Events in Marion County today

A book club discussion for teens focuses on The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly, a selection from the 2026 to 2027 Oregon Battle of the Books list for grades 6 to 8. It is free, and snacks are provided. Participants should read the book beforehand, and copies are available while supplies last at the Teen Services Desk at the Main Library. Conversation will center on the book and its content, not on practicing OBOB questions. Participation in OBOB or placement on an OBOB team is not required. Oregon Battle of the Books is an annual program in which students in grades 3 to 12 read from a curated list and then compete in fast paced trivia style matches. This event is presented in English. To request language or ASL interpretation, contact 503-588-6315 or library@cityofsalem.net at least two business days in advance. Registration is encouraged.

The Left It In The River Tour brings Jamie MacDonald with Joe L Barnes to the Elsinore Theatre in Salem, OR. Jamie MacDonald, a chart-topping singer-songwriter who has toured with Chris Tomlin and Benjamin William Hastings, presents a full concert featuring favorites such as Desperate, Left It In The River, My Family, and more. A VIP experience is scheduled before general doors, and the schedule may change. Tickets are available through the official ticketing outlet. Third party resale is not permitted on the event page, and purchases from unofficial sellers are not guaranteed and may limit access to updates or assistance.

The fondue event returns with two seating options to choose from. Tickets are available.

Champions at the YMCA offers a welcoming teen night in Salem for ages 13 to 18 at the Downtown Salem YMCA. The program features rotating games and activities such as swimming, workouts, and video games, along with one-on-one mentoring and genuine peer support. Free snacks and drinks are provided. Participants can explore job internship opportunities with the YMCA, and the environment centers on honesty, respect, and loyalty. Wearing comfortable workout clothes and sneakers is encouraged. A complimentary YMCA membership is available, and Champions leaders can share how it works.

A convenient flu vaccination clinic welcomes families for a quick in-and-out visit to receive a flu shot. It is open to everyone, and walk-ins are accepted.

Athletic Edge's Spooktacular Adventure offers a family-friendly Halloween experience where costumes are encouraged and playful spooky vibes set the tone. Each session includes a themed snack for young children, and additional food and beverages can be purchased from the venue’s restaurant and cafe. Parents will also find specialty adult drinks available for a relaxed break. Admission is $20 for attendees who are walking through age 15, and ages 16 and up are free. Multiple sessions are scheduled to help fit a variety of plans.

Led by instructor William Reichle, this introductory stained glass assembly class also covers color theory. Across five hours, participants learn the Tiffany-style foiling method, receive guided practice with soldering, discover how to frame using lead came, and finish by cleaning and polishing their piece. Everyone builds from a pre-cut, pre-ground glass kit that matches the design shown, and all materials are provided. The session begins with safety guidelines for working with stained glass and a brief orientation to the tools and supplies before the hands-on portion starts.

An indoor marketplace at Wavra Farms and Nursery brings together many sellers from the area under one roof. It is part of a market season that takes place every Saturday from October through March. Browse a variety of offerings and show support for vendors from the community.

The Salem Wedding Show brings local wedding professionals together in the Jackman Long Building at the Oregon State Fair & Expo Center in Salem. Explore options for photographers, florists, venue coordinators, caterers, DJs, and more in one convenient place. Compare services, gather inspiration, and have real conversations with the people who can bring your plans to life. General admission includes free parking. VIP admission adds early access, a VIP swag bag, a bride-to-be sash, a gift card for two free wedding bands from JVL Jewelry, and an entry in a $500 Alaska Airlines gift card drawing, plus free parking. Couples who sign a contract and make a deposit with any vendor at the show can enter to receive 10 percent of their contract amount back, up to $250, with four couples selected each show.

This Halloween trunk or treat offers decked-out cars, creative costumes, candy for kids, and a festive community atmosphere. Coastal Farm & Ranch teams up with Toxic Mopar to fill the parking lot with eye-catching trunks and plenty of seasonal spirit, creating a memorable experience for families.

A Death Cafe offers an open conversation about death in a relaxed setting. Participants, often meeting for the first time, share tea and something sweet while talking candidly about mortality. There is no agenda or preset theme, and no one is pressured to speak. The purpose is to build comfort and awareness around the end of life so people can consider how to make the most of the time they have. This session is facilitated by end of life doula Lucia LaNasa and is presented in conjunction with What Remains, an exhibit focused on death and mourning traditions. It lasts two hours. Tea and treats are provided, and attendance is free. Please note that this is a discussion gathering, not counseling or a grief support service. Attendees may arrive just as they are and bring their curiosity.

Neighbors gather in Highland for a peaceful walk that raises awareness about community violence and encourages connection. The walk begins at River Road Park, creating space for families, friends, and neighbors to move together in a spirit of unity. Open to all, this community-focused event centers on strengthening relationships and building a safer, more connected Highland.

An after-hours Samhain themed evening at Pixie Nook offers candlelit browsing, the scent of autumn, and space for quiet reflection as the season turns toward winter. Attendees can assemble a small Samhain spell jar, listen to music inspired by the holiday, and enjoy light refreshments while discovering intriguing items. Wildflower Henna will provide henna designs by donation throughout the evening. No tickets or reservations are required, and the focus is on cozy ambiance, gentle enchantment, and small surprises.

The 5th Annual Masquerade Ball arrives in Salem, OR as an in-person celebration organized by Quantum Light Annex. Look forward to an evening of mystery, music, and glamour. Attendees are encouraged to wear eye-catching masks and elegant attire, then enjoy hours of dancing with both familiar faces and new connections. The night features exciting surprises, delicious treats, and an upbeat atmosphere that sets the stage for lasting memories.

Expect a lively evening at the Half Penny that invites dancing, with Austin Church on drums. Brian Williams and Michael Contour make their debut at the Half Penny, adding fresh energy to the performance.

At Fork Forty Food Hall, a relaxed market features a curated group of local artists alongside live storytelling and poetry readings. Browse creative work and stay for spoken word performances.

At Salem Gymnastics Center, families can enjoy a Trunk-or-Treat with decorated trunks to visit, candy and treats, music, and face painting. Costumes are encouraged. Entry to Trunk-or-Treat is free and open to families. Sweet Ice Co. will be on site. A separate Halloween Open Gym is currently sold out, with possible walk-in admission on a first come, first served basis if openings appear due to no-shows. If space becomes available, Open Gym is $5 per child at the door. The lot directly in front of the entrance will serve as the Trunk-or-Treat area and will be closed to regular parking, and parking is available around the surrounding building.

Celebrate The Hot Loft with a ribbon cutting that marks its first anniversary. Connect with the team, recognize the milestone, and show support for a valued community resource. The gathering is open to everyone.

Marking the start of the Día de los Muertos season, when families welcome back departed loved ones, this gathering centers on a community ofrenda rooted in Michoacán and Purépecha traditions. Created by Lady Luna, Sanadora for What Remains, an exhibit that explores how cultures worldwide honor their dead, the altar is presented with insight into its symbolism and customs. Participants may bring a photo, a name, or a small memento of someone who has died to place on the ofrenda among marigolds, candles, and other offerings that help guide spirits home. Copies of photographs are recommended rather than originals. Light refreshments, including pan de muerto, will be served. This free community event offers a shared space to honor those who came before and to celebrate love that endures.

Prepare for your first pool training by attending the orientation for the PADI Open Water Diver course. The session takes place at Salem Scuba in the exterior classroom, the small red building beside the shop. Instructors will outline how the pool sessions work, what to expect during the open water weekend, and will answer questions. After the overview, the group will visit the rental area so everyone can be fitted with gear for the pool. This orientation is an essential part of the course. It also provides a chance to meet fellow students and the PADI Professionals who will support your certification goals, so please plan to attend.

At Salem Cinema in Salem, OR, follow Alex Browning as a planned flight to Paris turns into a deadly twist of fate. After a startling vision of the jet breaking apart just after takeoff, he urges passengers to deplane, and eight people including Alex are removed. They then witness the aircraft explode shortly after departure. Their escape proves temporary, as the survivors discover that fate still closes in and they begin to die, one after another, at the hands of an unseen force.

Latin rhythms fill Honky Tonk Bar & Grill during a welcoming dance night presented by Salem Salseros and Bachateros. The evening opens with a Latin dance class, then shifts into social dancing with a mix of Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, and other styles. Beginners and experienced dancers are all welcome, with a friendly crowd and lively music creating an easy place to learn steps, practice, and connect on the dance floor.