The Instigator
The Englewood Forest Festival is pleased to announce that artist applications for the annual event will open Feb. 15.
Artists, authors, and musicians, plus vendors, nonprofits, and civic and community organizations are encouraged to apply early as spots fill up quickly. A limited number of scholarships are available.
Englewood Forest Festival, an annual, free celebration of the arts, nature, and community, takes place Saturday, Aug. 8, in beautiful, forested Englewood Park in Northeast Salem.
The free festival provides music and entertainment on two stages and dozens of free family-friendly activities for all ages to learn more about the Willamette Valley environment. Visitors attend the festival from Salem, the Mid-Willamette Valley, and Oregon.
The historic Englewood Park, designed by the renowned female landscape architect team of Lord & Schryver, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The park is also considered one of the best native urban wildflower gardens in the Mid-Willamette Valley.
The festival strives among vendors and participants to include representation from Salem’s diverse creative community. Important goals are to inspire youth, provide opportunities for environmental education and offer support of the arts.
The committee recommends artists, performers, and food trucks from the Mid-Willamette Valley apply by March 15. A limited number of applications from out of the area are accepted, but local artists and performers are prioritized.
Applications must be made online here and can also be found on the festival website.
The annual festival runs 10 am to 4 pm , Aug. 8, in Englewood Park, 1260 19th St. NE.
For more details, contact the festival at englewoodforestfestival@gmail.com, 503-877-4731 , or via text at 503-970-1319. Follow the festival for updates on Facebook and Instagram.
Image: The 2026 Englewood Forest Festival poster will feature a painting by wildlife artist Bekah Zeimetz of a Steller’s jay and Red elderberry. Her artwork is an exploration of the intersection between humans and nature symbolizing the beauty and potential of our community she describes as “a love song to your wild heart”.
Carlee Wright
