World Beat 2010 in Salem

Celebrate and learn about the cultural richness of the world, in Oregon's capital city.

Salem World Beat Festival

(SALEM, Ore.) - Held in Salem's Riverfront Park on the banks of the Willamette River, the World Beat Festival is a two-day, non-stop program of international music, dance, song, traditional theater, ethnic foods, hands-on crafts, traditional customs and rituals, and folklore. World Beat celebrates the people and traditions of every continent.

The weekend extravaganza includes three processions and more than 120 performances, demonstrations and workshops, plus a hundred cultural vendors and exhibitors. The 23 acre park is covered with nine performance areas and five World Villages, each with a children’s cultural tent with free activities. The Festival includes the World Beat Dragon Boat Racing on the Willamette River on Sunday. In 2009, an estimated 48,000 people attended during the weekend.

The World Beat Festival is conducted by the Salem Multicultural Institute, an all-volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission of collaborating with public and private organizations to promote harmony and understanding through innovative, educational cultural programs and activities. We create places where ethnic communities can share their cultural heritages.

A $4 per person donation is suggested, and all activities inside the festival are free (except shopping and eating). A portion of the entry donation benefits children’s cultural programs in our community. In 2009, we raised over $5,000 in this way.