The Playlist — Things to do Aug 14-17, 2025

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A Note from the Instigator....

Hello, Friends! Enjoy art, music, markets and more during the (slightly) cooler days ahead as you savor the best of Salem's weekend scene.

— Carlee, The Instigator

Salem on the Edge hosts Art After Dark on Saturday night. Scroll down for details (and tickets)

📅 THURSDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Make art at the All Abilities Workshop led by Salem’s Living Studios, 12 to 3 p.m. Aug 14, at Hallie Ford Museum of Art. This month's project will focus on texture in art making. The workshop is open to everyone.

Needle Felting Class: Cacti Planters — Learn to needle felt a cacti planter made out of wool with Wee Woollies. This class will help with teaching how to make basic shapes with needle felting and will make it possible to create more complex pieces in the future. Needle felting is fun and a great way to expand your fiber arts knowledge. All supplies required for this class are included and you will walk away with a finished potted cacti planter, felting knowledge and a felting block/needle for you to keep. 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 14 at Creativitee & rofe designs, 110 Commercial Street NE. Click here for tickets.

The Grateful Dead Movie 2025 Meet-Up — Grateful Dead celebrate their 60th Anniversary with a “Meet-Up At The Movies” event featuring The Grateful Dead moving, a fan-favorite cult classic following the legendary band on what at the time was believed to be their final performances, a five-night run at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom in October of 1974, the final night billed as “The Last One.” On the big screen 7 p.m. Aug 14 (and Aug 16) at Salem Cinema. Click here for tickets.

Yoga in the Park — Unroll your mat and reconnect with nature during this summer yoga series hosted by Salem Art Association and Common People Yoga. Held on the lawn behind the Bush Barn Art Center & Annex, these all-levels classes offer a peaceful hour of movement and breath in a beautiful outdoor setting. Bring water, a mat, and a donation if you're able. 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, August 14 (repeats on Aug 28) at 600 Mission St SE. Registration encouraged.

Live Music: Dante Zapata — 6-8 p.m. August 14 on the patio at Chemeketa Cellars Tasting Room, 215 Doaks Ferry Rd NW | chemeketacellars.com

⭐ FEATURED PICKS

An Art Pop Up

"Missing Time" art pop-up is an exhibit by Seth Allen at Studio at 331 State Street happening 6 to 8 p.m. Aug 15 and 1 to 4 p.m. Aug 16-17.

Explore Art…After Dark

Explore something...more at Art After Dark featuring glow-in-the-dark art, live synth music by Neon Blackfield, and art rave vibes…plus glowing cocktails from Divine Distillers, chocolates from Truffle Shuffle, and after-hours magic. 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, August 16, at Salem on the Edge, 156 Liberty St NE. Tickets are $20. Click here for tickets.

Art Talks...twice

Rediscovering Curiosity with Portland-area artist David Cohen for a thoughtful artist talk on reconnecting with creativity after a decades-long hiatus. In conjunction with his exhibition at the Camas Gallery, David will reflect on how his return to art has been part of a larger journey toward authenticity and self-discovery, 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 16 at the Bush Barn Art Center. Free; RSVP here.

Salem on the Edge hosts an Artist Talk with Sontonya Necheal at 4 p.m. Saturday, August 16 at Salem on the Edge, 156 Liberty St NE. Free and open to the public

It’s Tea Time

Minto Island Tea Tours — Take a behind-the-scenes look at Oregon’s tea-growing roots with a guided tour of Minto Island Growers' 35-year-old Mother Tea Plot, nursery, and processing room. Learn about the propagation of Camellia sinensis, explore how fresh leaves become finished teas, and sip the latest spring flush while chatting with the farm’s tea maker and owner. Tours are held outdoors, rain or shine, and include tea tasting and time for Q&A. Spring flush tea and plants will be available for purchase. Advance ticket purchase required. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, August 16 at Minto Island Growers, 3394 Brown Island Rd S. Tickets $25. Click here for tickets.

Opening Weekend

Pentacle Theatre presents Hairspray — The 1950s are out, and change is in the air! Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is a family-friendly musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs. It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network... all without denting her ‘do! On Stage Aug 15-Sept 5 at Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave NW. Buy Tickets

This weekend at Salem Cinema...

🤝 COMMUNITY

Raise a Glass 

Raise a glass to making a difference with Brew for a Cause and a special beer collaboration between Courtney Place Veterans Housing, Old Standby Brewing, and Rogue Salem Public House. The beer? A Red Rye IPA brewed with Linc Malts and the Veterans Hop Blend from YCH and Coleman Agriculture. The official beer release party 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, August 15 at Rogue Salem Public House, 555 9th St NW. Raise a glass with us, try this limited-edition brew, and be part of something meaningful. A portion of every pint sold goes directly to supporting the veterans who call Courtney Place home. We'd love for you to come out, enjoy a pint, and celebrate what community and collaboration can do.

Cruise 

Capitol Cruise In — Rev up your night with classic cars, live music, and local eats at this free community event that invites car lovers and curious cruisers alike to gather at the DAS green lot for a relaxed evening of engines and entertainment. 5 p.m. Friday, August 16 at 865 Marion St NE. Free admission.

Tour

Bush House Museum Architecture Tour: History and Mysteries — Take a deeper look at one of Salem’s most iconic homes during this special architecture-focused tour of the Bush House Museum. Learn about its Italianate style, rooted in 19th-century villa design, and discover the curious features that make this home so unique, like the door to nowhere, the mostly above-ground basement, and finely crafted wood, metal, and marble details. Led by tour guide Kathy, the experience begins with an outdoor walk around the home before heading inside for a closer look. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, August 17 at Bush House Museum, 600 Mission St SE. Free with registration. Space is limited. Click here for tickets.

Meet the Maker

Chat with Cyler from Varnum Vintners and taste some amazing wines. Cyler will be pouring 2022 Catalyst Riesling, 2024 Rosé, 2022 Block Party, and 2022 Red Blend. Tastes are free. Glasses and bottles will be available to purchase. 4 to 8 p.m. Aug 15 at Minto Island Growers. 

To Market, To Market

Market for the Strange: Fantasy Swamp Edition — Join the misfits, makers, and magical outcasts for a fantasy swamp-themed art and oddities market that celebrates the beautifully weird. With more than 70 local creators showcasing everything from handcrafted curiosities to fantasy-inspired art, this market is a tribute to all things strange, layered, and unapologetically unique. Whether you’re into fairytales gone sideways or just want to scream “GET OUTTA MY SWAMP!” with like-minded souls, this is your place. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, August 17 at the Salem Convention Center. Admission $5; free for ages 12 and under. Community hour is free from 5 to 6 p.m. Click here to learn more.

Fussy Flea Market brings you dozens of vendors with everything from vintage good to tasty treats, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug 16 at 3170 Commercial St SE

Best Bite Food Park is hosting a Local Vendors Market 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug 16 and 17 at 3282 Silverton Road NE.

It’s Luau Time

Celebrate summer at the Tsunami Luau with a Maui Brewing tap takeover plus plate lunch style food, raffles + prizes, August 16, at Tsunami Taphouse, 2925 22nd St SE

Run for Salem Free Clinics

Help Salem Free Clinics provide free medical, dental and mental health services to those who need it in our community by participating in the 13th annual Run for Salem Free Clinics, 9 to 11 a.m. August 16 at Minto-Brown Island Park, 2200 Minto Island Rd SE. Registration includes a free event t-shirt, a Café Yumm bowl at the event, and access to the snack table! To sign up, visit www.salemfreeclinics.org

Wine & Watercolor

Unleash your inner artist at Wine & Watercolor. Whether you're an experienced artist or a complete beginner, this event aims to be a fun, no-pressure environment where you will create beautiful watercolor masterpieces while enjoying the finest wines from the vineyard. Your experience begins with a guided watercolor painting session, led by professional instructor Elisa Mack, who will walk you through each step to create your own unique piece of art. For this class, you will create a painting of your favorite Mario character. 1 to 3 p.m. August 16 at Chemeketa Cellars Tasting Room, 215 Doaks Ferry Road NW. Click here to register.

🎶 Live Music

Drum Bug Music: Drums + Vinyl are celebrating their 3rd Anniversary with giveaways, raffles, treats and live music featuring Dave Garcia at 3 p.m., Liquid Garden at 4 p.m., and Sabbath Witch (Black Sabbath Tribute) at 5 p.m. August 16 at Drumbug Music, 345 High St SE. The store is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

GlitzKrieg is a (ridiculous) tribute to ALL Glam Metal & Hard Rock. This misfit group of 5 plays your favorite songs with unique twists in a live interactive show.  Others said they rocked too hard, too weird, too loud, but they said, "We haven't even BEGUN!!" 9 to 11 p.m. Saturday, August 16 at Taproot Lounge, 356 State St.

Carlos Barata — This Colorado-based, Portuguese-American singer-songwriter, frontman and musician is originally from Pennsylvania, by way of Oregon (Carlos lived in Salem and helped manage Salem's Historic Grand Theatre for a spell!). 8 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug 17 at Taproot Lounge & Cafe, 356 State Street.

Eola Live! Sam Girl — Unwind with a glass of wine and the soulful sounds of Sam Girl as the sun sets over the vineyard. Bring a blanket, enjoy house BBQ or your own picnic, and take in the beauty of Legacy Estate Vineyard. GoVino glasses available at the bar for $4 if you don’t bring your own. 6 p.m. Friday, August 15 at Legacy Estate Vineyard, 1600 Oak Grove Rd. Tickets $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.

No Quarter: Honoring the Led Zeppelin Legacy — Feel the thunder, the mystique, and the raw power of Led Zeppelin brought to life by No Quarter, the internationally acclaimed tribute band that channels the rock legends with stunning precision. For over 25 years, No Quarter has delivered more than just covers—they embody the essence of Zeppelin, from soaring vocals to electrifying solos. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering their sound for the first time, this is as close as it gets to the real thing. 8 p.m. Friday, August 15 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets for this all ages show start at $35. Click here for tickets.

Summervine features Olivia Harms & the Roadrunners — 7 to 10 p.m. August 16, at Hudak House, 5737 Orchard Heights Road NW. Click here for tickets.

Joseph Dane, 2 to 5 p.m. August 16 at Cubanisimo Vineyards, 1754 Best Rd NW

Ianuarias: Violin and Cello — 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, August 17 at Minto Island Growers

🎨 ON EXHIBIT

Artwork by Patricia Young, on exhibit at AiA Gallery

Explore art from prints to paintings...

  • At Hallie Ford Museum of Art see Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts Biennial, highlighting a selection of contemporary prints created at the renowned printmaking atelier on the Umatilla Reservation. 
  • At Salem on the Edge see exhibits featuring Prince Gnarls Presents: Welcome To Heartbreak and Guest Artist Sontonya Necheal through August 17.
  • See new exhibits at Salem Art Association
  • At Stefani Art Gallery, Veils of Light: Between Stillness and Illusion closes July 31 and In The Space Between: Neeraj Narayan opens Aug 1
  • Artists in Action Gallery’s August featured artists are Patricia Young, acrylic and Jim Richards, oil and acrylic.

Click here for a full list of what's on exhibit this August.

Got an event? Submit it here.