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There’s something satisfying about seeing familiar places get a fresh start. The Crooked House Playground reopening a little early feels like a small win, but a meaningful one if you’ve ever spent an afternoon there.
And with talk of the Renaissance Faire moving, there’s plenty for locals to weigh in on this week. Change is in the air, so take a scroll and see what’s happening around town.
🌳 Fresh Turf and Fast Tracks at the Crooked House
Photo from cityofsalem.net
The Gist: Salem’s Crooked House Playground at Bush’s Pasture Park reopened ahead of schedule on April 21 with a brand-new, accessible synthetic turf surface. The city is using a specialty Envirofill sand that is antimicrobial and safer for falls, marking the first time this tech has been used in our local parks. Meanwhile, the Riverfront Park playground remains closed for its own makeover, with a target reopening date of July 2026.
Why It Matters: It’s a smart move for the city’s budget; crews are salvaging parts from old structures to repair equipment at other parks like McKay and Woodmansee, keeping our neighborhood play spots in tip-top shape without the hefty price tag.
⚔️ Renaissance Faire Eyes Room to Grow
Photo from woodburnindependent.com
The Gist: Wandering in Time Productions just purchased the Oak Knoll Golf Course near Salem for $6.2 million, sparking questions about the Oregon Renaissance Faire’s future in Canby. The organizers have been searching for a larger site to house the event, which has grown from a single weekend in 2016 to an eight-day run every June. While the company plans to maintain the property for community recreation, the purchase marks a major shift for the popular festival.
Why It Matters: The Faire is a huge economic win for the community, routinely selling out and drawing thousands of visitors to the "Vale of Dunrose." Seeing such a beloved local tradition potentially outgrow its roots is bittersweet, but it highlights the incredible success of a festival that started small and became a regional staple.
What’s Next: The 2026 season is still full steam ahead in Canby, running every Saturday and Sunday in June. Tickets are available now for specific dates, but they usually go fast!
🌮 Traditional roots meet a modern pulse
508 State St, Salem
Adobe Restaurant and Bar occupies the historic State Street space with an elegance that feels both fresh and permanent. Diego and Itzel Sagastume have created a sanctuary where Latin technique and seasonal ingredients lead the conversation.
The bean tacos, inspired by a grandmother’s recipe, offer a depth of flavor that defies their simplicity, while the Paloma Ahumada brings a sophisticated, smoky heat to the table.
Low-lit and community-focused, it’s a masterclass in resilient, soulful hospitality.
🌿 Hand-pressed oils and estate-grown vines
367 State St, Salem
If you're still working on a Mother's Day gift, it's worth walking into The Arbor before you commit to anything. This boutique in the 1917 Farrar Building has been a Salem landmark since 1991.
Owners Marni Redding and Michelle Miller offer Mother Tree Olive Oil and estate-grown wines from La Chouette Vineyard for tasting. You will find modern garden items, colorful terrariums, and jewelry that feels chosen rather than grabbed.
Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!
🤝 Fortaleciendo Familias | Keizer Coalition for Equality | 05/01 | More
Supportive Spanish-language workshop focused on healthy communication & more.
🐑 Sheep to Shawl | Willamette Heritage Center | 05/02 | More
Live animals, traditional shearing demonstrations, and living history activities.
🌸 Mother’s Day Celebration | Salem Center | 05/02 | More
Creative craft stations, local artisan vendors, and charming photo opportunities.
📖 Free Comic Book Day | Radar Toys | 05/02 | More
Costumed characters, collectible giveaways, and creative local artists!
🥕 Spring Food Fair & Plant Sale | LifeSource Natural Foods | 05/02 | More
Cheerful community fair with free veggie barbecue, live music, and garden inspiration.
🪕 Heart Strings Mandarin Music Trio | Salem Public Library | 05/02 | More
A cultural journey through music celebrating AANHPI heritage month for all ages.
🥬 West Salem Farmers Market Opening | Edgewater St Greenway | 05/07 | More
See, enjoy, and shop fresh local produce, artisan pastries, and colorful bouquets.
🏗️ Marriott Hotel Groundbreaking | Wealth Hospitality Group | 04/30 | More
Celebration with local leaders, small bites, and beverages to kick off a new project.
💫 May the Farce Be With You | Historic Grand | 05/02 | More
Sharp and irreverent comedy performance that leans into wit over space tropes.
⛪ Michael W. Smith — Kingdom Come | Elsinore Theatre | 05/02 | More
This tour is built around an all-new evening of worship and hits.
✨ $50 Tattoo Event | My Living Canvas | 05/03 | More
A flash tattoo day featuring over 300 designs at a specialized all-female studio.
🔥 Beltane Celebration | Unitarian Universalist Congregation | 05/03 | More
Community ritual: a traditional maypole, seasonal music, and a shared potluck.
🌷 Deepwood Spring Pop-up | Deepwood Museum & Gardens | 05/03 | More
Victorian solarium shopping experience: vintage finds, artisan jams, and more.
😂 Cameron Esposito | Elsinore Theatre | 05/05 | More
One of the sharper standup comedians: smart, fast-paced, and consistently excellent!
Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
