Carlee WrightHere’s a look at what’s happening this February in Salem…
Through February 21
Pentacle Theatre presents You Can’t Take It With You. Directed by Scott Ramp and featuring a cast of familiar Pentacle favorites, don’t miss your chance to begin the year laughing. Catch the show live on stage through February 21 at Pentacle Theatre. Get your tickets at pentacletheatre.org (and read our Press Play feature story here.)
February 3
Mania: The ABBA Tribute delivers an authentic and unforgettable tribute to the legendary Swedish band that has captured the hearts of fans for generations. Featuring an extraordinary cast of talented musicians and performers, stunning costumes, energetic choreography, and impeccable musicianship, the band performs ABBA’s greatest hits with passion and precision, transporting audiences back to the disco era of the 1970s. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 3 at Elsinore Theatre. Click here for tickets.
First Tuesday of the month means it’s Open Mic in the Ballroom. Musicians, bands, poets…sign up and share your talent. Hosted by Matador Hamilton and Danny Shaw of Giantess. No admission. All ages welcome. Sign up at the door, which opens at 6:30 p.m. With entertainment happening 7 to 10 p.m. February 3 in the Ballroom at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre.
February 5
Salem Reporter will host a Town Hall discussing the crisis around student reading in the Salem-Keizer School District. The event will explore what brought us to this point, what’s being done in local schools, and how the community can help turn this around. at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 at Elsinore Theatre. Click here for free tickets.
February’s First Thursday Contra is one of the best ways to keep your New year’s resolution to move more: dance! Lori Bunyard will call the dances with tunes by Pringle Creek. All dances will be taught and no partner is necessary. Beginner less starts at 6 p.m. with dancing starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb 5 at VFW Hall. $8-15 sliding scale. Cash only.
February 6
Go downtown for the First Friday Art Walk and explore creativity while supporting local businesses.
Salem on the Edge hosts the opening of Erotica: An Exhibition to Arouse, an adults-only community experience featuring a guest performance by The Muse of Melrose from Melrose Pole and Fitness, 5 to 8 p.m. Feb 6 at Salem on the Edge.
Traveling Wheelz offers Skating Lessons, 7 to 8 p.m. Feb 6, followed by Open Skate Red/Pink Night, 8 to 10 p.m. Feb 6 at The Madhouse, 1335 Madison St NE. Tickets are available in advance and highly recommended as they have been selling out lately. Get yours here.
Eagle Eyes – Eagles tribute is ‘THE’ tribute to the legendary California country rock band. Audiences are mesmerized by this group of Vancouver, B.C. musicians’ precise vocal harmonies and service to the smallest of details in performing songs spanning the extensive Eagles’ Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame Career (including a few selections from Eagles’ solo careers!). 7:30 p.m. Feb 6 at Elsinore Theatre. Click here for tickets.
Take in a night of EDM music at Rave River Project PLURR, where you’ll find multiple djs, lasers, and good vibes starting at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb 6 at The BAD Space. For ages 21 and older. Get your tickets in advance here.
February 7
Salem Reads: Natural Cleansers Mixology — Mix up and take home your own environmentally friendly cleaning product along with recipes and resources for more information. Drop in. First-come, first-served while supplies last. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, February 7 in the Collaboration Studio at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE.
Salem Reads: Songs of the Sea by Biddy on the Bench — Portland-based Irish band Biddy on the Bench will perform a set of toe-tapping oceanic tunes. First come, first seated. 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, February 7 in Loucks Auditorium at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE.
McPea Pod Pop Up hosts a Valentine’s Pop Up Market and Community Building Space featuring local businesses, a clothing exchange, interactive activities, and more, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb 7 at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. Free Entry.
Market for the Strange hosts Dark Desires & Twisted Tails — This dark fantasy themed oddities market is full of treasures for those with more peculiar hearts. Listen to excerpts read by local authors, bring a few books home for your reading list, explore dozens of strange creations, and pick up a gift for those special someones in your life. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, February 7 at The Grand.
The 2026 West Salem Jazz Festival, featuring guest artist trumpeter Sean Jones, is happening February 7, at West Salem High School, 1776 Titan Drive NW. Click here for tickets and more info.
The Chili Cook-Off returns. Put your taste buds (and your dollars) to work. Sample a variety of chilis then vote with your dollars to help crown this year’s winner. 4 to 7 p.m. February 7 at Björnson Vineyard. All proceeds go to Marion Polk Food Share. Click here for tickets.
Iron Prophecy brings their 4th Annual Bob Marley Birthday Celebration to Salem for an evening of reggae music, with Bob Marley’s iconic tunes spread out throughout two sets, 6 p.m. February 7 at The Yard Food Park
Salem on the Edge hosts Salem Art After Dark, featuring a shibari performance and wine from Parra Wine Co against the evocative backdrop of the Erotica art show. Click here for tickets.
February 8
The Elsinore Theatre Silent Film Series presents Three Ages (1923). Starring Buster Keaton, Three Ages parodies D.W. Griffith’s Intolerance, tracking a romantic quest across the Stone Age, Ancient Rome, and a modern city. The film features live organ accompaniment by Rick Parks on the Mighty Wurlitzer. 2 p.m. Feb 8 at Elsinore Theatre. Click here for tickets.
Camerata Musica presents Kim-Choi Duo with Searmi Park in a program that features works by Bach, Brahms, and Stravinsky. 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb 8 in Loucks Auditorium at Salem Public Library. Visit cameratamusicasalem.org for more info.
Cherry City Roller Derby hosts Junior Roller Derby Matinee featuring Salem’s Cherry Blossoms against Tacoma, Washington’s Tomorrowland Phenomenauts,11:30 .m. Sunday, February 8 at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. Click here for tickets.
February 9
Take in an evening of feel-good practice with Yoga + Beer, which begins with a 60-minute, all-levels yoga class led by Kristen Aubert, and wraps with a gathering in the taproom for a post-class pint with fellow yogis. Suggested donation of $5-$10 per yogi for practice. 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, February 9, at Santiam Brewing, 2544 19th St SE. Click here to register.
February 10
In connection with D.E. May: Postcards from Islandsalem, there will be a free Gallery talk/walk-through tour led by curator Linda Tesner, 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 10 at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art
Follow Yoga + Beer on Monday with Barre + Beer on Tuesday. Bring a yoga mat, your body weight, and a willingness to move your body in a new way for this full-body, low-impact workout with Brooke set to the beat of music. The movements blend modern ballet conditioning, Pilates, yoga, and low-impact cardio. All-levels and all bodies are welcome. 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 10, at Santiam Brewing, 2544 19th St SE. Suggested donation of $5-$10 per yogi for practice. Click here to registe
February 11
Salem Reads: Yes, Octopuses Are That Cool — Join us in the Anderson Rooms for viewing or connect from home as Kathleen Hackett from the Oregon Coast Aquarium talks about what makes octopuses such unique creatures of the ocean. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 11 on Zoom and in Anderson Rooms A&B at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE. First come, first seated. Advance sign-up is needed to get the Zoom access information.
Reggae Vibes with Tony — 6 to 8 p.m. Feb 11 at The Yard Food Park.
February 12
Salem Reads: Programs for Accessible Learning: Octopuses — Come and have fun exploring octopuses as part of this drop-in adaptive adult program that includes a sensory storytime, puppets, songs, bubbles, snacks, and an activity. PAL is interpreted into American Sign Language. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday, February 12 in Anderson Rooms A&B at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE.
Thirsty Thursday: Elizabeth Leavitt — Catch a solo performance with Elizabeth Leavitt of Roundhouse Band. Her powerful, expressive voice and deep musicianship anchor the Roundhouse sound, which includes folk, blues, southern and classic rock, a cappella, gospel, country, blazing instrumentals and original compositions. 6 to 8 p.m. Feb 12 at Chemeketa Cellars, 215 Doaks Ferry Road NW. All ages welcome.
Vitamin String Quartet: The Music of Billie Eilish, Bridgerton, and Beyond — Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ) is one of the most popular string ensembles in the world. Erasing the boundaries between classical, dance, hip-hop and pop, VSQ performs spellbinding renditions of everything from Billie Eilish to BTS, Taylor Swift to The Weeknd, and Danny Elfman to Daft Punk. Praised by the likes of Buzzfeed, The New York Times, Consequence of Sound, Nerdist and more, VSQ has garnered over 2 billion streams and numerous Billboard chartings since its inception. VSQ can also be heard in numerous hit shows, including Netflix’s Bridgerton, HBO’s Westworld, and ABC’s Modern Family. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb 12 at Elsinore Theatre. Click here for tickets.
Dan Kelly: Anthem Tour — Dan Kelly is best known as the powerhouse frontman of Fortunate Youth, the Southern California rock-reggae band with over 70 million streams and 16 years of nonstop touring. Now, Kelly is taking a new step forward with his solo project, blending the soulful, bluesy, and country roots of his Southern upbringing with the heartfelt energy fans have come to love. Featuring special guests Cas Haley, Kevin Kinsella, John Landry, and Ike Kanakanui, the Anthem Tour is a night of collaboration, groove, and soul you won’t want to miss! 8 p.m. February 12, at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.
February 12 through March 1
Willamette Theatre presents The Glass Door, a reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler for a new audience, exploring the ambitions and struggles of a woman trapped in a society that denies her agency. As she seeks control in a world that resists her, she becomes entangled in a web of intrigue, seduction, and destruction. On stage 7:30 p.m. Feb 12 (preview), 7:30 p.m. Feb 13-14, 18-21, 25-28 and 2 p.m. Feb 15, 21-22 at Willamette University Theatre. Click here for tickets.
February 13
Immerse yourself in Celtic culture at the Second Friday Céilí, featuring live music by Geraldine Murray, Mikey Beglan, and Nancy Conescu, and dances called by Bruce Kenny. No partner or experience needed. With a couple of simple steps (forwards, backwards, and sideways), you can dance any dance. Friday, February 13 at the VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE. Doors open at 7 p.m. with a short lesson at 7:15 p.m. followed by live music and called dances at 8 p.m. Cost is $10 per person.
Nick Offerman, even more hirsute than last time, is back to remind the fans of sawdust what a living, breathing mammal, unsullied by AI, looks like. With songs and notions inspired by his newest book, Little Woodchucks, Nick—with support from woodworker and co-author Lee Buchanan— might just inspire you to get busy making things with your own hands, which is guaranteed to get you kissed. Especially if what you make is sausage rolls. February 13 at the Elsinore Theatre. The 7:30 p.m. show is sold out, but a few tickets remain for 10 p.m. (at least as I write this). Click here for tickets.
Innocent Men – Billy Joel tribute presents the timeless energy, heart, and storytelling of one of music’s greatest songwriters with unmatched authenticity. Vocalist and pianist Kevin Burkhart channels Joel’s signature sound with precision and the group brings every era of a legendary career to life—from the soulful grit of ‘Big Shot’, to Joel’s signature ‘Scenes From An Italian Restaurant’, to the high-octane fun of ‘I Go To Extremes’. The Innocent Men transform every stage into a sing-along spectacle that keeps audiences on their feet; they’re the next best thing to seeing Billy Joel himself. 8 p.m. Feb 13 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.
Roses Are Dead: A Horror Variety Show — Salem Horror Club presents your spooky Friday the 13th date night for Valentine’s weekend. From bloody burlesque to clowns and comedy, it’s sure to be a sexy, horrific evening. 8 p.m. Friday, February 13 at The BAD Space, 2572 19th St SE. Tickets start at $16.50. Click here for tickets.
February 14
Valentine’s Day Drag Brunch — Get your best Judies together to come celebrate LOVE with Salem’s fiercest drag brunch! Hosted by Salem’s incredible hometown queen Lylac, this gorgeous cast will have you head over heels. 12 p.m. Feb 14 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.
Salem Reads: Speed Friending — Making friends as an adult can be tricky. Find people with similar interests through this unique interactive friend “speed-dating” experience. There will be snacks. 2:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, February 14, in Anderson Rooms A&B at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE. First come, first seated.
Taken by the Sky: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac — Taken By The Sky – Fleetwood Mac tribute captures audiences with their authentic performance of the iconic band at the height of their career, representing the music known & loved by millions. The 6-piece from Portland, OR has taken flight with their gorgeous harmonies, unmistakable musicianship and captivating stage show. 7:30 p.m. Feb 14 at Elsinore Theatre. Click here for tickets.
The Rabbit Cellar Lounge is hosting a “No Where to Wear it” party. Ballgown? Sequin bodysuit? Leather? This is the perfect event to wear those unique pieces from your closet that are begging to see the light of day. Dust it off, put it on, show it off. 7 p.m. Feb 14 at The Rabbit Cellar Lounge.
Celebrate Oregon’s Anniversary of Statehood! Oregon became a state on February 14, 1859, and you can celebrate with free cupcakes, music, costumed interpreters, and family-friendly activities. The Oregon State Constitution will also be on display. This event is free and open to the public. Please be aware there is security screening to enter the building. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. February 14, at Oregon State Capitol.
Date Night: A Comedy Dating Show for Couples is a fast-paced, laughter-filled comedy show designed for couples, situationships, best friends, and anyone who just wants to have a great time. Hosted by the quick-witted duo Tina Hogstrom & Dash Thompson, the show blends improv, stand-up comedy, and interactive games that pull the audience into the fun. Bring your date and compete together for prizes, enjoy unpredictable comedy, and make it a night you’ll be laughing about long after the chocolates are gone. Whether it’s your first date or your hundredth, this is the place to celebrate love, laughter, and chaos. 8 p.m. February 14 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.
Winemaker Sweetheart’s Dinner is an intimate evening of fine dining, remarkable wines and unforgettable company, featuring a 5-course Winemaker Dinner by Chef Reyes from Dolce Vita, with each course lovingly prepared to complement one of Coria’s signature wines. Winemaker Aurora Cória will guide you through each sip as it arrives at your table. The evening will also include live music by Mitch Lies. 5:30 p.m. February 14 at Coria Estates. Click here for tickets.
February 14-15
Salem Philharmonia presents Pastoral Tapestries featuring Louise Farrenc – Overture No. 1, Anatol Liadov – Eight Russian Folk Songs, George Butterworth – A Shropshire Lad, and Antonín Dvořák – Symphony No. 7. Arrive early for a preconcert discussion 45 minutes before each concert. 7 p.m. Feb 14 and 2 p.m. Feb 15 at East Salem Community Center, 1850 45th Ave. NE. Click here for tickets.
February 15
Shaun Cassidy: The Road to Us brings a celebrated mix of music and storytelling to the stage, drawing on a career that spans multi-platinum hits, The Hardy Boys Mysteries, and a prolific run as a writer and producer of series such as American Gothic, Cold Case, and New Amsterdam. A charismatic performer with decades of creative reinvention behind him, he delivers an evening filled with songs, stories, and the unexpected turns of a life lived in the spotlight. 7:30 p.m. Feb 15 at Elsinore Theatre. Click here for tickets.
February 18
Salem Reads: Knit-Wits Book Discussion — Bring your knitting or crochet project along for this literary event combining fiber arts with a lively conversation about the ideas and themes in Remarkably Bright Creatures. Non-knitters welcome. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 18 in Anderson Rooms A&B at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE. First come, first seated.
February 19
Salem Reads: Teen Create & Connect: DIY Octopus — Create your own octopus at this monthly teen maker event. Bring a project or use our supplies. All middle and high school-aged youth are welcome. Drop in 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, February 19 in the Teen Scene Room at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE.
Salem Reads: Author Talk featuring Remarkably Bright Creatures author by Shelby Van Pelt in conversation with Carlee Wright, publisher of Press Play Salem. A book signing will follow. 7 p.m. Thursday, February 19 at the Grand Theater, 187 High St NE in Salem. Interpreted into American Sign Language. This is a free event with registration required. Registration is available online through the library’s LibCal event calendar.
February 19-20
World Ballet Company: Cinderella — The beloved fairy tale comes to life in a spectacular Broadway-style production that delights all ages, blending humor, romance, and the timeless majesty of classical ballet. World Ballet Company’s Cinderella features a dazzling cast of 40 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, exquisite hand-crafted sets, and enchanting choreography by Marina Kesler. From the mischievous evil stepsisters to the breathtaking ballroom scenes, every moment is filled with charm, wonder and everything you’ve loved about this story for years. 7 p.m. Feb 19 & 20 at Elsinore Theatre. Click here for tickets.
February 20
Portland Wrestling presents a Showdown in Salem featuring Teal Piper, The Righteous, and Priscilla Kelly. 7:30 p.m. Feb 20 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.
February 21
Yoga + Beer — Take in an all-levels flow class followed by Rhonda Bachmann, followed by a pint with fellow yogis. Suggested donation of $5-$10 per yogi for practice. 11:45 p.m. Saturday, February 21, at Ratchet Brewery, 2475 25th St SE. Click here to register.
Wine & Watercolor “Red Raincoat” — Explore your creative side with an afternoon of watercolor painting led by Elisa Mack. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a complete beginner, this event promises a fun, no-pressure environment to create beautiful watercolor masterpieces while enjoying the finest local wines from the vineyard. All materials and instruction are included in the price of admission. Wine tasting and/or bottles of wine to be purchased separately. 1 to 3 p.m. Feb 21 at Chemeketa Cellars Tasting Room. Click here for tickets.
Salem Reads: Tween Friendship is Magic Party — Youth in grades 3-6 are invited to drop in to celebrate friends and make new friends while sharing fun activities and social time. 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, February 21 in Story Rooms A&B at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE.
Joss Stone: Less is More — Joss Stone is a Grammy and Brit Award-winning artist who released her acclaimed debut album, The Soul Sessions, in 2003, at the age of 16. Over her career, she has released nine studio albums, selling over 15 million copies worldwide. 7:30 p.m. Feb 21 at Elsinore Theatre. Click here for tickets.
Dragtastic! with RiRi Caliente features all the flips and trucks, soulful performances, stunning costumery, and more. It’s a night of joy, humor and glamour. 8 p.m. FEb 21 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.
February 21-22
Willamette Master Chorus presents Carmina Burana by Carl Orff. The Orchestra and Soloists will play with the WMC Elementary School Honor Choir. 3 p.m. Feb 21 and 22 at Smith Auditorium at Willamette University. Click here for tickets.
February 22
Swoon: an Immersive Wedding Show brings together local wedding professionals to create a showcase of inspirational vignettes. Get up close and personal to the design details and see a variety of wedding styles, decor, florals, invitations, beverages, catering, desserts and more. If the wedding vignettes weren’t enough to make you SWOON, there will also be live vendor demos and talks, where local wedding pros share their knowledge and expertise. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb 22 at the Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St SE. Click here to register.
Camerata Musica presents Trio PNW playing works by Haydn, Bach and Ravel, for violin, cello, and piano. 2:30 p.m. Feb 22 in Loucks Auditorium at Salem Public Library. Click here for more info.
February 23
Yoga + Wine — Wine down with a 60-minute indoor yoga practice, then gather for post-class sips with fellow yogis. Suggested donation of $5-$10 per yogi for practice. The tasting room will be open from 5-8 p.m. on class days, serving wine by the glass, beer, cider, and non-alcoholic options, along with truffles from Truffle Shuffle. 6 p.m. Feb 23 at Chemeketa Cellars, 215 Doaks Ferry Road NW. Click here to reserve your spot.
February 25
Sweetly Baked is hosting a Cake Class where you will decorate a rad surfer cake, 6 to 8 p.m. Feb 25 at Tsunami Taproom, 2925 22nd St SE. Hawaiian shirts welcome at this 21 and older event. Click here for tickets.
February 26
Salem City Club: Human-Animal Communication — We’ve all experienced, seen, or heard about people “communicating” with favorite pets, with working animals, with wild animals and even with Giant Pacific octopuses. Emily Plec, Professor of Communication Studies at Western Oregon University, will guide us in an exploration of human-animal communication: what it is, what it is not, and how it can help us better understand ourselves and our place in the natural world. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, February 26 in the Dye House at the Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St. SE. Registration required. To register, visit SalemCityClub.com after February 9.
Wine Appreciation: Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles! Raise a glass and discover the sparkle behind the world’s favorite festive wines. In this lively two-hour class, you’ll taste 8 sparkling wines from a variety of regions—think Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and a few unexpected global gems—while learning what sets each style apart. Perfect for date night, a fun outing with friends, or anyone who loves a little fizz in their glass. Get ready to sip, compare, and find your new favorite bubbles! 6 to 8 p.m. Feb 26 at Chemeketa Cellars, 215 Doaks Ferry Road NW
In connection with D.E. May: Postcards from Islandsalem at Hallie Ford Museum of Art, there will be a Panel Discussion with Dan’s friends moderated by curator Linda Tesner, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb 26 in the Paulus Lecture Hall at Willamette University.
Love on the Rocks takes the classic, high-octane format of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, then adds booze and a heavy dose of Cupid’s arrows. A cast of four quick-witted performers takes the stage equipped with a cocktail (or three). As the night progresses and the drinks go down, the filters come off, and the improv gets increasingly chaotic. 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb 26 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets. (Funds raised support Wandering Players Theatrics)
February 27
Exhibition Game — Salem Capital Kicks off with Black VS White Exhibition on February 27 at the Salem Armory, 2310 17th St NE. Learn more here.
In honor of Black History Month, Sinister and Sweet Productions presents Boogie Wonderland: An All BIPOC Burlesque Tribute to Funk Music. Enjoy dazzling and alluring performances by an all BIPOC cast shaking it to some of the greatest Funk hits from throughout history! Learn about the story of Funk, its origins in Black culture, and the impact it had on the world of music, as well as a little history on the songs our performers dance to. Get down and get up with this fun and sexy educational experience. 8 p.m. Feb 27 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.
February 28
Salem Roadster Show features two buildings full of cars from four states and two provinces. Eight cars will be competing for the 7th annual Emerald Award. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb 28 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 1 in Jackman Long Building and Columbia Hall at Oregon State Fairgrounds. Admission is $15. Age 15 and younger are free. Click here to learn more.
Smokus Pocus brings you a night of magic that’s a little different, as innovative feats of trickery are infused with the world of weed as jars of bud appear, lighters come to life, and bongs bend reality in a show designed to enthrall both the stoned and sober. 8 p.m. Feb 28 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.
Author: Carlee Wright
Carlee Wright is a community instigator with a grand love for Salem and notably fashionable shoes (Hello, John Fluevog!) who turns waste into wearable art in her "spare" time.
