11 Fairs & Festivals to Add to Your Summer Calendar

Music, culture, food, art, and local flavor come together at these 11 fairs and festivals happening in Salem this summer.

Marion County Fair

Soak in the summer with four days of carnival rides, live entertainment, local agriculture, and family fun at the Marion County Fair. Wander the animal barns, catch magic shows, jugglers, and circus performers, cheer on 4-H and FFA exhibitors, or explore hands-on activities throughout the fairgrounds. New this year, the Freckle Farm Petting Zoo and Pony Rides join returning favorites like Circus Imagination and Puzzlemania. Adults can unwind in The Woods with evening music, while competitors and spectators alike can enjoy the three-day Cornhole Cup. Whether you’re there for the food, the music, or the midway, there’s no shortage of ways to spend the day. Jul 9-12 at Oregon State Fairgrounds. marioncountyfair.fun

MIG Fest

Take in an afternoon of punk and ska tunes at the farm featuring L.A. punk rock pioneer Alice Bag with the Alice Bag Band; San Francisco-based ska and swing band MONKEY; Warsaw Poland Bros playing West Coast ska and reggae with touches of punk energy; punk rock ‘n’ roll duo Cut-Rate Druggist; and Portland’s rad wave dance punk band Rad Max. Plus food and drink available for purchase from the farm. 2 to 8 p.m. Jul 18 at  Minto Island Growers, 3394 Brown Island Road S. migfestsalem.com

Capital City LIVE!

Boots, ballads, and a good cause. Capital City LIVE! pairs a performance by country music’s California cowboy Jon Pardi with support from The Kruse Brothers, raising funds for Family Building Blocks and the work they do for children and families across Marion and Polk counties. All ages welcome. Tickets start at $70. Doors at 6 p.m. Event begins at 7:30 p.m. Jul 31 at L.B. Day Amphitheater at Oregon State Fairgrounds. familybuildingblocks.org/capital-city-live/

On High Fest

When Ice Cube and Slightly Stoopid share the top line of a festival poster, you know you’re not looking at a typical summer concert. On High brings together a mix of hip-hop, reggae, rock, and alternative acts including Pepper, The Elovaters, and The Movement, creating one of the most eclectic and talked-about music lineups of the season. Aug 1 at Riverfront Park | Click here for tickets.

Englewood Forest Festival

Nestled amongst the trees on seven wooded acres near downtown Salem, Englewood Forest Festival is a gathering of art, environment, and community that aims to celebrate, educate, and support, especially the Northeast neighborhood. Browse work from local artists and authors, enjoy live music and dance performances, connect with community organizations, and take part in hands-on activities inspired by art and nature. The opportunities are endless at this quaint festival that truly embraces community. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug 8 at Englewood Park, 1260 19th St NE. englewoodforestfestival.org

Fun Fact: Celebrating 100 years in 2026, Englewood is Salem’s oldest park and was developed by the renowned Lord & Schryver design team. It features a shady forest of mature Douglas fir and Oregon white oak trees, plus a splash pad, two playgrounds, and a native pollinator garden.

Capital City Retro Fest

A summer soundtrack built entirely from songs you already know by heart, Capital City Retro Fest brings three nights of tribute bands to Salem’s riverfront, celebrating everyone from Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty to Def Leppard, Foo Fighters, Duran Duran, Alanis Morissette, U2, and more. This all-ages weekend also includes a food cart pod and a central bar serving adult beverages to attendees 21 & over. Aug 14-16 at the Gerry Frank Salem Rotary Amphitheater in Riverfront Park. capitalcityretrofest.com

Oregon State Fair

The Oregon State Fair is one of Salem’s signature traditions, drawing generations of Oregonians together for 11 days of concerts, carnival rides, livestock competitions, creative exhibits, giant vegetables, fried food, and unforgettable people-watching. Whether you go for the headline entertainment, the 4-H barns, the art, or simply an elephant ear and a spin through the midway, there’s no wrong way to spend a day at the fair, where you will find Fun for All & All for Fun!

This year’s musical headliners include —

• Aug 28: Nate Smith, country 
• Aug 29: The Beach Boys, surf rock 
• Aug 30: Walker Hayes, country pop
• Aug 31: BigXThaPlug, hip-hop and country rap 
• Sep 1: Clint Black, country
• Sep 2: Ben Fuller, contemporary Christian 
• Sep 3: All Time Low, pop-punk
• Sep 4: Jo Dee Messina, country
• Sep 5: Uncle Kracker, country/rock 
• Sep 6: Twisted Sister featuring Sebastian Bach on lead vocals, rock 
• Sep 7: Weird Al, with special guest Puddles Pity Party, comedy rock 

Concerts are one of the notable highlights of the Oregon State Fair. A limited number of general admission seats are available on a first-come basis. Reserved and VIP seating available for a fee. Aug 28 through Sep 7 at Oregon State Fairgrounds. oregonstatefair.org $

Punx in the Park 

Live punk music meets community care at this youth-focused gathering. A concert is the centerpiece for this event where young people can connect with local organizations, access free food and clothing, and explore hands-on creative activities. Built around support, belonging, and positive connections, it’s a reminder that punk has always been about community. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sep 5 at Riverfront Park. punxwithpurpose.org/punxinthepark

Salem Art Fair & Festival

Salem Art Fair is a showcase of creativity from fine arts and photography to wearable wonders and more. Browse the artists’ booths and explore the work of more than 100 artists from around the globe. Enjoy live music and entertainment, plus a craft beer and wine garden, food and drink booths, and a kids’ court with free activities for the whole family, too. Sep 11-13 at Bush’s Pasture Park, 600 Mission St SE. salemartfair.org $

PS: Get a jump start with the Opening Night Party for the Annual Salem Art Fair & Festival — Kick off the Art Fair with an outdoor celebration filled with food, drinks, and live music. 6 to 8 p.m. Sept 10 at Bush’s Pasture Park, corner of Miller and Bush Streets. $40. Click here for tickets.

Boot Scoot and Brew

Country music, cold drinks, and a full day of festival fun. Catch live performances by Austin Gilbert from The Voice, Catnip Brothers, Jeremy Wayne McKern, and The Sweetwater Band, plus sample beer, wine, and spirits; browse vendors; enter raffles; and cheer on the zucchini races. Line dancing, dance demonstrations, bounce houses, and activities for all ages keep things going from morning until night. 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sep 12 at Riverfront Park. $8; free for ages 12 and under.

Pride in the Park

Organized by Salem Capital Pride, Salem Pride in the Park is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community that brings together artists, advocates, businesses, nonprofits, families, and friends for a day filled with creativity, connection, and pride. Shop handmade goods from queer makers, enjoy live performances, and connect with local organizations at one of Salem’s most welcoming gatherings. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sep 19 at Riverfront Park. salemcapitalpride.org

Author: The Instigator