Dragon Boat Races 

Experience the cultural richness of the World .....

Held in Salem's beautiful Riverfront Park on the banks of the famous Willamette River, the Salem World Beat Festival is a two-day, non-stop program of international music, dance, food, hands-on crafts and folklore. The Beat is a professional-quality event celebrating the people and traditions of every continent.

Three costumed processions and more than 125 performances, demonstrations and workshops take place throughout the weekend. In addition to cultural exhibits, food, clothing and gift items, each of the festival's five World Villages includes a children's area with free, hands-on cultural crafts.

The Salem World Beat Festival is conducted by the Salem Multicultural Institute, an all-volunteer, non-profit 503(c)(3) organization with the mission of promoting harmony and understanding through innovative, educational cultural programs and activities. (Tax ID #91-1780361)

A $3 per person donation is suggested, and there are many free activities inside the festival. A portion of the proceeds benefit cultural programs for children at  A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village.

World Beat has won several community awards since its inception in 1998 including Cultural Event of the Year from the Salem Convention and Visitor's Association and has recently been named an official Rose Festival Sanctioned Event.

SMI Offices and the World Beat Gallery are located in the Historic Reed Opera House, 189 Liberty Street in downtown Salem.