Events in Salem, OR

Put your knowledge to the test at a Salem trivia night with a chance to be immortalized on the Knowledge Cup trophy. A full bar and fourteen food carts are on site to keep the brainpower firing. The atmosphere is family friendly, and results are posted on the trivia board for well-earned bragging rights.

Explore a mini farmers market set on the grass with farm-fresh produce, bakery favorites, art and craft items, and hot dishes. It offers an easy way to pick up groceries, enjoy something warm, and browse creative goods in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Enjoy a complimentary meal while learning about Liberty House and practical ways to help it reach more children in the region. Participation is available as a Table Captain or as an individual guest. Proceeds from the event benefit Liberty House, the Children’s Advocacy Center for Marion and Polk counties, which offers compassionate, child-friendly care for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Support raised helps provide essential medical exams, child-centered interviews, and vital services for children and their families.

These monthly circles create a calm, welcoming environment for people processing pregnancy loss, stillbirth, infant loss, or TFMR. Whether the loss happened recently or long ago, every story is honored with care. The gathering is facilitated by doulas who bring their own lived experience, and may include gentle practices such as meditation, simple ritual, and brief readings. Speaking is never required, so you can participate in whatever way feels right for you. There is no fee to attend.

Every Friday brings end-of-week specials: buy one sandwich and get the second for half price, ideal for sharing with a friend or saving for later. Pair it with $10 Long Islands to wash away the week’s blues.

Champions at the Downtown Salem YMCA welcomes teens ages 13 to 18 for a high-energy gathering that blends fun with personal growth. Expect games and activities such as swimming, fitness, and video games, plus personal mentoring and genuine peer support. Complimentary snacks and beverages are provided. Participants can also explore YMCA job internship opportunities. The atmosphere is friendly and values-driven, with honesty, respect, and loyalty at the core. Wear comfortable athletic clothing and sneakers. A free YMCA membership is available, and details can be obtained from a Champions leader.

Explore more than 150 vendors showcasing handmade, handcrafted, and homegrown goods. Enjoy the fresh bounty and local products from the Mid-Willamette Valley.

Enjoy pirate themed fun with complimentary activities for everyone. For part of the event, visitors can enhance a carousel visit with Patch's Pass for $15. The pass includes three rides, popcorn, a craft activity, and a goody bag filled with a pirate hat, an eye patch, and a toy sword. Quantities are limited and passes are sold only on the day of the event in the Gift Gallery while supplies last. Presented with support from Ezee Fiber Salem.

Salem Capital Pride presents Pride in the Park, an annual celebration for Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley that honors the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Expect more than 200 booths featuring handmade goods from queer vendors along with free resources and services for everyone. The day includes continuous live performances, a range of food trucks, and activities for all ages. The gathering takes place at Riverfront Park. Those interested in participating can find application information through the Salem Capital Pride website.

Build your Latin dance skills with a structured sequence of classes that cover multiple styles and levels. The lineup begins with a fundamentals session for beginners, continues with a bachata lesson, moves into an intermediate salsa class, and concludes with team practice. The format allows dancers to focus on the segment that matches their experience or follow the full progression from basics to practice.

This educational gathering welcomes everyone, with a special focus on parents, friends, and family of LGBTQ+ individuals. It centers on learning how to be a stronger ally, offering a guided topic for conversation along with helpful resources to take away. Participants are encouraged to share topics they would like to learn more about for future discussions. Organizers aim to foster respect and understanding, and they note that this is a learning space where people are at different points in their journeys, so certain subjects or conversations may feel difficult or triggering for some.

Centered on the Andean principle of Ayni, meaning sacred reciprocity and being in right relationship with oneself and the world, these ceremonies offer practices and offerings that honor life's seasons and cycles while supporting graceful transitions between them. The focus is on releasing what no longer serves, welcoming what is needed to fulfill intentions, and restoring balance and harmony. Through sacred ceremony, the experience encourages being guided by who we are becoming rather than who we have been, aligning with destiny rather than history. Cost is $10.00.

Kick off the roller derby season at the Madhouse with a doubleheader featuring a juniors bout followed by an adults bout. This family friendly event offers food and beverages on site, with adult drinks served by Santiam Brewing and a food truck available. Advance tickets are $12, or $15 at the door, $16 when paying by card. A family pass is $30 in advance and includes two tickets plus all household children under 18, with children 5 and under admitted free; at the door the family pass is $35, or $36 by card. Volunteers are needed and receive free admission; email events@cherrycityrollerderby.com for details. All spectators, volunteers, skaters, and officials must follow the CCRD Code of Conduct and may be asked to leave without refund if they do not. A livestream will be available, and talented skaters will showcase their skills on the track.

Celebrate a milestone as Capaces marks 15 years of work in the movimiento, bringing the community together to uplift voices and stories while advancing its mission to strengthen wellness, capacity, and political consciousness among leaders, organizations, networks, and communities working to eliminate social disparities. Building on last year’s sold out gathering that drew people from across Oregon to share stories, enjoy good food, and live music while raising $50,000, this benefit centers resiliencia and honors our roots. The goal this year is to raise more than $50,000 through sponsorships, community donations, raffles, and an art auction, with every contribution supporting youth, families, and leaders who transform their communities. The celebration takes place at the Chemeketa Eola Event Center. #JuntosSomosCapaces

Next Stop Comedy presents a stand-up showcase at Ratchet Brewery. Each edition features a different lineup of top comedians, including performers with television and podcast credits. The bill changes every time, offering a new mix of acts at each show.

Saturday night trivia at Heroes features a lively team competition for one to ten players, with questions pulled from set categories. A professional host leads the action using the house sound system, nine 55-inch HD TVs, and a 130-inch projection screen for easy viewing. Gift certificate prizes are awarded to first, second, and third place and can be used on a future visit, and strong results can lead to a shot at the Tournament of Champions. Reservations are required and handled on a first come, first served basis. Teams must check in 30 minutes before the start to keep their table. Heroes is located in the southwest corner of the back parking lot next to State Farm and the laundromat.

This free show brings Lip Bomb back to Westside Station in Salem, Oregon. The band leans heavily into 80s favorites while mixing in 90s hits and more, all geared toward the dance floor. Expect high energy rock and pop from artists such as Journey, Pat Benatar, Prince, Blondie, Toto, Men at Work, Bryan Adams, Tom Petty, A-ha, Duran Duran, ABBA, Def Leppard, Queen, No Doubt, Alanis Morissette, INXS, Blink 182, Jimmy Eat World, Fine Young Cannibals, Pearl Jam, 4 Non Blondes, Jane's Addiction, Weezer, The Clash, Green Day, Led Zeppelin, and Ozzy Osbourne. The show features extra kazoo numbers with a standout kazoo player, plus free stickers, magnets, and pins while supplies last. Lip Bomb t-shirts will be available for $20. Westside Station is highlighted as a welcoming live music spot with good food and a great dance floor, and the last appearance drew a strong crowd, so arriving early can help with seating. Lively music and plenty of laughs are part of the plan.

Huckle Buck Highway takes the stage at Half Penny for a live performance. Guests are encouraged to wear shoes suitable for dancing.

Chelsea Wolfe, an American singer and songwriter raised in Northern California, brings a sound that evolves from shadowy gothic rock and folk roots to later explorations of neofolk, electronic textures, and heavy metal intensity. Writing and recording since childhood alongside a country musician father, she drew underground acclaim with early releases The Grime and the Glow and Apokalypsis, followed by albums such as Pain Is Beauty, Abyss, and Hiss Spun. Her music has reached wide audiences through features tied to the Jaguar XE and television series like Game of Thrones, Fear the Walking Dead, and How to Get Away with Murder. The event includes Jonathan Hultén, and VIP options are available.

Now in its 13th year, the Run for Recovery 5K brings people together to honor strength, hope, and the ongoing journey of recovery. Designed for participants of every experience level, it welcomes seasoned runners as well as those tackling their first 5K. This gathering offers a meaningful way to show support for recovery and to stand alongside individuals working toward wellness.

The Carousel hosts a character invasion featuring meet and greets and photo opportunities with characters inspired by a galaxy far, far away. This activity is free. To celebrate back to school, 10-ride passes will be on sale for $15. Presented in partnership with Star Wars Oregon.

Get into the spirit of fall at an autumn market hosted at Hendricks County Fairgrounds, where vintage finds, handmade creations, and boutique selections from small shops come together. Browse cozy seasonal decor, uncover unique gifts, and take in the festive atmosphere with live music, food trucks, and activities for all ages. It is a relaxed outing for friends and families near Indianapolis, and only a couple of vendor spots remain.

Take the stage at RiverCity Rock Star Academy’s Garage Stage for an open mic held on the last Friday of each month. Solo performers, duos, and bands are welcome, with sets that can be acoustic or amplified. The event is free and open to all ages, and walk-up performers can participate without advance sign-up.

STRIDE 5k/10k Run/Walk takes place at Minto-Brown Island Park. It is open to all ages, and strollers and leashed dogs are welcome. Participants can pre-register in person at the Customer Service Center or online. Bibs will be available for pick up at the event.

HOA HOA Day transforms The Reed into a small-scale nod to Forks, creating a Twilight-themed experience. The day begins at the guide center on the main level, where attendees can pick up a visitor guide before exploring participating businesses to collect signatures and special stickers. Browse Twilight-inspired merchandise, enjoy themed food and drinks, and catch movie showings in the Underground. Activities are planned throughout, and a raffle is part of the fun.

Hosted by Austin Rich, this show features Casa Sueño, the trio of mike baggetta, john herndon, and mike watt, with Desperate Strangers and Mini-Mutations also performing. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. All ages are welcome, and a bar is located next door.

The Yard Food Park hosts a night of funky classics mixed with new music, dancing, good food, drinks, and community fun. Attendees can dance, laugh, enjoy refreshments, win prizes, and get schooled in the art of funk.

Enjoy a quiet night on the river under the full moon, centered on calm water and a simple reset. Float, kayak, or paddleboard along an evening route from West Salem toward Keizer Rapids. Launch timing follows sunset and will be posted about a week in advance to ensure a moonlit experience. The stretch from Wallace Marine to Keizer Rapids typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on wind and river flow. The current carries you naturally, so paddling is mostly for steering. Make a ride plan ahead of time.

A spaghetti and salad lunch will be served immediately after the church service. There is no charge for the meal, and guests are encouraged to bring a dessert to donate for an auction that follows lunch. Auction proceeds support the WoW ministry, helping fund fall retreat scholarships and other ministry events. Please provide an RSVP with the number of attendees in advance. Support for the WoW ministry is appreciated.

Experience cozy vibes with a small collection of local artists, plus storytelling and poetry readings that create a warm, creative atmosphere.

Free community self-defense training is offered in two separate sessions, one for kids ages 7 to 14 and one for women ages 14 and older. The classes address what to do if someone tries to cause harm and practical steps to stay safe. Each month the instruction focuses on common assault situations and how to respond effectively. Participants develop safety and awareness skills, build strength and confidence, and practice straightforward techniques in a hands-on setting. The program is designed for beginners and no uniform is required. It is a drop in format, and a parent or legal guardian must have a signed waiver on file before children can take part.

More than 200 animal lovers come together for an 80s-themed Paws & Purrsonality gala featuring a large silent auction, a live auction, games, prizes, dinner, a hosted bar, and the Dessert Dash. This event is for adults 21 and older.

AudioFlex returns to The Half Penny with an energetic dance party built around rock and metal favorites from the 80s through today. The setlist spans Scorpions, Guns N' Roses, Van Halen, Heart, Pat Benatar, Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, and more. Pair the live music with food and drinks while the band keeps the crowd moving.

Learn to interpret a dog's subtle signals, from ear position and tail motion to where the eyes are focused. This learning experience centers on strengthening the bond between people and their dogs by identifying root causes of behavior, addressing challenges thoughtfully, and lowering the risk of future trauma. Guidance highlights selecting training methods that get results without causing lasting emotional harm. Instruction takes place in a personal setting with fellow dog lovers. The cost is $750 per person, with a $150 rate for an additional person.

Connect with a compassionate community that understands, find reassurance that you are not alone, and make a difference together during this noncompetitive walk. Routes typically span one to three miles. Specifics for the Salem Oregon Walk, including the route, will be shared closer to the day. The program features an opening ceremony, activities focused on hope and healing, resource tables, and free honor beads for every participant. Those who register will receive important updates from the local organizers.

Cozy Comedy presents Gary Gulman live at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre and Event Center as part of The Grandiloquent Tour. With more than three decades in stand-up and roots in Boston, he draws on a background that includes time as a scholarship college football player, an accountant, and a high school teacher, and he has made numerous television appearances as both a comedian and an actor. His five television specials include the HBO Max sets Born On 3rd Base, exploring the wealth gap, and The Great Depresh, a candid look at mental health. Gulman recently completed a five week sold out off-Broadway run of his one man show Grandiloquent at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, directed by Tony Award winner Moritz von Stuelpnagel and produced by Mike & Carlee Productions. Additional credits include the film Joker and the Hulu series Life & Beth with Amy Schumer. He is also the author of Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the '80s, published by Flatiron Books in 2023, a memoir that received praise from Amy Schumer and Adrian Nicole LeBlanc. A widely touring headliner who has sold out theaters across the country, including Carnegie Hall, Gulman brings his meticulous comedic craft to this Grand Theatre appearance.

Family Building Blocks celebrates its Relief Nursery legacy at the Dream Builders Luncheon, bringing together people from across the community, including volunteers, business leaders, and educators, to champion prevention and support local children and families. For more than 29 years, this shared commitment has united the community around prevention-focused care. This year’s luncheon features a special matching opportunity, with the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund matching the first year donations of all new and renewed Dream Builders. The gathering takes place at the Salem Convention Center.

A weekend market in Salem brings together a curated mix of vendors with vintage discoveries, farmhouse and industrial pieces, repurposed and handmade goods, and distinctive home decor. The festive setting features cocktails, food, and live music as shoppers search for unique finds they will not see elsewhere. Recognized by national magazines as one of the top flea markets and traveling markets in the country, including mentions from Romantic Homes, Flea Market Decor, and Flea Market Style. Admission is valid for both days of the event. Ticket sales at the event are by credit or debit only. Children 12 and under are free. The venue charges a $10 parking fee.

An indoor reverse co-ed quads volleyball tournament fills the courts at NPJ Sports Complex with pool play leading into a double-elimination bracket. Teams compete in two divisions, A/AA and B/BB, with a 24-team cap split evenly between them. Pool play uses four-team groups playing a single game to 28 with a 28 cap, or three-team groups playing two games to 21 with a 21 cap, and pool results determine bracket seeding. Bracket play features no point caps, best of three in the winners bracket to 21, 21 and 15, and a single game to 25 in the losers bracket. Prizes are awarded for first and second place, and a costume contest rewards the best dressed team. To register, post that your team would like a spot. Full payment and a complete roster are due by the stated deadline to remain confirmed, otherwise teams move to the interest list. The early bird fee is 150 dollars per team, with a 175 dollar team fee afterward. RC4 indoor rules apply, including a maximum of two men on the court and men attacking from behind the 10 foot line with an upward trajectory if at or in front of the line. Men may block men, including directional blocking, and a fake block on a woman is allowed without contacting the ball above the net. Setting a serve or any first ball is allowed, a block does not count as a touch, a double contact on the first ball over is permitted, and directional sets or blocks over the net are legal. Setting the ball over the net on second or third contact cannot be a double. Open hand tips are allowed with men behind the 10 foot line. Teams must rotate servers but do not need to rotate positions. A net is a net, with women’s hair exempt, rally scoring and let serves are used, and play is on a women’s height net. If a team has more than two women, one must be designated to play as a man for each game and the opponents and director must be notified. Current entries note West Coast Tribe in A/AA along with additional teams to be finalized, and entries in B/BB include Crystal Cook and Anthony Sierra with team details to come. Free agents currently include Alex Carle, Maggie Mink and Rosa VP. For questions, text or call Christy at 541-971-3025.

The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra with Hayden Grove will appear at the Elsinore. Tickets are available for this event.

A Grammy and Emmy nominee, singer-songwriter and composer Ingrid Michaelson brings a soulful folk-pop sound shaped by hits like The Way I Am, Girls Chase Boys, and You and I. She releases music on Cabin 24 Records, the independent label she founded, including her latest studio album, For the Dreamers. Her work spans television, with songs for Little Fires Everywhere and Tiny Beautiful Things, and she served as executive music producer for Apple TV+'s Slumberkins, creating original songs for the series. Her theater credits include an onstage Broadway debut in Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 and a 2024 composing debut with The Notebook, for which she wrote the music and lyrics and co-produced the Grammy nominated Original Broadway Cast Album. VIP package available.

Chart-topping singer-songwriter Jamie MacDonald brings The Left It In The River Tour to Elsinore Theatre in Salem, OR, featuring favorites such as Desperate, Left It In The River, My Family, and more. Following a strong spring run and past tours with artists including Chris Tomlin and Benjamin William Hastings, she presents her own show with a VIP experience before general entry and the main performance. Tickets are on sale. For the protection of ticket buyers and event participants, third party resale is not permitted on TPR. event pages, and purchasing through the official ticketing outlet is recommended since third party purchases are not guaranteed by TPR. and may limit access to updates and assistance.

Plan every detail of the big day in one place at the Jackman Long Building inside the Oregon State Fair & Expo Center in Salem. Meet local photographers, florists, venue coordinators, caterers, DJs, and other wedding pros, all gathered to help bring your vision to life. Explore ideas, compare options, and have real conversations with the people who can make it happen. Free parking is available. Both General Admission and a VIP experience are offered. VIPs enjoy early entry, a swag bag, a bride to be sash, a gift card for two free wedding bands from JVL Jewelry, and one entry into a drawing for a $500 Alaska Airlines gift card, plus free parking. The Signed, Sealed and Rewarded promotion gives anyone who signs a contract and makes a deposit with a vendor at the show a chance to receive 10 percent of the contract value back, up to $250. Four couples win every show.

Leonid & Friends presents a tribute to the music of Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, and more at the Elsinore Theatre in Salem, OR. Seating is reserved and the event welcomes all ages. A limited VIP Meet and Greet is offered shortly after the concert for wristband holders, who will have the chance to meet the band, take a group photo, talk with members, and get merchandise or memorabilia signed.

The Fab Four bring a Beatles tribute to the Elsinore Theatre in Salem, highlighting songs from A Hard Day's Night. This all ages event offers reserved seating. Ticket sales are open.

Put a sparkle on your stride at a lighthearted community 5K that takes a stand against human trafficking by encouraging participants to run in formalwear. Dresses, tuxedos, bow ties, top hats, and tiaras turn the course into a runway with purpose, and all proceeds support Safety Compass, a local organization providing free and confidential advocacy for sex trafficking survivors in Oregon’s mid Willamette Valley. The event is available both in person and virtually. On site, activities center at West Coast Strength with a route that features River Front Park, while virtual participants have a two week period to complete their fancy run and send in times and photos from anywhere. Runners can also become fundraisers, setting individual or team goals to amplify their impact. Prizes will highlight top finishers, leading fundraisers, and the most eye catching formal attire.

A guided soul spring cleaning invites participants to turn inward for a purposeful reset. In a safe, sacred setting, the circle centers on releasing stagnant energy and lingering emotions, deepening connection to intuition, and exploring the inner landscape with steady, grounded guidance. Gentle practices open space for mystical insight while maintaining a clinically informed, spiritually attuned approach. The intention is to begin healing, arrive as you are, and leave feeling more whole. The fee is $150 per person, and capacity is intentionally limited.

The World Beat Holiday Market returns to the Spinning Room at Willamette Heritage Center for a festive marketplace. Further event details will be announced soon. Admission is $5, with free entry for kids 12 and younger, active military and veterans, and Oregon Trail cardholders.

At Elsinore Theatre, World Ballet Company brings the classic story of Swan Lake to the stage in a lavish production where destiny and enchantment intersect in a timeless struggle between good and evil. A cast of 50 dancers from around the world performs with more than 150 beautifully sewn costumes and richly detailed, handcrafted sets. Favorite moments are featured throughout, including the delicate Dance of the Little Swans and the Black Swan’s celebrated 32 fouettés, all carried by Tchaikovsky’s soaring score. The performance runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission, and is for ages 5 and over. The company is based in Los Angeles and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, presenting beloved ballets in cities across the country with artists representing over ten nations. To date, the troupe has visited more than 300 cities and performed for over 500,000 audience members, reflecting a commitment to making ballet accessible to all.

All are welcome to explore a festive marketplace inside the Jackman Long Building at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. More than 180 exhibitors will showcase products and services, making it easy to pick out gifts, discover specialty foods and spirits for holiday meals, and learn about local businesses and non-profits. Admission is free, and parking is $10.

The Oregon Quilt Festival is an annual event featuring over 30 vendors and more than 300 quilts on display. A raffle quilt and challenge banners will also be exhibited. This show is held at the Oregon State Fairgrounds and Exposition Center.

This event offers an open studio environment for artists of all disciplines. Individuals can work on their projects in a shared space.