A Note from the Instigator....
Hello, Friends! Apologies for the delay, I've been busy baking cake. (If you're heading to the City of Salem's TOT meeting tonight, you’ll find out why.) In the meantime, take a look at some of the highlights happening around Salem this weekend and press play on something new.
— Carlee, The Instigator
Tuesday String Band
Tuesday String Band will be playing at Salem Art Association's Summer Celebration on July 19. Scroll down for info.
📅 THURSDAY HIGHLIGHTS
The weekend starts now...with these events!
Yoga + Libations — Stretch out under the trees at Lively Station during this once-a-month summer series. Enjoy a 60-minute all-levels flow led by Kristen Aubert, then stick around for dinner and drinks. Bring a mat, a friend, and a carpool if you can—parking is limited. 6 p.m. July 17 at Lively Station, 3635 River Rd. S. Click here to register. (repeats Aug 14)
Yoga in the Park — Unroll your mat and unwind on the lawn behind Bush Barn Art Center during this summer yoga series hosted by Salem Art Association and Common People Yoga. All levels welcome. Bring water, a mat, and a willingness to breathe. 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 17 (repeats July 31 and August 14 & 28) Click here to reserve your spot.
Test your knowledge over wine and wood-fired pizza at Ankeny Vineyard’s popular Trivia Night. Gather a team of 4–6, compete for prizes, and reserve early as walk-ins are rarely available. 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 18 at Ankeny Vineyard, 2565 Riverside Dr S. 503-378-1498 Click here to reserve your spot.
Live Music: Roundhouse — bluegrass, classics, and originals from a variety of genres using bluegrass instrumentation: bass, guitar, mandolin, and banjo, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 17 at Chemeketa Cellars, 215 Doaks Ferry Rd NW. All ages are welcome at this free show. chemeketacellars.com
Live Music: The West Salem Lions Club hosts live music with Ty Curtis Band, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m July 17 at West Salem Park, 265 Rosemont Ave NW. Attendees can enjoy the music with a picnic or purchase concessions on-site to support the concert series. Bring your chairs, blankets, and a sweater for a fun summer evening—just remember, no alcohol is allowed in the park. facebook.com/WestSalemLionsClub
Big Stage Karaoke — Get out and sing! Andrew Hussey hosts an all-ages welcome night of karaoke 7 .m. July 17 at The Garnd Theatre. Free Entry (with two item minimum purchase) This event is recurring on the third Thursday of every month.
Lights, Comedy, Laughs! — Comedy night returns with a laugh-packed evening featuring headliner Jess Everett and a to-be-announced opener. Expect sharp wit, big energy, and a guaranteed good time. 8:15 p.m. Thursday, July 17 at Northern Lights Theatre Pub. Tickets $15. [Get Tickets Here]
Salem Poetry Project: Poems Banned in Florida — The Salem Poetry Project takes a bold stand with an evening dedicated to poetry books banned in Florida schools. Hear readings from three of the hundreds of titles removed from classrooms, some of which may surprise you. As always, the night includes the Infamous Open Mic: three poems or five minutes, whichever comes first. 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 17 at the Bush Barn Art Center Annex, 600 Mission St SE. For more info, contact Marc Janssen at mrcjanssen@msn.com.
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⭐ FEATURED PICKS
Live music, a moonlit movie, and a high-energy dance floor—your weekend starts here.
Summer Cruise-In with Live Music — Cruise into summer with an evening of classic cars, live tunes, and vineyard views. West Hills Vineyards hosts a laid-back night featuring music by Blacksmith Neighbors from 5 to 8 p.m., plus a full menu and bar to keep the good times rolling. 4:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 18 at West Hills Vineyards, 4785 Salem Dallas Hwy NW.
Second Annual Summer Celebration — Sip wine, savor desserts by Wild Pear, and dance to the Tuesday String Band at this garden-themed party hosted by the Salem Art Association. Enjoy after-hours gallery access, a summer lawn party, raffle prizes, and a big announcement. Since it's a garden theme party, guests are encouraged to dress in accents of purple and yellow. 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at Bush Barn Art Center & Annex. Tickets $30. Click here for tickets.
Junior Roller Derby Doubleheader — Get ready for an action-packed afternoon of junior roller derby—complete with pool float flair! Cheer on the Cherry City Comets in a modified contact bout, then stick around for full-contact thrills with the Cherry Blossoms Brawl Stars. Family-friendly fun, with food and drinks available for purchase. Doors open at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 19, with bouts at 2 and 4:30 p.m. at The MadHouse, 1335 Madison St NE. Tickets start at $12 in advance. [Get Tickets Here]
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🤝 COMMUNITY
Here’s what’s happening beyond the main stage.
IRONMAN 70.3 Salem — Cheer on the competitors as they cross the finish line on Sunday, July 20 at Riverfront Park.
Tour of Homes 2025 — Discover the latest in local architecture, interior design, and décor during the 2025 Tour of Homes, presented by NW Natural and the Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties. Tour 20 brand-new homes from talented local builders, ranging from affordable to luxury, and gather ideas whether you’re building, buying, or just love beautiful spaces. 6 to 9 p.m. July 17 + 18 and 12 to 6 p.m. July 19 + 20. Free admission.
Friday Flow featuring sounds by DJ ZO, 10 p.m. til late at Mykie’s, 155 Liberty St NE Suite 130
Feels Like Summer Day Party with Rhythm and Flow, July 19 at Xicha Brewing, 2195 Hyacinth St NE #162. [Get Tickets Here]
Stand Up Comedy: Sarah Colonna with Cory Michaelis — Get ready for a night of sharp wit and unapologetic humor as comedian, actor, and bestselling author Sarah Colonna takes the stage. Known for her roles on Insatiable, Shameless, and as a regular on Chelsea Lately, Sarah blends fearless honesty with laugh-out-loud storytelling. She’s joined by Cory Michaelis, a fast-rising comic with a gift for smart, relatable stand-up and razor-sharp timing. 8 p.m. Friday, July 18 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets start at $30. Click here for tickets.
Yoga on YMCA Rooftop — Take in an outdoor practice on the rooftop with views of the Capitol Building and downtown Salem in this 60 minute all-levels class led by Kristen Aubert. All are welcome. You don’t need to be a member of the YMCA. 10 a.m. July 19, at Salem Family YMCA, 685 Court St. NE. Suggested donation of $5-10 per yogi. Click here to register.
African Trade Bead Show and Friends — Discover a mix of artists, potters, painters, and makers offering plant jewelry, garden treasures, and more. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at Hopewell Hub, 22460 Hopewell Rd NW. Info: 503-437-8728 or info@hopewellhub.com.
Filament Fusion: A Monthly Dance Class — Looking for a joyful, low-pressure way to move, connect, and unwind? Filament Fusion is a partnered monthly social dance event that kicks off with a beginner-friendly lesson—no rhythm or experience required. Come as you are, meet new people, and discover the joy of dancing together. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., dancing begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at the Grand Theatre Ballroom. Tickets $17.50. [Get Tickets Here]
Barbershop in the Park — Enjoy an afternoon of beautiful harmonies with Oregon Spirit Chorus, women’s a cappella ensemble. Gather near the rose garden for favorite tunes performed by the full chorus and quartets—and maybe even join in to learn a short song in 4-part harmony. Bring chairs, blankets, snacks and water for an afternoon of free, fabulous fun! 1 p.m. Sunday, July 20 at Bush’s Pasture Park.
Marion Berries Baseball has games all weekend long (almost all week long, actually!). This weekend it’s Berry Days with games at 6:35 p.m. July 18 and 19 and 5:05 p.m. July 20 at the Chemeketa Community College Baseball Diamond. [Get Info & Tickets Here]
This weekend at Salem Cinema...
Salem Cinema July 18
🍽️ FOOD & DRINK (AND MORE)
Favor the flavors of Salem at these events...
Cheap Date Night is back at Epilogue! Dine-in or take out, you can still take advantage of Friday Cheap Date Night, which includes two entrees and one bottle of wine (NA version available, too). You tell them your dietary restrictions and they provide you with a chef-crafted meal. $50/coupon 5-9 p.m. Fridays at Epilogue, 3996 Cousteau Dr SE
Pinot & Pizza — Ease into the weekend with wood-fired pizza, signature Pinot, and live music (this week with Mayra Sandoval) at Hudak House’s Friday night summer series. No reservations required—just show up hungry and ready to relax. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 18 at Hudak House, 5737 Orchard Heights Rd NW. hudakhouse.com, 503-714-3810. Free.
Wine & Watercolor — Sip, swirl, and paint the evening away at this guided watercolor workshop led by instructor Elisa Mack. Set against the scenic backdrop of Chemeketa Cellars, this relaxed session welcomes all skill levels to explore their creativity—no experience needed. Art supplies included, and wine, beer, cider, and small bites available for purchase. 6 p.m. Friday, July 19 at Chemeketa Cellars, 215 Doaks Ferry Rd NW. Click here for tickets.
Farm to Fork Dinner — Dine among the apple trees at this elegant long-table dinner featuring five fire-grilled courses by Chef Erick Caballeros, paired with wines from Paradis Winery and non-alcoholic beverages. Ingredients are locally sourced—including hazelnut-raised pork from the orchard itself. Includes wine, cider, and NA pairings. 6 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at E.Z. Orchards. $120 per person. Click here for tickets and full menu.
Cheesesteak Cookout — Chef Jonathan Jones is at it again…from 11 a.m. til close at Epilogue Kitchen & Cocktails, 3996 Cousteau Dr SE. (And at 7 p.m. Mosley Wotta takes to the stage so…dinner and live music? Yes, please!)
Founder’s Day — Celebrate the legacy of Ankeny Vineyard founder Joe Olexa with a day of wine, food, and music in his honor. Enjoy live music by Charlene & the Champagne Bruts from 3 to 5 p.m., a special menu of “Joe’s Favorites,” and 15% off select wines. 12 to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at Ankeny Vineyard, 2565 Riverside Dr S. ankenyvineyard.com, 503-378-1498.
Small Producer Sunday — Explore the artistry of Arabilis during this intimate tasting experience spotlighting limited-production wines and the stories behind them, 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 20 at Bryn Mawr Vineyards, 5935 Bethel Heights Rd NW. brynmawrvineyards.com. Free.
🎭 THEATER
Open Auditions: A Comedy of Tenors — Pentacle Theatre is holding open auditions for A Comedy of Tenors, Ken Ludwig’s fast-paced farce filled with mistaken identities, operatic egos, and backstage hilarity. Directed by Jennifer Gimzewski, the production is casting four male-presenting and three female-presenting roles. Rehearsals begin in July | Show runs Oct. 3–25, 2025. No experience necessary—just bring your energy and comedic timing. 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at Pentacle Theatre’s Downtown Rehearsal Studio, 197 Liberty St SE. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
LAST CHANCE Pentacle Theatre presents Black Comedy — A British farce with a twist—when the lights go out for the characters, the stage lights go up for us. This fast-paced one-act flips theatrical convention and keeps the laughs coming. 7:30 p.m. July 17–19 at Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave NW. [Read our Press Play feature here] | [Buy tickets here]
Tune in to a new KMUZ Theatre Talk broadcast at 9 a.m. Friday on KMUZ Media 100.7 FM for an interview with choreographer Christopher Dean and actors Megan Smith and Benji Burgess from Disney's and Cameron Macintosh's MARY POPPINS, playing under the stars July 29-Aug. 7 at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater in Salem's Riverfront Park. KMUZ Theatre Talk airs at 9 a.m. the first and third Fridays of the month at KMUZ 100.7 and 88.5 FM in the mid-Willamette Valley, on the KMUZ Media mobile app and wherever you get your podcasts.
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🎶 Live Music
Take in a night of live music from the vineyard to the farm...
Mosley Wotta — July 19 at Epilogue, 3996 Cousteau Dr SE
Jeane Grey — 2 to 5 p.m. July 19 at Cubanisimo Vineyards, 1754 Best Rd NW | cubanisimovineyards.com | 503-588-1763
Scott Austin — 5 to 7 p.m. July 19, at West Hills Vineyards, 4785 Salem Dallas Hwy NW, Salem, OR 97304, USA
Molly Martinka — 7 p.m. July 19 at The Yard Food Park.
Plaehn & Hino Blues — acoustic & electric blend of country blues, R&B & originals. 5 to 8 p.m. July 19 at Stomp by Croft Vineyards, 5475 River Rd S. 503-364-3085
Southern Crossing — favorite hits from the '60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s! 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 19 at Ankeny Vineyard, 2565 Riverside Dr S. ankenyvineyard.com, 503-378-1498. There is a $5 cover charge per person.
Experience the heart of Music City without leaving town. Backyard Music Co. presents a Nashville-style “listening room” event curated by Billboard-charting artist Scotty James. Enjoy an intimate evening of acoustic performances and storytelling by two to three Nashville songwriters, plus themed cocktails, food, and exclusive merch. All ages welcome. 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 18 in the Grand Ballroom at Salem’s Historic Grand. Tickets $35. [Get Tickets Here]
Salem Cinema Presents The Outsiders
🎨 ON EXHIBIT
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.
- Salem on the Edge's July exhibits featuring Prince Gnarls Presents: Welcome To Heartbreak and Guest Artist Sontonya Necheal
- See four new exhibits at Salem Art Association
- Veils of Light: Between Stillness and Illusion | Robert Bibler & John Van Dreal continues at Stefani Art Gallery
- Artists in Action Gallery’s July featured artist is John Mohney
Click here for a full list of what's on exhibit this July.