A Note from the Instigator....
Hello, Friends! This weekend brings one of the season’s biggest celebrations, the World Beat Festival, where global rhythms meet riverfront sunsets. But that’s not all. From live music to live theater, this weekend brings plenty of reasons to get out and play….and we’ve rounded up a few highlights to help you take it all in.
— Carlee, The Instigator
Courtesy of World Beat
World Beat Festival
Celebrate community and culture at the World Beat Festival this weekend. Scroll down for more info.
Thursday Highlights
Trivia Night — Grab your most clever friends (and a bottle of wine) for a fun, fast-paced evening of trivia hosted by vineyard owner John Croft, 6 to 8 p.m. June 26 at Stomp by Croft Vineyards, 5475 River Rd S. Free but RSVP required. Text/call 503-364-3085
American Idol Finalist Casey James with Jon Fro — Casey James brings rootsy rock and blues to Salem with singer-songwriter Jon Fro opening the night, 7 p.m. June 26 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 day of show. Click here for tickets.
Salem Poetry Project features David Rutiezer, grandchild of Jewish immigrants, grew up in Illinois and Massachusetts and lives in Portland, Oregon. He has an MFA in Creative Writing and a TESL certificate, and tutors at Portland Community College and online. His debut poetry chapbook Other Dances was published in 2025, his poems have appeared in many anthologies, and he's a founding member of December First Writers. The Salem Poetry Project takes place 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays at the Bush Barn Annex, 600 Mission St SE. Each week will present a featured reader followed by the Infamous Open Mic: 3 poems or five minutes whichever is first.
Andrew Hussey — 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Wolfhounds Bar
Thursday is Trivia Night at Checkpoint 221. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. and it’s free (but tips for your host are encouraged.) All ages welcome. Get there early to grab food and drink then test your knowledge.
Take part in Taproot Karaoke, 9 p.m. every Thursday at Taproot Lounge & Cafe, 356 State St.
Salem Cinema Dog Day Afternoon
Celebrate Community & Culture
Discover the world in a weekend at the annual World Beat Festival 🌍 a family-friendly celebration of global cultures showcasing music, dance, food, and folk traditions from more than 60 cultures around the world.
This year’s focus culture honors the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island, a name used by many Native communities for the land encompassing North and South America. Highlights include a mini-play and fire performance exploring the cultural origins of Turtle Island, as well as a social powwow, Indigenous storytellers, and internationally recognized performers such as Acosia Red Elk and Supaman.
Enjoy nonstop entertainment across multiple stages, children’s activity tents featuring hands-on crafts and global storytime, feast on cultural dishes, and more June 28–29 at Riverfront Park. $10 per day/$15 for weekend pass. Click here for tickets.
Courtesy of World Beat
World Beat: Paradise of Samo
Friday Night at the Beat — The festival kicks off with Friday Night at the Beat—a high-energy evening of music, food, and firelight along the river featuring music by the Severin Sisters and Wamba World Music with performances by Ballet Folklórico Tlanese and Paradise of Samoa. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday. $10 or get a weekend pass for $15. Click here for tickets.
And don’t forget about the ever-popular Dragon Boat Races, bringing teams together for a spirited day of paddling and camaraderie Saturday on the Willamette River at Riverfront Park.
Marion County Fair
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🍷 Food & Drink
Pinot & Pizza — Enjoy custom-made pizzas from the outdoor oven paired with local wine. Each week offers a new flavor combo to match the season. No reservations required, 12 to 6 p.m. Friday, June 27 at Hudak House, 5737 Orchard Heights Rd NW. Click here for more info.
Sip n’ Sizzle — Take in an evening of flavor as Chef Jon fires up the grill for cheesesteaks. With gluten-free and vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, 5 to 8 p.m. June 27 at Bryn Mawr Vineyard. Click here for more info.
Small Producer Sunday — Each Sunday, Bryn Mawr Vineyards hosts a pop-up tasting with a guest winemaker specializing in limited-production wines. This week features Lidka Wine Co., 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29 at Bryn Mawr Vineyards. Click here for more info
Picnicpalooza — Kick off summer with Picnicpalooza, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 28 at LifeSource Natural Foods where you will find free picnic food samples, flash sales, and fun giveaways.
Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy — Step into the world at the Edgar Allan Poe with a chilling 4-part cocktail experience. Sip themed cocktails and hear Poe’s works reimagined as told by Poe Historians. June 26 and 27 are sold out but there is still space (at the time of writing this) on June 28 at The Bad Space, 2572 19th St SE. Ticket start at $55. Click here for tickets.
This weekend at Salem Cinema...
Salem Cinema June 27
Vicki Woods
Pentacle Theatre presents Black Comedy
Pentacle Theatre presents Black Comedy. Photo by Vicki Woods
Opening Weekend
When the lights go out at Pentacle Theatre this summer, the comedy kicks in. That’s the twist in Black Comedy, a one-act British farce by Peter Shaffer. The show flips theatrical convention on its head. When the characters are plunged into darkness by a blown fuse, the stage lights come up—so the audience sees everything the characters “can’t.” The show takes to the stage June 27 – July 19 at Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave NW. Click here for tickets. And check out our feature story here.
A Season Finale
Cherry City Roller Derby hosts its season finale, CCRD Uncensored, an adult-themed mash-up bout age-restricted to those 18+ where themed dress is welcome. No photos are permitted. 7 p.m. June 28 at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. Tickets start at $12 in advance. Click here for tickets.
Race
Race to Save the Harvest — Run, walk, hop, skip, or jump your way through this family-friendly race that supports Salem Harvest’s mission to feed hungry families and reduce food waste. There will also be yard games, face painting, community booths, and a celebrity appearance from Ima Oregon Blueberry. 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 28, at Minto-Brown Island Park. Click here for details and registration.
Explore a Market
The Outer Realms — Enchanted Corner Market features local artists, practitioners, performers and creators. Bring your magic, dress up, dress down, bring your elf ears or skirts and all the works if you like, 12 to 6 p.m. June 28, in the Brick Room at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre and Event Center.
Skate
Friday Night Roller Skating — Get fancy and skate. Celebrate the start of Summer with an adults only skate. Put on your best formal wear and leave the kids at home for this 18+ only event. The fun begins 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 27 at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. $15 cash admission, grab your skates or rent some for $5. Door sales only available if space allows. Get your tickets presale to ensure entry. Get your tickets at travelingwheelz.com
Celebrate a Sundae
On Any Sundae celebrates its 9th anniversary with a Celebration Bash, 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 29, featuring live music, yard games, crafts, cheap pizza and special guest vendors at 3987 Commercial St SE.
Laugh
The Problem Party: A DnD Improv Comedy Show — A chaotic crew of adventurers, and the improvisers who play them, bring unscripted hilarity to this fantasy-fueled live comedy. 8 p.m. Friday, June 27 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. $15; $45 for a group pack. Click here for tickets.
Ride
Seat up for the Super Casual Saturday Salem Bike Ride on, uh, Saturday (and recurring every Saturday). Meet at the bottom of Soap Box Derby Track at Bush Park at 11 a.m. Wheels down at 11:30.
Do Yoga
Yoga + Wine — Start your Sunday with movement, mindfulness, and a view. This all-levels outdoor yoga class takes place on the lawn at Cória Estates, overlooking the vineyard and sweeping Willamette Valley. After a 60-minute guided session, stick around to enjoy a glass of wine. Bring your own mat and a sense of calm, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, June 29 at Cória Estates, 8252 Redstone Ave SE. Suggested donation: $5–$10. Click here to register.
Salem Cinema Hairspray
🎶 Live Music
Salem Orchestra proudly presents its fourth annual Side-by-Side Concert, featuring talented student musicians from across the Willamette Valley. This year’s program showcases two of Beethoven’s most compelling symphonies—his lively and often overlooked Symphony No. 4, followed by the iconic Symphony No. 5, known for its unmistakable opening motif and dramatic intensity. In a special collaboration, students will join the orchestra on Beethoven’s 5th, experiencing the energy and momentum of one of classical music’s most celebrated works. This performance highlights the power of mentorship and shared artistry, bringing generations of musicians together on one stage, 6 p.m. Sunday, June 29 at Elsinore Theatre. Click here for tickets.
Join the pop-folk trio PDX Broadsides for a fun, fandom-filled afternoon of live music celebrating science, superheroes, and all things geeky. Known for their witty lyrics and rich harmonies, the band brings a blend of humor and heart to every performance. 2 to 3 p.m. June 28 in Loucks Auditorium at Salem Public Library. Free
The Oregon Opry brings together three standout Northwest acts—The Lowtimers, Just Clark, and Jeremy Wayne McKern—for a night of raw Americana, heartfelt songwriting, and honky-tonk soul. Expect pedal steel, front porch vibes, and storytelling that hits home in this rootsy showcase of Oregon-grown talent. 7 p.m. June 28 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.
Live Music: Kathy Redwine & The Old Vines — Folk/Americana songwriter, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 27 at Ankeny Vineyard, 2565 Riverside Dr. S $5
Live Music: Leanne McClellan Band — an eclectic blend of classic rock with a little pop, blues, and some jazz mixed in, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28 at Ankeny Vineyard, 2565 Riverside Dr S. $5
Sunday Música: Blacksmith Neighbors Band — blend of rock, country, folk, blues, and gospel, showcasing the group's eclectic and diverse influences, 3 to 5p .m. Saturday, June 28 at Cória Estates, 8252 Redstone Ave SE.
Dylan Santiago — 2 to 5 p.m. June 28, at Cubanisimo Vineyards, 1754 Best Rd NW | cubanisimovineyards.com | 503-588-1763
Molly & Wyatt — 5 to 7 p.m. June 28 at West Hills Vineyard, 4785 Salem Dallas Hwy NW. No cover charge. westhillsvineyards.com
Orvil Ivie & Mike Renwick — 3 to 5 p.m. June 28 Trinity Vineyards, 1031 Wahl Ln S | trinityvineyards.com | 503-371-6977 No cover
Live Music: Tanner Cundy — End your weekend with smooth tunes and fine wine at this free outdoor performance, 1 to 3 p.m. June 29 at Chemeketa Cellars.
Live Music: Sarah Saul Combo — vocals and jazzy instrumentals, 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29 at Ankeny Vineyard, 2565 Riverside Dr S.
Woody Davidson — country, 2 to 4 p.m. June 29 at Trinity Vineyards, 1031 Wahl Ln S | trinityvineyards.com | 503-371-6977 No cover
AD World Beat Festival 2025
Plus Explore Art
Graffiti Wall at Salem on the Edge
The graffiti wall at Salem on the Edge now features work by Eric Tautkus.
Such as...
- C.S. Price: A Portrait is a retrospective of one of Oregon’s most influential Modernist painters, tracing 40+ years of his artistic evolution, highlighting his journey from Western illustrator to nationally recognized artist who helped define America's vision of the West. His bold, expressive style left a lasting impact on the region’s art scene and inspired a generation of Northwest painters.
- Work by Robert Bibler and John Van Dreal, which converges in a contemplative encounter—an exhibition where visual language is pared down to its most essential and presence is shaped through restraint, tone, and light, at Stefani Art Gallery, 305 Court St NE | stefaniartgallery.com
- A Majority of Wildness | Duncan Berry with Guest Artist Ebenezer Galluzzo at Salem on the Edge, 156 Liberty St NE | salemontheedge.com
- Four exhibits of artwork at Salem Art Association, 600 Mission St SE | salemart.org
- Creatures Great & Small, celebrating the beauty, personality, and presence of animals through art, at the AiA Gallery, 444 Ferry St SE | AiAArtGallery.org
- Nancy Floyd: For the Love of Trees at Hallie Ford Museum of Art, 700 State St | 503-370-6855, willamette.edu/arts/hfma
Click here for a full list of what's on exhibit this June.