Press Play Salem

37th annual Westminster Festival of Fine Art
2026-10-18 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-10-17 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-10-16 12:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3737 Liberty Road S, Salem, 97302, United States
The Westminster Festival of Fine Art announces its 37th Anniversary celebration at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Salem, OR. Over 60 artists using a variety of medium including painting, photography, wood, jewelry, fabric art, pottery, glasswork and yard art will be featured at this year’s event. This year the Festival also includes an array of musicians performing each day.
This year’s featured artist is Christina Stefani
Join Christina at the Festival on Saturday morning at 9AM as she discusses her artistic journey The event is free to the public. Her work will also be prominently displayed and available for purchase for the duration of the Festival.
Artist Statement — Christina Stefani’s abstract paintings explore the emotional landscapes that define the human experience. Working primarily in oil and mixed media, she builds each composition through layered glazing techniques that create luminous depth and atmosphere.​ Her work reflects a fascination with the unseen forces that shape our lives: love, memory, connection, and transformation. Through dynamic movement and subtle shifts in color, her paintings evoke both expansive celestial spaces and intimate emotional moments. Rather than depicting literal imagery, Stefani allows color, texture, and energy to guide the process. Each piece evolves intuitively, revealing a balance between harmony and chaos that mirrors the rhythms of life itself. The resulting works invite viewers to pause and engage with the painting on a deeply personal level, discovering their own interpretations within its layers of light, movement, and emotion.
​We look forward to bringing people together through the power of art, celebrating with the entire community and showcasing the incredible talent that flourishes in the Willamette Valley.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:
GALLERY HOURS:
Friday, October 16 12PM – 8PM
Saturday, October 17 10AM – 5PM
Sunday, October 18 9AM – 5PM
SPECIAL EVENTS:
Friday, October 16

6PM – 8PM Gala wine & jazz reception featuring music by Gail Gage Jazz.

Saturday, October 17

9AM -10AM Festival featured artist, Christina Stefani, will discuss her art with a Q&A opportunity from the audience.

Additional musical artists to be announced
The Festival and all events are free to the public.

Queer Salsa Nights
2026-10-17 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-10-16 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-10-15 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-10-14 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-10-13 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-10-12 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-10-11 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-10-10 19:00 - 22:00 and 11 more dates | Salem’s Riverfront Park, 200 Water St NE, Salem, OR, 97301, United States
Join us for inclusive and beginner-friendly Latin dance!
7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday Nights at Riverfront Amphitheater through the summer
$5 suggested donation (lesson included)

Curator Tour: The Fabric of Sleep
2026-10-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St, Salem, 97301, United States
10/16/2026 Curator Tour 10 am – The Fabric of Sleep.
Coverlets, quilts and blankets, oh my! In this tour we will look specifically at the manufacture and use of textiles to aid us in a good night’s sleep, and how those textiles and sleep traditions have changed over the years as we wend our way through the museum’s permanent and changing exhibits!
This guided tour is included with museum admission.
See pricing here.

Weekly Drop-In Improv Comedy Class
2026-10-12 19:30 - 20:30, 2026-10-05 19:30 - 20:30 | Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre, 187 High St NE, Salem, OR, 97301, United States
Build confidence, communication and quick-thinking skills through playful improv exercises and scene work. The drop-in class welcomes beginners and experienced performers.

Philosophy Talks: Meditation with RG Shore
2026-10-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Venti’s Cafe, 325 Court St NE, Salem, 97301, United States
Salem Stoics Society and Krishna West present Philosophy Talks
Philosophy Talks is a free monthly discussion series hosted at Venti’s Cafe in downtown Salem. Inspired by the popularity of Salem’s Science Pub events, Philosophy Talks explores enduring philosophical ideas in an accessible, community-focused setting.
October’s topic is Meditation with RG Shore
https://www.instagram.com/philosophytalkssalem/
Free and open to the public. No prior background in philosophy is
required. Discussion to follow.

First Tuesday Music & Poetry Open Mic
2026-10-06 19:00 - 22:00 | Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre, 187 High St NE, Salem, OR, 97301, United States
Salem’s Historic Grand is pleased to invite performers of all varieties to take the ballroom stage the first Tuesday of every month! Musicians, bands, poets, and all other performers are encouraged to sign up and share your talent! Hosted by Matador Hamilton and Danny Shaw of Giantess.
Doors at 6:30, show 7pm-10pm. No admission, all ages. Sign ups open with doors at 6:30.
If your band would like to perform, please reach out to Matador Hamilton via Facebook or @matadormakesmusic on Instagram and let him know which backline gear your band will need.

People's Creative Market
2026-10-04 14:00 - 19:00 | Up ‘n Smoke Dispensary, 1487 Broadway St NE, Salem, 97301, United States
The People’s Creative Market

Join us for our Monthly Outdoor Market, The People’s Creative Market, first Sundays!
This market is featured in downtown Salem at Up ‘n Smoke Dispensary’s Parking lot every first Sunday from 2-7pm.
For more info (including how to be a vendor) visit: https://www.dragonwolfcollective.com/copy-of-the-outer-realms-and-other-ma

Our Heritage. Our Future Luncheon
2026-10-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St, Salem, 97301, United States
Honoring Our Past. Inspiring Our Future.
What would Salem have been like without the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill?
Who would be the stewards of Salem’s historical past if not the WHC?
Join us October 1st to learn more about the great legacy of “that big red building” in the Heart of Salem and walk away with new insights on how we can honor our past while inspiring our future as a community.
Save the date for this free luncheon where we will take you behind the scenes of what the WHC means to the Salem area and learn new ways you can get involved in protecting our shared heritage.
This lunch is sponsored by Dick Withnell.

​The Grand Showcase: Smaller by Design
2026-10-01 - 2026-11-09 | The Grand Hotel in Salem, 201 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR, 97301, United States
​The Grand Showcase: Smaller by Design​
We are living in a world of constant noise—digital pings, global upheaval, and the relentless pace of modern life. Yet, in the middle of this chaos, we find anchors that ground us. This exhibition seeks textile and fiber-based works that explore the personal sanctuaries where we find peace and tranquility.​​​
