Let’s get outside and enjoy the last warm days of the year before the rain hits! This month, we’ve got lots of outdoor activities for you, from two super fun, themed races, to a family river sport event, and even a cornhole tournament!

 For the wannabe gardeners, start out on the right foot with the Hardy Plant Society sale, where you can buy beautiful plants that you can’t kill, and get gardening advice from the experts. Plus, don’t miss a tradition around here—Oktoberfest at Mount Angel! 

 

September 7

Don’t have a green thumb? This is the plant sale for you! The Salem Hardy Plant Society was founded in Salem, Oregon, and organized in 1997 to promote the culture of hardy plants by providing public information and education. Come browse over a dozen nurseries and get advice and recommendations straight from the experts! Plus enjoy food trucks, local artisans and a beautiful display garden. 

 

When: 9-3pm

Where: Sebright Gardens, 7185 Lakeside DR NE, Salem

More Information: www.salemhardyplantsociety.org

 

September 7

Shangri-La and Salem Ale Works are excited to present the fourth annual Capitol City Cornhole Classic. This friendly-competition cornhole tournament also features good eats from local food trucks, craft beer from Salem Ale Works, and activities for the whole family including a cornhole challenge course, lawn games, airmail challenge, vendors, and much more!

 

When: 11-5pm

Where: State Capitol State Park, 900 Court St NE, Salem

More Information: www.shangrilaoregon.org

 

September 12-15

Mount Angel Oktoberfest is a traditional harvest festival in this historically Bavarian town. Enjoy German food, music, beer, and family fun in this tiny Oregon town. There’s live music, a beer garden, wine garden, and fun for the kids. Parking is $5, and entry options vary by day and time of entry.  

 

When: 6:50am-9:30pm

Where: 5 Garfield St. Mount Angel, Oregon

More Information: https://www.oktoberfest.org/schedule-for-the-54th-mount-angel-oktoberfest/

 

September 15

Salem Riverfest highlights the scenic and recreational opportunities of our area. It includes sprint and Olympic distance triathlons and duathlons (individual/team), 5K and 10K runs, and a kid/family event. Food, drinks, music, and family fun! Registration is required, $15-$95.         

When: 7:30-1:30pm

Where: Riverfront Park, 200 Water St NE, Salem

More Information: rotaryriverfestsalem.org/

 

 

September 28

The Mad Hatter Dash is the premier event for people with outrageous or amazing hats to step out, be seen, and enjoy some exercise, and it all benefits the Salem Dream Center! The race starts in Wallace Marine Park Softball Complex, runs through Wallace Marine Park and across the beautiful and historic Union Street Pedestrian Bridge, through Riverfront Park, up and over the Center Street bridge. Unique individual medals created by Salem Dream Center kids will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, for male and female runners in five age groups.

 

When: 9:00am

Where: Wallace Marine Park Softball Complex

More Information: https://runsignup.com/Race/OR/Salem/MadHatterDash

 

September 28

Let your love shine at the happiest 5k under the sun! The Color Run is a five-kilometer, untimed event. At each kilometer mark, Color Runners are doused from head to toe in a different colored powder. Participants wear white at the starting line and finish the race plastered in color. Once the race is over, the fun continues at the Finish Festival, a larger-than-life party equipped with music, dancing, photo ops, activity booths, vendors, and more massive color throws., which create millions of vivid color combinations.

 

When :8:00am

Where: Oregon State Fair Park, 2330 17th St NE, Salem

More Information: https://www.travelsalem.com/node/46162