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There's something about late summer evenings in Salem that never gets old. Parks stay busy a little longer, patios fill up, and the community calendar somehow keeps getting better each week.
This Scoop is packed with new places to check out, important local news, and a weekend full of events worth adding to your plans. We hope you find something that gets you out and enjoying the city.
🥂 A newly formed Salem restaurant group
The Gist: Clink! and The Cozy Taberna have merged into a new restaurant group intended to support both businesses while allowing each restaurant to retain its existing name, concept and identity. The partnership was announced Tuesday, July 28.
Why It Matters: The new group plans to share operational resources, strengthen relationships with local growers and winemakers, and create additional opportunities for employees across the two restaurants. Both restaurants will preserve their individual identities, menus, and guest experiences. Clink! is scheduled to reopen today, Aug. 5, after a brief closure while its team prepares for the transition. The Cozy Taberna will continue operating on its regular schedule.
🏥 Salem Health takes over Santiam Hospital
The Gist: State officials approved Salem Health’s emergency request to take over Santiam Hospital & Clinics on July 31, 2026. Led by CEO Maggie Hudson, the 40-bed facility sought the fast-tracked exemption after recent financial losses and looming electronic health record costs threatened its future. The deal maintains existing insurer contracts and promises millions in investment to expand services.
Why It Matters: Independent hospitals are getting harder to find, and recent financial strains put local care in the Santiam Canyon at risk. This takeover ensures the hospital stays open for acute care while bringing expanded maternity services to families right when they need it most.
🍱 Cold-cured fish and hot curry, anyone?
4845 Commercial St SE, Salem
Manna Japanese Comfort Food hits that sweet spot between laid-back and deeply satisfying. Beyond the understated front door, settle in for oversized sushi burritos, crisp chicken karaage, and generous Sashimi Combos made with obvious care.
The sparkling citrus mojito limeade adds a bright, icy pop that cuts through the late-summer heat, making a mid-day lunch break or unhurried dinner feel like an easy local luxury.
🌿 A multi-purpose sanctuary for late summer resets
320 Liberty St SE, Salem
Indigo Wellness Center brings chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, and yoga together under one roof, with a bilingual English-Spanish team.
Now is the perfect time for a body reset. Wednesdays offer posture & scoliosis yoga, while August 22 brings $35 community acupuncture sessions from 10 to 3. $50 quick-fix adjustment days stay a neighborhood favorite, too. Traditional Swedish massages, simple walk-ins, and online booking help keep your self-care routine effortless.
Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!
🎬 Movie in the Park: How to Train Your Dragon | Riverfront Park Amphitheater | 8/7 | More
A free family movie night, blankets and low chairs welcome.
🧠 Feud Time Trivia | Heroes Tap House Bar & Grill | 8/7 | More
TV-style survey trivia featuring local craft brews and casual dining.
🌳 Englewood Forest Festival | Englewood Park | 8/8 | More
Art, live music, and nature-based activities under Salem's oldest tree canopy.
👨👩👧 Riverfront Family Fest | Salem's Riverfront Park | 8/8 | More
65 vendors, hands-on kid activities, and health resources by the river.
🚜 Marion Co. Fair Tractor Pull | Marion County Fair Association | 8/8 | More
Modified machines compete in a raw test of mechanical strength.
🐈 CatVideoFest 2026 | Salem Cinema | 8/8-8/9 | More
The internet's best cat videos on the big screen, benefiting local felines. Ticketed.
🎵 Music at the Mill | Willamette Heritage Center | 8/11 | More
Live music on the lawn, food and drinks alongside. Kids under 12 free.
🌙 Conjure: Salem Night Market | Salem's Historic Grand Theatre | 8/8 | More
An atmospheric market: artisans, mystical wares, and community vibes.
💃 Pachanga Latin Band | Xicha Brewing Norte | 8/8 | More
Latin rhythms and salsa beats paired with fresh craft brews.
📖 Feminist Book Club | The Book Bin | 8/9 | More
Second-Sunday book club meets downtown to discuss the month's pick. Free.
💗 Sunday Salsa at the Rooftop | Cascadia Pizza Co. | 8/9 | More
Salsa and bachata lessons followed by social dancing under the summer sky.
🎸 Capital City Retro Fest | Gerry Frank | Rotary Amphitheater | 8/14–8/16 | More
Retro tribute acts, local food carts, and riverside outdoor summer vibes.
🎷 BIRDFAT: Food, Wine, Cocktails & Jazz | 2nd & Salmon | 8/15 | More
Harlem Renaissance-inspired: live Charlie Parker jazz, fine wines, and soul food.
🎭 Theatre 33's Summer Festival 2026 | Willamette University | until 8/16 | More
Staged readings exploring provocative contemporary themes.
Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!