August is almost here, but summer in Salem is still going strong. The Oregon State Fair just added a new name to its concert lineup, a longtime local builder is celebrating a big milestone, and there are still plenty of warm-weather weekends ahead to fill.

This week, you can take your pick between baseball, gardens, music, machinery, cars, comedy, and more. Whatever your version of a good summer day looks like, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find it somewhere around town.

The Gist: The Oregon State Fair concert lineup has changed after The Beach Boys canceled their Aug. 29 performance while taking a break from touring. Beach Boys co-founder Al Jardine and the Pet Sounds Band will step in at the L.B. Day Amphitheater, celebrating the 60th anniversary of Pet Sounds with classics like “California Girls.” Previously purchased Beach Boys tickets will still be accepted.

Why It Matters: Fairgoers will still get an evening of classic Beach Boys music, along with a full concert lineup featuring “Weird Al” Yankovic, All Time Low, Walker Hayes and more. A limited number of first-come, first-served seats are included with fair admission, making the series an affordable way to enjoy live music throughout the fair.

The Gist: Salem-based Rich Duncan Construction marked its 25th anniversary this month, using the milestone to spotlight employees and long-term partners rather than the founder. The company started in 2002 with a single white truck and a handful of tools and has grown into one of the Willamette Valley's most active commercial contractors.

Why It Matters: If you've eaten at Isaac's Downtown, walked into a local Chick-fil-A, or dropped a kid off at Howard Street Charter School, there's a good chance the space was built by Rich Duncan. The team is currently working on a new sanctuary at Silver Creek Fellowship, with framing, HVAC, and exterior metal now in progress.

The Gist: Sarina’s Italian Kitchen opened its first full-service restaurant at 401 Center St. NE on Thursday, July 23. Owner Ryan Sarina expanded the business from a takeout-and-delivery ghost kitchen launched in 2021 into a downtown restaurant with indoor dining, patio seating and a full bar. Located near Center and Liberty streets, the space has entrances from both inside Salem Center and the exterior, allowing diners to visit after the mall closes.

Why It Matters: After building a local following through takeout and delivery, Sarina’s now gives Salem diners a place to sit down for family-inspired Italian-American dishes like lasagna, chicken Parmigiana and pasta carbonara.

Just off Liberty Street near the Reed Opera House, Bonzai! Coffee + Teabar brings Pacific Northwest coffeehouse favorites and Japanese-inspired flavors together in one downtown stop. Grab a cold brew or iced matcha, settle into the outdoor seating and keep an eye out for playful seasonal drinks and snacks.

They also carry locally printed Kaiju merch, giving you another reason to browse before heading back out into the Salem sunshine. It’s an easy late-summer stop for a drink, a quick bite or a little time downtown.

RiverCity Rock Star Academy has kept Salem-Keizer supplied with instruments, repairs, and lessons since 2015. As one final summer hurrah, their week-long music camps wrap up with live Friday rock shows, like the upcoming performance on August 21st at 4pm.

This family-owned spot offers band rentals, coaching, and programs ranging from Pop Rocks for little ones to audition-only working bands like the RiverCity Royals.

⚾ Lego Night Part 3: Marion Berries vs. Bellingham Bells | Chemeketa Baseball Field | 7/29 | More
Ballpark action paired with creative building fun for young baseball enthusiasts.

🌿 Open Garden Day | Gaiety Hollow | 7/29 | More
Stroll through historic, beautifully manicured botanical gardens in full bloom.

🏥 Health Fair | Lancaster Family Health Center | 7/30 | More
Free wellness screenings, games, music, and community connections for all ages.

🎵 Concert in the Park | Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater | 7/31 | More Indie-folk rhythms and relaxing acoustic harmonies under the summer sky.

🚜 The Great Oregon Steam-Up | Powerland Heritage Park | 8/1-8/2 | More
Vintage machinery displays, trolley rides, and historic farm demonstrations.

🚘 Minty & T Too Memorial Car Show | 4070 27th Ct SE | 8/2 | More
Classic hot rods, modern muscle, music, raffle prizes, and local food vendors.

🛻 NW MiniTruckin Nationals | Oregon State Fairgrounds | 7/31-8/2 | More
Custom truck displays, interactive games, raffles, and lively automotive culture.

🤠 Capital City LIVE! with Jon Pardi | L.B. Day Amphitheater | 7/31 | More
Honky-tonk country anthems benefiting local child and family outreach programs.

🎨 The Art Critique Comedy Show | Salem's Historic Grand Ballroom | 7/31 | More Hilarious stand-up comedy roasting forgotten thrift store art before live auctions.

✨ Prison Break Poker Run | Salem Elks Lodge #336 | 8/1 | More
Scenic ride through Mid-Willamette routes benefiting veteran support programs.

🎶 On High Oregon 2026 | Riverfront Park | 8/1 | More
A day of rap, reggae-rock, and West Coast summer vibes downtown.

🎭 Theatre 33 Summer Festival | M. Lee Pelton Theatre | opens 8/4 | More
Compelling play readings and new theatrical works staged by local playwrights.

Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

Click here to follow us: Facebook | Instagram