Salem families looking for a free day out can head to Riverfront Park on Saturday, Aug. 8, for the annual Riverfront Family Fest, a health and safety resource fair hosted by Family Building Blocks.
The event starts at 10 a.m. and features fire trucks, helicopters, school buses, bubbles and balloons, according to Family Building Blocks' announcement.
Organizers expect more than 4,000 guests.
Family Building Blocks is the Relief Nursery serving Marion and Polk counties, working to prevent child abuse and neglect by partnering with families who have children from prenatal to age five. The nonprofit provides free services including therapeutic classrooms, home visits, food pantries and diaper banks across nine locations in the two counties.
In 2025, the organization served more than 1,600 children and 800 families. Eighty-seven percent of those families live at or below the poverty level, and 69% identify as Latinx or Hispanic. The organization now employs more than 100 staff and draws support from 400 volunteers and 1,700 donors each year.
The nonprofit describes the fest as a safe, fun place for families to spend time together and build relationships with other community members. Founded in 1997, Family Building Blocks reports that 99% of children enrolled in its prevention programs remain living safely with their families, avoiding foster care.
This weekend in Salem
- Friday, Aug. 7: First Friday Art Walk, downtown Salem
- Saturday, Aug. 8: Riverfront Family Fest, 10 a.m. at Riverfront Park (free)
- Saturday, Aug. 8: Englewood Forest Festival celebrating Englewood Park's 100th birthday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1260 19th St. NE
