Good morning, Salem.

Guest Services Inc.—doing business as Visit Silver Falls—is now operating Smith Creek Village cabins, South Falls Café, two historic ranches, and a retail store at Silver Falls State Park.

The new partner took over after previous contracts ended and plans to add a full-service restaurant in the future.

Salem galleries and museums are hosting new art exhibits this month—featuring African American art, neurodivergent works, and local emerging talent—with events you can enjoy today at the Art Walk from 5 to 8 p.m. downtown.

The Salem Art Fair & Festival will run from Sept. 12 to 14 at Bush’s Pasture Park and will feature over 200 artists, live music, food, and activities.

On Aug. 15, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife adopted its 2026 State Wildlife Action Plan that now lists over 320 at-risk species after adding 27 new ones — including sea otters, porcupines, and California condors — and the agency will submit the plan to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by October.

SOLVE will host its annual Beach and Riverside Cleanup from Sept 20 to Sept 28 along beaches and rivers in Oregon and southwest Washington; the event will link to global observances like International Coastal Cleanup Day, World Rivers Day and National Public Lands Day.

Volunteers will pick up trash using gloves, trash bags and other provided supplies — local leaders will run each site.

Lawmakers proposed a transportation package that would raise fees—including doubling the transit payroll tax from 0.1% to 0.2%, so a worker earning $68,000 would pay $136 a year—to fund public transit improvements.

The House passed the bill on Sept. 1 and the Senate is set to vote on it Sept. 17 before it goes to the governor.

Sen. Chris Gorsek—recovering from back surgery—is unavailable to cast a decisive vote on the transportation funding plan, so the Senate session remains open as lawmakers work to meet quorum requirements.

Legislators expect the key vote to be postponed for at least two weeks while they address the ongoing impasse.

Boot Scoot and Brew Music Festival

11 a.m.-10 p.m. — Salem Riverfront Park Amphitheater — Cost info unavailable — Enjoy a full day of music featuring the Catnip Brothers and more.

Wine & Yoga Experience

6-8 p.m. — Cubanisimo Vineyards — Suggested donation of $5-10 — Enjoy a relaxing yoga class with mountain views followed by a beverage.

Yoga + Libations at Lively Station

6-7 p.m. — Lively Station — $5-$10 suggested donation — Enjoy a relaxing outdoor yoga session followed by dinner and drinks in a vibrant setting.

Pinot & Pizza at Hudak House

4-8 p.m. — Hudak House - Winery & Vineyard — No reservations required — Savor custom pizzas and Pinot while enjoying live music in a scenic setting.

Salem Saturday Market

9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. — State of Oregon Green Lot — Free entry — Celebrate 27 years of local vendors showcasing handmade and homegrown treasures from the Mid-Willamette Valley.

SPCC Annual Luncheon 2025

12-2 p.m. — Broadway Commons — Free lunch — Enjoy insights from Ben Olson on thriving in relationships with practical tools for connection.

Bringing Sea Otters Back to Oregon

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Venti's Cafe + Beer Vault — Free entry — Discover the importance of sea otters and the ecosystem from a passionate marine biologist.

IN A LANDSCAPE: Riverfront Park

4-10 p.m. — Riverfront City Park — Free entry — Experience classical music amidst the stunning natural landscapes of the American West.

Art, Books, and Music Evening

5-7 p.m. — Center 50+ — Free entry — A creative showcase for authors and artists to connect and display their talents.

Beginner ESL Class

3 PM — Salem Public Library — Free entry — Participate in a multilingual beginner-level English class with supportive instruction.