Happy Friday, Salem. Hope you had a good Thanksgiving! In today’s edition: Holiday parade, Magic at the Mill, the Nutcracker, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Support for Salem suppliers: Salem launched a Local Bidders Pilot requiring one local quote under $100,000 and prioritizing locals for purchases under $5,000 when prices match. The policy will be reviewed in three months — see how to sign up.

Perks from independent businesses: Small Business Saturday in Oregon is Nov. 29. Salem shops including Book Bin, Creativitee, and Bigwig Donuts offer specials with a shop local card, from discounts to gift cards — see participating stores and deals.

Route, detours and events: Downtown Salem streets close Nov. 28 for the fourth annual holiday parade, starting at 5:30 p.m. Closures begin at 3 p.m., with free parking available downtown Nov. 27 to 30 — see route, closures and parking.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Scams are rampant: Last week, my step-dad got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Annual plans are 55% off until Sunday — check it out here.

Highlights this week

• Celebrate freedom while raising funds
• Shop from 150+ local makers
• Explore Silverton’s award-winning Christmas Market
• Eat pancakes with the Grinch
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals
• Pet parents: Don’t miss Chewy’s Black Friday sale

🫶 We got your back

An evening of sparkle: Parks and Recreation will kick off the Riverfront Holiday Lights on December 5 from 5:45 to 8 p.m. at Riverfront Park. Expect visits with Santa, carriage rides, and more festive fun. A cozy start to the season for the whole family. Get all the event details.

Help shape Salem parking: Got thoughts on downtown parking? Salem is asking for feedback. A short survey is open now through January 2, 2026 to better understand how the downtown parking system is used. Share your experience and help guide future improvements. Share feedback in the survey.

Time to flip some wax: Salem’s Harvest Music keeps the flip-game strong with bins that reward a slow dig. Expect familiar staples, oddball finds, and that satisfying feeling of leaving with exactly what you didn’t know you needed… a solid weekend errand when your speakers need fresh fuel.

Health drinks that don’t taste like grass: With tasty tea and matcha blends for everything from recovery and radiant skin to energy without the crash, a metabolism boost, and immune support, everything in Pique’s lineup tastes as good as it makes you feel. They’re clean, there are no additives, and all new monthly subscriptions are 20% off for liferight now. Yup… literally forever (or until you cancel).

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

✨ Magic at the Mill @ Willamette Heritage Center | Friday (11/28) at 5:30pm – The old mill lights up again with twinkly paths, a cozy night market, live entertainment, and old-school craft demos. Bring the kids, or your inner child, and yes, Santa still works nights. Tickets are limited, so buy ahead and save.

🩰 World Ballet Company: Nutcracker @ The Elsinore Theatre | Friday (11/28) at 7:00pm – Swap mall chaos for Tchaikovsky at the Elsinore, where World Ballet Company’s Nutcracker brings 40 pros, 150 gleaming costumes, and lavish sets to life. It’s the Christmas classic that actually holds up, kids behave, grandparents swoon, and everyone leaves humming.

This weekend

🛒 Indoor Winter Market @ Wavra Farms and Nursery | Saturday (11/29) at 10:00am – Cozy greenhouse vibes meet small-business charm at this weekly winter market. Browse everything from pastries and mushrooms to woodcrafts, soaps, hot sauce, honey, and more — with new vendors rotating in each week. It’s dry, warm, accessible, and even dog-friendly (short leashes only, please).

🐾 Pet Photos with Santa @ Nature’s Pet | Saturday (11/29) at 11:00am – Nothing says holiday spirit like your dog tolerating a Santa hat for a $10 photo, with proceeds to Operation D.O.G. Walk in on one of two Saturdays, leash up your friendly pup, and secure the mantelpiece shot your kids will roll their eyes at.

🎶 Caroling @ Willamette Heritage Center | Saturday (11/29) at 6:15pm – Think you know the holiday tunes? Join the Edwardian Society for caroling at the Willamette Heritage Center, part of Magic at the Mill. They bring song sheets, you bring a warm coat, mostly secular cheer, and your best attempt at Edwardian flair.

🐾 Santa Paws @ Rogue Salem Public House | Sunday (11/30) at 12:00pm – Bring the pup to Rogue’s new Salem Public House for Santa Paws, a photo-op circus minus the stress, plus beer. Snap pics with whoever you like, snag early squeaky swag and cozy dog gear, and support Project POOCH, because good dogs deserve it.

🎭 Mrs. Warren’s Profession – National Theatre Live @ Salem Cinema | Sunday (11/30) at 1:00pm – National Theatre Live is serving us Shaw with extra spice, as Imelda Staunton teams up with her real-life daughter Bessie Carter in Mrs. Warren’s Profession, filmed live from the West End. Think mother-daughter fireworks, morality vs independence, and sharp British wit. No passport, no pretense.

🎨 Paint and Sip @ Parallel 45 Brewing | Sunday (11/30) at 5:30pm – Grab a pint, a paintbrush, and your “I swear I’m artsy” attitude for a relaxed, creativity-fueled night out. Whether your masterpiece ends up fridge-worthy or “mysterious,” the drinks will keep things fun. It’s the perfect Sunday reset with good vibes and even better beer.

Next week

🖌️ Paint Night @ The Pink Elephant Tavern | Tuesday (12/2) at 6:00pm – The Pink is going full cozy mode with a wintery paint night that’s basically adult arts-and-crafts with better drinks. You’ll be guided through the cutest seasonal scene while sipping something strong enough to boost your “artist confidence.” It’s 21+, festive, and the perfect excuse to hide from the cold with a paintbrush in hand.

👠 A Drag Queen Christmas @ Elsinore Theatre | Tuesday (12/2) at 7:30pm – Holiday sparkle calls for sequins, sass, and the longest-running drag tour in America, hosted by Nina West. Expect Lexi, Shea Coulee, Jewels Sparkles, Crystal Methyd, Suzie Toot, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Bosco, and Lydia B. Kollins. Intermission for a refill, 18+ welcome, lashes up.

🦀 Cocaine Crabs from Outer Space @ Salem Cinema | Tuesday (12/2) at 8:30pm – Clear your evening and lean into the chaos with a one-night-only, campy creature feature from Salem filmmaker Chuck Magee. Expect coked-up space crabs, some wildly unprepared college kids, and a detective who smells something fishy, all for nine bucks, and all benefiting Tips for Tots.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 11/28 Grand Opening @ Buckendorf Family Tree Farm – 9 am
• 11/28 The Nutcracker @ The Elsinore Theatre – 7 pm
• 11/29 Caroling @ Willamette Heritage Center – 6:15 pm
• 11/29 Garcia Birthday Band @ The Grand Theatre – 8 pm
• 11/30 Jessica’s Jam Music @ Cortell Collection Wines – 6 pm
• 12/2 A Drag Queen Christmas @ The Elsinore Theatre – 7:30 pm
• 12/3 O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy @ The Elsinore Theatre – 7:30 pm