Salem, Oregon

To celebrate 100 years of service, the Rotary Club of Salem led a community effort to construct a new, multi-purpose amphitheater at Salem's Riverfront Park, which opened to the community in 2021.

Having already contributed two Riverfront Park landmarks - the Rotary Pavilion and the Rotary Children's Playground - the new amphitheater is an iconic landmark identifying the region and Riverfront Park as a premier spot in Oregon for fun and entertainment.

Honoring a Legacy

The new amphitheater is named in honor of Gerry Frank for his more than 60 years of Rotary service and a lifetime of service to Oregonians.

Design 

The innovative design is inspired by the open-weave basket pattern of the Native American Kalapuya who lived at the amphitheater site. The design honors the past and points to the future in one of the largest urban parks in the country.

The “basket weave” concept, developed by CB|Two Architects, started with a historical approach, specifically the Kalapuya Native American tribe. The structure takes its form from the open weave baskets of the Kalapuya, whose history and connection to the Riverfront are an integral part of the land and culture that is Salem’s Riverfront Park. This reference to the past adds to the expressive design and significance of the place; it celebrates the future of our community while honoring our past.

This sweeping wood structure creates an iconic design for the Willamette Riverfront, complementing the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge and modern day activities of the area.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Accessible seating is available to all guests. 

Halfway back in the turf seating area there is a 10-foot wide concrete path that forms an arc facing the stage. This path is accessible from either side of the seating area and includes spaces for viewers needing accommodations to stand or sit.

Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater

Riverfront Park
200 Water Street NE
Salem, OR 97301

There is accessible parking in the south parking lot of Riverfront Park. All parking areas are clearly marked.

Nearby parking garages include:

• Chemeketa Parkade
• Liberty Square Parkade
• Pringle Parking

More information on parking in downtown Salem can be found here.

The Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater can be reserved by residents and provide a stunning backdrop to your event.

Click here to learn more about reserving the Amphitheater.

Dimensions 

Deck Dimensions: 60 feet wide and 40 feet deep

Deck Area: 2,400 square feet

This is the minimum area. Rigging points in the structure are provided for the 60' x 40' area but other areas outside of this perimeter could be used for performances, which means the overall useable area could be larger.

Viewing Area

The total area available for viewers is approximately one acre, or 44,000 square feet.

The grass area immediately in front of the stage is relatively flat and makes up about one-third of the total viewing area. Beyond this, the remaining two-thirds of the viewing area consists of an ascending sloped turf.

Interested in sponsoring an event at the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater contact:

Kathleen Swarm
Amphitheater Manager

503-588-6211
kswarm@cityofsalem.net

Those interested in vending opportunities at the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotarty Amphitheater:

First vendors to complete their permit applications and pay the necessary fees will get a spot reserved in the Riverfront Park Vendor Plaza.

Contact Kathleen Swarm to learn more. kswarm@cityofsalem.net

Food Trucks

1. Must have valid and appropriate Marion County Health Department Mobile Food Unit License 
2. Must have valid and appropriate City of Salem Mobile Food Unit license
3. Complete a City of Salem Short-Term Concessionaire Permit Application, listing specific day of service and event information
4. Agree to Vendor Plaza Rules and Regulations
5. Provide Certificate of Insurance according to specific requirements provided in attached example (food and drink vendors only), including listing “the City of Salem, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers as additional insured.” Please send completed application to: City of Salem Recreation Services 555 Liberty Street SE, Room 325 Salem, OR
6. Pay $37 Daily Concessionaire Fee
7. Special Use Area Fee is waived for this event

Temporary Restaurants

1. Must have valid and appropriate Marion County Health Department Temporary Restaurant License
2. All vendors with a tent greater than 400 square feet must complete a Temporary Tent or Canopy Permit
3. Complete a City of Salem Short-Term Concessionaire Permit Application, listing specific day of service and event information.
4. Agree to Vendor Plaza Rules and Regulations
5. Provide Certificate of Insurance according to specific requirements provided in attached example (food and drink vendors only), including listing “the City of Salem, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers as additional insured.” Please send completed application to: City of Salem Recreation Services 555 Liberty Street SE, Room 325 Salem, OR
6. Pay $37 Daily Concessionaire Fee
7. Special Use Area Fee is waived for this event