Throughout October
A month-long interactive horror experience, Ghosts of the Grand is unlike a traditional haunted house. It’s an immersive event where you're not just a spectator—you’re part of the story. Explore the haunted corridors of a 124-year-old theater, from the eerie balcony to the mysterious ballroom, and venture into hidden spaces like the basement, tunnels, and a secret speakeasy. The experience blends live performances, chilling effects, and interactive elements that will make you feel like the haunt is happening all around you. Whether you're into horror or simply enjoy a thrill, Ghosts of the Grand promises to be much more than a haunted house—it's a full-blown horror adventure that will engage your senses and keep your heart racing.
When: Oct 5-6, 9-10, 13, 17 to Nov 2 (See calendar for event details)
Where: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre
Cost: Starting at $22. Click here for tickets.
Oregon’s oldest-running Haunted House is a wheelchair-accessible maze winding through 15,000 square feet of basement in the boys' dormitory at Oregon School for the Deaf. Sets, student and volunteer actors, special effects, strobe lights, and fog effects, line the path to scare and delight patrons. New this year, are The Catacombs and 3-D Funhouse. Expand your experience with an add-on and have a monster go through the haunt with you — $40 per person (max 2 people in a group) plus you get to bypass the line.
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Oct 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26; 7 to 10 p.m. Oct 24, 30 and 31 (Plus Pitch Black promo on Nov 1-2)
Where: The Nightmare Factory at Oregon School for the Deaf, 999 Locust St NE
Cost: $20 general admission; $30 speed ticket for faster entry.
Info: 503-378-3827 Click here for info.
Step into the Mill Creek Haunted Prison and prepare to be terrified. Tormented Illusion has transformed the Mill Creek Correctional Facility into a spine-tingling experience where nightmares hide in every shadow. This 10,000+ square foot attraction features two themed haunts.
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Oct 4-5, 10-11, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31 and 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Oct 12, 18-19, 25-26 and Nov 1. There will be a kiddie scare 1-3 p.m. Oct 19.
Where: Mill Creek Correctional Facility, 5465 Turner Rd SE
Cost: Starting at $15. Click here for tickets.
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. Beginning Oct 10 and every Thursday after (not on Halloween), it’s Family Night in the Corn Maze. It’s a spooky experience sans jump scares for $5.25 per person. On Friday and Saturday nights, beginning October 11, 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.
When: 9 a.m to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Fordyce Farm, 7023 Sunnyview Road NE
Saving Neverland: A Pirate Adventure is Powerland's non-scary, kid-friendly Halloween experience for families featuring the Neverland adventure, a pumpkin to decorate, a Kids’ Activity Center, and a wagon being pulled by a Steam Traction Engine as you hunt for skeletons that are wreaking havoc at Powerland Heritage Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct 12 & 13, 19 & 20 and 26 & 27 at Powerland Heritage Park, 3995 Brooklake Rd NE. $18 adults $14 kids. Click here for tickets.
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.
October 1
Take in a Free Gallery Talk with exhibition curator Melissa E. Feldman, 12:30 p.m. Oct 1 at Hallie Ford Museum of Art.
Frida Kahlo — Take a journey through the life of a true icon, discover her art, and uncover the truth behind her often turbulent life, 6 p.m. Oct 1 at Salem Cinema. Click here for tickets.
October 3
The Weather Machine — Ask a fan, and they'll tell you The Weather Machine is best known for their over-the-top theatrical live sets. The Portland-based rock group started cutting their musical teeth 2013,at a time when the city was coming off a folk-revival wave and craving more indie rock. The Weather Machine flourished in that environment, building their folk story songs into plugged-in rock anthems, 7:30 p.m. Oct 3 at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. Cost: $15 in advance; $20 day of show. Click here for tickets.
Curator Talk — Deepen your knowledge of contemporary Native art as curator Steph Littlebird takes you on a personal tour through this inaugural exhibition, 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct 3 at the Bush Barn Art Center & Annex. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Steph Littlebird is an artist, author, curator and enrolled member of Oregon’s Grand Ronde Confederated Tribes. She is best known for her nationally recognized exhibition This IS Kalapuyan Land and her work as a children’s book illustrator. Steph currently lives and works in the Pacific Northwest. RSVP here.
This month’s First Thursday Dance features caller, Kelly Tabor, with tunes provided by the house band Pringle Creek. All dances are taught and no partner is needed, but if you need a little extra support, a beginner lesson starts at 6 p.m. The fun takes place 6:30 to 9 p.m. Oct 3 at the VFW Hall, 630 Hood St. Click here for more info. Cash only at the door
October 4
Head downtown for the First Friday Art Walk, 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. It's a free, leisurely opportunity to explore the heart of Salem and discover new shops, artwork, crafters and more. Pick up a raffle passport from any of the participating businesses and collect stamps from a number of locations, ten turn in your completed passport to enter a raffle to win a prize (usually a basket overflowing with items from all the participating businesses). Watch for details at facebook.com/SalemArtWalk
Garcia Birthday Band — Using the Dead’s repertoire as a springboard for limitless potential and improvisation, Garcia Birthday Band is a cornerstone of the modern Grateful Dead universe, and their fans have come to expect the unexpected as the norm.
When: 8 p.m. October 4
Where: Salem's Historic Grand Theatre
Cost: $20 in advance; $25 day of show. Click here for tickets.
Second verse, same as the first! Sing your lungs out at a Karaoke Fundraiser for Evil Dead the Musical. This unique experience supports the Mid-Valley Theatre Network’s production of Evil Dead the Musical, which is happening later this month. There will be a costume competition and prizes throughout the night. The fun begins at 7:30 p.m. at Infinity Room. All ages welcome until 10 p.m. Cost is $10 for kids; $12 adults — $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
The Dope Show — Comedian and ganja enthusiast Tyler Smith brings you a comedy showcase in which comedians perform a sober set, take a short intermission to toke up, and get back on stage to perform under the influence, 7:30 p.m. Oct 4 at The Bad Space, 2544 19th St SE. $20-$35. Click here for tickets.
October 4-6
The Manhattan Short Film Festival is a global event that celebrates short films and filmmakers and invites audiences worldwide to participate in voting to determine the winning film. On the big screen October 4, 5 and 6 at Salem Cinema. Click here for tickets.
October 5
Celebrate local at the LifeSource Fall Food Fair. This 30th-anniversary celebration features storewide sales, free samples, tastings, giveaways and more, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. October 5 at Lifesource Natural Foods, 2649 Commercial St SE
Fall Harvest Soup Wars Fundraiser — Raise your spoon while raising some funds for Pentacle Theatre at this tasting opportunity. Vote for the blue ribbon winner from the cornucopia of harvest soups, chilis, and chowder. Then get your boot-scootin' on and join the 4 p.m. Footloose line dance lesson. The event begins at 3 p.m. October 5 in the Pentacle Theatre lobby at 324 52nd Ave NW. Click here for tickets.
Stayin’ Alive: One Night of The Bee Gees — Take in the songs and sights of a full Bee Gees playlist alongside big screen video clips, photos and dazzlying imagery, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 5 at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Cost: $29.50 to $84.50. Click here for tickets.
Seattle comedian Derek Sheen presents his new solo theatrical experience, "MotherL*ver", a hilariously tragic monologue of Sheen’s complicated relationship with the most important person in his life: his mother. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct 5, at Infinity Room. $15 in advance; $20 day of show. 18 and older. Click here for tickets.
October 6
Karen Carpenter Tribute Band Concert — a nostalgic walk down memory lane through the beloved hits of the Carpenters with vocalist Rebecca Hardiman and her band, 3 to 5 p.m. October 6 at Ankeny Vineyard, 2565 Riverside Road S. $15 per person. Click or call for reservations: 503-378-1498
October 8
House of Wax (1953 film) is a horror delight that combines the atmospheric eerieness of the wax museum with the always chilling presence of Vincent Price. Wax sculptor Henry (Vincent Price) is horrified to learn that his business partner, Matthew (Roy Roberts), plans on torching their wax museum to collect on the insurance policy. Henry miraculously survives a fiery confrontation with Matthew and re-emerges some years hence with a museum of his own. But when the appearance of Henry's new wax sculptures occurs at the same time that a number of corpses vanish from the city morgue, art student Sue Allen (Phyllis Kirk) begins suspecting wrongdoing. It's oh-so delightfully creepy and a heck of a lot of fun! 6 p.m. Oct 8 at Salem Cinema. Cost: $9 in advance/$11 day of event. Click here for tickets.
Celebrate National Planning Month at Planner Palooza where you can meet your city planners, 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 8 at Fork Forty Food Hall, 440 State St. Planners work in cities, towns, rural areas and suburbs to plan a city designed for the wellbeing of its residents. They also offer the opportunity for residents to be meaninfully involved in making choices to determine the future of the community.
October 9
The World Ballet Company presents Swan Lake, the ballet of all ballets. See the iconic Dance of the Little Swans, count the 32 fouettés performed by the Odile and immerse yourself in magical Tchaikovsky’s music, 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 9 at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Cost: $39 to $95. Click here for tickets.
October 10
Opening Reception for Souvenirs of Imaginary Places: Photographs by Randall Tosh, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct 10 at Level 2 Gallery at Salem Convention Center. Free but RSVP required. Click here to RSVP.
October 10-13
Find exhibitions, demonstrations and activities that highlight the rich artistic talent of the region at the Westminster Festival of Fine Art.
This year's featured artist is Jesus Escobar, a Salem, Oregon-based artist known for his dynamic paintings and evocative street photography. Born to Guatemalan parents who sought a better life in the United States, Jesus's multicultural background and experiences have profoundly shaped his artistic journey. His early exposure to the world of paint, thanks to his father's profession as an exterior painter for mobile homes, ignited a passion for artistic expression that has only grown over the years.
The festival kicks off 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, October 10 with a wine reception featuring music by Gail Gage Jazz.
From 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, there will be an open discussion and Q&A with featured artist Jesus Escobar plus artists from the community.
The free event is open 7 to 9 p.m. Oct 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct 11 and 12, and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Oct 13 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3737 Liberty Road S. Click here for more info.
October 11
Mx. Dahlia Belle & Friends — Hilarious, ignant, and the best sort of mess, Portland-based comedian MX. DAHLIA BELLE has been compared to a Swiss Army knife - different tools to extract sharpness, softness, vulnerability, hope, and wicked wit - as seen on Hannah Gadsby's "Gender Agenda" on Netflix 9:30 p.m. Oct 11 at Infinity Room. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. 21 and older show. Click here for tickets.
Rend Collective: The Feel-Good Folk Show — Hailing from a small town off the coast of Northern Ireland, Rend Collective is a celebration workshop band. 7 p.m. Fri, Oct 11, at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Cost: starting at $28. Click here for tickets.
Foolish Mortals: A Haunted Mansion Burlesque Cabaret — When hinges creak in a doorless theater, and strange and frightening sounds echo from the stage — that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their bump and grind with ghoulish delight, in search of foolish mortals like you to join their ninety-nine happy haunts at a cabaret like no other. 8 p.m. October 11 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Cost: $35 to $50. Click here for tickets. Age: 21 and older
October 11 to November 2
Pentacle Theatre presents Footloose the Musical — Ren McCormack and his mother have just relocate to the modest town of Bomont, where dancing is prohibited — a policy Ren deems unfathomable. Collaborating with Ariel, the Reverend’s daughter, and Willard, a rural companion who becomes his closest confidant, Ren endeavors to persuade the Reverend to allow the youths to engage in dancing. As a result of Ren’s efforts, the town undergoes a tremendous healing process, mending from a tragedy that had deeply impacted all its residents. Directed by Geri Greeno. Click here for our Press Play Salem issue 21 feature story.
When: October 11 – November 2
Where: Pentacle Theatre
Cost: Starting at $26. Click here for tickets.
October 12
Help raise awareness — participate in the Out of the Darkness suicide prevention walk, 3 p.m. Oct 12 at Riverfront Park.
Bowser’s Boo Bash — This annual festive fundraiser supports the Oregon Humane Society. Imbibe on peculiar potions and view a unique collection of tantalizing treasures in a silent auction then enjoy a fanciful feast and hear stories of animal achievements and unbreakable bonds, all sure to delight and amaze. Costumes, masks, and all manners of outrageous attire highly encouraged!
When: 5:30 p.m. October 12 (dinner at 7 p.m.)
Where: Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St. SE
Cost: $150. Click here for tickets.
See Rocky Horror Picture Show with The Denton Delinquents Shadow Cast. The film will be shown on the screen and "actors" perform along with the movie, complete with costuming, make up, props, and all your favorite dance numbers
When: 8 p.m. October 12
Where: Salem's Historic Grand Theatre
Cost: $8. Click here for tickets.
October 12-13
Haydays in the Vineyard features ray rides, a corn roast, pumpkins, cider and u-pick apples, 12 to 6 p.m. October 12 & 13 at Stangeland Vineyards, 8500 Hopewell Rd. NW.
October 13
The Market for the Strange: "Sunday the 13th"— A celebration of those films that made us afraid to go to sleep, answer the phone, go to camp, baby sit, and which taught us the rules to any good scary movie. With over 70 weird and creepy vendors, food trucks, tattoo artists, and whoever else we can dig up to lurk around the corners, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 13 at Salem Convention Center. $5 entry fee. Purchase in advance here.
National Theatre Live Frankenstein Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein's bewildered creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the Creature determines to track down his creator. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Johnny Lee Miller. On the big screen at 12 p.m. October 13 and 6 p.m. October 14 at Salem Cinema. Click here for tickets.
Camerata Musica presents Carter Ensemble. While classical, chamber music differs from orchestral as it provides a more intimate experience with a smaller performance group and space. Experience it yourself, 2:30 p.m. Oct 13 at The Unitarian Universalist Church | cameratamusicasalem.org | Free
October 14
Indigenous Now hosts its 7th annual Indigenous People’s Day 1 to 6 p.m. October 14 at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater at Riverfront Park. This day aims “To acknowledge, honor and reunite the first peoples of Turtle Island in a consistent manner by educating, advocating and speaking truth in order to engage our communities of which we are all a part.”
October 15
Home Free: Crazy(er) Life Tour — An evening mixed with upbeat, Nashville-dipped pop hits, country and western standards, incredible harmony, and quick-witted humor.
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 15
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: starting at $29.50. Click here for tickets.
October 17
Needle Felting Class: Pumpkin — A perfect fall activity, learn to needle felt a pumpkin made of wool with Audrey Comerford of Wee Woollies Fiber Arts who will teach you how to craft basic shapes and how to use these to make more complex pieces in the future. Supplies provided, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 17 at CreativiTee, 110 Commercial St NE. Cost: $55. Click here for tickets.
Drag Time! with RiRi Calienté — Recurring on the third Thursday of the month, get your drag on with Salem's drag mother RiRi Calienté. Cheers to a night of fabulous fun, 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct 17 at Infinity Room. $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Click here for tickets. PS: Stick around after the show for karaoke with the queens!
October 17 & 20
Tom Petty Heartbreakers Beach Party — In 2024, the long-thought lost 16mm reels of Tom Petty in Cameron Crowe’s first film, “Heartbreakers Beach Party”, were finally found. The classic ‘80s documentary captures Tom Petty and the band in 1982-1983 as they finish, promote, and tour around the “Long After Dark” album (their final with legendary producer Jimmy Iovine). PLUS this exclusive theatrical release features 19 minutes of fully remastered, never-before-seen, archival bonus footage and new commentary from director Cameron Crowe.
When: 7 p.m. October 17 and 4 p.m. October 20 at Salem Cinema
Cost: $15 in advance; $18 day of event. Click here for tickets.
October 17-19
Fall Book Sale — Find books, CDs, DVDs and more for sale at the Friends of Salem Public Library Fall Book Sale. Don't miss the Speciality Book Sale and Silent Auction which runs for the duration of the sale. Check it out 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday, October 17; 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, October 18 and Saturday, October 19 ($4 Bag Day - bags provided). Proceeds from the sale benefit programs and special projects at the Salem Public Library.
PS: The sale begins with a Friends Night from 2-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 16, open to members for early access. Friends memberships are available for purchase at the door.
October 18
Chills, thrills and frills await at HallowQueen Drag Show, a spooktacular drag event featuring local queens: Flawless Shade, Ry Bred, and Ed Du Bull. This free, adult only event takes place 6 to 8 p.m. October 25 in Loucks Auditorium at Salem Public Library. First come, first seated.
Spooky Yoga — This Halloween inspired one-hour yoga flor practice is led by Catherine Albertini and includes a limited release tank made by Creativitee owner Roanna. After class, you are invited to share wine and treats while you shop, 6 to 8 p.m. Oct 18 at CreativiTee + Rofe Designs, 110 Commercial St NE. Space is limited, so sign up soon to (a) make sure you get a spot and (b) guarantee that your tank will be ready to wear to class. $42 (includes class plus spooky top and treats) Click here to register.
Churchill starring David Payne — With elements of The Crown and The Darkest Hour, veteran British actor David Payne brings Churchill to life on stage in this one-man show that explores his life, experience, worldly impact and more, 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 18 at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Cost: $55 to $60. Click here for tickets.
October 18-19
Fall Junk Hunt is a round-up of curated vendors selling a variety of treasures from farmhouse to industrial to vintage, repurposed, handmade and more4 to 9 p.m. October 18; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 19 at Oregon State Fairgrounds
Cost depends on time of entry. Click here for more info. Parking $5 per vehicle.
Premiere Academy of Performing Arts presents Halloween Dance Concert, an overall Halloween experience that embodies the spooky season through dance. With performances in Contemporary, Jazz, and Hip-Hop, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. The first half of the show is comprised of short Halloween-themed dances performed by a variety of levels and age groups. The second half of the show, “Stranded” is an original story that is sure to give you goosebumps and take you on an eerie journey, 7 p.m. Oct 18 and 6 p.m. Oct 19 at Chemeketa Community College Auditorium. Click here for tickets.
October 19
Samhain Celtic Festival is an immersive day of family-friendly experience, information and opportunity honoring the seven Celtic nations (Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, Galicia and Isle of Man). The event includes workshops and hands-on activities, vendors selling cultural and crafty wares, food, live music, performances and more. This year’s headlining band is Blaz Dañjerus (Breton for “dangerous taste”), an exciting new project focusing on both Irish and Breton dance music featuring the musical talents of Zac Léger, Preston Wilde, and Channing Dodson.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct 19
Where: Spinning Room at Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St SE
Cost: $10 adults; $5 students. Free for ages 12 and younger. Click here for more info.
Project Chamber Music: Willamette Valley brings together world-class musicians and Willamette Valley students for transformative musical experiences. See their live show 7:30 p.m. Oct 19 at Hudson Concert Hall. $30. Free for S-K Students with ID. Click here for tickets.
Nurse John: The Short Staffed Tour — Sorry, your work bestie’s show is sold out. If you got tickets, lucky you! Enjoy the show 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct 19 at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE.
October 22
Catch the clever, campy, creature-feature Cocaine Crabs from Outer Space with Salem filmmaker Chuck Magee. When a couple of intergalactic space crabs land on Earth, they encounter the one thing they didn’t expect… A duo of dumb frat boys force-feeding them cocaine! As it turns out, cocaine gives space crabs an overbearing impulse to kill! Their string of peculiar homicides has Detective Charlie Reese thinking that something smells fishy… literally!
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 22
Where: Salem Cinema
Cost: $9 in advance; $11 day of the event. Click here for tickets.
October 24
Chaos Comedy — Stand-ups take the stage to perform, but they have no idea what they're in for. Each set is subjected to an element of chaos that is guaranteed to send the show off the rails. Witness the madness at this comedy show unlike any other, 7 p.m. Oct 24 at Infinity Room. $8 in advance $10 day of show. 18 and older. Click here for tickets.
NOTE: Performers can sign up by emailing info@irsalem.com between now and the end of the day 10/17. Be sure to put "BRING THE CHAOS" in your subject line. Spots are limited, so signing up is not a guarantee that you will perform this time.
October 24 - November 3
Prepare for a spine-tingling, laugh-out-loud experience like no other! EVIL DEAD: The Musical brings Sam Raimi’s cult classic to life with a thrilling blend of horror and comedy. Watch as the beloved characters fight off demons in a fun, high-energy stage adaptation that features catchy songs, extremely bloody effects, and outrageous fun. Mid-Valley Theatre Network collaboration production of Evil Dead the Musical. Click here for our Press Play Salem issue 21 feature story.
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct 24-26, Oct 21-Nov 2 and Nov 1-2 and 2 p.m. Nov 3
Where: Chemeketa Community College Auditorium.
Age: 16 and older
October 25
Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus LIVE! — a seamless blend of theater and stand-up, revamped for 2024. Expect a delightful, light-hearted comedy inspired by John Gray’s New York Times #1 best-selling book. Sexy and fast-paced, this show is definitely for adults, but will leave audiences laughing and giggling like little kids.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 25
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $55 to $60. Click here for tickets.
Oregon Symphony in Salem presents Dvořák's New World Symphony — In his Ninth Symphony, Dvořák aimed to create musical portraits of his time in America — weaving a vibrant tapestry of Black spirituals and Indigenous folk songs with tunes from his native Bohemia. And things go bump in the night in Wagner's ghostly overture to The Flying Dutchman and Liszt's Totentanz, a captivating work based on macabre melodies from the medieval Mass for the Dead.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 25
Where: Smith Auditorium, Willamette University, 270 Winter St SE
Comedy & Burlesque with Marina Wool & Montana Burke — An exciting evening of laughter with a steamy burlesque performance for dessert featuring a Rocky Mountain native with East Coast roots, West Coast sensibilities, and a Red State address, Marina Wool and Montana Burke, a comedian from Boise, Idaho known for his unique takes on everyday topics, belligerent rants, and creative use of non-sequiturs. 9:30 p.m. October 25 at Infinity Room. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Click here for tickets.
October 26
Cherry City Roller Derby hosts its annual Monster Mash-Up a double-header derby bout featuring junior skates followed by the adult teams. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Bout 1 at 4:30 p.m. and Bout 2 at 7 p.m. Oct 26 at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. Tickets start at $12 in advance. Click here for tickets.
Rock out with The Folly for a night of music and seasonal fun, including a costume contest and spooky drink specials at an all-ages show, 9 to 11 p.m. October 26 at Boons’ Treasury, 888 Liberty St NE. No cover charge.
Nick Swardson: Toilet Head — Comedian, actor, writer and producer, Nick Swardson tackles the hard issues of diarrhea, edibles and Norm MacDonald.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct 26
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost starting at $39.50. Click here for tickets.
Salem’s 3rd Annual Masquerade Ball aims to bring you a night of mystery, glamour and enchantment with music, dancing and masks, of course. There will be prizes best masks and costumes, plus a raffle throughout the night.
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, October 26
Where: The Reed
Cost: $37. Click here for tickets.
October 27
Roll up and Trick-or-Treat without leaving your seat at Willamette Heritage Center’s annual Drive-thru trick-or-treat. Creating a frightfully fun and safe Halloween experience where you can cruise along a mystical route filled with dazzling decorations and friendly faces eager to shower your little ghouls and goblins with goodies. This event is first come, first served, so arrive early for the best experience! Drive-thru cars and bikes only.
When: 12 to 4 p.m. Oct 27
Where: Willamette Heritage Center
Camerata Musica presents Oregon Guitar Quartet. While classical, chamber music differs from orchestral as it provides a more intimate experience with a smaller performance group and space. Experience it yourself, 2:30 p.m. Oct 27 at The Unitarian Universalist Church | cameratamusicasalem.org | Free
Salem Symphonic Winds kicks off its 50th anniversary season with cello soloist Joseph Harchanko performing Angelo del Cielo by Giacomo Puccini and Casanova, a cello concerto by Johan de Meij. The concert will also feature A Lincoln Portrait and Quiet City by Aaron Copland. Brett Randolph will be featured as Trumpet soloist with Shawna Purcell, English Horn soloist on Quiet City. Prayers for a Troubled Nation by Jack Stamp and Canticle of the Sun by Martin Behnke will complete the program.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, October 27
Where: Rose Auditorium at South Salem High School
Cost: $0-$20. Click here for tickets.
Walking with Ghosts: Real life Hauntings with Amy Bruni — Paranormal investigator, author, podcaster and star of Kindred Spirits and Ghost Hunters, Amy Bruni shares hair-raising tales from her countless hours hunting ghosts at America’s most haunted locations. By the end of the night, you will question everything you thought you knew about the spirit world, and life after death.
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct 27
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
October 29
Warren Miller’s “75” — Get ready for a stacked lineup of snowboarders including Shaun White, Zeb Powell, Toby Miller, Danny Davis, and 15-year-old phenom LJ Henriquez, plus skiers Max Hitzig, Lexi duPont, Caite Zeliff, Aaron Blunck, and many more. Explore powder stashes and chutes around the world, from Canada, Colorado, California, and Utah to Finland, Japan, Austria, Alaska, and New Jersey. (Yes, even New Jersey.) Featuring 10 all-new, original segments, Warren Miller’s 75 hits Salem 7 p.m. Oct 29 at the Elsinore Theatre. Click here for tickets.
October 30
Haunted Objects Live — Uncover the chilling true stories behind the world’s most haunted objects with Greg and Dana Newkirk (Travel Channel’s Kindred Spirits, Amazon Prime’s Hellier) during a must-see interactive stage presentation for anyone interested in the paranormal, history, or just looking for a good scare that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 30
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
October 31
Rocky Horror Picture Show — Take in a big-screen viewing of the campy classic about a newly-engaged couple that have a breakdown in an isolated area and must seek shelter at the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-n-Furter. Starring Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter - A Scientist, Susan Sarandon as Janet Weiss - A Heroine and Barry Bostwick as Brad Majors - A Hero, plus many more!
This is a screening of the movie. There is no official shadow cast. Outside props are permitted, but the theater asks that you be mindful and there is no outside food or drink permitted.
When: 8 p.m. Oct 31
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $10 in advance; $15 day of show. Click here for tickets.
Monster Mash Halloween Roast — BEWARE! This Halloween, the monsters descend on Salem to roast the hell out of each other! See your favorite villains and creatures duke it out for all the candy! There will be a costume contest after the show with fabulous prizes, 8 p.m. Oct 31 at Infinity Room. $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Costume contest at 9:30 p.m. Click here for tickets.
October 31-Nov 17
Willamette Theatre presents Urinetown — In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides he's had enough, and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom! Urinetown is a hilarious musical satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagements, municipal bonds and….musical theatre!
When: Preview show Oct 31. Performances continue into November. Click here for more info.
Where: Pelton Playhouse at Willamette University.