City of Salem

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News Release

Holiday Surprise: Free Parking In Downtown Salem Dec. 13 And 20 (Photo) - 12/13/25

  • Free on-street parking downtown from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 13 and Dec. 20, 2025

 

Salem, Ore. – In celebration of the 2025 holiday season, the City of Salem has temporarily suspended paid on-street parking in the Downtown Parking District on Sat., Dec. 13 and Sat., Dec. 20, 2025. This suspension will be in effect at on-street parking meters from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., supporting local businesses and encouraging community engagement during this special season. Free parking is also available in downtown parkades. Visit downtown Salem this holiday season to shop, dine and play!


"We are excited to announce free parking for the next two Saturdays. We are grateful that our parking meter programmers were able to do some holiday magic just in time to give Salem a gift. Free downtown parking this Saturday and next Saturday,” said Kristin Retherford, Salem Community Planning and Development Director.

 

Downtown Salem is a vibrant destination filled with unique shops, restaurants, entertainment venues and scenic walking and biking trails. Whether you're exploring on foot or by bike, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For more information about things to do in Salem, go to https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/things-to-do.

 

Information about parking in Salem is available at www.cityofsalem.net/parking.

 

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Attached Media Files: SalemFreeParking_Dec13and20.png,

Holiday Surprise: Free Parking In Downtown Salem Dec. 13 And 20 (Photo) - 12/13/25

  • Free on-street parking downtown from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 13 and Dec. 20, 2025

 

Salem, Ore. – In celebration of the 2025 holiday season, the City of Salem has temporarily suspended paid on-street parking in the Downtown Parking District on Sat., Dec. 13 and Sat., Dec. 20, 2025. This suspension will be in effect at on-street parking meters from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., supporting local businesses and encouraging community engagement during this special season. Free parking is also available in downtown parkades. Visit downtown Salem this holiday season to shop, dine and play!


"We are excited to announce free parking for the next two Saturdays. We are grateful that our parking meter programmers were able to do some holiday magic just in time to give Salem a gift. Free downtown parking this Saturday and next Saturday,” said Kristin Retherford, Salem Community Planning and Development Director.

 

Downtown Salem is a vibrant destination filled with unique shops, restaurants, entertainment venues and scenic walking and biking trails. Whether you're exploring on foot or by bike, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For more information about things to do in Salem, go to https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/things-to-do.

 

Information about parking in Salem is available at www.cityofsalem.net/parking.

 

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Attached Media Files: SalemFreeParking_Dec13and20.png,

Parking Lot Closed At Woodmansee Park Due To Expected Flooding - 12/08/25

Salem, Ore. – Heavy rainfall is expected in the Willamette Valley over the next few days, so the City of Salem is closing Parking Lot 3 at Woodmansee Park. This is the lot closest to the playground.

 

Updated weather models show that Parking Lot 3 could be under water tonight through Wednesday.

 

A flood watch remains in effect from the National Weather Service.

 

Rainfall probabilities calculated early this morning predict a significant amount of rain for the next 60 hours or so. The most likely rainfall amounts range for 1.75 inches to 2.75 inches.

 

Find more information about flooding online.

 

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Parking Lot Closed At Woodmansee Park Due To Expected Flooding - 12/08/25

Salem, Ore. – Heavy rainfall is expected in the Willamette Valley over the next few days, so the City of Salem is closing Parking Lot 3 at Woodmansee Park. This is the lot closest to the playground.

 

Updated weather models show that Parking Lot 3 could be under water tonight through Wednesday.

 

A flood watch remains in effect from the National Weather Service.

 

Rainfall probabilities calculated early this morning predict a significant amount of rain for the next 60 hours or so. The most likely rainfall amounts range for 1.75 inches to 2.75 inches.

 

Find more information about flooding online.

 

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Some Downtown Streets To Be Closed Nov. 28 For Holiday Parade (Photo) - 11/26/25

SALEM, Ore. — Several road closures are planned in downtown Salem Nov. 28 for the fourth annual Downtown Salem holiday parade. The parade, hosted by the Salem Main Street Association, will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Capitol Street NE and Court Street NE.

 

Several blocks of downtown Salem, including Court Street NE, High Street NE, State Street and Liberty Street NE, will be impacted by the event.

 

To accommodate the parade, road closures will begin at 3 p.m. and are expected to remain in place until the event has ended. Please plan for increased traffic and consider alternate routes during the evening hours.

 

The parade will begin on Court Street NE east of the Oregon State Capitol, continuing west to High Street NE, heading south on High Street NE to State Street, west on State Street to Liberty Street NE, and north on Liberty Street NE ending at Court Street NE.

 

Free parking will be available throughout downtown Salem Nov. 27-30 in celebration of Small Business Saturday and the kickoff of the 2025 holiday shopping season.

 

Looking for more holiday fun? Save the date for additional downtown holiday events including the Riverfront Park Holiday Tree Lighting on Dec. 5 at 5:45 p.m. and the Jingle Bell Relay 5K in Riverfront Park on Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Some Downtown Streets To Be Closed Nov. 28 For Holiday Parade (Photo) - 11/26/25

SALEM, Ore. — Several road closures are planned in downtown Salem Nov. 28 for the fourth annual Downtown Salem holiday parade. The parade, hosted by the Salem Main Street Association, will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Capitol Street NE and Court Street NE.

 

Several blocks of downtown Salem, including Court Street NE, High Street NE, State Street and Liberty Street NE, will be impacted by the event.

 

To accommodate the parade, road closures will begin at 3 p.m. and are expected to remain in place until the event has ended. Please plan for increased traffic and consider alternate routes during the evening hours.

 

The parade will begin on Court Street NE east of the Oregon State Capitol, continuing west to High Street NE, heading south on High Street NE to State Street, west on State Street to Liberty Street NE, and north on Liberty Street NE ending at Court Street NE.

 

Free parking will be available throughout downtown Salem Nov. 27-30 in celebration of Small Business Saturday and the kickoff of the 2025 holiday shopping season.

 

Looking for more holiday fun? Save the date for additional downtown holiday events including the Riverfront Park Holiday Tree Lighting on Dec. 5 at 5:45 p.m. and the Jingle Bell Relay 5K in Riverfront Park on Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m.

City Launches Local Bidders Pilot Program - 11/24/25

The City of Salem has implemented a Local Bidders Policy to support and promote businesses within city limits, and is looking for local bidders to sign up.

 

The policy requires City departments to seek quotes from at least one local vendor for purchases under $100,000. For purchases under $5,000, local vendors will be prioritized when prices are comparable.

 

This initiative, which began Nov. 17, is part of a pilot program aimed at strengthening our local economy and ensuring fair access to City procurement opportunities.

The policy will be reviewed in three months to assess its impact and effectiveness.

 

The City is asking local bidders who wish to be considered for the Local Bidders Pilot to fill out the Local Supplier Interest Form .

 

You can also reach the City's Procurement Office at contracts@CityofSalem.net
 

 

City Launches Local Bidders Pilot Program - 11/24/25

The City of Salem has implemented a Local Bidders Policy to support and promote businesses within city limits, and is looking for local bidders to sign up.

 

The policy requires City departments to seek quotes from at least one local vendor for purchases under $100,000. For purchases under $5,000, local vendors will be prioritized when prices are comparable.

 

This initiative, which began Nov. 17, is part of a pilot program aimed at strengthening our local economy and ensuring fair access to City procurement opportunities.

The policy will be reviewed in three months to assess its impact and effectiveness.

 

The City is asking local bidders who wish to be considered for the Local Bidders Pilot to fill out the Local Supplier Interest Form .

 

You can also reach the City's Procurement Office at contracts@CityofSalem.net