The Playlist — Things to do Aug 21-24, 2025

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A Note from the Instigator....

Hello, Friends! A warm weekend is on the horizon, and so is a lineup full of music, art, and summer happenings. From outdoor activities to indoor escapes, there’s no shortage of ways to play this weekend.

See you out there!

— Carlee, The Instigator

Take in a weekend of music with Capital City Retro Fest at Riverfront Park (scroll down for details)

📅 THURSDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Join Mid-Willamette Outreach Group 1 to 4 p.m. Aug 2 at Bush's Pasture Park for a Stream Celebration. Play games, make crafts, and practice science while you learn about local waterways and the services they provide for humans and wildlife. All ages welcome. You’ll find the fun along Pringle Creek between Lefelle St and Mission St.

Step up to the mic at Big Stage Karaoke hosted by Andrew Hussey, 7 p.m. Aug 21 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Doors and signups at 6:30 p.m. Free, but 2 item purchase minimum required. All ages (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)‍

Take in a night of live music with Story and Tune Duo, 6-8 p.m. August 21 on the patio at Chemeketa Cellars Tasting Room, 215 Doaks Ferry Rd NW | chemeketacellars.com

Spirit Night brings a guided tasting flight of Broken Top Whiskey, led by industry professional Erik Fitchett. Guests will enjoy a specialty cocktail on arrival, followed by a paired meal designed to complement the tasting. Reservations are $165 for this 21 and older event. 6 p.m. Aug 21 at The Cozy Taberna. Click here for tickets.

⭐ FEATURED PICKS

Capital City Retro Fest + Silent Disco After Party

Step back in time at Capital City Retro Fest, a three-day celebration of the best music from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Held in the heart of Salem, this all-ages event features live performances each evening and a full-on retro vibe from start to finish. Here’s what you can hear —

  • Friday, August 22: Grand Royal - Beastie Boys tribute; Nevermind - Nirvana tribute; Jar of Lies - Alice in Chains tribute
  • Saturday, August 23: Stone in Love - Journey tribute; Shoot to Thrill - AC/DC tribute; Ramble On - Led Zeppelin tribute
  • Sunday, August 24: Taken by the Sky - Fleetwood Mac tribute; Eagle Eyes - Eagles tribute; Band After Midnight - Abba tribute

Gates open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; gates at 4 p.m., music at 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets $25 single-day, $60 for a weekend pass. Ages 12 and under free. No same-day re-entry. No outside food or drink. Click here for tickets.

After the last encore, keep the party going at the Silent Disco After Party in Riverfront Park—grab a pair of wireless headphones and dance under the stars to your choice of DJ-curated channels spinning throwback hits.

Browse the Open Studios

Spend A Summer's Night at The Studios and explore a diverse array of art while chatting with the artists who include: Mona Cook, Corrie Loomis Dietz, Katie Gilmour, Carol Green, Heidi Preuss Grew,  Leonard Kelly, Susan Napack, Ross Sutherland, and Jane Taliaferro. 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, August 23 in The Studios at the Mill (Willamette Heritage Center). 

Rock Salem

RiverCity’s 10th Anniversary + End of Summer Show celebrates a decade of music and honors the legacy of RiverCity founder Mark Green. This all-day outdoor bash features live performances by RiverCity students, food from El Ranchero, drinks by Santiam Brewing, games, raffles benefiting Salem Music Initiative, giveaways, and a grand open jam finale. Pro Shop specials and program discounts round out the fun. 12 to 8 p.m. Aug 24 at RiverCity Rock Star Academy, 2769 19th St SE. Free.

🤝 COMMUNITY

String Theory will play during Open Garden at Gaiety Hollow

Stroll the Open Garden

Stroll through the historic Gaiety Hollow gardens in full bloom while enjoying a live morning concert. String Theory, the father-daughter cello duo of Joseph and Elena Harchanko, brings its World Tour at Home program, a journey of songs from around the globe. Free and open to all ages. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug 23 at Gaiety Hollow, 545 Mission St SE.

Flying Legends Tour 

Experience living history at the B-17 Alliance Foundation’s Flying Legends Tour 2025, featuring the B-17 Flying Fortress Sentimental Journey and B-25 Mitchell Maid in the Shade. This celebration of aviation and history includes ground tours and thrilling flight experiences, plus a special ticketed dinner with the pilots and Commemorative Air Force crew. See a one-of-a-kind collection of the rarest historical military planes in the world up close and personal. Plus Salem artist Gary Westford’s Ball Turret Gunner (early morning full moon) painting in the hanger, where volunteers are currently working to restore one of the few remaining B-17s in existence. The painting will be available for purchase, along with limited edition prints, with 50% of all sales donated to the B-17 Alliance.

  • Ground Tours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, August 21
  • Dinner with the Pilots: August 22 (ticketed)
  • Flight Days: August 22–24

All events take place at the B-17 Alliance Museum & Restoration Hangar, 3278 25th St SE. Visit https://b17alliance.com/flying-legends-tour/ or call 971-803-2428​​

It’s Fair Time

The Oregon State Fair brings Salem 11 days of family-friendly fun from Friday, August 22 through Monday, September 1. Explore 185 acres packed with concerts, carnival rides, unique fried treats, creative competitions, live animal showcases, drone finale shows, and agricultural highlights that celebrate Oregon’s communities and culture. 

This weekend’s concert lineup includes: 

A limited number of general admission seats are available on a first-come basis with fair admission. Reserved and VIP seating for a fee. oregonstatefair.org (PS: On August 22, fair admission is only $5 at the gate.)

Eat Up

Epilogue Kitchen & Cocktails is hosting a Cheesesteak Cookout. Starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, Chef Jon will be cookin’ up cheesesteaks, plus, they will be serving mystery shots, vibes, and celebrating the birth of the one and only Barista Kyle Layton.

New Moon Renewal 

New Moon Labyrinth Under the Stars — Step into a candlelit evening of reflection and renewal as you walk an outdoor labyrinth beneath the night sky. Surrounded by luminarias, this new moon gathering invites intention-setting, release, and quiet contemplation at your own pace. 8–10 p.m. Aug. 23 at First Congregational UCC, 700 Marion St NE. Free.

Art, Artifacts & An Anniversary 

Browse an eclectic mix of art, bric-a-brac, trading cards, signed author cards, masks, coffee table books, and more at this special sale supporting the Salem Public Library. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug 23 in the Anderson Rooms at the Salem Main Library, 585 Liberty St SE. Free admission.

Plus, celebrate the Friends of Salem Public Library’s 60th anniversary with free cupcakes 12 to 4 p.m. Aug. 23 in the Library’s Collaboration Studio.

Yoga + Wine

Wrap your weekend with a morning of yoga. This class starts with a 60-minute practice led by Kristen Aubert, followed by post-class sips with fellow yogis. 9:45 a.m. Aug 23, at Bryn Mawr Vineyards, 5935 Bethel Heights Road NW. Suggested donation of $5-$10 per yogi for practice and you are encouraged to stay after for a glass or bottle (not included). Register here.

Mind Body Spirit Fair

Explore Salem’s longest-running holistic fair with practitioners offering tarot, intuitive readings, reiki, healing, crystals, jewelry, aura photography, and more. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 23, at HOME Spiritual Center, 3892 Lancaster Dr NE. Free admission. homespiritualcenter.com

Plus at the wineries…

Sip and snack at Pinot & Pizza featuring live music by Joey James, 4 to 8 p.m. Aug 22 at Hudak House, 5737 Orchard Heights Road NW

Check out Family Bingo Night (there are prizes!), 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug 22 at Kuenzi Family Vineyard, 7919 Spring Valley Rd NW 

This weekend at Salem Cinema...

Laugh and Laugh Again

Mike Glazer with Emma Jonas & Tony Meyer — HBO and Food Network alum Mike Glazer headlines a night of stand-up fueled by wild energy, food jokes, and zero chill. Known for turning everyday chaos into comedy gold, Glazer makes every set feel like a party. He’s joined by local favorites Emma Jonas, sharp and fearless, and Tony Meyer, whose easygoing wit rounds out the bill. 8 p.m. Aug 23 at the Grand Ballroom. Tickets $20. Click here for tickets.

Rodney Norman — Philosopher, comedian, and accidental internet guru Rodney Norman brings his hilariously offbeat wisdom to the stage. Known for his viral videos and gravelly-voiced life advice, he’s part sage, part weirdo, and always entertaining. A winner of the Boston Comedy Festival and a Dry Bar Comedy favorite, Norman’s absurd yet uplifting take on life has earned him fans of all ages. 7 p.m. Aug 24 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.

🎶 Live Music

Friday

Bazooka Sharkz, BATTLE FLASK, The Brass, Cut-Rate Druggist — punk, 7 p.m. Aug 22 at Blast Off Vintage, 860 High St NE. $10. All Ages.

Sunset Concert: Leanne McClellan Band — Soak up sweeping vineyard views and golden hour vibes as the Leanne McClellan Band fills the evening with classic rock, jazz, pop, and blues. This all-ages concert pairs perfectly with Coria’s award-winning wines and summer sunsets over the Willamette Valley. Bring a blanket, grab a glass, and settle in for a magical night. 6:30 p.m. Friday, August 22 at Coria Estates, 8252 Redstone Ave SE. Tickets $15; free for kids under 12. Click here for tickets.

Eola Live! Lucky Pluckers — Kick off your weekend with live bluegrass, scenic vineyard views, and great wine as the Lucky Pluckers take the stage at Legacy Estate Vineyard. Enjoy house BBQ or bring your own picnic, and don’t forget your wine glass (GoVino glasses available for $4 at the bar.) 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, August 22 at Legacy Estate Vineyard, 1600 Oak Grove Rd. Tickets $10 in advancel $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.

Saturday

Van's Child — rock, 8 p.m. Aug 23 at The Yard Food Park

Rewind Band — rock, pop & R&B from the 50s to 90s, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. August 23 at Ankeny Vineyards. $5

Sunday

Asia Moore — Harpist, 12:30 p.m. Aug 24 at Minto Island Growers. Limited picnic table seating. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food and beverage service will be open during the performance.

Rebecca Hardiman Quartet — jazz, 3 to 5 p.m. August 24 at Ankeny Vineyards.

Orville Ivie and "Smiley" Mike Renwick — 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 24 at Trinity Vineyards, 1031 Wahl Lane S

🎨 ON EXHIBIT

Artwork by Jim Richards, 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 Summer: Break Out, an exhibition of emerging artists
  • At Salem Art Association, see a variety of exhibits, including The Snail Blog, “a story of friendship and 5,000 postcards,” which shares the correspondence of Ellen Crocket, who moved from Salem to Vermont decades ago, to Salem artist Bonnie Hull. 
  • At Stefani Art Gallery, see In The Space Between: Neeraj Narayan 
  • 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.