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From May through October the Salem Saturday Market, located north of the Capitol, exhibits an emphasis on local products including crafts, baked goods, produce, meat, and other items.[22] In addition to the Saturday Market, there is a Wednesday Farmers' Market hosted downtown in Courthouse Square during the summer, as well a Holiday Gift Market in December. The 60+ year old, indoor Saturday Public Market is open all year round.[23]
The annual World Beat Festival, held in June, is sponsored by the nonprofit Salem Multicultural Institute.[24] The event lasts for two days and is held at the Riverfront Park. It features international crafts, music, dance, food, and folklore from every continent, and in recent years has held a Dragon Boat race similar to the ones held during the nearby Rose Festival in Portland[citation needed].
The Salem Art Association sponsors the annual Salem Art Fair and Fesitval, which takes place at Bush's Pasture Park during the summer.[25] Its displays, interactive exhibits, food, and performances attract thousands of visitors each year, making it the largest juried art festival of its kind in the state[citation needed].
The Bite of Salem, held in July at the Riverfront Park, is an event similar to others such as the Bite of Oregon in Portland. The event consists of a weekend of local restaurants in Salem offering samples of their menus to patrons in a festival atmosphere, with live entertainment and benefiting local charities. In the summer, Chef's Nite Out is a wine and food benefit held for Marion-Polk Food Share.[26] Oregon Wine & Food Festival takes place at that state's fairgrounds in January.
The largest event in Salem is the Oregon State Fair at the end of August through Labor Day. Located in the Oregon State Fairgrounds in North Salem, the fair offers exhibits, competitions and carnival rides. Other events such as concerts, horse shows and rodeos take place at the Oregon State Fair and Expo Center throughout the year.[27]
The Mid-Valley Video Festival offers local, national and international independent films in theaters throughout the city.[28] The Salem Film Festival has included feature films that were Oregon premieres.[29]
The Salem Repertory Theatre presents shows at the Reed Opera House.[30] Pentacle Theatre, which features plays and musicals, is located in West Salem.[31] The Elsinore Theatre is a historic landmark featuring recitals, concerts, films, and plays. Grand Theater is undergoing renovation and has hosted the Salem Progressive Film Series and other shows.
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