Planning a trip to Salem during the 2019 Oregon State Fair August 23rd through September 2nd? This time-honored end-of-summer tradition has hosted thousands of visitors from near and far through the years and will once again feature traditional family fun along with an epic concert line-up, entertainment, competitions, exhibits, games, carnival rides, food, and so much more. The Grand Hotel in Salem, located just 10 minutes from the Oregon State Fairgrounds, is the perfect spot for out-of-towners to rest and unwind after a day of non-stop fun at the fair. That is why are now offering guests who are traveling to attend this year's fair a special discounted rate when you book directly with us. To take advantage of the special rate, reservations must be booked either by calling (503) 540-7800, in-person or by booking directly on our website. This offer is not available for reservations booked by a 3rd party site, we apologize for any inconvenience. Each one of our newly-renovated Deluxe Room or Suite at our downtown Salem, Oregon hotel is designed for comfort and features an inviting, classically appointed living area perfect for the whole family to unwind after a day of fun and features a complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet in the morning. No matter where you're traveling from, a trip to the Oregon State Fair is the perfect way to say farewell to summer. Here are some tips to make the experience even better. Tip #1- Save money (and avoid long lines) by buying admission and ride tickets ahead of time. The Oregon State Fair is offering the following pre-sale discounts available through August 22nd! Pre-sale price for Adult Admission (12 and over) is $6. Regularly priced at $8. Pre-sale price for Child Admission (6 through 11) is $5. Regularly priced at $6. Pre-sale and regular price for Senior Admission (65 or better) is $1. Five and younger get in free. Tip #2- Take advantage of the Carnival Ride Wristbands. Carnival Ride Wristbands are good for any one day (until 10:00 pm) of unlimited rides plus, three games and a medium drink. Wristbands are normally priced at $50 per person, but they are on sale now through August 22 for just $37.50 if you purchase them from their website. Tip #3- If you're planning on driving to the fair, bring cash! It's a short ride from The Grand Hotel in Salem and parking is $5 (cash only). Click here for directions. #4- Arrive early. If possible, beat the crowds and arrive when the gates open at 10 a.m. Not only will you beat the heat, but parking will also be easier and the crowds will be much smaller since the concertgoers won't arrive until later in the day. #5 Get the lay of the land before you go. There is a lot to see and do, so it's a good idea to check out the layout of the fair and have a tentative game-plan before you go. This is especially helpful if you're planning to bring small children. The Oregon State Fair is jam-packed with carnival rides, exhibits, games, arts, crafts, fair food, free entertainment, competitions, petting zoo, horses, dog shows, and everything in between! Download a map here. #6 Take advantage of more Discounts and Deals! In addition to saving on regular priced fair admissions through August 22nd, the Oregon State Fair has several deals throughout the eleven days. Friday, August 23rd—Opening Day Admission—$2.00 It's Mattress Firm's Foster Kids Day School Supply Drive. Drop off school supplies at any entrance gate to the fair for benefit foster kids in our area. Monday, August 26th—Kids Day FREE admission for kids 11 and younger. Tuesday, August 27th—Two Dollar Tuesday $2 admission, all day long and carnival rides are just $2. Friday, August 30th—Five Dollar Friday $5 adult admission all day, courtesy of the Oregon Lottery. Monday, September 2nd—Heroes Day—Free Admission for Our Heroes FREE admission for all military veterans, as well as active-duty military and first responders, and their immediate families. Grace Note Promotion—Purchase of concert tickets for the Columbia Bank Concert Series online—which automatically includes one free fair adult admission per VIP concert ticket—you'll be given the opportunity to purchase up to 10 more adult admissions (per VIP ticket transaction) for just $3 each. #7 Catch the night time concerts with major acts like The Beach Boys, REO Speedwagon, The Commodores, Steve Miller Band and more. If the fair festivities weren't enough, just wait until you see the EPIC lineup for their 2019 Columbia Bank Concert Series! Concert goers will be treated to everything from country and rock stars to some of the most iconic bands on the main stage in the evenings. Be sure to get there early! It is free to attend the concert with fair admission but seating is limited to a first-come, first-serve basis. Reserved seating and VIP tickets are available to purchase. Details can be found on the Oregon State Fair website, but here's a quick run-down. Friday, Aug. 23rd- Dustin Lynch @ 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24th- 3 Doors Down @ 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26th- REO Speedwagon @ 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27th - Steve Miller Band, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives @ 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28th- Brett Young @ 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29th- Newsboys with guest Adam Agee @ 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30th- The Commodores @ 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31st- The Beach Boys @ 7 p.m. Monday, Sept 2nd- Legends of Country Rock- performances by Firefall, Pure Prairie League and Poco @ 4 p.m. Tip #8- Find more fun activities all over Oregon's capital city! Looking for more family fun while you're here? Here are some local attractions that will be a hit with the young and the young-at-heart close to The Grand Hotel in Salem. Salem's Riverfront Carousel The Splash pads at Riverfront City Park Bush's Pasture Park Gilbert House Children's Museum Minto-Brown Island Park AMF Firebird Lanes Get Air Salem Silver Falls State Park Enchanted Forest Whatever brings you here, we hope you enjoy your time in Salem and please let us know how we can accommodate you on your trip! For more fun ideas on what to do, eat and ride at the Oregon State Fair, click here.