March 2025
Here's a look at what's happening this month...
March 1
Salem Art Association hosts an Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony for the Young Artists Showcase starting at 1 p.m. March 1 at the Bush Barn Art Center. Click here for more info.
Urban Birding — Spend the morning with Ranger Mike and the Salem Audubon Society on the first Saturday of the month while they take you on adventures seeking out the various bird species in our parks. 9 to 11 a.m. March 1 at Secor Park. Click here to register for this and/or future urban birding events
Cherry City Roller Derby hosts a triple header bout featuring the Juniors, Renegades and 8 Wheel Assassins, starting at 2 p.m. March 1 at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. Tickets for this family-friendly event start at $12 in advance. Click here for tickets.
Volcano: A Science Comedy Show by Ben Miller — What happens when a comedian walks into a volcano? In 2023, Ben Miller was the artist in residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, the first ever stand-up comedian ever selected. This was probably a terrible idea on their part.
Ben Miller is an NYC-based scientist turned comedian who has been working for the past 8 years. In that time, he has performed at all the top clubs in the city such as Broadway Comedy Club, Carolines, and The Stand. Ben was once ranked as the top roast battler in NYC. He has a degree in Materials Science and Engineering, worked on a science bus, 3D printed cookies and has diffused a few bar fights while on stage.
Two chances to see the show: 7 p.m. Saturday, Mar 1, at Infinity Room. Age 18 and older recommended. Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Johnny Wheels & The Swamp Donkeys and Ben Rice — Get ready for an unforgettable night at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre! Johnny Wheels & The Swamp Donkeys bring their soul-stirring "feel good music" to the stage, led by the one-of-a-kind Johnny Wheels—a harmonica-playing frontman whose passion and resilience shine through every note. Their music comes straight from the heart, promising an electrifying performance you won’t forget.
Joining them is Ben Rice, delivering a high-energy blend of Blues, Soul, Funk, and Jazz with his band, The PDX Hustle. Imagine Los Lobos meets Johnny Winter in a Ray Charles-inspired groove—this is a sound that gets you moving! With slide guitar, horns, organ, and rhythm to spare, Ben Rice will have you dancing in no time. Don’t miss this powerful lineup of live music magic! 7 to 9 p.m. March 1 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. $30 General Admission | All Ages. Click here for tickets.
March 1-2
Salem Capitals Basketball play their 2025 league opener — a home town game against Vancouver Volcanoes— 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1 at The Salem Armory, 2310 17th St NE. Their second game, vs Willamette Valley Jaguars, will take place 3 p.m. Sunday, March 2, also at the Armory. Click here for tickets.
Salem Roadster Show — See the best of the best, who will compete for the 6th Annual O’Reilly Pacific NW Emerald Award at this invitational car show. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 1 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 2, in the Jackman Long Building at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. $15. Age 15 and younger are free. Sunday is “Ladies Day” offering $5 admission for women. Parking is $5 per vehicle
March 6
There will be a free public conversation between Photographer Nancy Floyd and Curator Julia Dolan, discussing the photographer’s art, life, and career, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6, in Roger Hull Lecture Hall at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art
March 6-15
Corban Theatre presents Spring Play: Good Wives — Marriages, career choices, engagements, health problems, travels, friendships, and family—these are only a few of the situations the March family encounter in the popular classic tale Good Wives, written by the famous Louisa May Alcott as a sequel to Little Women. Join Corban University’s Theatre Group as they stage Peter Clapham’s stage adaptation of Alcott’s novel. Directed by Tamara McGinnis. 10:30 a.m. March 6, 7:30 p.m. March 7-8, 14-15, and 2 p.m. March 16, at Psalm Performing Arts Center at Corban University, 5000 Deer Park Dr SE. Click here for tickets.
March 7
Swing Night returns to The BAD Space, featuring a Doubletime Swing and Collegiate Shag Lesson with Mz. Jitterbug, followed by Live music from Whole Lotta Louis, showcasing the best of Louis Armstrong, Louis Jordan, and Louis Prima. Don't have a partner? No problem — they will match you up with one. Don't want to dance? No problem — you are welcome to just go enjoy the live music. Doors: 6:30 p.m. Swing Lesson: 7 p.m. Live music: 8 p.m. March 7 at The Bad Space. Click here for tickets.
Get your laugh on with comedian Mike Glazer who smoked with Snoop, cooked with Gordon Ramsay, and won a gold medal as a roller hockey goalie for Team USA. Two chances to see the show: March 7 — 7 p.m. (All Ages) and 9:30 p.m. (21 and older) at Infinity Room. $15 in advance/$20 at the doors. Click here for tickets.
The Black Jacket Symphony presents The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” —note for note, sound for sound—plus a full set of The Beatles’ greatest hits. Over the past ten years, the Black Jacket Symphony has performed over 40 classic rock albums, bringing an incredible night of entertainment to over a million music lovers across the US. The group of hand-picked musicians changes based upon the album being performed—and no sonic detail is overlooked, with the musicians doing whatever it takes to reproduce the album. It’s a full night of rock and roll magic—plus a visual experience unlike any other. 8 p.m. Friday, March 7 at Elsinore Theatre. $25+ Click here for tickets.
Copland & Sibelius: Sounds of Spring — The first warm, fragrant breezes of spring waft through the pages of two beloved works: Copland's Appalachian Spring, a tender portrayal of rural American life, and Sibelius's Fifth Symphony, with its heart-stopping vision of swans soaring across an April sky. Plus, Stephen Waarts makes his debut with your Oregon Symphony to perform Samuel Barber's stunning violin concerto. 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 7 in Smith Auditorium at Willamette University, 270 Winter St SE. Tickets starting at $37. Click here for tickets.
March 7 & 21
Salem Art Association presents two free lectures by local Art History teacher Philip Nickel. Philip has been teaching Art History for the last 22 years at Sprague High School. He describes his experience with developing an art history program at Sprague as a unique opportunity that’s been incredibly rewarding, adding that, “Having been dragged to museums from the time I could walk, I discovered that art history was a natural outgrowth of my political, literary, and cultural interests.”
Session 1: Identity Politics – Power and Authority, 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 7 at Bush Barn Art Center
Session 2: Identity Politics – Resistance and Rebellion, 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 14 at Bush Barn Art Center
Free but registration requested. Learn more and register here.
March 7, 14, 21, 28
Traveling Wheelz hosts Open Skate starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday March 7, 14, 21 and 28 at The Mad House. Learn more here.
March 8
Xicha Brewing hosts Cantarito Paint Night, followed by a Karaoke to Remember Paquita la del Barrio, hosted by DJ SHOTZ, 8 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at 2195 Hyacinth St NE #162. Click here to register for this 18 and older event.
A Celebration of Women in Wine! — Celebrate and support women-owned businesses with a vibrant Women’s Market, featuring incredible local treasures and live music by Lisa James (1 to 4 p.m.). Plus, a special screening of the feature-length documentary ‘Women of Pinot’, which shares the stories of 21 women winemakers in Oregon’s Willamette Valley (5 to 7 p.m.). The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the Director Bruce M. Jaqua. 1 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at Cória Estates, 8252 Redstone Ave SE. Click here for reservations.
Fetes des Femmes is a tribute to International Women’s Day that brings together an extraordinary array of performances from around the globe and through the decades, all in celebration of countless contributions women have made to the world of music. Join in celebrating the timeless voices and talents that have paved the way for centuries of female musicians and artists. :30 p.m. Saturday, March 8, in Hudson Hall at Willamette University. Click here for tickets.
Stand Up Comedy with Susan Rice and Cory Michaelis — Susan Rice, voted "Portland’s Funniest Person" by Willamette Weekly, brings decades of experience from comedy clubs and corporate events nationwide. Known for her wit and charm, she’s guaranteed to keep the laughs rolling.
Joining her is Cory Michaelis, a former high school teacher turned comedian, whose Dry Bar Comedy Special, "Bad Teacher," racked up over 60 million views. Cory’s act is sharp, irreverent, and definitely not classroom-friendly! 8 p.m. March 8 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets start at $20. Click here for tickets.
From Chicken to Eagle: Seven Women Paddling Whitewaterand Navigating Life — The story of seven women who took a wilderness adventure in 1979. At their 40th reunion, they decided to write a book about this adventure and how it affected their lives. The result is From Chicken to Eagle: Seven Women Paddling Whitewater and Navigating Life, collection of short memoirs chronicles the many ways these seven found meaning, purpose, challenge and enjoyment in their personal and professional lives. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 8 in Anderson Rooms at Salem Main Library,. Copies of the book will be for sale. This is a free event with seating available on a first-come, first-seated basis.
March 9
Willamette Master Chorus presents Music from Latin America with instrumental Mariachi and invited high school choir student collaborators from Salem/Keizer, Woodburn, Stayton, and Silverton, plus professional Caribbean Style Ensemble with guest conductor Wallace Long. 3 p.m. March 9 in Hudson Hall at Willamette University. $27. Click here for tickets.
Camerata Musica presents a free concert with Salem String Quartet, 2:30 p.m. March 9 at The Unitarian Universalist Church. Click here for more info.
March Movie Madness — The Salem Pops and Western Oregon Orchestra invite you to a celebration of movie music magic featuring selections from “Wicked”, “The Lion King”, “Jurassic Park”, and many more! 3 p.m. Sunday, March 9 at the East Salem Community Center. Click here for tickets.
March 13
The Gothard Sisters — Experience an evening of enchanting music with The Gothard Sisters, a trio of multi-instrumentalists, composers, and performers blending Celtic, folk, world, and classical influences. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Greta, Willow, and Solana bring their music to life with violin, guitar, mandolin, bodhran, djembe, whistle, and soaring vocal harmonies. With over 2,000 live performances and 10 albums, their vivid and inspirational sound has captivated audiences worldwide. Don't miss this mesmerizing celebration of storytelling, tradition, and artistry. 7:30 p.m. March 13 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.
March 14
Center Stage Theatrics presents The Red Carpet Gala, an evening of entertainment to help fundraise for Center Stage Theatrics' theatre summer camp! Featuring performances by Camp Center Stage, Hannah Wood, Hussey Bros, Kent Wilson, Emily Matsuda & Chelsea Janzen Williams, with Special Guest RiRi Caliente. Dinner provided by Millers BBQ & Cafe. 6:30 p.m. March 14 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets starting at $30. Click here for tickets.
Ceili of the Valley Society hosts its Second Friday Céilí featuring live music and called dances so no experience and no partner are needed. 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. March 14 at VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE. Starting at $10. Click here for more information
Find the beat, tap your feet and explore the rhythms of life with Confluence Willamette Valley LGBT Chorus through a variety of musical styles, lyrics, and tempos, at the next concert, Time! 7:30 p.m. Mar 14 at First Congregational UCC Salem. Click here for tickets.
March 14-15
Salem Capitals Basketball play a home town game against Great Falls Electric, 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 14, and against Willamette Valley Jaguars, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at The Salem Armory, 2310 17th St NE. Click here for tickets.
March 15
Mission Street Parks Conservancy hosts a Bird and Nature Walk — Stroll around Bush’s Pasture Park looking and listening for birds and learning about their habitats. The park has a wide variety of habitats, from open fields to its dense white oak groves, its Douglas Fir thickets and its riparian areas along the banks of Mill Creek. Birds thrive in each of these habitats. Lynette Witkowski and Julia Battle, both Oregon Naturalists in this area, will lead this family-friendly walk. Bring binoculars if you have them. Please come dressed for the weather as we will go rain or shine. The walk will cover about a mile and will be mostly on flat, even surfaces. Bring water and snacks as needed. Children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult. 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15 at Bush's Pasture Park. Meet in the parking lot by the Bush house and the Art Barn.
Dragons and Mythical Beasts Live — Calling all brave heroes! Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical show for all the family. Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku; the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you’d think), an adorable Unicorn and majestic Griffin. Take your place among legendary heroes, just don’t wake the Dragon… Suitable for all ages 3 and older. 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at Elsinore Theatre. $25+ Click here for tickets.
Cherry Blossom Day at the Capitol — Celebrate Spring, the blossoming cherry trees in the Capitol Mall and the impact of the Japanese culture on our state, with booths, activities and performances. Free and open to the public. Parking is free on Saturday. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 15 at State Capitol State Park, 900 Court St NE
Chardonnay Blending: The Art of Terroir — Take in a one-of-a-kind tasting experience that blends education, creativity, and fun at our annual workshop series. Perfect for both beginners and wine connoisseurs, this unique event invites you to taste directly from barrels and tanks, crafting your own personalized blend. Spend an afternoon exploring balance, complexity, and nuance in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. 1 to 4 p.m. March 14 at Vitae Springs Vineyard and Winery, 3675 Vitae Springs Rd S. $100. Click here for tickets.
Equinox 2025: A Celebration of Light, Balance, and Renewal is an evening dedicated to the outstanding wine and cuisine of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Experience the perfect balance of day and night with a curated event featuring exquisite wines (taste wines from over 30 acclaimed wineries), farm-to-table cuisine, and live entertainment in our stunning vineyard setting. 5 p.m. (VIP) 6 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at Zenith Vineyard, 5657 Zena Rd NW. Tickets start at $85. Click here for tickets.
Salem Orchestra presents Spring Chamber Series featuring Synergy String Quartet, an evening of expressive and dynamic chamber music. Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture sets the tone with sweeping drama, while Beethoven’s Opus 81b in Eb showcases the warmth and richness of the horn, featuring Benjamin Garrett and Tate Wadsworth, alongside the artistry of the Synergy String Quartet. The quartet also brings their expressive depth to Clark’s Poem, adding contrast and intimacy to the program. With a blend of vibrant orchestral colors and intricate ensemble work, including the restless energy of Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, this concert offers a captivating journey through some of classical music’s most evocative sounds. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at East Salem Community Center. Tickets start at $15. Click here for tickets.
Grand Royale: The Beastie Boys Tribute is one of the most visually & sonically captivating acts on the scene. Three MC’s (MCAin’t, Mike Double D and BADRock) backed by a four-piece band & DJ (The White Castle Combo) performing tracks spanning the Beasties entire catalog (even THE MIX-UP instrumentals!) with Beasties antics galore. 8 p.m. March 15 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets: $25. Click here for tickets.
March 16
Delgani String Quartet: Italian Inspiration pays homage to the country that birthed the modern violin and so much wonderful music in our string repertoire. Delgani is joined by violists Kenji Bunch and Adam LaMotte and cellist Diane Chaplin for Tchaikovsky’s magnificent Souvenir de Florence, inspired in part by the composer’s travels. The first half of the program features Italian music spanning over 300 years, including works of Barbara Strozzi, Luigi Boccherini, and Gian Francesco Malipiero, 3 p.m. March 16 at Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Click here for tickets.
Peter Antoniou: Psychic Comedian — Peter Antoniou fuses his amazing and uncanny ability to read minds with razor sharp wit, story telling, and improvisational comedy to create unique live entertainment experiences. From London’s West End to America’s Got Talent, he has become an international sensation, presenting his remarkable and hilarious shows for sell-out theatre audiences, comedy clubs, blue chip companies, and royalty, 7 p.m. March 16 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets start at $30 for this all ages show. Click here for tickets.
March 19
Marty Isenberg's "Wes Anderson Playlist" Wes' Coast Tour! Step into the whimsical world of Wes Anderson through the music of Marty Isenberg at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Wes Anderson Playlist reimagines the iconic soundtracks of Anderson’s films with jazz orchestration and improvisation, blending nostalgia, melancholy, and cinematic wonder.
A renowned bassist in the NYC jazz scene, Isenberg transforms songs by David Bowie, Nick Drake, and The Velvet Underground into a sonic storyboard of longing, love, and self-discovery. Praised by Downbeat Magazine as "more than a movie for your ears," this performance promises a rich, immersive experience for film and music lovers alike. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind tribute to Anderson’s offbeat, heartfelt universe! 7 p.m. March 19 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets are $25-$35 for this all-ages show. Click here for tickets.
Take in a night of Stand-Up Comedy with Jeremiah Coughlan featuring Cameron Peloso and Chad Johnson. 8 p.m. Friday, March 21 at The BAD Space, 2544 19th St SE. Age 21+ Click here for tickets.
March 21
Power and Precision: Beethoven’s 5th & Brandenburg No. 6 — Take in a captivating evening of music as Amanda Grimm and Charles Noble of the Oregon Symphony perform Bach's 6th and final Brandenburg Concerto alongside the McKay Chamber Orchestra. All proceeds from this event directly benefit music programs at McKay High School to ensure all students have access to instruments and enriching educational experiences regardless of their ability to pay. 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 21 in Smith Auditorium at Willamette University, 270 Winter St SE. $5 to $25. Click here for tickets.
March 22
Fly Through Time with Leapin' Louie — A comedy cowboy circus about animals who fly featuring cowboy tricks, 6-foot unicycle, juggling stunts, crazy comedy and animal science. 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22 in Chemeketa Community College Theatre Auditorium, 4000 Lancaster Drive NE Building 6. Tickets $8 to $16. Click here for tickets.
Bit Brigade Performs "Super Mario World" + "F-Zero" LIVE — Combining the dread and daring of a live video game speed run with the spot-on technique of a live band covering the musical accompaniment to everything you're seeing on-screen in real time, Bit Brigade will have you swinging between the two mediums.
Bit Brigade performs rock covers of full NES game soundtracks as their gamer speedruns the game live on stage. 8 p.m. March 22 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets start at $15. Click here for tickets.
March 22-23
The Cherry City Classic is a 2-day event featuring an invitational bike show, live flat track racing, live music, tattoo expo, vendors and more. It’s a celebration of everything great in the world of power sports. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 22 and 23 in Columbia Hall at Oregon State Fairgrounds. Click here for tickets.
Salem Slam III — Concussion Roller Derby hosts a 2-day Mens Roller Derby Association (MRDA) sanctioned tournament featuring teams from Concussion Roller Derby, Puget Sound Outcast Derby, Aftershocks, Tremors, and Denver Roller Derby. March 22 and 23, at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. $30 All weekend pass. Age 10 and younger are free. Click here for tickets.
March 23
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra — With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time. It’s one of the most popular and sought-after big bandz in the world today. 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 23 at Elsinore Theatre. Click here for tickets.
March 27
The Wellermen bring a night of powerful harmonies and seafaring spirit to Salem. This bass-driven folk group took the world by storm during the viral Sea Shanty trend of 2021, and their debut album has already garnered over 85 million streams. With an enormous online following, Jonny Stewart, Sam Pope, Luke Taylor, and Bobby Waters are now thrilling audiences live after debuting together in June 2023. 7:30 p.m. March 27 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets start at $22. Click here for tickets.
March 29
Randy Hansen: The Hendrix Experience with Lords of Blackpool — Join us at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre for an unforgettable night with Randy Hansen: The Hendrix Experience, celebrating the legendary music of Jimi Hendrix. Featuring Northwest drumming icon Rick Spano, the Randy Hansen Band delivers electrifying performances, blending passion and precision honed over decades with legends like Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchell, and Buddy Miles.
Local favorites, Lords of Blackpool, provide the perfect opening act with their harmony-rich, story-driven songs inspired by British rock of the 1970s. Their raw, organic chemistry promises a memorable start to an epic evening. Don't miss this celebration of timeless music! 8 p.m. March 29 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. $25 General Admission. All Ages. Click here for tickets.
The Gray Havens present The Zion Caravan Tour featuring The Gray Havens, LOVKN, John Mark Pantana, and Antoine Bradford, 7:30 p.m. March 29 at Corban University - Psalm Center. $29.50 in advance/ $40 at the door. Click here for tickets.
March 29-30
Shop Spring/Easter Marketplace for unique crafts, homemade items, artwork, jewelry, home decor and more from 150 plus vendors. Plus there will be hourly door prizes, food and drink for purchase, and photos with the Easter Bunny. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 29 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 30 in Jackman Long Building at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Register in advance for free tickets. $5 day of event. Click here for tickets.