Summertime fun continues through August. Here’s a look at what’s happening this month in Salem. Check it out —
August 1
Salem Electric Summer Concert Series features Joanne Broh Band featuring Garry Meziere playing dynamic, rockin' soul blues, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. August 1 at West Salem Park, 265 Rosemont Av NW. Free Admission. Wear your dancing shoes!
August 1-4
Theatre 33 wraps the main stage productions of its 2024 season with Gone by Lolly Ward. A will provides peace of mind as four stepsiblings divide their anticipated inheritance with generosity…with suspicion…with greed. Gamble the night away, but whatever you do, don’t leave the house – your family is watching.
When: 7 p.m. Aug 1, 2 and 3 and 2 p.m. Aug 4
Where: M. Lee Pelton Theatre on Willamette University Campus
Cost: Donation-based. $15 donation per person recommended. Click here for tickets.
August 2
The First Friday Art Walk aims to promote local businesses, 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 businesses offering specials, art to view, activities and more. Reinforcing the encouragement of participation, there is also a raffle. To take part, pick up a passport from any of the participating businesses and collect stamps from a number of locations. Then turn in your completed passport to enter a raffle to win a prize (usually a basket overflowing with items from all the participating businesses). Find all the details at facebook.com/SalemArtWalk.
Flashbang, Grimiss, and Pretty Suspect — rock, post-hardcore/pop punk/emo, 8 p.m. August 2 at Infinity Room. Cost: $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
August 2-5 and 8
The cats are back in an all-new edition of CatVideoFest featuring a purr-fectly hilarious collection of kooky kitty videos on the big screen to help raise money for local cats in need.
CatVideoFest is a fun, frisky and furry celebration of curated cat videos. The festival gathers feline fanatics together to enjoy a curated collection of cat clips in a social setting. This all-new, all-cat-tastic video showcase is a true kitty rumpus featuring a fresh selection of hilarious, heartwarming and downright adorable cat clips compiled by Will Braden, creator of the beloved Henri, le Chat Noir videos.
When: 3 p.m. Aug 2 and 3; 1:30 p.m. Aug 4 and 5; 7 p.m. Aug 8
Where: Salem Cinema
Cost: $11. A portion of ticket sales from these screenings will benefit Salem Friends of Felines. Click here for tickets.
August 2, 9 & 16
Family Fun Fridays continues through August at Willamette Heritage Center. Aimed at 6-14 years olds and their grown-ups, these Friday activities aim to spark curiosity and foster a love of learning. Programs include all-day self-guided museum tour and 1-hour interactive lesson. Upcoming lessons include:
- Archaeology: More Than Rocks!, 1-2 p.m. Aug 2
- The Kalapuya, 11-12 p.m. Aug 9
- Before Oregon Statehood, 2-3 p.m. Aug 9
- Fiber to Fabric, 11-12 p.m. Aug 16
- Archaeology: More Than Rocks!, 2-3 p.m. Aug 16
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays
Where: Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St SE
Cost: $10 per person age 6 and older. Learn more here.
August 3
Riverfront Family Fest returns to bring a day of free health and safety fun to the park. Families can enjoy helicopter landing, fire trucks, tasty treats, face painting, obstacle courses and more thanks to Family Building Blocks and a handful of supporting sponsors. The fun takes place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 3 at Riverfront Park.
Enjoy the beauty of nature accompanied by live music from the Cherry City Quartet during Open Gardens at Gaiety Hollow, 545 Mission St SE, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, August 3. Admission is free, but donations are always welcomed. Parking is available on the east side of Church Street just north of Mission Street or at the base of the Soap Box Derby ramp in the Bush’s Pasture Park lot. Click here for more info.
Got a Jeep? Cruise-in to Salem Jeep Fest, a family-friendly Jeep show & shine — the more Jeeps the merrier. Meet local Jeep clubs and people. Play in a cornhole tournament. Shop the vendors. Try a tire obstacle course. There will also be DJ/music, food, bouncy houses and kids activities, raffles, overlanding section and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, August 3
Where: Picnic Grove at Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St NE
Cost: Free. Parking is $5 per vehicle in the yellow lot
ES Fest Indoor Car Show brings together Japanese, European, and domestic cars from the Northwest. Hang out, admire cool builds, and enjoy some good vibes. More than 30 custom awards will be distributed.
When: 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, August 3
Where: Jackman Long Building at Oregon State Fairgrounds
Cost: $10 in advance; $15 day of event. Kids younger than 12 are free with accompanied adult. $5 parking per vehicle. Click here for tickets.
The Doug Fury's, Tigers on Opium and Grand Head — punk, heavy psychedelic and doom punk, 7 p.m. August 3, at Infinity Room. Cost: $12 in advance; $15 at the door. All ages welcome. Click here for tickets.
August 3-4
Theatre 33 presents the final pop-up of its 2024 summer season. After being drugged by a tech giant owner, Owen - payback for her take-down article about his company, Salwa literally finds her husband headless…and alive! Fantasy and humor drive this play’s poignant glimpse into who we really are in…Wife of Headless Man Investigates Her Own Disappearance by Yussef El Guindi.
When: 2 p.m. August 3 and 7 p.m. August 4
Where: Rogers Rehearsal Hall on Willamette University Campus
Cost: donation-based. $10 recommended donation. Click here to reserve your spot.
Check out The Great Oregon Steam-Up where history comes alive. See steam engines, equipment, cars & trucks, trains, trolleys, tractors and more. Visit 14 heritage museums. Watch a steam-powered sawmill at work. Shop a swap meet, flea market and food vendors galore. And there are special activities for children, too. The fun takes place 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. August 3 and 4 at Powerland Heritage Park, 3995 Brooklake Rd NE. Cost: Starting at $12. Youth 12 and under are free. Parking is $5 per vehicle. Click here to learn more.
August 6
Salem Cinema presents Sunflowers: The Mystery of Van Gogh's Greatest Masterworks — Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers are among his most famous works, and are some of the most iconic paintings in the world. The Van Gogh Museum has opened its doors exclusively to Exhibition on Screen, to go beyond the surface and explore the many questions and mysteries that surround these seminal works. Why did Van Gogh choose the exotic sunflower with its long stem and golden crown? When did the flower itself arrive in Europe and how had previous artists reacted to it? What was Van Gogh trying to say with his works and how does that differ from version to version? Only in this film will you have the rare opportunity to see these works brought together from across the world in this fascinating and dramatic story. See the show 6 p.m. Aug 6 at Salem Cinema. Cost: $15 in advance; $18 day of event. Click here for tickets.
Theatre Under the Stars: Oliver! in rehearsal
August 6, 13, 20 and 27
Take in a night of Theatre Under the Stars. Chemeketa Community College presents Oliver! featuring embers of the Salem Orchestra, area theater professionals, and industry leaders who have been working with students to present one of the most beloved musicals ever. The performance will feature a full orchestra. Bring low-profile lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics. Beer, wine and food options will be available for purchase.
When: 8 p.m. August 6, 13, 20 and 27. Gates open at 7 p.m.
Where: Gerry Frank Amphitheater
Cost: $20, $25 for students and seniors; $10 for children age 12 and younger. VIP $40 and includes seating in the VIP section, a chair and one (1) complimentary beverage or beer or wine. Click here for tickets.
August 7
Take in an evening of Yoga + Beer 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 10 at Riverfront Park Amphitheater, 200 Water St NE. A summer tradition of connection and community in the heart of downtown Salem. Gather at the park for a 60 minute, all-levels yoga class led by Mikki Trowbridge. Class is led in partnership with Resonance Yoga Collective. Suggested donation of $5-$10 per yogi for practice. After class, Yogis are encouraged to head into downtown Salem and support our local businesses. The group will not be gathering at one specific restaurant so we can spread the love around downtown, but hope that you will support downtown by purchasing a post-class beverage or meal. Sign up in advance or just show up, they’ll have space for you.
Salem Cinema presents Squaring The Circle: The Story of Hipgnosis — Celebrated photographer, creative director and filmmaker Anton Corbijn's first feature documentary "Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis" tells the story of Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey "Po" Powell, the creative geniuses behind the iconic album art design studio, Hipgnosis, responsible for some of the most recognizable album covers of all time. They conjured into existence sights that no one had previously thought possible, produced visuals that popularized music that had previously been considered fringe, and were at the white-hot center of the maddest, funniest and most creative era in the history of popular music. See the film 7 p.m. August 7 at Salem Cinema. Click here for tickets.
August 8
Minto Island Growers hosts String and Shadow, a professional, nationwide touring group based in Olympia, Washington. Each summer, they create a giant outdoor touring puppet show that weaves together a variety of puppetry styles, circus arts, and original music. With copious amounts of cardboard, fabric, and paper-mache, String and Shadow's worlds of fantasy and fable aim to pluck at the strings of universal wonder, innocence, and joy.
Their 2024 show is “Or So It Would Seam: A Giant Puppet Fable For All Ages!” Equal parts whimsical fairy tale, outer-space odyssey, and slap-stick clown show, “Or So It Would Seam” follows the cosmic seamstresses of the planet Lupita who, among other things, weave the fabric of space-time. A sci-fi folktale populated with succulent moons and mountainous planets, “Or So” will take audiences out of this galaxy to contemplate the intricate and unexpected ways we are all connected to one another. This show will be filled to the brim with giant puppets, colorful stilt-walkers, original storytelling, and live music and feature a cast of 14 performers/musicians. Learn more about String and Shadow here.
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 8
Where: Minto Island Growers
Cost: Recommended fee is $20, which goes directly to the group.
Musical Speed Dating — An event to help local musicians meet, mingle, and jam with potential bandmates. This is not an open mic, meaning you're not meant to bring a pre-created piece to share, but rather you'll be expected to improv with the musicians you'll be paired up with for your 5 minute round. Not everyone will get a chance to play with everyone else, so if you do see someone that wows you reach out to them and make musical connections. Hosted by Apis Mellafera.
When: 8 p.m. August 8
Where: Salem's Historic Grand Theatre
Cost: $5. Click here for tickets.
Chaos Open Mic — Get ready to get weird, it's the Chaos Open Mic! Comics sign up to do comedy, but they have no idea what they're in for. Each set contains an element of chaos that is guaranteed to send the show off the rails. Witness the madness. Performers can sign up by emailing info@irsalem.com between now and the end of the day 8/7. Be sure to put "BRING THE CHAOS" in your subject line. Spots are limited, so signing up is not a guarantee that you will perform this time. The fun begins 7 p.m. August 8 at Infinity Room. Cost: $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Click here for tickets. Age: 18 and older
August 9
Get out and dance at the Second Friday Ceili. Ceili of the Valley Society welcomes musicians Geraldine Murray, Betsy Branch & Nancy Conescu and caller Bruce Kenny for this no-experience, no partner needed event. Even if you are not a dancer, you can do it. But really, the music alone is worth it! Doors open at 7 p.m. followed by a short dance lesson and live music from 8 to 11. All dances are taught before the live music begins. The motto of every dance is to have fun, so wear comfortable shoes, bring some water and try out something new.
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, August 9
Where: VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE
Cost: $10; $5 student, $30 family
Salem Movies in the Park presents “Elemental” (2023, PG, 1 hour 41 minutes), 8:30 p.m. August 9 at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater in Riverfront Park. Set in Element City, where fire-, water-, land- and air residents live together, this is the story of Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in.” Movies begin soon after dusk (start times are approximate depending on sunset). Make the most of the experience — bring a blanket or low-back chair and arrive early to snag the best viewing spot. Pack a picnic. Food and beverages are welcome, but no alcohol and no smoking or vaping, either. Films are free, but donations are welcome.
Paul McDonald — Paul McDonald’s voice is immediately recognizable and impossible to ignore. Often compared to legends like Rod Stewart and Bob Dylan, the poetic story-driven narratives and deeply catchy hooks in his music are delivered by a raspy yet refined voice reminiscent of another era that demands to be heard right now. He pulls off the rare feat of being a poet, visual artist, songwriter, adamant performer, and a powerful vocalist. Jake and The Hill People will open the show, 7:30 p.m. August 9 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Cost: $30. Click here for tickets. Age: All Ages
The Amerikan Overdose Artificial Infection CD Release Party with special guest performances by Proven and To Die Elsewhere — 8 p.m. Friday, August 9 at Infinity Room. Cost is $18 in advance; $25 at the door. Click here for tickets.
August 10
Northwest Events and J-Fell Presents bring you a summer night of live music for all ages with Stone In Love [Journey Tribute] & Red Light Romeos [Super Sounds of the 70s].
Stone In Love - Journey tribute performs faithful renditions of classic hits from one of the most beloved rock groups of all time. They deliver a high-energy performance that showcases all the hallmarks of the Journey sound – soaring lead vocals, lush four-part harmonies, signature guitar licks, fat keyboards, and driving rhythms - on legendary hits known the world over.
Red Light Romeos performs a wide variety of “Super Sounds of the 70s” with smooth harmonies, tasty guitar licks, and indelible melodies that defined the era from bands like Eagles, Hall & Oates, Fleetwood Mac, Christopher Cross, Boz Scaggs, Doobie Brothers, and more!
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, August 10
Where: Riverfront Park, 200 Water St NE
Cost: $20 in advance; $30 day of show. Click here for tickets.
Nestled amongst the trees in seven wooded acres near downtown Salem, Englewood Forest Festival is a gathering of art, environment and community that aims to celebrate, educate and support, especially that of the Northeast neighborhood. Browse art and crafts by dozens of vendors. Get hands-on with nature workshops for all ages. Experience music, dance and performances by a variety of local entertainers. The opportunities are endless at this quaint festival that truly embraces community. Fun Fact: Englewood is Salem’s oldest part and was developed by the renowned Lord & Schryver design team.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, August 10
Where: Englewood Park, 1260 19th St NE
Info: englewoodforestfestival.org
Leo Yoga — Celebrate Leo season with a one-hour fun, fiery flow practice led by Catherine Albertini from Yoga Escape, whose birthday is this month. The class includes a Leo yoga tank created specifically for this event by Roanna at CreativiTee. After class, enjoy a private shopping experience with bubbly, birthday cake, and surprise discounts, 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, August 10 at CreativiTee, 110 Commercial St NE. Cost: $25 per person (includes class, tank and snacks). Click here to reserve.
The Revival Brothers Band: A Tribute To The Allman Brothers — Seven-piece all-star powerhouse group The Revival Brothers Band pays reverent tribute to the Allman Brothers Band and their incredible legacy of iconic music. The band — formed in January 2023 by drummer Jeff Frankel — is based in Portland, Oregon, and in its short existence has won the Cascade Blues Association’s prestigious Muddy Award for Performance of the Year (2023). The Revival Brothers assert that, whether you’re an Allman Brothers fan or not, they will “take you on a journey back in time when going to hear music was a celebration.” Band members include Brady Goss (keys, vocals), Chuk Barber (percussion, vocals), Kevin Selfe (guitar), Justin Defreece (guitar), Timmer Blakley (bass), Jerry Jaques (drums), and Jeff Frankel (drums).
When: 8 p.m. August 10
Where: Salem's Historic Grand Theatre
Cost: $25. Click here for tickets.
August 10-11
Experience a new stage production of Metropolis the Musical. This 2024 version shares the unique and exciting storyline with beautiful music and visuals that has something for everyone. Two chances to see the show: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 10 and 2 p.m. Sunday, August 11, at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Cost: $49-$74. Click here for tickets.
August 11-12
Salem Cinema presents National Theatre Live: King Lear — Chichester Festival Theatre’s production received five-star reviews for its sell-out run, and transfers to the West End for a limited season. Jonathan Munby directs this ‘nuanced and powerful’ (The Times) contemporary retelling of Shakespeare’ s tender, violent, moving and shocking play.
Considered by many to be the greatest tragedy ever written, King Lear sees two aging fathers – one a King, one his courtier – reject the children who truly love them. Their blindness unleashes a tornado of pitiless ambition and treachery, as family and state are plunged into a violent power struggle with bitter ends.
See the show 12 p.m. August 11 and 6 p.m. August 12 at Salem Cinema. Cost: $15 in advance; $18 day of event. Click here for tickets.
August 13
Live Music: Bryan Hopkins — 7 to 9 p.m. August 13, 2024 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Cost: $20. Click here for tickets.
August 14
The Room 20th Anniversary Tour — Oh hi, Mark! Spend the evening with Mark himself. Watch the movie followed by a live Q&A with Greg Sestero, star of The Room and the New York Times best-selling author of the Oscar-nominated The Disaster Artist, 8 p.m. August 14 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Cost: $21.50. Click here for tickets.
Salem Cinema presents Sing Sing Early Access Screening — Divine G (Colman Domingo), imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn't commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men, including a wary newcomer (Clarence Maclin), in this stirring true story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art, starring an unforgettable ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated actors.
Take in an early access screening of Sing Sing with special guest Oregon filmmaker Lydia Smith in attendance to present excerpts from “Cellblocks to Mountaintops,” her multimedia video and podcast series that shines a light on how artistic expression is transforming the lives of inmates right here in Oregon.
See the show 7 p.m. August 14 at Salem Cinema. Click here for tickets.
August 15
Jenks
Jenks Album Release Concert — Help celebrate the release of Jenks’ fifth album, Nursery Rhymes and Rockin’ Times! with a free concert, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 15 at the Withnell Family YMCA, 685 Court St NE. This high-energy show features your favorite nursery rhymes like you’ve never heard them before. A ska version of Mary Had a Little Lamb? Pop-punk ABC’s? Itsy Bitsy Spider gone jazz? You better believe it! Along with the music you’ll see some rad juggling. Balls, clubs, rings, the diabolo and plate spinning. It’s gonna be epic! You don’t have to be a YMCA member, you just need to register here (space is limited).
Booty, Bounce, and Bubbles is a fun 60-minute in-person class led by Mary a.k.a. Twerk Queen. Participants will learn twerk moves, dance together in a circle with other women, and wind down with some yoga. Roanna at CreativiTee will create fun briefs or underwear to cover our bouncing booties. After the class, enjoy bubbles and a private shopping experience, 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 15 at CreativiTee, 110 Commercial St NE. Cost: $33 per person (Includes class instruction, briefs, and bubbles) Click here to register.
August 16
Take in an evening of live music for everyone during City of Salem Concerts in the Park, presented by Rivercity Rock Star Academy and Salem's Grand Theatre. The line-up features The RiverCity Royals Performance Group, an audition-only, skill and experience-based program designed for advanced students of RiverCity Rock Star Academy ranging from ages 14 to 20; Rondalla Sentimiento Latino (Guitar Ensemble), a traditional, regional, romantic and popular music program that plays in a classical style music with only guitars; and Boundless Joy, a powerhouse trio mixes elements of metal, rock and funk to create a sound that is driving, rhythmic and heavy. The show begins at 6 p.m. August 16 at Riverfront Park
Christiana Zollner with Friendmaker, Maia Van Dyke and Rett Weissenfels — 8 p.m. Friday, August 16 at Infinity Room. Cost: $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Click here for tickets. Age: 21 and older
David K as Roy Orbison — David K sings Roy Orbison’s multi-octave range beautifully. His Roy show covers the late 50s Sun Records hits where he befriended Johnny Cash & Elvis. This show covers 60s hits like Only The Lonely, Crying, Blue Bayou and more, then leading up to Roy’s 80s resurgence hits You Got It and Traveling Wilburys Handle With Care and End of the Line. And of course his biggest hit Pretty Woman… and many more. This “Tribute Trio” switches around on instruments, David K on guitar and piano, Jim Wilson on drums, bass and guitar, and the lovely and talented Lana Davis complimenting the ballads on Viola, as well as rockin’ solos during the rockabilly. David shares historic tidbits of Roy’s legendary career between songs for extra charm. See the show 7 p.m. August 16 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Cost: $25-$35. Click here for tickets.
August 17
Stomp the Night Fest is a family-friendly event featuring music, yoga, biking and more. There will be live performances from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday from acoustic/electric duo Daylight Bedtime Band, singer/songwriter Sam Girl Band, and The Lucky Pluckers, a 4-piece playing classic rock, 80's classics and old-school country. If you'd like to camp, site fee is $25. One camping site includes parking for one vehicle and one tent. Bike Indy Oregon will be hosting two bike rides during this event: 10 a.m. Aug 17 and 10 a.m. Aug 18. There is no registration or fee required to join the bike rides. Yoga will be hosted by Vanessa Rios at 8 a.m. Sunday. The all-level 60-minute class is $10 per person. Bring your own yoga mat and water. Stomp's kitchen will be open during specified times and Sewell Sweets will be serving treats on Aug 17.
When: 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, August 17
Where: Stomp by Croft Vineyards, 5475 River Road S
Cost: Music is free. Yoga and camping for a fee.
Sitar & Tabla Concert — Celebrate the release of a new album by J.J. Gregg, sitar & Pavan Kanekal, tabla, with a concert, 5 p.m. August 17 at Minto Island Growers, 3394 Brown Island Road S.
The Ease & Flow CD will be available at the farm on August 17. Pre-sale CDs will start shipping the week of August 19th! You can stream or download half of the tracks now on Bandcamp. Listening is free, and purchasing the digital album or CD supports our music! The full album release including all streaming services is on October 11th and will coincide with a PNW tour! Details forthcoming.
David K as Buddy Holly — David K emulates Buddy Holly by voice and guitar for a flashback to this legend’s career. On piano and guitar, David shares the sweet ballads, and as well, the rockin’ hits that spanned Holly’s years on top. Jim Wilson sings back up, plays drums and bass, and Lana Davis adds beautiful string parts on her viola to Buddy Holly sweetly orchestrated ballads, as well as solo efforts on his rockin’ pop hits. See the show 7 p.m. August 17 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Cost: $25-$35. Click here for tickets.
August 18
Salem Cinema’s Reel Change for our Community presents a benefit screening of Clue the Movie supporting Pentacle Theatre. A hilarious slapstick comedy, CLUE finds six colorful dinner guests gathered at the mansion of their host, Mr. Boddy -- who turns up dead after his secret is exposed: He was blackmailing all of them. With the killer among them, the guests and Boddy's chatty butler must suss out the culprit before the body count rises. See the show 6:40 p.m. August 18 at Salem Cinema. Cost: $15 in advance; $18 day of event. Click here for tickets.
August 19
Salem Cinema presents Majority Rules — Alaska is gearing up to do something that no other state has ever done: Adopting a pair of election reforms that will eliminate traditional party primaries and allow voters to rank their candidates by preference. Just as election workers, citizens, and politicians are beginning to adapt to this new system, the state's longest-serving Congressman unexpectedly dies, creating an open seat and prompting a special election that will test this system months earlier than expected. As dozens of candidates – including former Governor Sarah Palin – jump into the race for the highly coveted seat, everyone must learn how these new voting reforms will change the rules of campaigning and winning. The surprising outcome in that special election leads to a groundswell of support for election reform in other states and fierce pushback from political parties and partisans, just as the Alaska general election gets underway.
Take in a screening of the documentary Majority Rules, followed by a discussion with writer & director AJ Schnack and community members about election reform and ranked choice voting. Ranked Choice Voting will be on the Oregon ballot this November. Learn more at oregonrcv.org. See the show 6:30 p.m. August 19 at Salem Cinema. Click here for tickets.
August 22
Trivia Night — It’s Jennifer Miller’s last night of hosting trivia before she travels to Scotland for Grad school. Go, play and wish her good luck and farewell! There is a 6 person group maximum per table. The winning team will recieve a $50 Stomp Gift Card. Full menu of pizzas and small plates from the kitchen and wines by the glass and bottle will be offered.
When: 6 p.m. August 22 (arrive early to order food and drinks)
Where: Stomp by Croft Vineyards, 5475 River Road S
RSVP IS REQUIRED. Text or call 503-364-3085 to make a reservation.
August 23
Salem Movies in the Park presents “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” (2024, PG-13, 1 hour 55 minutes), 8 p.m. August 23 at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater in Riverfront Park. “When the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second ice age.” Movies begin soon after dusk (start times are approximate depending on sunset). Make the most of the experience — bring a blanket or low-back chair and arrive early to snag the best viewing spot. Pack a picnic. Food and beverages are welcome, but no alcohol and no smoking or vaping, either. Films are free, but donations are welcome.
A Dylan Santiago Tribute To Sublime — Experience the timeless music of Sublime live in concert! Get ready to groove to their infectious blend of punk rock, reggae, ska, and hip-hop as the spirit of the band comes alive on stage. Join us for an unforgettable night filled with hits like "What I Got," "Santeria," and "Wrong Way," and feel the electric energy that made Sublime a legendary force in the music world. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the music and legacy of Sublime in an electrifying live performance!
See the show 8 p.m. August 23 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Cost: $15 in advance; $20 day of show. Click here for tickets.
Big Stretch Band — 5 to 8 p.m. August 23 at Stomp by Croft Vineyards, 5475 River Road S. No reservation necessary. Picnic tables in the orchard are first come first serve. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the live music. Full menu of pizzas and small plates from the kitchen and wines by the glass and bottle will be offered. Beers and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.
August 24
Enjoy the beauty of nature with live jazz music by the Sarah Saul Combo during Open Gardens at Gaiety Hollow, 545 Mission St SE, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 24. Admission is free, but donations are always welcomed. Parking is available on the east side of Church Street just north of Mission Street or at the base of the Soap Box Derby ramp in the Bush’s Pasture Park lot. Click here for more info.
Icons of Rock Tribute Show — Nine talented musicals come together to create three tribute acts. JETT-A-TARR takes two female icons Joan Jett and Pat Benatar and their combined hits to bring one fantastic show. POISON'US, a tribute to the 80s icons Poison. And BACK INTO BLACK plays AC/DC’s entire iconic Black in Black album as well as hits from the Bon Scott era. See the show 8 p.m. August 24 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Cost: $25. Click here for tickets.
August 23 to Sept 2
Soak up the fun at the Oregon State Fair where you’ll find concerts, a carnival, crafts and competitions. This family-friendly event aims to highlight all our state has to offer through animals, attractions, arts and more. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the summer.
When: Friday, August 23 through Monday, September 2
Where: Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St NE
Info: oregonstatefair.org
August 23 to Sept 14
Pentacle Theatre presents Clue: on Stage, a side-splitting murder mystery comedy written by Sandy Rustin, that draws inspiration from the well-known 1985 Paramount movie and the beloved Hasbro board game. The story unfolds at a secluded mansion, where six enigmatic individuals gather for a peculiar dinner party filled with murder and blackmail. Things take a twisted turn when their host is found lifeless, making each of them a potential culprit. In a race against time, Wadsworth, the butler, along with Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, and Colonel Mustard, must uncover the identity of the killer while the body count continues to rise. With its hilarious twists and turns, Clue guarantees laughter for both loyal followers and newcomers as they attempt to decipher the puzzle of WHO committed the crime, WHERE it happened, and with WHAT weapon! Directed by Brandon Gitchel.
When: August 23 – September 14
Where: Pentacle Theatre
August 24 to Dec 21
On Exhibit — History in Rubble: Salem’s Lost Buildings — Despite preservation efforts, some of the most iconic landmarks from Salem’s past have become victims of the wrecking ball. This exhibit features the rubble and saved remnants of many of Salem’s lost buildings. Discover how Salem’s skyline has changed over time and how preserving historic structures can make a difference to our community’s economics, livability, and sustainability
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, August 9 to December 21, 2024
Where: Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St SE
Cost: included with museum admission, which is $10 adult; $8 seniors (65 +), students (with ID) and youth. Free for ages 5 and younger. Learn more here.
August 25
Let’s Dance is a family-friendly night of dancing to music from the 50s, 60s and 70s happening 6 to 9 p.m. August 25 and September 22 at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater in Riverfront Park. There will be food trucks on site so you can grab a bite and beverage. Tickets are $5 at the gate.
August 30
Date Night: A Comedy Show For Couples — This comedy show for couples (and anyone) features a variety of improv, stand-up comedy, and interactive games that give you and your date the chance to win prizes! Hosted by Tina Hogstrom and Jared Richard, and featuring Tyler Boeh, 8 p.m. Augusg 30 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Cost: $15 single; $25 “date night” 2 people. Click here for tickets.
August 31
Urban Art Fest is happening 1 to 8 p.m. August 31 at Riverfront Park.
The Oregon Opry with Tylor & The Train Robbers, Jake & The Hill People, Alison Self — 8 to 10 p.m. August 31 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Cost: $15 in advance; $20 day of show. Click here for tickets.
Ted Vaughn Blues Band — 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, August 31, at Stomp by Croft Vineyards, 5475 River Road S. No reservation necessary. Food, wine & other beverages available for purchase. Picnic tables first come first serve. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating.