, 5K, or 2-mile walk. Stick around after the race for great food, drink great beer, and great company. It’s the perfect way to kick off your holiday weekend with friends and family.

🎡 Woodburn 4th of July Celebration • Centennial Park, Woodburn OR • July 4, 5:30 PM–10:30 PM
Family games, live music, food vendors, and a fireworks show at 10PM.

🎆 Turner Lake 4th of July Celebration • Turner Lake Park, Turner OR • July 4, Noon–10 PM
Enjoy food trucks, beer garden, vendors, face painting, live music, a jet fly-over around 1 PM, and fireworks to cap off the day.

🎉 Monmouth–Independence Celebration • Riverview & Main St Parks, Monmouth OR • July 2–4
This three-day community celebration is packed with fun for the whole family! Highlights include the Mini-Marathon, a classic car show, live music at the amphitheater, family activities in the park, food and craft vendors, and evening concerts. The festivities wrap up with a fireworks show on July 4 over the Willamette River, viewable from both towns. Come early, bring chairs or blankets, and enjoy the festivities.

🎉 Stayton 4th of July Parade & Fireworks · Downtown Stayton + Stayton High School, Stayton · Parade at 12PM, Fireworks at dusk
Stayton celebrates with a patriotic noon parade through downtown and a fireworks display at dusk at Stayton High School.

🎆 Mount Angel 4th of July Parade & Fireworks · JFK Parking Lot & School Fields, Mount Angel · Parade 11AM–12PM, Fireworks at 8PM
The morning kicks off with a festive parade from the JFK Parking Lot to City Hall. In the evening, head to the school fields for a fireworks show and live music by the Marion County Citizens Band & Gigglebritches. Food will be available for purchase from the Knights of Columbus and JFK Track Team.

🎆4th of July Tips for a More Inclusive and Sensory-Friendly Celebration

For many, Independence Day is a time of joy, celebration, and tradition—but for individuals with sensory sensitivities, including many Autistic children and adults, it can also be overwhelming. From loud fireworks and bright lights to unfamiliar routines and crowded spaces, the holiday can present a range of challenges.

If you or a loved one experiences sensory sensitivities, there are thoughtful ways to plan ahead and create a celebration that feels safe, welcoming, and enjoyable. From preparing visual schedules and packing sensory tools to creating a designated calm-down space and embracing new family traditions, a little preparation can go a long way.

👀 For detailed advice and supportive strategies, check out this excellent resource from the Autism Society of Minnesota: read the full guide here.

🐾 Keep Your Pets Safe This 4th of July

While the 4th of July is a time for celebration, it can be stressful—and even dangerous—for pets. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar visitors, and outdoor gatherings can lead to anxiety, injuries, or lost animals. Make sure your furry family members are safe by walking them early in the day, keeping them indoors in a cozy, escape-proof space, and providing comfort items like blankets, toys, or calming music. Update ID tags and microchips just in case, and avoid lighting fireworks near animals. If you're heading out, consider a pet sitter or ask guests to keep an eye out.

🐶 For more tips from the Willamette Humane Society: read the full guide here.

🎇 Fireworks Safety & Legal Use in Salem

Fireworks are fun—but they also come with real risks. The Salem Fire Department reminds residents to follow the “Four BEs” when using fireworks: Be Prepared, Be Safe, Be Responsible, and Be Aware of laws. Only state-approved fireworks sold at licensed Oregon vendors (available June 23–July 6) are legal. Fireworks are prohibited in city and state parks, and should always be used away from people, pets, and buildings. Soak used fireworks in water, never re-light duds, and keep children and teens at a safe distance—statistically, they’re the most at risk for injuries.

🔥 Celebrate responsibly and keep your 4th safe: Read the City of Salem’s guide here.

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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