Looking for something to do with friends or just know stuff and wanna show off? Try trivia. Salem’s offerings are so plentiful that you can keep yourself busy (almost) every night of the week. The Press Play team spent two weeks trying as many different options as possible for your reading pleasure. Here’s what we determined —
Sunday
Ronan Baker is the TriviaNaught, writing and curating your trivia experience at Venti’s (and a couple of other area watering holes). As it takes place in the Beer Vault, this multimedia trivia is for 21 and older. There is no limit to the number of people you can have on your team so call everyone you know. You don’t need to be competitive, but if you are and can commit to regular attendance, you could win the golden ticket — a voucher for something (up to $50 value) from the Beer Vault. Arrive early to place your order and enjoy the full Venti’s experience. 6 p.m. every second Sunday at 325 Court St NE
Monday
Leroy Firwood has been hosting Trivia at Epilogue Kitchen & Cocktails for almost two years, and although the restaurant space is up for sale (don’t worry, that’s a good thing, Jon and the crew are moving over to join with Prismatic Coffee at Pringle Creek and they have some big things in store - more on that later), trivia will be happening through December. Reservations are recommended. As this one can be busy. This all-ages trivia covers a variety of pop culture. And, the restaurant’s full menu is available while you play so go hungry. 6 p.m. at 508 State St
Ronan Baker can also be found on Mondays at Vortex Eatery + Taphouse. Make your reservations at vortexeatery.com. 6 p.m. at 4435 Liberty Rd S
Soul of Wit host EJ Allen and his sidekick Atticus (or maybe it’s the other way around) host trivia at The Yard Food Park. Three rounds, 10 questions each covering an assortment of pop culture topics that include some multimedia, too. Bonus: More than a dozen food trucks to feast from, plus beer and cocktails. 6:30 p.m. at 4106 State St
Tuesday
Host Brad Ingram has been entertaining folks at Sparky’s Brewery for five years with his trivia. All-ages welcome. Six players per team max. Reservations highly recommended. Four rounds and the winners play for a prize and bragging rights. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for special events. Save yourself a spot at 503-931-9417. 6 p.m. at 1252 23rd St SE #110
Shades of Brew Taphouse serves beer and trivia, plus is home to four food carts. Check it out 6 p.m. at 4743 Lancaster Dr NE
Soul of Wit has just started hosting trivia — with prizes — at South Liberty Bar & Grill. 6:30 p.m. at 4682 Liberty Rd S
More options —
- 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Shack Bar & Grill, 2865 Liberty St SE
- 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Half Court Sports Bar & Taproom, 3960 Center St NE
Wednesday
Vicki Woods writes her questions for the fast-paced, challenging trivia night at Willamette Valley Smokehouse. Four rounds, eight questions per round and the last question is always a song. It’s free. And yes, there are prizes. Also, go hungry. While one might think the menu best for carnivores - it’s a BBQ joint after all - they also have some seriously good non-meat options — like street corn, potato salad and baked beans. Don’t say we didn’t tell ya. 6:30 p.m. at 2411 Delaney Rd SE
Westside Taphouse has got your free entertainment with prizes up for grabs. Up to 6 people per team. Got more? Split yourselves up and get competitive. 6:30 p.m. at 1594 Edgewater St NW #110
You’ll find Ronan at The Bad Space, too, with all ages, cover-free trivia. He stresses: “Fun is paramount.” Watch for teasers on Facebook and make note, there’s a category called “Last Night’s Jeopardy” so you know what to do. And while there is unlimited team size, there are bonus points for a smaller team. Santiam Brewing’s restaurant menu is available plus a full bar — hello Pirate Stout straight from the source. 7 p.m. at 2572 19th St SE
You have two weekly options for trivia at Heroes Tap House Bar & Grill: Wednesday and Saturday. You can have up to 10 people per team — sorry, no children. Reservations are required, so make yours at heroestaphouse.com. 7 p.m. at 4555 Liberty Rd S #350
Cash prizes are on the line for the top three teams playing trivia at Corner Pocket Bar & Grill, where it’s also well, wine and whiskey Wednesday. Watch their Facebook page for advance release of the week’s categories. 7 p.m. at 2653 Commercial St SE
More options —
- 6 p.m. at Gilgamesh Brewing, 2065 Madrona Ave SE
- 6:30 p.m. at The Pink Elephant Tavern, 115 Lancaster Dr NE
- 7 p.m. at Half Time Bar and Grill, 850 High St NE
Thursday
Soul of Wit host Aaron Wood runs Checkpoint 221’s all-ages trivia night that features three themed rounds. There is a limit of six people per team and the regulars can get competitive. There are some serious players. Don’t know the answer? Guess, if you make Aaron laugh, you have a chance at bonus points. 6:30 p.m. 1233 Riverbend Rd NW
Your friendly, neighborhood Sasquatch of Oregon Trivia Company hosts the activities at Ratchet Brewery, where you can grab a beer and tacos from El Pelon Salem to help fuel your knowledge. 6:30 p.m. at 2475 25th St SE. facebook.com/OregonTrivia
Prizes, food and friendly competition with prizes for the top three winners are waiting at Marco Polo Global Restaurant. Note: 1-4 people per team. 6:30 p.m. at 300 Liberty St SE
Friday
Looking for general knowledge trivia? Shades of Brew Brewery might be the place for you. Host Ricky Sheldon covers a broad variety of topics, from sports to music, plus name that tune and photo round at a fast pace. Are you a gambler? Redeem your “joker” bonus for double points during any round before the final. Top three teams win prizes. No limit on team size but 5-6 people is the recommended. Note: Pasta Boss food truck may be serving up food for purchase, but if not, you can always order pizza from the brewery. 6:30 p.m. at 2027 25th St
Share wine, wisdom, and wood-fired pizza at Ankeny Vineyard’s once-a-month trivia. Most teams are between 4 to 6 people. Prizes and bragging rights are up for grabs. Reservations are recommended. Book early to save your table. Call 503-378-1498, or visit ankenyvineyard.com. 6 p.m. Dec 20 at 2565 Riverside Drive S
Saturday
If you missed it on Wednesday, catch up with trivia on Saturday at Heroes Tap House Bar & Grill. Just be sure you’ve made your reservations. They’re required. And remember, no kids. 7 p.m. at 4555 Liberty Rd S #350
Guess what?
There are at least two potential trivia spots that got left on this list because we couldn’t confirm them at the time of printing....but we hope to add them!
Make Note —
Seats can fill fast, especially at some of the smaller venues, so consider this when planning your night. Additionally, most venues also serve food, or have access to food trucks, plus to beer and other beverages so noshing is encouraged while you test your skills for a chance to win some great prizes or at least bragging rights, and let’s face it, those can go a long way.
Follow the golden rule — no cheating. Put your phone away and pick the depths of your brain. This is also an encouragement to build your trivia team - Doesn’t hurt to have someone who’s up on pop culture and another into sports. Oh, and that one friend who seems to know every song in existence, yeah, bring them.
Don’t yell out the answer, duh.
And most of all — Have Fun!
This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 22 (Winter 2024/25)