Here's a look at what's happening this month...
January 1
Explore nature during the free “First Day” hikes at Oregon State Parks. Oregon Parks & Recreation Department is offering free guided hikes in 21 parks across the state on the first day of the year. In addition to the free hike, day use fees are waived. January 1, Oregon State Parks
Begin the new year with a creative and nourishing flow guided by Chantal. This all-levels yoga class will be threaded with somatic release techniques to help release old patterns and make space for new energy. Set the tone for a fresh and vibrant year ahead! 5:30 to 7 p.m. January 1 at Resonance Yoga Collective, 129 Commercial St. NE. Register here.
January 3
The First Friday Art Walk returns for 2025, but with a renewed connection with artists and artisans.The Salem community is invited to enjoy local art, pop-up events, live music, and more as you stroll through downtown Salem from 5 to 8 p.m. on the First Friday of each month during the year.
January's participating businesses & artists are —
- Artists in Action Gallery, 444 Ferry St SE featuring new work by co-op members "Celebrate the New Year! Celebrate art!"
- Elsinore Framing, 444 Ferry St SE with artists Karen Nadeau & Susan Appleby
- The Holman Hotel, 195 Commercial St SE with artist Jonezy
- Quantum Light Annex, 189 Liberty St NE #101 with artist Tori Corner
- Salem on the Edge, 156 Liberty St NE with artists Robin Kerr & Peregrine
- Sewell Sweets, 155 Liberty St NE #160 with artist Michael Hines-Olheiser
1 Star Revue — A scouring of the world wide web for the strangest and most ridiculous reviews has inspired a hilarious improvised comedy show. Watch as comedians turn the internet's bad reviews into something new, 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan 3, at Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE #150. $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Age 21 and older. Click here for tickets.
January 3, 4 & 7
Salem Cinema presents Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, 5:45 p.m. Jan 3; 3 p.m. Jan 4 and 5:15 p.m. Jan 7 at Salem Cinema. Click here for tickets.
January 4
Pentacle Theatre’s Winter Acting Workshop — Join skilled director and actress Jo Dodge in a fun, hands-on 11-week theater workshop exploring the human spirit. Students participate in improvisation and scene work in a safe, supportive and non-competitive environment. The focus is on individual self-development. This workshop is for all skill levels, from beginners to the most experienced. You must be 18 or older to attend. The workshop runs every Saturday for 11 weeks from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Winter Session begins Saturday, January 4, at 197 Liberty St SE. Register here.
Is acting one of your New Year’s Resolutions? Try out during Open Auditions for Big Fish, on stage with Pentacle Theatre March 21 through April 12. 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, January 4 at Pentacle Theatre Rehearsal Studio, 197 Liberty St SE. Learn more here.
Participate in the 13th annual CrossWalk benefiting the Marion County Victim Assistance Division which provides resources, services, and support to victims of violent and traumatic crime in our community. The 1.5 mile family-friendly walk takes place 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. January 4 and begins at Gerry Frank Amphitheater at Riverfront Park. Register to participate here.
Live music featuring Postrich Bear (Salem based Alt), Psychic Poppies (Salem based Phantom Flower Music), and Hypnatwists (Salem based Alternative/Garage Rock), 7 p.m. Jan 4 at Infinity Room. $10adv/$13 at the door. All ages. Click here for tickets.
Live music with Joanne Broh Band featuring Garry Meziere bring you their dynamic, tasty blues. New songs to be introduced! Bring your dancing shoes! 8 p.m. Jan 4 at the Half Penny Public House, 3743 Commercial St S
The Synergy String Quartet plays Beethoven, Boccherini & Borodin. 2 p.m. Saturday, January 4, at Saint Mark Lutheran Church, 790 Marion St NE. Admission is free but there is a suggested donation of $10.
January 5
Evensong Concert presents"O Radiant Dawn" Christmas Music for Women's Voices — Music for treble voices will be sung by the professional vocal ensemble In Mulieribus from Portland. Translated as "among women", In Mulieribus will present music for the season of Christmas. The groups will bring a "Marian" focus to the concert with choral compositions by Josquin Desprez, Vicente Lusitano and David McIntyre. This concert directly follows the 4 p.m. January 5 service of Evensong at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1444 Liberty St SE. It is open to the public with free will donations gratefully accepted. Click here for info.
January 10
New Year Yoga — Take in a one-hour yoga class that includes yoga tank or t-shirt (you may also upgrade to sweatshirt) created by Roanna specifically for the class. After, shop at CreativiTEE + rofe designs, while enjoying wine and snacks. Special discounts will be announced at the class. Tops will be available before class. Space is limited. 6 p.m. Friday, January 10 at CreativiTee, 110 Commercial St. NE. $42. Click here to save your spot.
Dance away those holiday calories at the Ceili of the Valley Society’s Second Friday Céilí featuring live music and called dances so no experience and no partner are needed. Sam Keator will call the dances and keep everyone moving. There is a dance lesson at about 7:15, followed by live music from 8 to 11. And you don’t even need to dance — just go for a night of music! Bring water. 8 p.m. January 10 at VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE. $10-$30. Click here for more information.
Pat Travers Band — Known for his electrifying guitar skills and gritty vocals, Travers burst onto the rock scene in the late '70s with hits like "Boom Boom (Out Go the Lights)" and "Snortin' Whiskey." Over the decades, he’s toured alongside icons like Rush and Rainbow, becoming a guitar hero to fans and musicians alike. With a career that spans classic rock, blues, and hard-hitting performances, Travers’ show promises raw energy and powerful riffs that will leave audiences in awe. 8 to 9:30 p.m. January 10 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets are $40. Click here to purchase.
Live Comedy with headliner Adam Pasi featuring sets by David Tveite and Chad Johnson. 8 p.m. January 12 at The Bad Space, 2544 19th St SE. 21 and older. $10. Click here for tickets.
Ken Hamlett Presents: A Drunken Night Out — This standup, storytelling and improv show started out in the Pacific Northwest, now has a home in Chicago, and is being taken all over the country! Welcome to A Drunken Night Out! Comedian Ken Hamlett of Chicago hosts a lineup of comics from all over the country as they discuss their worst drunken nights out, do standup, and eventually end the night and perform a set…not so sober with an additional catch. The comics will be forced to do improv on crowd sourced topics. It's part hangout, part show, part live podcast, and totally a fantastic time. It's not a comedy show, it's a Comedy Party. 8 p.m. Friday, January 10 at Infinity Room. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. 21 and older. Click here for tickets.
January 10-12
Mid-Valley Home Show brings three days of all things home-related under one roof. Meet with the experts. See exhibits showcasing the latest in home products and services. Discover what you need to refresh, enhance, remodel and build. Free admission and parking. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, January 10; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, January 11; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, January 12 in the Jackman-Long Building at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St NE. Free admission and parking. 503-399-1500, homebuildersassociation.org
January 11
Dueling Pianos: Eagles vs Fleetwood Mac — Two masterful pianists go head-to-head, playing iconic hits from these legendary bands. Sing along to timeless classics like Hotel California and Go Your Own Way as you cheer for your favorite. It’s a high-energy, interactive showdown where the audience helps pick the winner. 8 p.m. January 11 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. $25. Click here for tickets.
Cara Rosellini is a stand up comedian, actor and writer who started her career in Los Angeles and continues to work in Seattle. Her dry style and sharp writing keeps a captive audience laughing...or at least curious. She was recently a semi-finalist in Washington’s Funniest Mammal Competition, has competed in the Seattle Comedy Competition and is a regular feature and recent headliner in Washington clubs such as Laugh’s and Club Comedy. 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan 11, at Infinity Room. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. All ages but material will not be clean. Click here for tickets.
Cheer on Cherry City Roller Derby’s 8 Wheel Assassins VS. Birds of a Feather in an action-packed bout. 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, January 11 at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. Tickets start at $12 in advance. Click here for tickets.
January 12
Salem Symphonic Winds will present the U.S. premiere of James Patterson’s arrangement of Little Red Riding Hood, featuring text by Roald Dahl. Roald Dahl’s retelling of this classic fairy tale — a darkly humorous take on the original story — will be narrated by Jeff Witt. The concert will also feature the U.S. premiere of Angels in Alchin Garden by Satoshi Yagisawa with clarinet soloist Patrice DeRoest; as well as music from the Japanese animated film Spirited Away written by Joe Hisaishi and Yumi Kimura; To the Bells of Berlin Cathedral by Julie Giroux; and Overture on Hebrew Themes by Sergai Prokofiev. 3 p.m. Sunday, January 12 at Rose Auditorium at South Salem High School. $5 to $20. Click here for tickets.
Salem Cinema presents National Theatre Live: NYE — Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of the man who transformed Britain’s welfare state and created the NHS. Confronted with death, Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan’s deepest memories lead him on a mind-bending journey back through his life; from childhood to mining underground, Parliament and fights with Churchill. Written by Tim Price and directed by Rufus Norris (Small Island), this epic new Welsh fantasia will be broadcast live from the National Theatre. 12 p.m. Sunday, Jan 12 at Salem Cinema. Click here for tickets.
January 14
Salem Cinema presents The Immortals The Wonders of the Museo Egizio — Kha, architect and builder of tombs for the pharaohs, must undertake the journey to the Underworld. Telling us the story of his voyage is Jeremy Irons, in the guise of a narrator. His words take us inside the secret world of Egyptian mythology, religion and funerary culture, interweaving the story with the history of the oldest museum in the world, the Museo Egizio in Turin, founded in 1824 and will soon be celebrating its 200th anniversary. In fact, the Kha’s own Tomb is to be found in Turin along with the most complete and most valuable private collection of grave goods outside of Egypt. 6 p.m. Jan 14 at Salem Cinema. Click here for tickets.
January 16
See the ballet masterpiece Swan Lake, a stage performance renowned for its stunning choreography, intricate set design, and Tchaikovsky’s captivating music which tells the story of a prince who falls in love with a beautiful swan princess under a spell. This timeless tale of love and magic will be brought to life by the finest dancers of the Ukrainian National Opera and Ballet Theater. 7 p.m. January 16 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.
January 17
Oregon Symphony in Salem presents a showstopping ode to the power of dance, Beethoven's Seventh Symphony brims with an unbridled energy certain to make your heart race. The composer's Violin Concerto — which ends with its own rollicking tune — trades in technical fireworks for transcendent lyricism, while Jimmy López Bellido's Fiesta! shakes up Baroque dance forms with elements of pop, techno, and Latin music. 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 17 at Smith Auditorium, Willamette University, 270 Winter St SE. Tickets start at $37. Click here for tickets.
A night of electrifying rock awaits. Watkins Glen with special guest Jamalia aims to give you high-energy jams with a soul-stirring performance, 7 p.m. Jan 17 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. $20 in advance; $25 day of show. Click here for tickets.
Named after the legendary '70s concert, Oregon’s own Watkins Glen brings the spirit of improvisational rock to the stage, honoring the music of The Allman Brothers, The Grateful Dead, The Band, and Little Feat, alongside their own original tunes. Led by “Brother Gabe” Johnson and Evan Mullins, this group of top Northwest musicians has captivated audiences with their high-energy jams and soul-stirring performances at festivals across the region. Special guests Jamalia will set the tone for an unforgettable night of live music!
Interrogation: Comedians Tell True Crime Stories — This is the perfect show for true crime and comedy fans. Part 'Kill Tony' and part 'This is Not Happening', it is a unique mix of storytelling, improv, and crowd participation, making it like nothing else you've ever seen. Host Korey David leads you on a wild storytelling journey that needs YOU to be an interrogator. Four comedians take turns telling their own true crime stories, whether it happened to them or someone they know. After their stories, the "criminals" sit down for questioning about their crimes from the host and YOU in the audience. Audience members can also get in on the fun by texting our "crime hotline" during the show to have their confessions read anonymously on stage. 9:30 p.m. January 17 at Infinity Room. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Age 21 and older. Click here for tickets.
January 18
Hank Shreve Band with Special Guest Lloyd Jones — A harmonica prodigy since age 8, Hank has won numerous accolades, including the Northwest Harmonica Championship and CBA's Muddy Award for Best Harmonica. Known for his versatility across instruments and captivating performances, Hank has shared the stage with legendary artists like Merle Haggard and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Don’t miss this chance to see one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier blues talents live. 8 p.m. January 18, at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 day of show. All ages. Click here for tickets.
January 19
Camerata Musicia Salem presents Thunderegg Consort 2:30 p.m. January 19 at The Unitarian Universalist Church. Learn more here.
January 21
Take a chance on Mania: The Abba Tribute featuring an extraordinary cast of talented musicians and performers delivering an authentic and unforgettable tribute to the legendary Swedish band that has captured the hearts of fans for generations, 7:30 p.m. Jan 21 at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Tickets start at $25. Click here for tickets.
January 23
See Live Stand-Up Comedy featuring opener Nathan Hart and headliner Kermit Apio, 8:15 p.m. Thursday, January 23 at Northern Lights Theatre Pub. $15. 18 and older. Click here for tickets.
Any Book Book Club — You just finished a book. You loved it. You really, really want to talk about it. What book is it? Doesn't matter. Our new Any Book Club is the group for you. We will meet to talk about all the books. Bring the book you're reading, just read, or want to read. This group will dive into the discussion of books and we'll make it fun with games and questions. In addition, we're going to kick off this group by meeting outside the library. A library hosted book club at Cinebarre. We'll meet in the upstairs lounge where you can get drinks, snacks, and comfy. Come ready to talk books, meet people, and enjoy an evening out with the Library at 6:30 p.m. January 23 at Cinebarre, 501 Marion St NE.
January 24
Lunar New Year Activity — Kids and their families are invited to learn about Lunar New Year celebrations and traditions from around the world with a Lunar New Year story followed by related crafts and activities. 4 to 5 p.m. January 24 in Story Room A & B at the Salem Public Library.
Spend an evening with three of the internet's funniest guys as seen on Dropout TV, SeeSo, Comedy Bang Bang, Funhaus, Rooster Teeth, Amazon, Netflix & so much more! Funny Guys From the Internet brings together Ify Nwadiwe, Armando Torres and Raphael Chestang for a night of laughter and you have two chances to take it in.
Early show: Doors at 6, show at 7. $15 online/$20 at doors. All ages show but material will not be clean. Click here for tickets.
Late show: Doors at 9, show at 9:30. $15 online/$20 at doors. 21+ show. Click here for tickets.
January 24-25
Sip and sample your way across the culinary delights of our state at First Taste Oregon. It’s not just about what you eat and drink (although there is definitely opportunity for that) but First Taste also features entertainment, including two stages of music; art; vendors; and more. Individual tastes are sold directly by exhibitors. Go for a taste, stay for a glass, take home a bottle! 4 to 9 p.m. Jan 24 and 12 to 9 p.m. Jan 25 in Jackman Long Building at Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St NE. Tickets start at $9 in advance. https://aftontickets.com/event/buyticket/1o91drw29e/first-taste-oregon
January 25
Willamette Wedding Show — Streamline your wedding planning process by meeting vendors and sampling services. Whether you’re just starting your wedding planning journey or you’re finalizing the details, the Willamette Wedding Show is an essential resource for Oregon couples.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, January 25 in Columbia Hall at Oregon State Fairgrounds. Tickets are $10 per person (12 and under are free). Click here for tickets.
January 28
Moms Unhinged, featuring Andrea Vahl and Meaghan Elwood with headliner Amy Brownbrings, brings you a night of laughter exploring everything from motherhood, midlife crisis, marriage, divorce, online dating, and other things that irritate us. Men are welcome to the show, too. 7 p.m. January 28 at Salem's Grand Theatre, 187 High St NE. Adult themes and language – 21 and older. Tickets start at $20. Click here for tickets.
January 25
Dive down the rabbit hole during the Cherry Blossoms Tea Party Takedown, an Alice in Wonderland-themed roller derby bout featuring an evening of high-energy action and whimsical fun as our juniors battle it out on the track in true Wonderland style. For an extra twist, the crowd can purchase “enchantments” to alter the game and spice up the excitement! All money from the enchantments support Cherry Blossoms Junior Roller Derby. Costume contest for best dressed! Don’t be late for this very important date! The game begins at 6 p.m. January 25 at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. Tickets start at $12 in advance. Click here for tickets.
Pitch Perfect comes to the stage with Varsity Vocals, an international a cappella tournament. The west quarterfinal event features 10 university groups including three from Willamette University: Headband, Tandem and Up Top, January 25 at Elsinore Theatre | elsinoretheatre.com | $
January 29
Join Andrea González Caballero for “Reencuentros.” More than a concert this event is a heartfelt gathering of memories and melodies, old and new. Join Andrea in this poignant musical reunion, and let the strings of her guitar reconnect you with the soul of Spanish music. 7:30 p.m. January 29 at Smith Auditorium at Willamette University, 270 Winter St SE. $30 to $60. Click here for tickets.
January 30
Take in a night of comedy with Andrew Rivers and friends. Andrew’s very personal and fun storytelling comedy, combined with his exemplary work ethic has earned him high praise from some of the best comedians in the business. 8 p.m. January 30 at Infinity Room. $15 to $30. Click here for tickets.
January 31
Make space for the new year with Somatic Flow. Join Chantal for a class that helps release the old so that we can create space and inspiration for the new year. Reconnect to the intentions you set on January 1st and move forward together! Our bodies are a living story of our experiences in life and often we end up storing stress in our muscle tissues that cause discomfort and limit our movement capacity. After a short discussion, you will move through an all-levels yoga flow threaded with somatic release practices that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and mobile. 6 p.m. January 31 at Resonance Yoga Collective, 129 Commercial St NE. Click here to register.
Opening January 31
Pentacle Theatre presents Arsenic and Old Lace, a farcical black comedy revolving around the Brewster family, descended from Mayflower settlers but now composed of maniacs, most of them homicidal. The show opens on January 31 and runs through February 22 at Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave NW. Tickets are $20–$41. Discounts available for students & Oregon Trail Card holders. Click here for tickets.