Salem’s beloved Englewood Forest Festival returns Saturday, August 9, bringing a full day of music, art, dance, and environmental discovery to the city’s oldest park.
Held beneath the towering oaks and firs of historic Englewood Park, the festival celebrates its seventh year with 90 local vendors, two stages of live entertainment, and a wide range of hands-on activities for all ages. It’s a free, family-friendly event that weaves together creativity, culture, and conservation.
Shop art and artistic creations from ceramics, painting and jewelry, to photography, fiber, glass, and more.
New additions to this year’s lineup include SamaZama, a koto and cello duo, and a special visit from “Penny,” a kestrel wildlife ambassador from Chintimini Wildlife Center, who will make a short onstage flight demonstration. Other highlights include performances by the Timothy James Band and Casa de la Cultura Tlanese.
Ceili of the Valley at Englewood Forest Festival
Ceili of the Valley performing at a past festival
Returning favorites like Ty Curtis & Taylor Neville, the Salem Aerial Dance Company, and Paradise of Samoa will fill the park with rhythm and movement. Youth performances from groups like ENLACE and PAPA Dancers highlight the festival’s commitment to mentorship and cultural exchange. A poetry open mic will also be held with Salem poets Renee Roman Nose and Sarah Katreen Hoggatt.
Beyond the stages, festivalgoers can also build birdhouses, make piñatas, paint traditional sculptures, and observe bees under microscopes. It’s a hands-on celebration of nature that also teaches simple ways to care for the environment at home.
The 2025 Englewood Forest Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Englewood Park, 1260 19th St NE. Admission is free. For more information, visit englewoodforestfestival.org.
Gil Nicholson-Nelson
Paradise of Somoa Polynesian Dance Troup will perform at the Englewood Forest Festival on Saturday, Aug. 9 in Englewood Park. The free family-friendly festival features a full summer day of music, art, performances, plus loads of activities for all ages designed to help people learn about and protect the environment.
Paradise of Samoa dance troupe with perform at Englewood Forest Festival.