WORLD BEAT FESTIVAL: JUNE 27 – 29
This award-winning festival in Salem’s Riverfront Park celebrates over 60 cultures with traditional dance, food, music and a dragon-boat race along the Willamette River. This year will specifically honor the indigenous peoples of North and South America and everyone is welcome. Pack a blanket for the grassy area and make a weekend of it. Buy tickets here; kids 14 and under are free.

ST. PAUL RODEO: JULY 1 – 5
Don your cowboy hat and head about 30 minutes north of Salem to catch professional bull-riding, barrel-racing, nightly fireworks displays, a Fourth of July parade, and more. Founded in 1935, this iconic rodeo takes place in a 10,500 seat-arena hosting thrills, a saloon, and a carnival you’re young bucks will go wild for. Check out the website to lasso up tickets.

FOURTH OF JULY INDEPENDENCE DAYS CELEBRATION: JULY 3 – 4
If you’re visiting over the July 4th holiday, the small town of Independence puts on a whopper of a celebration. Grab the kiddos for two days of non-stop fun, including free family games, a rubber-duck derby race on the Willamette River, a talent show, live music, food trucks, and, of course, a mind-blowing fireworks display.

HOOPLA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: JULY 22 ­– 27
One of the country’s biggest street-basketball events is held in the shadow of the Oregon State Capitol every summer in downtown Salem, and b-ball fans both big and small will want to get in on the action. Hoopla is for players of all ages and skill levels — put together a team online or cheer from the sidelines and learn some new moves.

GREAT OREGON STEAM-UP: JULY 26 – 27 AND AUGUST 2 – 3
All aboard for two weekends of geek-out-worthy festivities celebrating Oregon’s old-timey tractors, steam-powered trains, vintage firetrucks, and more. Held at Powerland Heritage Park and only 10 miles from Salem, kids can get up close to the equipment, go on a tractor pull, ride a historic trolley, and catch the parade. A flea market and tasty food carts top it off. Get your tickets here.

GRAND RONDE ANNUAL CONTEST POWWOW: AUGUST 15 – 16
Held at the Uyxat Powwow Grounds each year about 30 miles west of Salem, the Grand Ronde Tribe’s annual contest powwow is one of the largest in the Northwest. The celebratory weekend is full of dancing in traditional regalia, drumming and food vendors, and it’s a way for tribes to unite, share their stories, and teach others about their culture. Everybody is welcome.

WOODBURN FIESTA MEXICANA: AUGUST 15 – 17
Just north of Salem, Woodburn is home to more than 19,000 Hispanic and Latino residents — more than half of Woodburn’s population. Every year, the small town celebrates its heritage with an all-out weekend event full of food vendors, live music and performances, a parade, lucha libre, and more. This year will be the event’s 61st anniversary. Bring the kiddos — and come hungry.

B-17 ALLIANCE FOUNDATION FLYING LEGENDS TOUR: AUGUST 18 – 24
The B-17 Alliance at Salem’s McNary Field hosts unique events that celebrate the veterans, planes and history of World War II. Book a 20-minute flight on an authentic B-17 or B-25 bomber when the national Flying Legends Tour lands in Salem, and see the “Sentimental Journey” and “Maid in the Shade” warplanes up close on a guided ground tour. Veterans, kids and aviation enthusiasts don’t want to miss this.

OREGON STATE FAIR: AUGUST 22 – SEPTEMBER 1
Rollercoasters, petting zoos, and daredevil performances? Yes, please! Round up the family for some good, clean fun at the The Oregon Expo in North Salem. This iconic event has drawn millions of thrill-seekers since it launched in 1862. Parents will love the top-notch food and live music — the Beach Boys are on the docket this year — and the kiddos will go nuts for the cotton candy, Whac-a-Mole, and 50-plus rides.

Looking for more good times in the Salem area this summer? Find more events here.

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