Salem's Riverfront Carousel

10/22/2026

We will be closing early today, Thurs Oct 22nd, for maintenance. We will reopen for regular business tomorrow (Friday Oct 23rd) through Sun Oct 25th. We will be closed Mon Oct 26th and will resume regular business hours the remainder of next week.

10/08/2026

We had a special visitor today! Deryl Nielsen celebrated his 73rd birthday with us at the Carousel alongside his lovely wife Patricia 🎉🎂🥳🎈🎠 Thanks for coming along for the ride and celebrating your big day with us Deryl!

10/05/2026

RAFFLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!! 🎟️ Enter for your chance to win a VIP package for Santa's Arrival to Salem aboard the Carousel Express Train on the day after Thanksgiving - Friday November 27th.
🎅🏼🚂✨🎠🎄
The winner and their family will arrive at 11:30am and park in a reserved VIP parking spot. They will be greeted by Carousel staff with hot cocoa to enjoy while waiting in anticipation of Santa's arrival. They will be guided to the front of the crowd to be first in greeting Santa as he arrives by train. They will take him by hand and guide him through the crowd up to the carousel building and join him on the first ride of the holiday season. From there, they will have a 10-minute private photo session and visit with Santa and friends. Children in the group will receive a special gift from the jolly ol' elf himself.

Tickets on sale NOW through Nov 1st.
$5 each or 5 for $20.

The winner will be announced on Friday Nov 6th.

10/05/2026

We are hiring! 🎠✨

Our organization is so much more than "just a ride." Between our hand-carved menagerie, vibrant gift shop, and bustling event schedule, we are a hub of imagination for the Salem community and beyond.

📣 WE ARE HIRING: Part-Time Ride Operations Assistant Manager 📣

We are looking for a dedicated individual to join our team! In this role, you will work directly with our visitors, oversee our amazing crew of volunteer operators, and assist with day-to-day operational needs. This is a unique opportunity for those who love working with diverse communities, enjoy staying active, and want to gain meaningful professional experience.

If you are looking for a role that combines fun, leadership, and community impact, we want to hear from you!

For the full job description and to apply, please visit our website

Come be a part of the magic! ✨

10/05/2026

We've been invaded! Well... visited... by some of our dear friends from a galaxy, far far away!! ✨ Huge thanks to our friends Star Wars Oregon for joining us on Sun Sept 20th for free character meet & greets, photo opportunities and fun!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!! 📆 They will be back again for another invasion and FREE holiday crafts on Sat Dec 5th from 11am-1pm!! For all details, check our website https://www.salemcarousel.org/upcomingevents

Here are a few of our favorite photos from their most recent visit.

10/05/2026

SCAROUSEL BASH ACTIVITY PASS PRE-SELL TICKETS ONLY $11 EACH! Order online in advance now through Sun Oct 25th and save! Only $11 each Activity Pass in advance, $12 each at the door.

Go to www.salemcarousel.org/event-list to purchase today! A limited number of passes will be for sale, so secure your spot & save by purchasing in advance.

09/23/2026

It’s that time of year!! 🎃👻🍁🎠
Kick off your trick-or-treating and support a local by starting at our annual SCARE-ousel Bash!

All day 10a-5p guests can enjoy complimentary activity pages, coloring sheets and guessing games.

From 3p-5p we will have candy for trick-or-treaters and a spooky sensory game for free! Upgrade your visit with the Scarousel Activity Pass!

For only $12 you will receive a goodie bag, three Carousel rides, a Halloween craft and a small popcorn.
A limited number of will be sold. Purchase them in advance online from our website starting October 1st or get them at the gift shop the day of the event.

All activities and offerings are while supplies last and our subject to change any time.

Happy Halloween!! 🧡🖤💛 Huge thanks to our event sponsor Ezee Fiber

09/20/2026

Today 1pm-3pm!! Sunday Sept 20th - Our friends from Star Wars Oregon will be invading the Carousel for character meet & greet and photo opportunities! And, from 11a-5p, our 10-ride passes will be on sale for only $15. Come join us!!

09/19/2026

Come check us out tomorrow (Sunday 20th) from 1pm-3pm for our Galactic Takeover! Our friends from Star Wars Oregon will be here for character meet & greets and photo opportunities from 1pm-3pm. And, to celebrate Back to School, our 10-ride passes will be on sale for only $15 all day!

🍂 THIS WEEKEND IN SALEM 🍂

Looking for a reason to get out and explore? Salem and the surrounding area are packed with things to do this weekend!

🍺 Mt. Angel Oktoberfest | Sept. 17–20
Head north for four days of Bavarian fun, live music, food, dancing, b**r gardens and plenty of festive atmosphere.

🎃 Bauman's Harvest Festival | Sept. 19–20
Fall officially starts feeling a little more real at Bauman’s! Enjoy the Harvest Festival with seasonal activities, farm fun and plenty of ways to spend the day outdoors. This weekend is also their Family Rewards Weekend, with $5-off admission.

🌈 Salem Pride in the Park | Saturday, Sept. 19
Spend the day at Riverfront Park celebrating community with live entertainment, vendors, food and activities for all ages. 11 AM–6 PM.

🎭 Cherry City Roller Derby Season Opener | Saturday, Sept. 19
Catch a family-friendly doubleheader at The MadHouse as the new roller derby season gets underway.

✨ Back to School: Galactic Character Invasion | Sunday, Sept. 20
The characters are invading the Salem's Riverfront Carousel! Enjoy free meet-and-greets and photo opportunities from 1–3 PM, plus $15 10-ride passes all day.

Basically.. there’s no shortage of ways to spend the weekend in Salem. 🍁