Here's a look at what's happening this month...
Through April 12
The magic of storytelling takes center stage at Pentacle Theatre this spring with Big Fish, a heartwarming musical that explores the complex, deeply personal relationship between traveling salesman Edward Bloom and his son Will. The show runs through April 12, with a special Children’s Educational Theatre Benefit performance April 2 and a captioned performance on April 5 at Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave NW. For tickets and more information, visit Pentacle Theatre’s box office at 197 Liberty St SE or call 503-485-4300. Tickets are also available online here. Learn more in our Press Play feature story here.
April 1
Downtown Salem’s newest eatery is officially open for business. Adobe Restaurant & Bar will celebrate it’s grand opening 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. From 6 to 8 p.m., enjoy the vibrant sounds of a live mariachi band. And since it’s Taco Tuesday, they are bringing an all-you-can-eat taco special you won’t want to miss! Check them out at 508 State St.
Comedy at Mykies returns with a line up of talent from Eugene including Gene Kailiuli, Jamie Colson, Shant Kazandjian and Jen Jay. Hosted by James Woods, 8:30 p.m. April 1 at Mykie’s Bar & Lounge, 155 Liberty St NE #130.
Salem Cinema presents The Conversation — Remembering Gene Hackman, screenings include a new introduction by Francis Ford Coppola, only available in theaters! Lonely wiretapping expert and devout Catholic Harry Caul (Gene Hackman) is hired to record a seemingly innocuous conversation in San Francisco's Union Square between two lovers. Upon re-hearing the tapes, however, Caul believes he may be putting the couple in danger if he turns the material over to his client (Robert Duvall). But what one hears can ultimately turn out to be quite different from what was actually recorded. 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 1 at Salem Cinema. All seats $11. Click here for tickets.
April 2
Music on the Spectrum: Exploring the Math and Mystery of Autism in the Orchestra happening 6 to 7 p.m. April 2 at Bush Barn Art Center is at capacity. Sorry!
Salem Cinema presents Lost Highway (1997) — From this inventory of imagery, David Lynch fashions two separate but intersecting stories, one about a jazz musician (Bill Pullman), tortured by the notion that his wife is having an affair, who suddenly finds himself accused of her murder. The other is a young mechanic (Balthazar Getty) drawn into a web of deceit by a temptress who is cheating on her gangster boyfriend. These two tales are linked by the fact that the women in both are played by the same actress (Patricia Arquette). 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 2 at Salem Cinema. All seats $9 in advance or $11 day of the event. Click here for tickets.
April 3
There will be an opening reception for "The Silver Lining," a stunning new exhibition by the talented Heidi Preuss Grew, 6 p.m. Thursday, April 3 at Bush Barn Art Center. This collection, which spans the past five years, features works created and gathered during a transformative period in the artist’s life. The artist will speak at 6:30 p.m. and the exhibit will be on display through April 30. Learn more here.
Salem Cinema presents the Coen Brothers’ classic Intolerable Cruelty (2003) — Miles Massey (George Clooney) is an exceptional divorce lawyer who specializes in saving cheating husbands from having to pay expensive settlements. Unchallenged, he wearies of his life – until he meets the cunning Marylin Rexroth (Catherine Zeta-Jones). When Massey's representation of her husband in court denies her any divorce compensation, Marylin vows to get revenge, enlisting the help of an oil baron (Billy Bob Thornton), and the two vie for the advantage in a flirtatious duel of wits. 7 p.m. Thursday, April 3 at Salem Cinema. All seats $9 in advance or $11 day of the event. Click here for tickets.
April 4
The First Friday Art Walk invites the community to enjoy local art, pop-up events, live music, and more as you stroll through downtown Salem from 5 to 8 p.m. on the First Friday of each month during the year.
There’s a new art gallery in town! Stefani Fine Art is a carefully curated space dedicated to the beauty and power of visual storytelling. Founded on a love for fine art and to honor the legacy of owner Christina Stefani‘s late husband, renowned Salem photographer Richard Stefani, the gallery provides a platform for both emerging and established artists, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Stefani Fine Art, 305 Court St NE.
Kick up your heels at Swing Night featuring live music by Smut City Jellyroll Society. There will be a swing dance lesson by Mz Jitterbug at 7 p.m., followed by live swing music at 8. Not a dancer? No problem! Go tap your toes and enjoy some great live swing music. For ages 21 and older. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 4, at The BAD Space, 2572 19th St SE
Armonias Mexicanas: Melissa Terrall — Local pianist and Fulbright alumna Melissa Espíndola Terrall presents a solo piano concert featuring music exclusively by Mexican composers. This program offers something for everyone to enjoy, from salon pieces to indigenous dances, exploring the evolution of Mexican classical music from the nineteenth century to the present, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 4 at Chemeketa Community College Theatre Auditorium, 4000 Lancaster Drive NE Building 6. Cost is $15 to $25. Click here for tickets.
April 5
Love Your Library Day! — Kick off National Library Week with crafts and activities that will help you share and spread your love for Salem Public Library. Create buttons, bookmarks, 'zines, and social media reels at the stations located on the Main Floor. Keep your items or leave them for others to take and enjoy during National Library Week from April 6-12. This is a free, drop-in event happening 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at Salem Main Library, 585 Liberty St SE.
Art isn't meant to be rushed. View, reflect, discuss and learn during Slow Art Day. The Salem Public Art Commission invites you to spend time with art from The CIty’s art collection displayed at the Slem Public Library, followed by a discussion with local artists and art experts. Meet at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 5 at the Salem Public Library, 585 Libert St SE. (See more at Salem On the Edge Gallery and The Bush Bart Art Center.)
Underground Market brings together a variety of unique vendors and their wares for your shopping pleasure, 3 to 7 p.m. April 5 at Blast Off! Vintage.
It’s rock and hip-hop night featuring live music by Giantess (Salem/Eugene based Space Party Rock), The New Mistakes (Salem/Corvallis based Prog Rock), Stormy Outside (Salem based Alt/Hip Hop), Truu Story (Salem Based Hip Hop), and DJ Byro (Salem), 8 p.m. April 5 at Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE # 150. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10 in advance; $13 at the door for this 21 and older show.
April 5-6
Salem Philharmonia presents 150 Years of Ravel with Artistic Director/Conductor Jonathan DeBruyn and featured vocalist/pianist Thomas Otten. Program includes Dvořák’s tone poem, “The Noon Witch”; Otten’s performances of Ravel’s song cycle, “Don Quichotte à Dulcinée” and “Concerto for Piano Left Hand”, and ending with Schumann’s “Symphony #4”. Two chances to experience the show: 7 p.m. April 5 and 2 p.m. April 6 at East Salem Community Center, 1850 45th Ave NE. Cost is $23; $20 students 18+ and seniors; Free for youth up to 17 years. There will be a free pre-concert talk 45 minutes prior to each concert. Get tickets here.
Bringing fandom to the valley, the Pop Culture and Comics Expo is two-days of family-friendly fun featuring artists, vendors, guests, cosplay groups, panels, photo opportunities, theme cars, activities and more. The show takes place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 5 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 6 in Jackman-Long Building at Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St NE. Note: The Open Cosplay Contest (Ages 17 and older) happens after the floor closes from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Learn more and get tickets here.
April 5 & 7
Salem Cinema presents Columbia RIver Canoe Project — An inspiring adventure film that follows Robert Lester and his 18-year-old cousin Braxton Mitchell as they embark on an ambitious 1,300-mile canoe journey from the Continental Divide near Butte, Montana to the Pacific Ocean in Astoria, Oregon. Along the way, they navigate both the river’s challenges and their own personal growth. The film delivers a trek filled with breathtaking landscapes and unexpected obstacles and explores their trials and triumphs while raising awareness of the ecological challenges affecting the Columbia River Watershed. Two showings: 3:15 p.m. Saturday, April 5 and 6 p.m. Monday, April 7 at Salem Cinema. All seats $11. Click here for tickets.
April 6
INDUS welcomes you to celebrate spring with Holi and an Egg Hunt. The event starts at 12 p.m., with an egg hunt for children younger than 12, followed by Holi with a color splash plus the Bollywood beats of DJ Prashant on April 6 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Cost starts at $20. Click here for tickets.
Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days event is sold out, but there are still a variety of Gabby themed activities you can take in at Gilbert House Children’s Museum through April 6. Learn more here.
April 9
Hear from Marion County Commissioners Kevin Cameron, Danielle Bethell, and Colm Willis, during the State of the County, 12 p.m. April 9 at Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St SE. The event is free but seating is limited. Register here. (There is also an option for paid lunch - see link)
April 10
Dr. Jane Goodall The Future of Hope is coming to the Elsinore Theatre…but the show is sold out. Got tickets? Lucky you!
Olivia’s Spring Fashion Show is happening 5 to 7 p.m. April 10. RSVP required so give them a ring at 503-581-6953 to reserve your seat. The show takes place at 310 Court St NE.
Time for a Thursday like few others. Get sweaty with The Mistons, Boundless Joy and Saint Jacks Parade, 7:30 p.m. April 10 at Blast Off! Vintage. Doors open at 7 p.m. $10. All ages. Doors at 7, music around 7:30, done by curfew.
April 10 -26
Willamette University Theatre presents Bloom Bloom Pow — Returning to her conservative Ohio town, non-binary Mag finds everything is dull and weird and not queer at all. While trying to keep it together despite desperate phone calls from their mom, chatty co-workers, and visions of melting ice caps and dead horses at the bottom of the east river, Mag's life gets decidedly more interesting (and sexy) when they meet The Creature and learn about the algae taking over the town's water supply. Will Mag save the city, or is it the algae's time to shine? Bloom Bloom Pow is inspired by 1950s monster movies as well as the real-life 2014 crisis in Toledo, Ohio, when the tap water became deadly for humans due to toxic algal blooms. Bloom Bloom Pow de-centers humans, elevates microorganisms, and celebrates queer joy in the face of climate devastation. The show takes place 7:30 p.m. April 10-12, 16-19 and 23-26 and 2 p.m. April 13, 19 and 26, in Putnum Theater at Willamette University. TIckets are $9 to $15. Click here to purchase.
April 11
The 2nd Friday Céilí features live music by Two Rivers Ceili Band and called dances by Elisa, Maldon, Mary & Nancy, this month. No experience or partner needed and all skill levels are welcome. With a couple of simple steps (forwards, backwards, and sideways), you can dance any dance, 8 p.m. Friday, April 11 at VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE. Doors open at 7 p.m. with dance instruction at 7:15. Admission starts at $10. Click here for more info.
Garcia Birthday Band and One Way Out: An Evening of The Grateful Dead and The Allman Brothers — Hailing from Portland, Garcia Birthday Band (GBB) is more than just a Grateful Dead tribute—they are a living, breathing extension of the Dead’s spirit. With over 20 years of experience, GBB transforms every show into a kaleidoscopic journey through the Dead’s vast catalog, embracing deep improvisation and unbreakable community spirit. Joining them is One Way Out, an electrifying ensemble devoted to the legacy of the Allman Brothers Band. With masterful musicianship and an undeniable passion for Southern rock, they channel the raw energy and intricate harmonies that made the Allman Brothers legendary, 7:30 p.m. April 11, at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Cost: $20 in advance, $25 day of show. Click here for tickets.
There’s a Drag Takeover happening at the Tiki Lounge Lancaster beginning at 9 pm. April 11. Anticipate fierce performances, fabulous looks, and unforgettable entertainment hosted by Karress Ann Slaughter and Nicole Serenity Storm, with special guest performances by Janna Talia and Riri Caliente. Doors open at 8 p.m. $10 cover. The show takes place at the Tiki Lounge, 165 Lancaster Dr SE.
April 11-12
The Great Junk Hunt is a round-up of curated vendors selling their best goods, plus no party is complete without cocktails, live music, and aisles of junkin’ treasure. Discover vintage, rustic, farmhouse, industrial, re-purposed, handmade, and more, April 11 and 12 in the Columbia Hall and Jackman Long Building at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Early bird hours allow you to get first pick. Find out more and get your tickets here.
Salem Capitals Basketball have two games this weekend! Catch them vs. Wenatchee Bighorns, 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 11 and then vs. Seattle Superhawks, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12 at The Salem Armory, 2310 17th St NE. Click here for tickets and more info.
April 11
Oregon Symphony in Salem presents Beethoven Symphony No. 6 — With its depictions of babbling brooks, bird calls, and an electrifying thunderstorm, Beethoven's “Pastoral” Symphony evokes the beauty of the Austrian countryside with cinematic clarity. Plus, your Oregon Symphony rounds out the program with an unforgettable performance of Vaughan-Williams' The Lark Ascending featuring violinist Julian Rhee and Tan Dun's Passacaglia: Secret of Wind and Birds - both sparkling depictions of heart-wrenchingly beautiful birdsongs, 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 11 in Smith Auditorium at Willamette University. Tickets starting at $37. Click here for tickets.
April 12
Let’s celebrate independent record stores like never before. Drum Bug Music is hosting Record Store Day fun from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. At 12 p.m., catch an electrifying performance from the Lucky Pluckers, followed by Sabbath Witch, a female fronted Black Sabbath Tribute that delivers the legendary band’s most iconic hits at 1:15. Giveaways and exclusive vinyl releases. 20% off on all used merchandise (drums excluded)
In The Pink: Portland's Floyd Tribute —Pink Floyd's staying power is reflected in both their continuing success with more than a decade on the Billboard Top 100 charts and the third highest grossing album in history. In the Pink was created as a celebration of a love of Pink Floyd and their music, 8 p.m. April 12, at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. $25 general admission. Click here for tickets.
Cherry City Roller Derby hosts a Triple Header Bout featuring their friends from Coyote Country Roller Derby out of Pullman, Washington. Doors open at 1 p.m. and the day will feature Cherry Blossoms vs Wheat Whackers (2 p.m.), 8 Wheel Assassins vs Palouse River Rollers (4:30 p.m.) and Renegades vs Rolling Hills Derby (7 p.m.) April 12 at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. Tickets start at $12 in advance. Click here to purchase.
Pink Martini featuring China Forbes brings its celebratory 30 year anniversary show to Salem. Featuring a dozen musicians, with songs in 25 languages, Pink Martini performs its multilingual repertoire on concert stages on six continents and is sure to have tapping your toes and dancing in your seat, 7:30 p.m. April 12, at the Elsinore Theatre. Tickets start at $59.50. Click here for tickets.
April 13
Camerata Musica presents Temporary Resonance Trio 2:30 p.m. April 13, at The Unitarian Universalist Church. Learn more here.
Salem Youth Symphony hosts its Spring Concert 3 p.m. April 13 in Smith Auditorium at Willamette University. Learn more here.
Salem Symphonic Winds and Rainbow Dance Theatre will present the World Premiere of Leroy Osmon's new ballet, The Princess and the Wind. Valerie Bergman and Darryl Thomas of Rainbow Dance Theatre have choreographed the program and John Skelton of Salem Symphonic Winds will conduct the ensemble.
This is the second ballet Osmon has written for band. Salem Symphonic Winds and Rainbow Dance Theatre collaborated to produce his Garden of Earthly Delights in January of 2019 and a suite from Astor Piazolla's opera Maria de Buenos Aires in January of 2023. Osmon agreed to write this ballet as part of the 50th-anniversary celebration of Salem Symphonic Winds, mainly as a result of his response to the creative choreography of Bergman and Thomas for his earlier ballet. The ballet also satisfies a bucket list dream of Osmon. For more than thirty years, he has wanted to write a ballet based on a fairy tale he discovered in a long-lost collection of Mayan folk tales.
The performance takes place 4 p.m. Sunday, April 13, in Rose Auditorium at South Salem High School. Cost: $5 to $20. Click here for tickets.
Chefs’ Night Out is a foodie dream featuring food and beverage purveyors from in and around the Mid-Willamette Valley coming together under one roof for a night full of deliciousness supporting Marion Polk Food Share. In addition to the bites and sips, guests can also experience live music on both floors of the event providing the perfect atmosphere for enjoying all the event has to offer on Sunday, April 13 at Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St SE. Age 21 and older. VIP gets early entry (that means more time to sample!) so don’t wait. Click here for tickets.
April 15
Salem Reporter will host a Town Hall to provide the community information about the city’s proposed tax levy. The Salem City Council is placing before voters a levy to increase property taxes to pay for certain city services. Ballots go out to voters in late April and election day is May 20. This free and independent forum is designed to provide factual information about the levy. This free, ticketed event takes place 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, at the Elsinore Theatre. Click here to reserve your free tickets.
April 17
Nashville Unplugged Presents: Chad Brock Featuring Joey James — Experience the heart of country music with Nashville Unplugged, featuring Chad Brock and Joey James. This intimate, storytelling-driven performance brings you the stories behind the songs from two incredible artists. Chad Brock, known for hits like "Yes!", and rising talent Joey James will deliver an unforgettable night of acoustic country music, raw emotion, and unforgettable melodies, 8 p.m. April 17, at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets are $55 to $75. Click here for tickets.
April 18
Queen Mother: A Tribute To The Music Of Queen — Hailing from Seattle, Queen Mother harnesses the Northwest’s best talent to bring these epic songs to life, including Under Pressure, We Are the Champions, Bohemian Rhapsody, and many more. With each show they make the whole room a stage, hoping to draw out your inner “Freddie.” 8 p.m. April 18, at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets are $25. Click here for tickets.
Grab your basket and take in a Black Light Easter Egg Hunt. Wear white or neon to glow in the black light. Food will be available for purchase from So Cheesy food truck and Raw Blendz. 6 p.m. Friday, April 18 at Salem Tennis & Swim Club, 4318 Lone Oak Rd SE. This all-ages event is free but you must RSVP here.
The Winery Comedy Tour brings a night of laughter to Cubanismo Winery, 7 p.m. April 18. Click here for tickets.
Pinot Noir Blending: Exploring Complexity — Discover the artistry of Pinot Noir in this immersive blending session and barrel tasting, This event delves into the nuances of oak aging, microclimates, and clonal selection, offering an unparalleled exploration of this celebrated varietal, 1 to 4 p.m. April 18 at Vitae Springs Vineyard and Winery, 3675 Vitae Springs Rd S. Cost is $100. Click here to register.
April 19
Stand-Up Comedian: Kyle Kinane Featuring Tyler Boeh — Raised in a cultural fondue pot, it was natural for Kyle Kinane to find his way from warehouse work into show business. As a comedian, he has been seen on Conan, The Tonight Show, Netflix’s “The Standups,” and three of his own hour-length specials on Comedy Central. As an actor, he’s been in the Judd Apatow series “Love” and truTV’s “Those Who Can’t.” He was also on “Drunk History,” where he unfortunately wasn’t acting. Tyler Boeh’s comedy has been described as high-energy, intelligent, physical, and silly. His quick wit and award-winning “beat-boxing” talent bring audiences to hysterical heights. The show begins 8 p.m. April 19 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets are $25 to $45. Click here for tickets.
The Yokai Market has been POSTPONED.
A family favorite for many in the area, the Deepwood’s Easter Egg Hunt is a tradition started many years ago. The last owner of the beloved Queen Anne Victorian home held egg hunts for her grandchildren and the children of the community in her gardens, and the tradition continues. This event is designed with Elementary school aged children (12 & younger) in mind. The Easter Bunny will be on the grounds for photo hopportunities, and the first floor of the Queen Anne Victorian Museum home will be open for viewing after the egg hunts. Also after the egg hunts, the Solarium will open for more photo hopportunities with the Easter Bunny. The fun takes place 1 to 3 p.m. April 19 at Deepwood Museum & Gardens, 1116 Mission St SE. Cost is $6 per child; $1 per adult. Registration required. Click here for tickets.
Marion County Wedding Show is a one-day wedding vendor extravaganza. Engaged couples will be able to meet in person all of the service providers that will make their day beautiful and memorable from venues to catering, photography to wedding attire and more, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 19 at Jackman-Long Building at Oregon State Fairgrounds. Cost $7 in advance; $10 day of show. Click here to purchase.
Cabaret in the Clouds: Freshly Baked Burlesque — Holly Dolly is bringing her favorite friends back to her hometown to kick off this holiday celebration a day early with a little tantalizing tease, and you won't want to miss out. 8 p.m. Saturday, April 19 at The BAD Space, 2572 19th St SE. Tickets start at $25. Ages 21 and older. Click here for tickets.
April 20 & 22
Take in a big screen viewing of The Big Lebowski. Jeff Bridges plays Jeff Lebowski who insists on being called "the Dude," a laid-back, easygoing burnout who happens to have the same name as a millionaire whose wife owes a lot of dangerous people a whole bunch of money -- resulting in the Dude having his rug soiled, sending him spiraling into the Los Angeles underworld, 4:20 p.m. April 20 and 7 p.m. April 22, at Salem Cinema, 1127 Broadway St NE. Click here for tickets.
April 24-27
Bridgetown Portland Musical Theatre presents “Make Me a Song: The Music of William Finn” featuring the talents of celebrated Mid-Valley performers Nehemiah Creel, Stephanie Gibbs, Lance Nuttman and Beth Sobo Turk. The show is directed by Seth Renne, with music direction by Devin Desmond. Additional young performers who will round out the evening of music include Coleman Casebeer, Sage Gonzalez, Emily Irvin, Tyson Miller, Aven Thornhill, Theo Ueng and Neil Yeh-Crawford, in a celebration showcasing the songs of one of the most acclaimed composer-lyricists currently writing for the musical theater. Performances take place 7:30 p.m. April 24-25, and 2 p.m. April 26-27, in the Verona Studio Theatre at the Reed Opera House, 189 Liberty St NE. Get tickets here.
April 25
Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters with Kristen Grainger & True North — Take in a night of powerhouse Americana with Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters and their electrifying blend of rock, country, and ‘70s psychedelic soul. Inspired by the legacy of Rosie the Riveter, this all-female band, led by Flynn’s dynamic vocals and storytelling, delivers a high-energy show packed with raw talent and undeniable charisma. Opening the night is Kristen Grainger & True North, a bluegrass-leaning Americana group known for lush harmonies, award-winning songwriting, and top-tier musicianship. With Kristen Grainger’s evocative lyrics and a lineup of stellar instrumentalists, they create a rich, roots-driven sound that has captivated audiences across the country, 7:30 p.m. April 25 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre, 191 High St NE. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 day of show. Click here for tickets.
April 25-26
Mission Street Parks Conservancy hosts its annual Spring Fundraiser Plant Sale. You will find unusual plants offered by local specialty nurseries such as
- Edible Oregon – fruiting trees, shrubs, and vines
- Garden Thyme Nursery – annuals, perennials, and veggie starts
- Green Seed Gardens - natives
- Out in the Garden – grasses and perennials
- Pederson's Nursery - colorful annuals, hanging baskets, and perennials galore
- Perennial Obsessions – “unabashed addicts of hardy succulents"
- SeaDance Nursery - natives and specialty plants
- Seedable Plants – houseplants and succulents
- Van Hevelingen Herb Nursery - herbs, shrubs, fuchsias, and perennials; free of chemical pesticides or growth stimulants
The sale takes place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, April 25 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26 on the Soapbox Derby Track at Bush’s Pasture Park Soapbox Derby Track.
You’ve got two chances to cheer on Salem Capitals Basketball when they take on Vancouver Volcanoes, 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25, and Great Falls Electric, 6:30 p.m. April 26, at The Salem Armory, 2310 17th St NE. Click here for more info and tickets.
April 26
GLITTERFOX — Portland indie rockers Glitterfox are lighting up stages with their heartfelt, nostalgia-laced anthems and Southern shine. Fresh off a string of releases under Kill Rock Stars, this rising four-piece—led by married songwriters Solange Igoa and Andrea Walker—blends raw storytelling with infectious energy. With bassist Eric Stalker and drummer Blaine Heinonen infusing Americana, grunge, and dance vibes, their latest Chris Funk-produced singles set the stage for an unforgettable live show, 8 p.m. April 26 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 day of show. All ages welcome. Click here for tickets.
Celebrate the start of Peony Season at Adelman Peony Gardens, 5690 Brooklake Rd NE, which is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from April 26 through June 15. Visit the gardens during the open house to experience different colors and smells of peonies. Walk 30 acres of production fields, stroll through two acres of display garden, view indoor peony bloom displays, and purchase cut flowers or peonies in containers to take home. Click here to learn more.
April 26-27
At Oregon Ag Fest, you can ride ponies, watch chicks hatch, dig for potatoes, plant seedlings, enjoy the petting zoo, and watch a sheep get a haircut, plus participate in more than 25 hands-on activities for kids to learn more about where their food, fiber, and flora come from. There is no end to the family fun, which also includes horse and wagon rides, stage entertainment, food demonstrations, and much more, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at Oregon State Fairgrounds. $15 admission. Age 15 and younger are free. Parking is also free. Learn more here.
Willamette Master Chorus presents Choral Fantasia by L.V. Beethoven combination with the Willamette University orchestra and student choirs with soloists. “Choral Fantasia” Beethoven with piano, orchestra, WMC and WU Choir. “A Silence Haunts Me” - by Jake Runestad (Text from Beethoven) with orchestra, WMC, WU choirs. “Finale” to Symphony No. 9 by L.V. Beethoven with full orchestra, Willamette Master Chorus, Willamette University Choirs and soloist, 3 p.m. April 26 and 27 in Hudson Hall at Willamette University. Tickets are $27. Click here for tickets.
April 27
Wonder Women of Country — Experience the magic of Wonder Women of Country, a powerhouse trio featuring Kelly Willis, Melissa Carper, and Brennen Leigh—three acclaimed singer-songwriters who have carved their own paths in country music. Combining their distinctive styles, these talented artists bring their original songs to life with stunning three-part harmonies and dynamic instrumentation, including lead guitar, mandolin, upright bass, and rhythm guitar, 7:30 p.m. April 27 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets: $25 in advance; $30 day of show. All ages. Click here for tickets.
Step right up, strangelings, to the most bizarre and unusual art market in town! Market for the Strange presents Cursed Carnival! This is your chance to wander through a mysterious carnival, filled with eerie art, haunting crafts and spellbinding decor. Cursed Carnival will feature artists, creators and crafters from the PNW area and promises an experience you'll never forget, 11 a.m to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at Salem Convention Center. Learn more here.
April 30
Grand Kyiv Ballet presents Swan Lake — Experience the timeless beauty of Swan Lake. This iconic ballet, set to Tchaikovsky's unforgettable score, tells the enchanting story of love, betrayal, and transformation. With its breathtaking choreography, stunning costumes, and world-class dancers, the Grand Kyiv Ballet brings new life to this classic masterpiece, 7 p.m. April 30 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.