The InstigatorFrom art all around to concerts under the stars — here’s a look at what’s happening this August in Salem.
1. Go Downtown for the First Friday Art Walk
Browse. Explore. Shop. Sip. Celebrate. The First Friday Art Walk aims to promote local business, emerging artists and engagement with our downtown community. Taking place from 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, it is a free, leisurely opportunity to explore the heart of Salem and discover new shops, artwork, crafters and more. Each month includes a variety of different businesses offering specials, art to view, activities and more. Reinforcing the encouragement of participation, each month also includes a raffle. To take part, pick up a passport from any of the participating businesses. Collect stamps from 12 of the businesses/locations. Then turn in your completed passport to be entered in a raffle for a chance to win a prize (usually a basket overflowing with items from all the participating businesses). Find all the details at facebook.com/SalemArtWalk
2. Do a Jig
Put on your dancing shoes (or just listen to the live music) at the August Saturday Ceili Mor 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, August 7, under the covered area at Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School. No partner or experience is needed for this social dance hosted by the Ceili of the Society and featuring live music by Channing Dodson, Zac Leger and Chad Southwell and dances called by Elisa Chandler. Everyone is welcome. Bring a chair and water. Facilities will be available. Cost is $10. Learn more at ceiliofthevalley.org
3. Watch
Theatre 33’s virtual-hybrid summer season wraps this month with Merchant of Stratford by Maury Zeff August 5 through 8.
In 1600 plague-ridden Stratford, semi-legitimate businessman — and sometime playwright — William Shakespeare struggles to feed his family and finish his “greatest play ever.” Each Shakespeare family member mourns the death of son Hamnet in their own way — daughter Judith haunted by visions of her dead brother; wife Anne obsessed with protecting her family; actor brother Edmund perceiving reality as one endless stage play; and William lost in sheer denial. Against this shattered family backdrop, William must “procure” a wagon of grain, finish his play, and keep at bay Puritan authorities who would imprison him and keep theatres closed for good.
To watch the performances, register to attend (here). You must RSVP before the broadcast day. You will receive a viewing link and information prior to the show. Admission is by donation to accommodate youth and lower-income patrons. The recommendation is $10 per show. Learn more about Theatre 33 in our Press Play Salem feature story.
RiverCity Royals will perform on August 6 outside The Kitchen on Court Street
4. Rock Out Downtown
RiverCity Royals & Surfer Rosé will perform 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, August 6, outside at The Kitchen on Court Street. Hear songs from Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Rush, Queen, Pearl Jam, and others from the Royals, then stick around for Surfer Rosé, Pixies tribute band at 7 p.m. performed by RiverCity Rock Star Academy teachers – Doug, Jarred, Hunter & Danielle.
5. Break Dance
Check out the City of Reign Break Dance Contest on August 29 at FLEX Gym, 5115 Commercial St SE. This one-on-one break dance competition is presented by Towers Media Production, Salem World Beat Festival, Hit Squad DJ’s, and FLEX Gym. Grand prize winner receives $250 cash prize. Other prizes include merch from Towers Media Production and a custom t-shirt you design from Caakes. Stay in the loop at towersmediaproduction.com/city-of-reign
Anton Pavlenko “Autumn’s Gate” Oil on canvas 20” x 24” at Salem on the Edge
6. View “En Plein Air”
From August 4 through 28, browse the Plein Air Invitational Show featuring 13 invited artists from around Oregon at Salem on the Edge. En plein air (French) is the act of painting in the open air — working outdoors directly on canvas capturing the likeness of the surrounding landscape.
Artists featured in the show include Helen Bouchard, Aron Michael Johnston, Katia Kye, Rich McCloud, Patti McNutt, Ulan Moore, Michael Orwick, Anton Pavlenko, Jill Perry, Greg Poulin, Nate Sowa, Christopher St. John and Yong Hong Zhong.
PLUS, on August 7, some of the artists will meet to paint en plein air at Riverfront Park in the morning and early afternoon. Those paintings will be displayed later on that day on the wall at the far end of the gallery, and there will be an artist reception from 5 to 7 p.m. with wine from Terrapin Cellars and appetizers from Charcuterie Board & Sweets. Learn more at salemontheedge.com
7. Join Roller Derby
Looking for a new form of exercise, sport and/or social engagement? Roller derby is all three rolled up into one. And now is the time to get your skate on as Cherry City Roller Derby is hosting open recruitment at 6:30 p.m. Monday, August 9. Get info about joining and learn about becoming a part of this inclusive community. Meet Cherry City’s Cherry Blossoms Junior Roller Derby and Cherry City team skaters. No skates, gear or experience are required. Not sure you are ready to skate? There’s still a place for you with Cherry City. The league is always looking for non-skating volunteers who fill a variety of roles from helping sell merch to refereeing bouts. Learn more at cherrycityrollerderby.com. And, make note, if August doesn’t work for you, the first Monday of every other month is open recruitment.
8. Have fun at Englewood Forest Festival
Community. Art. Environment. Englewood Forest Festival returns to bring art to the park 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. August 14 to Englewood Park, 1260 19th St NE. Nestled in seven wooded acres near downtown Salem, this free community gathering is an opportunity to connect with our community, its artisans and the environment in general. Listen to live music, watch dance performances and visit local vendors, from artists and craftspeople to nonprofit groups. The setting itself lends to the festival’s experience. Englewood, which is Salem’s oldest park, features trees predating the pioneers. It is also home to Cooper’s hawks and the endangered Oregon white oak. Plus, legendary landscape architects Lord & Schryver had a hand creating drawings for the park. And for the kids, there is also a splash pad and two playgrounds. Watch for more details about the festival as they are announced at englewoodforestfestival.org.
9. Celebrate Capital Pride in the Park
Capital Pride in the Park begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, August 21, at Riverfront Park. This annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community includes a run/walk open to all ages and skill levels as well as a chance to connect with local organizations and vendors supporting the LGBTQ+ community throughout the Mid-Willamette Valley. For more information, keep an eye on facebook.com/events/634288811307234
Additionally, Capital Pride and Prisms Gallery are hosting a Pride Art Show beginning August 21 at Prisms Gallery in downtown Salem.
10. Explore the Garden
Two Saturdays a month, Gaiety Hollow, the historic home, garden, and studio of the landscape designers Lord & Schryver at 545 Mission St. SE opens for the public to explore, experience and enjoy. Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. pop in for a self-guided tour with live music by String Quartet on August 7 and Usual Suspects on August 21. Learn more at www.lordschryver.org
11. Tour the Elsinore
Explore behind-the-scenes at the Elsinore Theatre. Hear about her history, her artwork, her creation and her current events in this guided tour, which concludes with a performance on the Mighty Wurlitzer – the largest theatre organ in the pacific northwest. Cost is $10. Call 503-375-3574 to reserve your spot and pay at the door when you arrive.
12. Meander the Museum
Hallie Ford Museum is the only liberal arts college art museum in the Northwest. Timed entry tickets are available and encouraged. 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 (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 (through 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.
13. Visit the Library
Salem Public Library is open at its temporary Broadway location, 1400 Broadway St NE. Services include browsing, limited public computer and printing, holds pickup, and library cards. Open hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
14. Catch Capital City LIVE!
Capital City LIVE! features country music artist Brett Young, with special guest Riley Green 7 p.m. Thursday, August 5 in the L.B. Day Amphitheatre at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Brett is recognized for “his honest lyrics and West Coast-meets-Southern sound, aptly dubbed ‘Caliville’ style.” This all-ages concert benefits children and families partnering with Family Building Blocks, the certified Relief Nursery of Marion and Polk counties committed to “Keeping Children Safe and Families Together.” Tickets are $40 to $125 and available online here. Learn more at familybuildingblocks.org/events/#capitalcitylive
15. Learn to Bachata
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday is Bachata Night at Bari Restaurant hosted by Salem Rueda de Casino. The lesson begins at 7 p.m. following by dancing at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $5. Arrive early to take in dinner and drinks, too.
16. Watch HOOPLA
HOOPLA, the largest of all Oregon 3×3 basketball events, returns to downtown Salem August 7 and 8. Learn more at www.oregonhoopla.com. Check it out outside the Oregon State Capitol building and surrounding streets.
17. Go Underground
Explore the Underground Market, 3 to 7 p.m. August 7, at Blast Off Vintage, 860 High St NE, as it brings together a variety of weird, wacky and wonderful creations by Salem makers.
18. Catch Country’s Clay Walker
Catch country music artist Clay Walker live at the Elsinore Theatre on 7:30 p.m. August 18. Click here for tickets.
19. Be Divine
Divine Distillers is celebrating its 3rd Anniversary on Saturday, August 14. Learn about mead making, watch a beer demonstration and listen to live blues and Zydeco music from The New Iberians (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.) Learn more here.
20. Put on your Dancing Pants
After being postponed multiple times, put on your dancing pants for Agent Orange, Spice Pistols and Buttfrenchers 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 17, at Blast Off Vintage. Spice Pistols are 5 hot nasty “gals” in their 40’s and 50’s with 5 o’clock shadows that destroy razors. Limited space. Get your tickets now at Blast off for $13 in advance. $15 (if still available) at the door.
21. Enjoy Music in the Park
Oregon Spirit Chorus presents Barbershop in the Park at 3 pm. Sunday, August 15 at Bush’s Pasture Park. Enjoy an afternoon of beautiful vocal harmonies by choruses and quartets. Bring a blanket to sit on in the comfort of the large shade trees, next to the Bush House Museum, near the Rose Garden.
22. Walk-n-Wag
Step out with your pets for the 9th Annual Walk-n-Wag. While the in-person walk takes place in September, an online race begins Sunday, August 15. Registration is $10 starting August 8, 2021, at wvh.org/pets, or $15 at the park on the day of the live event. Walk-n-Wag donations help hospice patients care for their pets. Learn more here.
23. Try Trivia
Every second Thursday, it’s Questions About Facts With Kelly Williams Brown from 6 to 8 p.m. at Divine Distillers. This month, pop in on August 12 and 26 and test your skills. Go for the name that tune round, stay for the godawful prizes.
24. Listen under the Stars
Take in a night of live music outdoors under the stars. We have so many opportunities! Here are a few highlights —
Gabriel Cox Band will play live on the patio at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 7, at Santiam Brewing. Grab some friends and get out and listen to Gabriel Cox, Colt Desando, Brian Wixom, John Pulvers, and Greg McManus.
Summer Uncorked Concerts – Lakeside Sessions at Eola Hills Legacy Vineyard features Tony Smiley on Aug 6, Hayley Lynn & Band on Aug 20 and Sarah Clarke & Band on Aug 27.
Plus, check out what’s happening at Ankeny Vineyard, Trinity Vineyards and Cubanisimo Vineyards
25. Head to the Oregon State Fair
From carnival rides to concerts, the Oregon State Fair boasts something for everyone happening August 27-September 6. Learn more at oregonstatefair.org.
