During the summer months in Marion County, rain is seldom in the forecast, and we typically get hot, dry days and pleasantly cool evenings. It’s the only season where outdoor festivals are workable. Salem and Marion County have some fantastic reasons to get outside, from the fairs at the fairgrounds to the cultural and sporting events that take over parks and the downtown area. Whether you want to play music or sports yourself or watch those who do, free options make it possible for anyone to enjoy some of these summer events.
Going to the Fair
Marion County Fair
2330 17th Street NE, Salem
The Marion County Fair is one of the many county fairs around Oregon, and it has the advantage of being held at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. In addition to the animal, craft, food, and various 4H competitions, there is an array of other events. Animal demonstrations are common, from sheepdog herding to horse events. Local businesses and nonprofits have set up tents and information booths for visitors. There are also a lot of great performances by local groups, including music, dance, and storytelling.
Local food carts and carnival food vendors provide lots of options for different dining options. And, of course, there are the midway and carnival rides. Winners at this fair are eligible to bring their winning item or animal to compete at the Oregon State Fair at the end of the summer. The Marion County Fair typically takes place the weekend after the Fourth of July and is a great family-friendly event. Tickets are available on their website or at the gate.
Oregon State Fair
2330 17th Street NE, Salem
Oregon State Fair has been profiled on this website before, but it remains the classic summer event in Marion County. People come from all over the state during the week and a half before Labor Day to experience the magic of the fair. Animals, carnival rides, a kid’s area, arts and crafts competitions, and events from Ballet Folklorico to demolition derby make the Oregon State Fair a one-of-a-kind event in Marion County and probably the state. Tickets are available on their website or at the gate.
Cultural Events
World Beat Festival
Riverfront Park, Salem
The World Beat Festival takes place at Riverfront Park over the last weekend in June. It focuses on a different country or culture every year, including recent choices such as Ukraine and “Turtle Island” (a North American Indigenous name for the Indigenous world). At the festival, cultural exhibits, events, crafts, and demonstrations help visitors learn about this chosen part of the world.
The festival always begins Saturday morning with a children’s parade and lasts until Sunday night. Thousands of people come to experience the festival and the accompanying Dragon Boat Races, which also occur that weekend. The Dragon Boat Races occur in the Willamette and bring people from throughout the area to compete and watch. Tickets are available on their website or at the gate.
Make Music Day Salem
Every year on June 21, musicians take over Salem for Make Music Day, a totally free event open to all. Anyone can sign up to play as an individual or group, and there are sites all over the city that musicians can choose. Listeners can walk down any street in the downtown area and hear musicians performing in a wide array of genres. It’s an amazing communal event that allows anyone to participate. For those without a lot of experience, there are always events that allow anyone to drum, play kazoo, or sing together. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the first day of summer.
Sporting Events
Hoopla
Street surrounding the Capitol Building, Salem
A popular 3×3 basketball tournament that is the second-largest in the United States, the Hoopla closes streets throughout downtown and fills them with people of all ages playing basketball. Held in late July, more than a thousand three-person teams compete in 30 different divisions, from Family Recreational to 7 and under Boys and Girls to Men’s and Women’s Open Division 1.
For anyone who likes playing basketball, no matter your age, there is a division for you. And for anyone who likes to watch basketball, there are days of great outdoor competitions. Sign up on the website.
Ironman 70.3 Oregon
Events in Salem and the surrounding area
The Ironman 70.3 Oregon is such a popular event that it sells out months in advance. Participants come from around the world to experience this fast Ironman course that is great for beginners and good for those who are more experienced and looking to set a personal best. Held in mid-July, participants swim, bike, and run 70.3 miles in the Salem area. The first leg is a 1.2-mile swim that begins at Minto Brown Park and ends downriver at Waterfront Park. The biking leg is 56 miles of a mostly flat course with some hills (there is a 1,300-foot change in elevation overall). Participants bike mostly South along the Willamette River. The last leg has participants running 13.2 miles, starting and ending in Riverfront Park, with a good chunk of the course through the natural beauty of Minto Brown Park.
If you’re not interested in participating, there are hundreds of people who come to cheer on the participants throughout the day and be part of this incredible event. Space is limited, and participants need to sign up on the website.
Whether your favorite event is riding the Ferris wheel, playing in a band, or competing against others in basketball, you can find an event that appeals to you in Salem and around Marion County during the summer. We hope to see you out there enjoying the weather and these great festivals this summer!
