Punx in the Park Youth Rescource Fest September 5th Salem Riverfront

Start: Saturday, September 5, 2026 11:00AM
End: Saturday, September 5, 2026 6:00PM

Punx in the Park is a free youth resource festival and live punk rock show hosted by Punx With Purpose in Salem, Oregon. It was created to give young people a place where they can be themselves, enjoy great music, find real support, and connect with people who genuinely care about what they are going through. The event is especially focused on youth facing homelessness, financial hardship, family struggles, isolation, or difficulty finding help through traditional systems. Punx in the Park brings resources directly to them in an environment that feels welcoming, exciting, and free of judgment. A major part of the event is mentorship. Young people have the opportunity to meet “Elder Punx,” adults with lived experience who have made it through homelessness, addiction, street life, and other serious challenges. These mentors can relate to youth in an honest way and show them that their current situation does not have to define their future. Punx in the Park combines that support with live punk and rock music, youth speakers, free food, clothing, creative activities, community resource booths, giveaways, and plenty of opportunities for self expression. Instead of asking young people to walk into an unfamiliar office and request help, the event creates a fun and comfortable space where conversations and connections can happen naturally. The entire community is welcome, but youth remain at the center of everything. The goal is to make sure every young person who attends feels seen, respected, and valued. The event celebrates individuality and creates a space where people from different backgrounds can come together without fear of being judged for how they look, dress, speak, or identify. Punx in the Park is more than a concert and more than a resource fair. It is a chance to meet young people where they are at and remind them that they matter. It connects them with services they may not have known existed, introduces them to mentors who understand their experiences, and gives them a positive memory built around music, creativity, and community. For sponsors, organizations, and local partners, Punx in the Park offers a meaningful way to support young people and help prevent youth homelessness. Every donation, service, resource booth, meal, and volunteer helps create an event where youth can find practical support while still having an unforgettable day. At its core, Punx in the Park is about showing up for young people. It gives them a place to have fun, express themselves, build relationships, and see that there is a community ready to stand beside them.