Get out, explore and support local! Here’s what’s happening in June (Happy Pride Month!) in Salem, Oregon.

Through June 15

Through June 15, explore the Adelman Peony Gardens’ 500 plus different varieties of peonies on 25 acres. The garden is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more at www.peonyparadise.com.

Starting June 1

“Reading Colors Your World!” The Salem Public Library Summer Reading Clubs kick off June 1. Readers and listeners of all ages — children, teens, and adults — can enjoy reading throughout the summer with the added incentive of prizes and activities that encourage participants to read for enjoyment while exploring a variety of genres. Learn more and sign up here.

Bonnie Hull, “Night Bridge,” Acrylic on canvas. 24” x 24”

June 2 through 26

At Salem on the Edge art gallery this month, you can explore the works of featured artist Bonnie Hull and guest artist Benjamin Mah.

Bonnie Hull’s exhibit is titled “Imaginative Landscape.”

Though I’m not a landscape painter, I am a living, sighted human, and as such “landscape” is inescapable. The definition of landscape includes the phrase “…all the visible features of an area of countryside or land…” but in these paintings I like to find the imaginative features of the land around me. … Painting is a way of seeing, and the business of artists is to translate their own thoughts, ideas and experience into a visual format.

Ben is sharing his black and white photographs of Salem musicians — perfect timing for Make Music Day!

I’ve always been a music nerd. And so as a photographer, this is the perfect marriage of my interests in photography and music. There is something infectious about shooting people doing something they are passionate about. I find that documenting that passion, energy and artistry is inspiring. … I want to showcase and highlight the diverse music scene in Salem. From metal to folk, there is a lot of great local music here. This is only a fraction of the talent that exists in Salem. It’s a thriving and amazing scene – go out and discover it.

The gallery is located at 156 Liberty St NE. Connect online at www.salemontheedge.com

June 3

The Salem Poetry Project continues virtually 7 p.m. June 3 via Zoom with The Peregrine Poets, founded by Salem writers Lois Rosen and Jane Bailey. Each week, the Salem Poetry Project presents a featured reader at 7 p.m. followed by the Infamous Open Mic: 3 poems or five minutes whichever is first. Featured reader begins at 7:00 and the open mic will directly follow. For more information contact Marc Janssen at the Salem Poetry Project Facebook page. Click here to join the Zoom event when time. Meeting ID: 812 2168 1959 — Password: 593077

Image: From a past First Friday Fashions Pop-Up Exhibit at Deepwood Museum

June 4

Deepwood Museum, 1116 Mission St. SE, hosts a First Friday Fashions Pop-Up Exhibit all about weddings 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 4. Peek inside the museum Solarium, off to the side of the front porch, to see a display of wedding items. While the Solarium will remain locked during the exhibit, people can observe through the glass. Please observe social distancing guidelines and limit the front porch to one party at a time. For more information, visit www.deepwoodmuseum.org.

The First Friday Art Walk takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 4, the monthly event encourages people to go downtown and visit a handful of local businesses to view art, shop, snack and more. There is also an opportunity for those who participate to win a raffle by completing a passport. Click here to learn more.

June 4 through 20

Catch the Square Foot Community Art Show in the Concrete Gallery at Art Department, 254 Commercial St NE. All artwork in this non-juried show is 12 inches square. The opening reception will take place 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 4 and the exhibit will continue through the 20th. Learn more at www.artdepartmentsupply.com.

June 5

It’s time to party! Salem’s Riverfront Carousel is celebrating its 20th birthday on Saturday, June 5.. Take in $1 rides, a Carousel time capsule display, activity sheets, and more. Birthday festivities start at 12 p.m. with special guests, meet the Carousel Dreams & Founding Members, complimentary cookies and ice cream (While supplies last. One serving per person.), carving exhibition and Alexander ‘the Master of Marvels’ Magician. There is no cost to attend and no registration is required, but be aware of Covid-19 safety precautions that are in effect. Learn more here.

Check out the Underground, errr…Upperground Market 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 5 at Blast Off Vintage, 860 High St. NE. This parking lot market will feature a variety of unique Salem vendors selling everything from handmade goods to specialty skilled services (like tarot or massage). Get all the details at https://www.facebook.com/blastoffvintage

June 5-6

Stroll through the gardens of the Historic Court-Chemeketa Neighborhood during the Neighborhood Garden Tour June 5 and 6. A fundraiser for Lord & Schryver Conservancy, this family-friendly, self-guided tour features nine neighborhood gardens. Cost is $20 per person for ages 16 and older; free for those younger than 16. To comply with Covid-19 social distancing requirements, there are limited, timed-entry tickets available and there will be no on-site sales. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance here. Note: Garden terrain varies and may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges. Please keep that in mind when planning your visit. Make a picnic of it by purchasing a farm fresh boxed lunch by Minto Growers. Order ahead for $15 and pick up at the event to enjoy on site before or after your tour.

June 5 through 30

Check out the 3rd annual Invitational Photography Show, a non-thematic exhibition of photography ranging from film to digital to collage, at Gallery 444 inside Elsinore Framing & Art Gallery, 444 Ferry St. SE.

June 6

Willamette Humane Society’s 10th Annual WillaMutt Strut. Put on those walking shoes and strut your stuff for shelter pets! This year’s 1K/5K fun run/walk will be virtual, with a live stream event at 3 p.m., and plenty of digital fun and socially-distant festivities to get you moving. To register or get more information, click here.

Starting June 7

Summer classes at the Willamette Art Center start June 7 and run through July 31. Learn about working with clay in a variety of classes from beginning wheel to handbuilding, garden art to sculpture. Click here for more information www.willametteartcenter.com.

June 11-13 and 18-20

Pentacle Theatre returns — virtually — with An Ideal Husband, Oscar Wilde’s political comedy of manners, which has been modernized and reset in present-day Washington, D.C., by director Emily Adela Loberg.

Roberta Chiltern has a successful political career and a happy marriage with her wife, Gertrude. However, all that is threatened when Laura Cheveley shows up with proof of a secret act of political corruption in Roberta’s past. If she does not promise to publicly support a fraudulent pipeline scheme that Laura has invested in, she will reveal her scandalous secret. Unsure of what to do, Roberta turns to her friend, Arden Goring, for help and advice. Arden attempts to sort out her friend’s problems while also navigating a flirtation with Roberta’s sibling, Mabel.

Performances will be live-streamed via Zoom at 7:30 p.m. June 11, 12, 18 and 19 and 2 p.m. June 13 and 20 with an audience talkback after each performance. Patrons can pick what they pay for their tickets from $0 to $100. Those who order tickets will receive a Zoom invitation and link prior to the event.

June 12 through August 28

The Jo Dodge Acting Workshop returns June 12 through August 28 at Pentacle Theatre. The workshop will pick up where it left off in explorations of the human spirit, but new students are welcome. Jo said people new to the class, “can expect to join in sharing the art of community.” Students will participate in improvisation and scene work in a safe, supportive and non-competitive environment. There are two workshop times available, either 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, June 12 through August 28, at Pentacle Theatre’s auditorium, 324 52nd Ave. NW. Cost is $105. Click here to register online. Note: All enrollees must provide proof of vaccination to participate and comply with other COVID protocols established by the theater. Registrants must be 18 years of age or older.

June 17 through 20

Theatre 33’s 2021 Summer Season kicks off with Russian Troll by Rich Rubin June 17 to 20.

Sasha is a Russian troll. Seriously, it’s his job – and a well-paying one at that. But Sasha’s life is far from simple. His boss, his mother and the woman he loves are all unhappy with him, and the foreign candidate he’s supposed to trash is far ahead in the polls. With things so messy, how will Sasha ever achieve his life-long dream – moving to America?

Theatre 33, in residence at Willamette University, is a new play development company that helps Oregon/NW playwrights develop their new scripts from an initial workshop performance to a world premiere full production. Play readings are performed at the university in the Putnam Studio Theatre located on the second floor of the Pelton Theatre building. Learn more at http://theatre33.org and watch for two more plays in July and August.

Benjamin Mah, “David Fox.” 12.5” x 17.5” Digital photograph. (On display at Salem on the Edge now!)

June 21

It’s Make Music Day! A day of music merriment, Make Music Day Salem aims to engage people with the joyous sense of community that music can foster. The event began in Paris in 1982 and has grown to take an international stage. Local organizers think it is a great way to showcase our city and the many talented and amazing people that make Salem special — and we couldn’t agree more! Watch for music all around Salem and more info coming to Press Play Salem magazine. Learn more at www.makemusicsalem.org

June 25-26

CC:Media is hosting a Podcast Workshop June 25 and 26. This 2-day class is a virtual beginners guide to podcasting designed to take you step-by-step through the entire process, from planning your format, and choosing the right equipment to recording your podcast and uploading episodes for distribution. Instructor Brian Hart is a Co-Host and Producer of the podcast 10 Bestest, a condensed way for you to learn new things to enhance various aspects of your life. Podcasts are more popular than ever and are a great way to capture an audience of engaged listeners. Class takes place virtually from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 25 and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 26. Cost is $50. Learn more at https://www.capitalcommunitymedia.org/training

Also happening…

Every Friday

As part of the Summer Uncorked Lakeside Sessions, take in a night of live music every Friday night at Eola Hills Legacy Estate Vineyard, 1600 Oak Grove Road.

June 4: Kingsley — multi-genre with pop to R&B influences
June 11: Kinky Brothers — neo-soul, R&B, hip-hop and rock
June 18: Dancehall Days — a variety of favorites
June 25: Johnny Franco — Brazilian rock n’ roller

Bring your own chair or blanket and grab a spot on the lawn, or reserve a limited table on the VIP terrace for an additional cost. Tickets are complimentary (although there is a $5 processing fee) and must be reserved in advance due to maximum capacity regulations. There is no guarantee that tickets will be available the same day on-site. VIP tables seat 4 to 6 people (must be 21 or older) and include a bottle of wine for the table, charcuterie and a private terrace bar with wine specials for $200. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. with music from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be rotating food trucks and a wine bar. No outside food or drinks permitted. For more info, click here or call 503-623-2405.

Every Saturday

Cubanisimo Vineyards, 1754 Best Rd NW, hosts live music 1 to 4 p.m. every Saturday. Here’s the upcoming lineup:

June 5: Matthew Price — folk/rock singer/songwriter
June 12: Steve Adams — classic, rock, jazz, classical and nuevo flamenco guitar
June 19: The Ferenjis — neo-soul
June 26: DRTR Band — blues

Every Saturday and Sunday

The Furbish Marketplace, an outdoor night market with food carts, bar carts, specialty vendors, salvage for DIY, outdoor plants, indoor plants, artists, furniture, live music, food by Uncle Troy’s BBQ, and fun for the entire family is running every weekend now through October. Check it out 12 to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 12 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Follow them at www.instagram.com/furbishsalvage/ to stay in the loop.

Yoga

Fill your summer with Yoga. Whether it’s in the Alley outside 1859 Cider Co or before brunch at Lively Station, Yoga & Beer will keep you practicing while also supporting local business. See the full Salem summer lineup here.

The Hallie Ford Museum of Art

Hallie Ford Museum is the only liberal arts college art museum in the Northwest. Timed entry tickets are available and encouraged as the museum is limited to 45 visitors at a time. Reserve your ticket here. Walk-in entry may be accommodated based on availability and capacity.

Current exhibits include:

Dale Chihuly: Cylinders, Macchia, and Venetians from the George R. Stroemple Collection (June 5 through Aug 28)
Gold of the Caliphs: Medieval Islamic Coins from the Gary Leiser Collection of the Hallie Ford Museum of Art (through August 14)
Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts Biennial: Part II (May 8 – August 14)
In Dialogue: Diego Rivera (through March 31, 2022)

The museum is open 12 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Check the website here for the most current updates.

Things to do in June 2021