Summer in Salem, Oregon, is a vibrant and festive season. The city bursts into life with various festivals, fairs, outdoor concerts, and family-friendly activities. Guests of The Hotel Salem are often delighted and pleasantly surprised by the many attractions and events Oregon's state capital has to offer - many of which are conveniently located just a short distance from our hotel. As one of Oregon's oldest communities, Salem is also rich with historical attractions, scenic parks, and performing arts, so there is something for visitors to enjoy year-round. Here are some of the annual Salem, Oregon summer festivals we're looking forward to! 4th of July Spectacular - July 4, 2024 This free Independence Day celebration happens each year at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. It features a carnival, food and drinks, and live entertainment, and culminates, of course, with a spectacular fireworks display. For more info on the festival, visit oregonstatefair.org/spectacular. Marion County Fair - July 11-14, 2024 This lively annual event celebrates our region's agricultural heritage and community spirit, while offering fun and excitement for all ages. The fair features live entertainment by popular musical acts like the Eli Young Band and Ned Ledoux, carnival rides, livestock shows, and a variety of local food vendors. For more info on the fair or to purchase tickets, visit marioncountyfair.net. Ironman 70.3 Oregon - July 21, 2024 Salem's Riverfront City Park is the place to be on Saturday, July 21st as hundreds of elite athletes from around the region come to Salem to compete in the Ironman 70.3 Oregon! Come cheer the athletes on in this ultimate endurance event as they race in a 1.2-mile swim down the Willamette River from Minto-Brown Island Park to Riverfront Park, compete in a 56-mile ride through Oregon's scenic wine country, and finish with a 13.1 mile run on the trails through Minto-Brown Island Park and back to Riverfront City Park! Learn more by visiting ironman.com/im703-oregon. Oregon Hoopla - July 23-28, 2024 Oregon Hoopla, held annually outside the Oregon State Capitol, is one of the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournaments in the state. This dynamic event draws players and fans from all over, creating an energetic atmosphere with competitive games, entertainment, and community spirit. For more info, go to oregonhoopla.com. The Great Oregon Steam-Up - July 27-28, 2024 & August 3-4, 2024 This unique event, held annually at the Antique Powerland in Salem, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past for visitors of all ages. The festival will feature not one, but TWO weekends of live demonstrations, trolley rides, skills competitions, and interactive family friendly activities celebrating Oregon's steam-powered history. For more info on the festival or to purchase tickets, visit antiquepowerland.com/steam-up. Riverfront Family Fest - August 3, 2024 This delightful, annual event is one of the largest child-friendly community events in Salem. It offers a full day of fun and entertainment along the scenic Willamette River in downtown Salem's Riverfront Park. Organized by Family Building Blocks (a local nonprofit), the festival creates a vibrant atmosphere for visitors of all ages to enjoy, and features plenty of free kids' activities, entertainment, obstacle courses, community booths, and more. For more info, visit the organization's Facebook event. Oregon State Fair - August 23- September 2, 2024 Held annually at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, the Oregon State Fair is a premier event showcasing the best of the state's agriculture, entertainment, and culture. Not only does this event offer carnival rides, delicious food, interactive exhibits, games and more, but it also offers a premier concert series featuring popular musical acts like Craig Morgan, Goo Goo Dolls, Josh Turner, Ludacris, Foreigner, along with shows like Hell on Hooves Roughstock Rodeo, Motorsports Spectacular and much more! Visit oregonstatefair.org for updates and more information. Salem Art Fair & Festival - September 13-15, 2024 The beloved annual arts festival, celebrating its 75th anniversary, returns to Bush's Pasture Park in Salem! The event boasts hundreds of artists, live performances, cultural demonstrations, food and drink, and art activities the whole family will enjoy. For tickets and more info, visit salemartfair.org. BONUS! Enchanted Forest Theme Park - Open All Summer! Ok, this technically is not an event, but when we heard one of Oregon's most unique destinations is open every day including July 4th - we knew we had to include it in our list of summer events! This beloved family-owned theme park, located near Salem, will delight visitors of all ages! This local gem is known for its charming ambiance, heartwarming nostalgia, and whimsical rides and attractions inspired by fairy tales and nursery rhymes. For tickets and more info, visit www.enchantedforest.com. You simply cannot know Oregon, without exploring its capital city. Join us at The Hotel Salem in Salem, OR this summer for one-of-a-kind experiences you won't find anywhere else. Our newly renovated, beautifully appointed hotel offers superior hotel amenities, top-notch service, as well as plenty of spacious, comfortable, and inviting overnight accommodations. Wherever your destination may be, we are here to help and ensure our guests enjoy a relaxing stay, while enjoying the best of what Salem has to offer. More Info & Resources: Upcoming events near The Hotel Salem, Oregon Salem, Oregon Area Travel Guide Salem Statesman Journal - List of list of Salem-area summer events Travel Salem City of Salem on Facebook The Grand Hotel in Salem
