Local Summer Events To Attend In August and September:
1. Throughout Independence
You can’t get more “local” than attending an event right here in town. Luckily, there is so much to choose from when visiting Independence in the summer. Perhaps the most well known event is our River’s Edge Summer Series. Extending through mid-August, you have your pick of dozens of performers to enjoy at the Riverfront Amphitheater, with a gorgeous view of the Willamette River and countless local vendors showing off the best of PNW cuisine. Adult admission is only $5 and kids 10 and under get in for free.
Additionally, if you’re looking for something that truly represents Independence and its history, we suggest checking out the Hops and Heritage Festival on September 21st. Did you know that Independence is the historic hops capital of the world?? Learn all about our community’s hop history by sampling locally crafted brews while listening to live music, tasting treats from local vendors, and perhaps even participating in a Cornhole tournament. And don’t fret if you’re traveling with kids, this event is open to all ages!
Lastly, we suggest looking into the smaller local events that take place throughout the summer. From the featured artist displays at The River Gallery, to “Paint Your Pet” Classes at Jubilee Champagne and Dessert Bar, to the official “Witch Walk” at the Inspiration Garden.
2. Throughout Salem
Salem, one of our closest neighbor cities, is packed full with constant summer shenanigans. Only a fifteen-minute drive from The Independence Hotel, we suggest bringing the whole family to the Riverfront Family Fest, which includes obstacle courses, face painting, fire trucks, and local snacks.
Other nearby events include the Homer Davenport Community Festival, the Polk County Fair, the Englewood Forest Festival, the Woodburn Fiesta Mexicana, the Aumsville Corn Festival, the Oregon State Fair, the 7th annual Xichafest (dog’s allowed), the 75th annual Salem Art Fair and Festival, and September’s Salem Pride in the Park! Check out the Travel Salem Event Page for more details.
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3. Throughout McMinnville
Only 30 minutes from The Independence Hotel, McMinnville is another great option when it comes to checking out late summer events. From the Oregon International Airshow (August 31st-September 2nd), to the famous “movies on the lawn” series (extending through the end of September), you can also find fun classes for the kids like the Stem Explorers Outdoor Education event on August 18th. In addition, several bars and restaurants hold game nights on Fridays, and hold special happy hour events on certain days of the week.
4. At The Winery
Of course, no summer list would be complete without mentioning the incredible winery events nearby. The Willamette Valley is world-famous for its wine, and the summer is when these high-end establishments can embrace the childlike wonder and splendor of days spent outdoors. We recommend checking out one of our top picks: Airlie Winery, a women-owned establishment where dogs are not only welcome, but encouraged! (If your pup loves to swim, look no further than Airlie’s beautiful pond, complete with a dock for your dog’s running start.) This summer Airlie is hosting several “Sounds of Summer” events, as well as our personal favorite, a “Starry Night Campout” where you can pitch a tent and spend the night stargazing amongst the vines (August 10th).
Willamette Valley Vineyards also holds several concerts throughout the late summer, as well a “Yoga on the Vineyard” event, an “Into the Woods Food and Wine Pairing,” and the always entertaining “Wine and Wheels.”
In addition, Illahé Vineyards is hosting two different “Runaway Kitchen Foodcart” nights on August 9th and 23rd, as well as a Winemaker’s Dinner on August 3rd, while Youngberg Hill (although a little bit further) will host a Murder Mystery in the Vines on August 2nd as well as a Mimosa Sunday Event on the 11th.
