Each week, Salem Reporter highlights a selection of upcoming local events.

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

Here’s a roundup of happenings for Thursday, June 25, to Wednesday, July 1. 

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

History of Oregon’s State Parks

Thursday, June 25: Salem’s Center 50+ is offering a history class about Samuel Boardman, Oregon’s first state park superintendent, and his efforts to build the Oregon parks system. The class is part of the center’s series of educational programs throughout the summer. Traveling historian Darrell Jabin will host the lecture, located at 2614 Portland Road N.E. Entry is $7 for Salem residents.

“Rumors” opening at Pentacle Theatre

Friday, June 26: Neil Simon’s dark comedy “Rumors” opens at the Pentacle Theatre, inviting audiences to watch as four New York couples are flung into drama at a tenth wedding anniversary party where the deputy mayor has shot and injured himself just before many of the guests arrived. The opening show is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Friday, and the play will run through July 18. Tickets start at $20 on Thursdays. The Pentacle Theatre is located at 324 52nd Avenue N.W. 

World Beat Festival

Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28: Salem’s annual World Beat Festival returns for its 29th year. It’s the state’s largest multicultural event, and will highlight over 70 cultures through a weekend of performance, food, dance and music. This year’s event celebrates the cultures of Pacific Islanders, featuring performances from Marshallese dancers and Samoan bands within the schedule of events. The festival will officially kick off Friday night at Riverfront Park and continue through Sunday evening. Tickets are $5 per day or $10 for a weekend pass.

Swap Meet at Powerland

Saturday, June 27 to Sunday, June 28: Powerland Heritage Park is hosting its 46th annual swap meet. Over 100 vendors will sell antiques, collectibles and vintage car parts across the two-day event. Powerland Heritage Park preserves antique farm equipment and steam engines, and surplus inventory from the museums will be up for sale. During the swap meet the park will run trolley and miniature railroad rides. The meet will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and costs $8 for admission, or free for children under 12. Admission is free on Sunday, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Powerland Heritage Park is located at 3995 Brooklake Rd N.E. in Brooks.

Yissel Lopéz Sings

*Saturday, June 27: Indigenous Mariachi singer and Salem local Yissel Lopéz will perform atthe Salem Public Library’s Loucks Auditorium. Lopéz blends traditional sounds of Wixárika, an indigenous culture of Mexico, with contemporary Latin pop and Mariachi. The event is supported by the Salem Public Library Foundation. Seats are first come, first served and the event is free. The library is located at 585 Liberty St. S.E.

Contact reporter Reilly Norgren: [email protected]

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