A Note from the Instigator....
Hello, Friends! If you are still on the fence about what to do for Halloween, this is The Playlist for you. If you want nothing to do with Halloween, this is The Playlist for you. Either way, we've got you covered. Now go out and play!
— Carlee, The Instigator
PS: I need your support to make the next edition of Press Play a reality — Let's Talk!
Halloween
Scroll down for all things Halloween.
THURSDAY HIGHLIGHTS
There’s a preview showing of Willamette Theatre’s production of Ride the Cyclone tonight, 7:30 p.m. Oct 30 in the Peloton Playhouse at Willamette University Click here for tickets. (and scroll down for more details)
Salem Poetry Project presents Shawn Aveningo Sanders — Shawn Aveningo Sanders’ newest book, Pockets (from MoonPath Press), was a finalist in Concrete Wolf’s Chapbook Contest. More than 250 of her poems have appeared in journals such as Cloudbank, CALYX, cho: contemporary haibun online, Timberline Review, Willawaw, and others. A multiple Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net nominee, she shares the creative life with her husband here in Oregon where they run The Poetry Box press. 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 30, at Bush Barn Art Center + Annex, 600 Mission St SE.
Paint Like Bob Ross: Mountain Ride Lake Paint and Sip —Take in a relaxing evening of painting happy trees and majestic mountains…just like Bob Ross with Barbra Anderson, a certified Bob Ross instructor. All supplies provided. Walk away with your very own 16x20 masterpiece 6 to 8 p.m. October 30 at Chemeketa Cellars Tasting Room, 215 Doaks Ferry Road NW. $60. Click here for tickets.
Elsinore Film Series presents a big screen viewing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary, 8 p.m. October 30 at the Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 day of show.
Peculiar Pretzelmen with special guests Black Mariah Theater, Witches Night Ritual, 8:30 p.m. Oct 30 at For Tomorrow We Die. Donations accepted for artists.
Candlelight: Halloween Classics is a live, multi-sensory musical experience with a program of haunted tunes, 8:45 p.m. October 30, in The Spinning Room at Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St SE. Tickets start at $26. Click here for tickets.
There’s a Karaoke Costume Contest happening 9 p.m. October 30 at Taproot Lounge and Cafe. Prizes for best dressed. Free contest entry with drink purchase.
⭐ FEATURED PICKS
WU Theatre
WU Theatre presents Ride the Cyclone
Willamette Theatre presents Ride the Cyclone, a hilarious and outlandish musical about six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir who find themselves in limbo after a freak rollercoaster accident. A mechanical fortune teller offers them the chance to compete for the ultimate prize: a return to life. Funny, heartfelt, and thought-provoking, Ride the Cyclone explores what it means to truly live. See it on stage, 7:30 p.m. Oct 31, Nov 1, 5-8, 12-16, and 2 p.m. Nov 2, 8-9, 15-16 in the Peloton Playhouse at Willamette University Click here for tickets. (Watch for our Press Play story coming soon)
Salem Symphonic Winds opens its 51st season with Spirit of Japan, a vibrant celebration of Japanese art, music, and culture. Under the direction of John Skelton, the ensemble will perform at 3:00 PM on Sunday, November 2nd in Rose Auditorium at South Salem High School. The program features three strikingly different works: Julie Giroux’s Symphony No. 4 – Bookmarks from Japan, Akito Matsuda’s Liz and the Blue Bird, and Yasuhide Ito’s Gloriosa. 3 p.m. Nov 2 in Rose Auditorium, South Salem High School.Click here for tickets.
Have You Thought About Dying? — Information and conversations surrounding death can be complicated, confusing, and emotional. Yet death and dying is a human experience everyone will face at some point. We have partnered with Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service to offer an opportunity to learn and ask questions related to the history and processes of death care. 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, November 1 in the Anderson Rooms, Plaza Level at Salem Main Library, 585 Liberty St SE.
🤝 COMMUNITY
Monster Mash
Cherry City Roller Derby hosts its Monster Mash bout, Saturday, Nov 1 at The Mad House. This double header will feature the juniors playing at 4:30 p.m. followed by adult games at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $12 in advance. Children 5 & under free
The Black Jacket Symphony
Remember putting on an album and listening from start to finish? Relive that moment with a live concert experience unlike any other as The Black Jacket Symphony recreates AC/DC’s iconic album Back in Black live in its entirety—note for note, sound for sound—plus a full set of AC/DC’s greatest hits. 7:30 p.m. October 31 at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Tickets start at $25. Click here for tickets.
Seven Deadly Sins
Storm Large, Portland’s "favorite songstress”, wows you as she explores the world of sin! The Seven Deadly Sins, no less. Reprising one of her signature roles, this working girl moves across America to help her greedy family build their little house back in Louisiana, accompanied by the jazzy sounds of the Swinging ‘30s. Plus, hear music from the Oregon Symphony’s first concert in 1896 and new works by Portland composers – including a jazz piano concerto inspired by Langston Hughes and the friendship between the composer and pianist. 7:30 p.m. October 31 in Smith Auditorium at Willamette University. Click here for tickets
Autumn Serenade
The Salem Pops Orchestra is excited to invite you to “Autumn Serenade”, an afternoon of music that evokes fall with the guest Confluence Willamette Valley LGBT Chorus. In addition to sharing the stage, the Orchestra will perform music from Lohengrin, Autumn Leaves, España Cani, and selections from The Phantom of the Opera, 3 p.m. Nov 2 at the East Salem Community Center. Click here for tickets.
Indoor Winter Market
The greenhouse transforms into a marketplace featuring a rotating array of local vendors selling what they make, grow, and raise. Every Saturday, through March 14, at Wavra Farms, 7882 Jordan St SE
Listen & Learn
Guest speaker Mark R. Eischeid will present on Barbara Fealy and 20th Century Landscape Architecture. Barbara Fealy was an accomplished landscape architect and the first woman in Oregon elected as a fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Like Lord and Schryver, she largely worked on private residence projects, but some of her notable public projects included the landscape design for Timberline Lodge, Portland Garden in Yurigahara Park in Sapporo, Japan and Salishan Resort. 2 p.m. Nov 2, at Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St SE. A suggested donation of $10 toward the mission of the Lord & Schryver Conservancy may be made at the event. RSVP to Info@LordSchryver.org to save your seat for this program.
Halloween Stuff
Vintage & Treat — Trick or Treat around Aunt Bee’s House, where there will also be a chance to win a gift card or rare pumpkin Labubu, plus a pirate’s treasure hunt that grants you two extra entries when you find the pirate coins hidden throughout our vintage labyrinth, starting at 10 a.m. Oct 31 at Aunt Bee’s House, 2679 Commercial St SE
Halloween Family Storytime — Families are invited to join Youth Services staff for a fun-filled Halloween-themed storytime with slightly spooky stories, songs, a costume parade, and craft, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, October 31 in Story Room A&B at Salem Main Library, 585 Liberty St SE.
Trick-or-Treat from 3 to 6 p.m. October 31 at the front porch of Deepwood Museum & Gardens. This free event is designed for children 10 and younger. Deepwood is an 1894 Queen Anne Victorian house located at Yew Park on the corner of Mission and 12th. Info: 503-363-1825, DeepwoodMuseum.org
Come one, come all to the Fairmount Hill Halloween Parade, where family, friends, and pets are all welcome. Costumes encouraged, but not required. Meet at 5 p.m. Oct 31 at Fairmount Park
Step inside The Haunted Object Gallery: Psychic Object Readings at Engelberg Antiks 6 to 9 p.m. October 31 at Engelberg Antiks, 148 Liberty St NE. Navar D. Knight will share his psychic gift, and offers psychic object readings and mystical insight using a variety of divination tools. Bring your haunted heirlooms, mystery-market finds, or curious collectibles and discover what energies linger within. Is it haunted? Hexed? Or simply misunderstood?
See The Lost Boys on the big screen. The classic 80s flick about teenage brothers Michael (Jason Patric) and Sam (Corey Haim) who move with their mother (Dianne Wiest) to a small town in northern California and discover….vampires! 8 p.m. Oct 31 at Salem Cinema
Harvest
Fall Fest at Fordyce Farm features a variety of (free and paid) seasonal activities from a pumpkin patch to a hay fort to a corn maze. Thursday nights are Family Night in the Corn Maze, a spooky experience sans jump scares for $5.50 per person. Friday and Saturday nights, the Corn Maze gets haunted and monsters may lurk behind any stalk from 7 to 9:30 p.m. $16 per person (not for little kids). Some events are weather permitting. 9 a.m to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Fordyce Farm, 7023 Sunnyview Road NE. Click here for more info.
Open rain or shine, E.Z. Orchard's Harvestfest boasts fun for all. With hayrides, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, a petting zoo, cider and donuts daily, plus live music and horse rides on weekends, you would be hard-pressed not to find something interesting to do. Harvest is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at 5504 Hazel Green Rd NE. Cost to participate starts at $5 during the week and $12 on weekends. Learn more here.
Pet a Donkey, Pick a Pumpkin — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays in October at Fruitland Creek Farms, 6000 Sunnyview Road NE. Snuggle with the miniature donkeys. Meet the micro cows. Say Hi to the baby Highlands. Take part in farm games, activities and more. $30 for a family of up to 4 (just $5 each additional person). $10 for individuals (pumpkin included) Every family takes home a FREE carving pumpkin.
Salem Cinema Presents Lost Boys
Halloween Parties
Downtown
Archive Coffee & Bar — Yo ho, it’s a pirate’s life for Archive Halloween where you will find costumes, cocktails, kitchen specials and skullduggery on the high seas. Beginning at 4 p.m. Oct 31
The Best Goose Halloween Party — Dance party vibes from DJ Roqwest, plus costume contest, photobooth, spooky flash tattoos and more. 9 p.m. Oct 31
Rhythm & Flow presents Return of the Nightmare—a Halloween bash with a live performance by LA’s Devour, plus DJs, costume contest, spooky drinks, and surprises all night. 10 p.m. Friday, October 31 at Side Hustle Bar. 21+. Click here for tickets.
Taproot Lounge — DJ Skeletor, dancing and vibes for age 21 and older. 9 p.m. Oct 31
Coin Jam Halloween Bash — Drink specials starting at 6 p.m. October 31. If you want to participate in the costume contest, be there by 9:30. Winner announced at 10. Cash for best overall and best couple.
Flying Nimbus Presents: Nightmare In The Ballroom Featuring Showtigers — Step into the shadows where music and mystery collide. Flying Nimbus brings their signature blend of funk, soul, disco, and psychedelia to the stage, transforming the ballroom into a swirling dreamscape of sound and spectacle. Joining them are special guests Showtigers, bringing electrifying energy to the night. Expect costumes, fog, and a wild journey through the history of sound itself—equal parts haunting and euphoric. 8 p.m. Friday, October 31 in The Ballroom at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets are $15 in advance; $18 day of show for this 21 older event.
Boon’s Treasury — It’s all treats with live music, Halloween-themed food & drink specials, and a costume contest. 8 p.m. Oct 31 at Boon’s Treasury, 888 Liberty St NE
Outside Downtown
Halloween Party featuring Huckle Buck Highway playing classic rock and country tunes, Oct 31 at The Half Penny Public House
Beehive Station Halloween Bash — Live music with Flashback Salem, a costume contest, photo ops with the Monster Mobile, and trick or treating for the kids. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct 31
Tsunami’s Halloween Monster Mash Bash — drink specials, a costume contest, and prizes, plus a Gigantic Brewing Company Takeover. Dress as your favorite monster and join the fun on October 31 at Tsunami Taproom, 1252 23rd St SE #110.
Shades of Brew Taphouse — Costume contest with prizes. Kids and dogs welcome. 7 to 10 p.m. Oct 31
The Pumpkin King’s Ball — Live Halloween music by DTW, plus costume contest, food and drink specials, plus karaoke after the band. 8 p.m. Oct 31 at The Bad Space. $15 for this 21 and older party.
Witches & Wine Party — Slip on your witchy best and take to the moonlight for an evening of laughter, good company, and a slow-cooked chili brewed in our cauldron~to perfectly pair with a glass of Hudak House Pinot Noir (available with all the fixings~because every witch deserves a little comfort food after a night of mischief). Costume contest for the most charming witch or warlock. Costumes required. 6 to 10 pm. Oct 31 at Hudak House.
The Witch Trials return… but this time, the witches win. This Halloween, enter The Salem Witch Trials starting at 10 p.m. at Mykie’s Bar & Lounge, where there will be drink specials, a costume contest, DJ Pahnj and more
West Side Taphouse — Something wicked is brewing at the taphouse this Halloween including bingo, pumpkin decorating, and a specialty happy hour if you come in costume. 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, October 31
The Yard Food Park — Take in a night of live music with JFK plus costumes and prizes, beginning at 8 p.m, Oct 31 at The Yard Food Park, 4106 State St.
Halloween Horrors at the Graveyard — costume contest, scaryaoke, drinks specials, costume contest and more. 7 p.m. Oct 31 at Graveyard Bar, 2407 State St.
The Web Of Terror — Take in a spine-chilling night of frights and thrills with the mutha ghoul herself, RiRi Calienté, featuring a costume contest with cash prizes, Dj and dancing, themed-drink specials, swag bags, pumpkin carving content and more, 7 to 11 p.m. Oct 31 at the Southside Speakeasy, 3529 Fairview Industrial Drive SE. Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Click here for tickets.
This weekend at Salem Cinema...
Salem Cinema October 31
Haunts
Mill Creek Haunted Prison
Tormented Illusion brings you a nightmare to remember with the Mill Creek Haunted Prison. This year, your ticket grants you access to two terrifying haunted houses over three floors: the legendary Haunted Prison and the all-new Phobias Haunt. Check it out this weekend, 7 to 10 p.m. Oct 10; 6 to 10 p.m. Oct 11, 6 to 9 p.m. Oct 12, at 5465 Turner Road SE. Tickets start at $32. Upgrades available. Click here for tickets.
Nightmare Factory
Nightmare Factory is Oregon’s oldest running haunted house. This wheelchair accessible amaze winds through 15,000 square feet of basement in the boys dormitory at Oregon School for the Deaf that has been transformed into the ultimate combination of haunted attractions. Thrills await. 7 to 11 p.m. Oct 10-11 at Nightmare Factory, 999 Locust St NE. Tickets start at $20. Click here for tickets.
Scare at the Fair
Fright Planet Scare at the Fair brings you four haunt experiences with one ticket. Brave the industrial grime Distorted, the creepiness of Höbart’s Doll Factory, the eerie clowns of The Painted Ones, and the evils that lurks in the dark of Blackout. Get your scare on 7 to 10 p.m. Oct 10-12 at Oregon State Fairgrounds & Expo Center, 2330 17th St NE Cost: Varies. Cheaper in advance. $10 parking per vehicle. Learn more and get tickets at https://frightplanet.fearticket.com/
And a different kind of Haunt…
Extreme Velocity presents The Lost Forest Zombie Shoot, a haunted apocalypse survival walk in 7 acres of zombie-infested dark forest, where you are armed with glowing BBs and a mission to escape. The 30-minute experience isn’t a haunted house; it’s an interactive experience of survival. Fridays and Saturdays in October at Extreme Velocity, 3046 Portland Road NE. $25 in advance; $30 day of. Click here for tickets.
World Beat Holiday Market
Día de los Muertos
Don Froylan Creamery is hosting a Dia de Los Muertos Celebration featuring an Ofrenda (bring a photo of your loved ones), loteria, pinatas, games, performances throughout the day and cheese tasting, of course. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov 1
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with a day of tradition, dance, music, and more, starting at 12 p.m. Saturday, November 1 at McKay High School, 2440 Lancaster Drive NE.
At Xicha, the Día de los Muertos celebration will feature live music with Mariachi Los Palmeros at 4:00 p.m., followed by a special performance by @gemanereidamusic at 7:30 p.m.
Dance the night away at the Día de Muertos Salsa Night, which will include a Best Catrina Contest with prizes, 10 a.m. Nov 1 at Adobe, 508 State St. $10 for this 21 and older event.
Celebrate Day of the Dead Dia de Los Muertos 3 to 9 p.m. Nov 1 at Restlawn Memory Garden and Funeral Home, 201 Oak Grove Road NW, where there will be a live Mariachi band, traditional dancing, food, face painting, a community Ofrenda and more.
Precious Pizza hosts a GothDark Cumbia / Emo Dia de Los Muertos Party 9 p.m. Nov 1. In addition to pizza specials, there will be a costume contest and live music at this 21 and older event.
🎨 ON EXHIBIT
Joshua Blue
Artwork by Joshua Blue
See artwork by Joshua Blue on exhibit at Stefani Gallery
Explore art from prints to paintings...
- At Hallie Ford Museum of Art, see Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art
- At Salem on the Edge, see an exhibition of art by Paul Meuse and Zachary McRae
- At Stefani Art Gallery, see Joshua Blue's Nostalgia Cope
- At Artists in Action Gallery, see paintings by Judith Baer and CC Willow
- At World Beat Gallery, a new exhibit about Oaxaca, Mexico, is now open.
Click here for a full list of what's on exhibit this October (And watch for November later this weekend)