Sweet summer is right around the corner and while the thought of looming finals haunts everyone’s minds, there is still plenty happening in the local communities to help de-stress. Check out these awesome events happening in Marion and Polk counties this month. 

Starting June 1

Polk County Bounty Market (Through September 28)
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
Features growers, producers and artisan from Polk County area. Special events such as cooking demonstrations, youth booth, family activity day, kids days and more. Every Thursday through September 28.
Downtown Dallas 850 Main St. 
Dallas, OR

June 4

WillaMutt Strut 5K Fun Run/Walk 
9 a.m.
The WillaMutt Strut is Willamette Humane Society’s annual 5k fun run and walk, presented by the Marble Center. Dogs are invited to the family walk/run. $30 per person.
Salem Riverfront Park 
200 Water St. NE
Salem, OR

Polk Flea Market
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Find treasures at the Polk Flea Market, Polk Counties oldest and largest market selling antiques, collectibles, vintage jewelry, furniture, tools and more! Admission is only $1! 
Polk County Fairgrounds
520 S. Pacific Hwy 99W
Rickreall, OR

June 7

Salem First Wednesday & Street Fair 
5 to 9 p.m. 
Shop, dine, drink and have fun downtown Salem. First Wednesday will be hosting a street fair on Chemeketa St. between Liberty and High St. and in the back alley of 1859 Cider Co. The street fair will have live music, food trucks, vendors, artists and a beer garden. 
Downtown Salem
Chemeketa Street 
Salem, OR

June 9

2nd Friday Ceili Mor / Irish Social Dancing
Monthly Irish social dance with live, traditional Irish music. All dances taught prior to dancing and called as you dance. Reels, jigs, polkas and waltzes taught and danced. Family friendly, all ages accepted. Refreshments provided. $5-10 per person.
VFW Hall Marion Post 661 
630 Hood St. NE 
Salem, OR

June 10

Rickreall Gun Show
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 10 to June 11
Buy, sell, and trade guns, knives, and ammunition. Admission for adults is $6.
Polk County Fairgrounds and Event Center
520 S. Pacific Hwy W (Hwy 99) 
Rickreall, OR

Contemporary Abstraction Art Exhibit 
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This exhibit will explore different approaches to contemporary, abstract art.
Bush Barn Art Center
600 Mission St. SE 
Salem, OR

June 11

Gaiety Hollow Open Garden
1 p.m.
The Lord & Schryver Conservancy will be opening the Gaiety Hollow gardens to visitors. Visitors may wander through the several “rooms” that make up the original home gardens of Elizabeth Lord and Edith Schryver. Volunteers will be on-hand to answer questions. Admission is $5 for those above the age of 16.
Gaiety Hollow
545 Mission St. SE
Salem, OR

June 15

2017 Cherry City Music Festival
5 to 11 p.m.
After ten years of celebrating music in Salem, Cherry City Music Festival moves from blossom to fruit season, June 15-17, 2017. Three days of concerts playing in venues all across town. Free admission unless otherwise noted per location.
Downtown Salem 
900 Court St. NE 
Salem, OR

June 16th

Oregon Garden Brewfest
3 to 6 p.m., June 16 to June 18
At Brewfest, there will be 60 breweries pouring over 120 beers, ciders and meads from throughout Oregon and across the country. Also present will be some great regional bands, amazing food from local vendors, a 80-acre botanical garden and kids’ activities on Sunday. Admission is $15.
Oregon Garden 
879 W Main St. 
Silverton, OR

June 17

June 22

Science Night for Adults
6:30 to 10 p.m.
Willamette University Chemistry Department will present, “The Chemistry of Sustainable, Renewable Energy” with music by Tony Smiley (The Loop Ninja). Enjoy from The Kitchen on Court Street and adult beverages from Gilgamesh, St. Innocent Wines, Casa Burn, and Wandering Aengus Ciderworks. Tickets available at the door only; $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers. 
Gilbert House Children’s Museum 
116 Marion St. NE 
Salem, OR 

June 24

Deepwood Wine & Jazz Fest 
4 to 9 p.m.
If you love wine this is a can’t miss event! Wineries from Oregon gather within the beautiful formal and native gardens surrounding Deepwood Museum & Garden. Admission is $20.
Deepwood Museum 
1116 Mission St. SE 
Salem, OR

For more information, visit the Salem Event Calendar, and Monmouth/Independence Event Calendar. Remember to use the hashtag #howlaboutit when you share these exciting activities and events on social media!