This year’s World Beat Festival, held at Salem’s Riverfront Park from Friday, June 26, through Sunday, June 28, highlighted the cultures of the Pacific Islands.Despite rainy weather, thousands showed up to enjoy dances, art and food from around the world. Over 400 volunteers, shared their knowle dge through lessons and hands-on activities. Read Salem Reporter’s coverage of the event here. Harpinder Singh, a member of Dasmesh Darbar Sikh Temple, ties a turban on Salem resident Kevin Calvert during the World Beat Festival. Members of the temple have performed this traditional method of turban wrapping for over six years at the festival. (BROOK FERRIS/Salem Reporter) Members of dance group Teva Oriata perform during the World Beat Festival on Saturday, June 27, 2026. (BROOK FERRIS/Salem Reporter) Just below Center Street Bridge, a team approaches the starting line for dragon boat races at the World Beat Festival. (BROOK FERRIS/Salem Reporter) Members of Monmouth Taiko perform the Summer Festival Song at the World Beat Festival. (BROOK FERRIS/Salem Reporter) Members of dance group Sarada Kala Nilayam perform a classic Indian dance called “Bharatanatyam” at the World Beat Festival on June 27, 2026. (BROOK FERRIS/Salem Reporter) Salem New Moon Dance performs during the World Beat Festival. (BROOK FERRIS/Salem Reporter) Volunteers at the World Beat Festival, Julia Taylor (left) and Lana Reyes, assist youth attendees in handmaking Hawaiian leis. (BROOK FERRIS/Salem Reporter) The children’s performance at the World Beat Festival on Saturday, June 27, 2026. (BROOK FERRIS/Salem Reporter) The Willamette Valley Pipes Drums perform “Ode To The Pear” at the World Beat Festival. (BROOK FERRIS/Salem Reporter) Two dragon boat teams compete at the World Beat Festival the morning of Saturday, June 27, 2026. (BROOK FERRIS/Salem Reporter) Culture, community shine at 2026 World Beat Festival despite rainy weather Contact reporter  Brook Ferris: [email protected] UP: “Thank you for your fair, thorough, and fearless reporting.” Subscribing to Salem Reporter helps sustain in-depth, local reporting that Salem depends on. Invest in your community’s news. Subscribe today. The post PHOTO GALLERY: World Beat performers, volunteers bring vibrancy to rainy festival appeared first on Salem Reporter. ...read more read less