July in Salem kicks into gear with a solid lineup of Fourth of July festivities, and a number of other events including baseball games, a cornhole tournament, and a silent disco. 

The forecast as of Wednesday shows sunny skies and temperatures mainly in the 70s and 80s. 

For a more complete list of events, browse our calendar here. You can submit an upcoming event here.

Here’s a roundup of the week from Thursday, July 3, to Tuesday, July 8. 

*Starred events are free to attend, although they may include ticketed components or a suggested donation.

Punk rock at Blast Off Vintage 

Thursday, July 3: If you’re looking for some music, come to Blast Off Vintage at 860 High St. N.E. on Thursday at 7 p.m. to listen to punk rock bands MDC, Petty Treason and Bazooka Sharks. The event is open to all ages and costs $10 per person. More info is available online. 

Fourth of July at the Fairgrounds 

*Friday, July 4: Gates to this year’s Independence Day celebration at the Oregon State Fairgrounds open at 4 p.m. Carnival rides and fair food make for a classic Fourth of July celebration. Only one thing could make it better — a performance from Lil Jon. 

The rapper will be accompanied by hip-hop duo the Ying Yang Twins for a concert at the L.B. Day Amphitheater, starting at 8 p.m. A post-concert fireworks show begins at 10 p.m. 

Keep the party going afterward with the 4th of July Celebration Silent Disco After Party, which will begin after Lil Jon leaves the stage.

While the carnival is free to attend, tickets for the concert start at $45 and range up to $130 for standing room in the pit. 

For those who prefer not to stand and dance, it’s recommended to bring a blanket to sit on for the show and the following fireworks.
Parking is $10 per car for those who purchase tickets at the event, and VIP parking is $20 when purchased online in advance.

A complete list of local events happening on Fourth of July can be found on Salem Reporter’s website here. 

Cornhole tournament 

Friday, July 4: Come play competitive cornhole for a good cause Fourth of July! The event is hosted by Salem Creekside Rotary and takes place at Creekside Golf Course at 6250 Clubhouse Dr. S.E. starting at 1 p.m. The competition starts at 2:30 p.m. and all proceeds go to the Salem Creekside Rotary Foundation. Each team entry costs $40. First prize winners will get $200, second prize winners will get $100 and 3rd prize winners, $50. Pre-registration for the tournament can be done at the Pro Shop at the golf course, or on the day of the tournament as spots remain. 

Marion Berries baseball 

Friday, July 4-Sunday, July 6: The Marion Berries collegiate baseball team will play home games all weekend Games on Friday and Saturday begin at 6:35 p.m. with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. The Sunday game begins at 5:05 p.m. and doors open at 4 p.m. While season passes for the Berries are sold out, individual tickets for the Friday and Saturday games cost $9 and the game on Sunday costs $5. Tickets can be bought online. A full schedule of Marion Berries events and games can be found on the team’s website. The team plays at the Chemeketa Community College baseball field on Fire Protection Way, with parking in the Red Lot. See a campus map here.

Shopping 

*Saturday, July 5: The Underground Market features new vendors in the basement at Blast Off Vintage at 860 High Street N.E. The free event starts at 3 p.m. and goes until about 7p.m. Vendors interested in participating are encouraged to reach out to Blast Off Vintage. More information on the market can be found online. 

Saturday, July 5: Have you been wondering what kind of summer it will be? It looks like it might be a Hot Ghoul Summer at the Grand Theatre — at least on Saturday from 5-10 p.m. The event, brought to you by Market of the Strange, is an adults only night market showcasing art and oddities to celebrate the strange side of summer. The theater is at 187 High St. N.E. More information on the event can be found here.

Ponder the constitution 

*Tuesday, July 8: Still feeling patriotic after the Fourth? Lucky for you the League of Women Voters of Marion and Polk Counties is hosting an event on Tuesday at the main Salem Public Library branch where you can read, write and celebrate the U.S. Constitution. It runs from 1-3 p.m. and is meant to help people unplug from the political headlines and to reflect on the nation’s constitution. Attendees are encouraged to bring paper, or a journal or notebook, pens and a covered drink. Copies of the Constitution will be provided. More information is available online.  

Contact reporter Joe Siess: [email protected] or 503-335-7790.

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