A guide to Salem’s 2025 summer events

Here are the major community events coming to Salem this summer, from Make Music Day to Hoopla and the Englewood Forest Festival.
Meet the experts working to stop invasive garlic mustard in the Willamette Valley

Garlic mustard is an emerging concern for local invasive plant specialists, particularly in the Santiam Canyon, where the noxious weed has been sighted in areas affected by wildfire.
PHOTOS: Longswords clash at weekend tournament

Longsword enthusiasts competed Saturday, April 26, in a tournament organized by Salem's Seize the Vor.
Willamette leaders working to protect international students amid federal threats

A panel of Willamette University officials spoke last week about the impacts of federal efforts to target higher education. Willamette receives little federal research funding, which allows it to remain more independent.
Volunteers, park employees join forces to plant native trees at Minto-Brown

New maple trees will add shade near Minto Island Park's parking lot 3 after an Arbor Day tree planting effort.
Event highlights from April 24-30: Earth Day and nature events, Ag Fest, Willamette theater

Events in Salem this week include the yearly Oregon Ag Fest, a Swan Lake ballet performance, celebrations of Earth Day and a comedy play at Willamette University about gender and climate.
Oregon lawmakers consider gun control bills amid legal battle over Measure 114

As legal challenges to a voter-approved gun control law continue, Oregon lawmakers are considering a set of additional restrictions on gun purchases that are among the most controversial measures of the legislative session.
Volunteers, governor celebrate Earth Day with Wallace Marine Park cleanup

Gov. Tina Kotek and her wife, Aimee Kotek Wilson, joined dozens of volunteers at a SOLVE Oregon event Saturday to pick up trash at Wallace Marine Park.
Salem protesters decry deportations, federal cuts at Saturday rally

Protesters in Salem Saturday raised concerns about the mistaken deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and Trump administration cuts to scientific research and equity programs.
Phantom of the Opera screening to celebrate 100 years of the film with a live band

Salem Cinema will host a screening of the 1925 silent film "The Phantom of the Opera" accompanied by a live band on Monday, April 21.

