Here’s a look at what’s happening this July in Salem, Oregon. Enjoy —
July 1-21
Be part of the development of a new musical! Co-directed by Catherine Kinsman and Robert Salberg, the developmental lab will be held in the auditorium at Pentacle Theatre from July 1 through 19, where Act One of SPIRAL: the musical will be workshopped, refined and presented in two staged readings with actors on book on July 20 and 21. Learn more at spiral2024.info
July 2
Salem Cinema presents Borromini and Bernini: The Challenge For Perfection — A journey into the great beauty of Baroque Rome, when the city was the centre of western art and where every ambitious painter, sculptor and architect had to be. This is the story of the most famous artistic rivalry of all time, the one between Borromini and Bernini, but also the story of Borromini’s rivalry with himself: a genius so absorbed by his art that he turns it into a demon that devours him from the inside forcing him to choose death to reach eternity. Borromini deprived himself of everything to pursue a dream: to conquer Rome. It is the story of the architectural revolution of a solitary maestro who changed the appearance of Rome forever, by pushing himself to his limit, but also by battling conventions and prejudices, with the humility to learn from the past to invent the future, with the courage to pursue an idea despite knowing he would pay the price in the end.
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 2
Where: Salem Cinema
Cost: $15 in advance or $18 day of the event. Get tickets here.
Taco Tuesday, 5 to 8 p.m. July 2, features Roundhouse Band performing folk, southern rock, bluegrass, and originals from a variety of genres at Bryn Mawr Vineyards, 5935 Bethel Heights Road NW. Tacos are from Ricky’s Tacos food truck, plus the vineyard offers a selection of Bryn Mawr wines by the glass and bottle. Reservations required. Make yours at brynmawrvineyards.com.
July 3
Take a Needle Felting Class and create a cacti out of wool. This class will help with teaching how to make basic shapes with needle felting and will make it possible to create more complex pieces in the future. Needle felting is fun and a great way to expand your fiber arts knowledge. Class is good for beginners or those who are familiar with needle felting. All supplies required for this class are included and you will walk away with a finished potted cacti, felting knowledge and a felting block/needle for you to keep. Take part 6 to 8 p.m. July 3 at CreativiTEE & rose designs. 110 Commercial St NE. Cost is $55. Register is advance to participate.
July 5
The First Friday Art Walk aims to promote local businesses, emerging artists and engagement with our downtown community. Taking place from 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, it is a free, leisurely opportunity to explore the heart of Salem and discover new shops, artwork, crafters and more. Each month includes a variety of businesses offering specials, art to view, activities and more. Reinforcing the encouragement of participation, there is also a raffle. To take part, pick up a passport from any of the participating businesses and collect stamps from a number of locations. Then turn in your completed passport to enter a raffle to win a prize (usually a basket overflowing with items from all the participating businesses). Find all the details at facebook.com/SalemArtWalk. Sign up to The Playlist for a highlight of what’s happening for the Art Walk.
July 6
Rev up your engines for the HART Horsepower Car Show showcasing a variety of stunning cars against the backdrop of picturesque vineyards—all for free and supporting a great cause, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 6 at West Hills Stables and Vineyard, 3065 Orchard Heights Rd NW. Click here for info.
July 4
4th of July Spectacular features a demolition derby, Bounce N' Battle Fun Zone, VIP Party Zone concerts plus food, free fireworks and more, July 4 at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Bounce N' Battle Fun Zone includes 11 different attractions and yard games like Hoopshot Showdown, Baseball toss, Inflatable Axe Throw, plus Mini Golf and toddler Bounce Houses and facepainting is provided for the kids. Demolition Derby is back by popular demand this year from 7:30 – 9:00 PM in the Pavilion. The Fireworks Spectacular, brought you by The City of Salem, is a free 20-minute show that will close out the event. Gates open at 3 p.m. Tickets are is $7 and up; free for Veteran's with valid ID. Note: $2 from every ticket sold will be donated back to The Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties - Courtney's Place. Click here for tickets.
July 6
Tuesday String Band: bluegrass trio, 6 to 8 p.m. July 6 in the orchard at Stomp by Croft Vineyards. Free. No reservation necessary. Picnic tables in the orchard are first come first serve. We recommend bringing a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the live music. Full menu of pizzas and small plates from the kitchen and wines by the glass and bottle will be offered.
July 9
Taco Tuesday, 5 to 8 p.m. July 9, features McKayla Marie, blending country with modern at Bryn Mawr Vineyards, 5935 Bethel Heights Road NW. Tacos are from Ricky’s Tacos food truck, plus the vineyard offers a selection of Bryn Mawr wines by the glass and bottle. Reservations required. Make yours at brynmawrvineyards.com.
July 10
Take in an evening of Yoga + Beer 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 10 at Riverfront Park Amphitheater, 200 Water St NE. A summer tradition of connection and community in the heart of downtown Salem. Gather at the park for a 60 minute, all-levels yoga class led by Mikki Trowbridge. Class is led in partnership with Resonance Yoga Collective. Suggested donation of $5-$10 per yogi for practice. After class, Yogis are encouraged to head into downtown Salem and support our local businesses. The group will not be gathering at one specific restaurant so we can spread the love around downtown, but hope that you will support downtown by purchasing a post-class beverage or meal. Sign up in advance or just show up, they’ll have space for you.
July 11
Bon Bon Vivant — Bon Bon Vivant is a genre bending band from New Orleans that pull from singer-songwriter/ pop/ Americana/ dark ballads and up-tempo indie dance music…but they would prefer you to just listen to the music. BBVs original music is rooted in storytelling and pays honor to a uniquely New Orleans sound while infusing an indie flavor that leaves a lasting mark on listeners. This band's songs are joyous, fierce, honest and heartbreaking as they chronicle life and all it entails through the sounds of the minor keys. Check it out 8 p.m. July 11 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Tickets: $20. Click here for tickets.
July 11-14
Marion County Fair is an annual celebration of county and community bringing together live music, farm animals, foodie goodness, contests galore and more. This year’s musical headliners are country artists Eli Young Band on Friday, July 12 and Ned LeDoux on Saturday, July 13. It’s a perfect adventure for the whole family. The fun takes place 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday, July 11; Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 14 at Oregon State Fair Grounds. Tickets are $5-$8 in advance. Sunday only youth age 12 and younger are free. Purchase in advance for a discount at marioncountyfair.net July 11 & 25
Free Outdoor Yoga — Salem Art Association and Common People Yoga are co-host special outdoor yoga sessions 6 to 7 p.m. July 11 and 25 (and August 8 and 22), on the lawn behind the Bush Barn Art Center & Annex, 600 Mission St SE. Led by Lorissa Addabbo, these 60-minute Vinyasa yoga flow classes welcome beginners and advanced students. Click here to register.
July 12
Salem Movies in the Park presents “Barbie” — Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans. The free show begins at 9 p.m. July 12 at Riverfront Park. Click here for trailer. Make the most of the experience — bring a blanket or low-back chair and arrive early to snag the best viewing spot. Pack a picnic. Food and beverages are welcome, but no alcohol and no smoking or vaping, either. Films are free, but donations are welcome.
Get out and dance at the Second Friday Ceili. Ceili of the Valley Society welcomes Cucunandy and caller Geraldine Murray for this no-experience, no partner needed event. Even if you are not a dancer, you can do it. But really, the music alone is worth it! Doors open at 7 p.m. followed by a short dance lesson and live music from 8 to 11. All dances are taught before the live music begins. The motto of every dance is to have fun, so wear comfortable shoes, bring some water and try out something new. The fun takes place 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 12 at VFW Hall, 630 Hood St NE
Cost: $10; $5 student, $30 family
July 12-13
Prismagic presents Small Guy: A Tiny Circus Story —
When: 7 p.m. Friday, July 12 and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, July 13
Where: Salem's Historic Grand Theatre
Cost: $20. Click here to purchase tickets.
July 12-14
Check out the inaugural Mid-Willamette Valley Lavender Festival featuring artisan vendors, food, lavender lemonades, U-Pick lavender, music, and more, July 12-14 at Arrowhead Lavender Farm & Co. Click here for details: www.arrowheadlavender.com/
July 13
Celebrate Pentacle Theatre's 70th Anniversary “Lighting Our Way Since 1954” with an evening of wine, nibbles, entertainment, and more, 7:30 p.m. July 13 at Chemeketa Cellars Tasting Room, 215 Doaks Ferry Rd NW. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Click here for tickets.
Santiam Brewing's annual party, Rock The Cask Bar featuring JFK, and special guests, Boundless Joy, 6:30 p.m. July 13 at The BAD Space. Cost is $15 in advance; $25 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Live Undead and more — The northwest's premier Slayer tribute band Live Undead is coming to Salem for an all out aural assault with support from Drednoks and Cellblock 3, 7 p.m. Saturday, July 13 at Blast Off VIntage, 860 High St NE. All ages welcome. Cost is $10.
July 13 - 21
The 2024 Tour of Homes offers a unique opportunity for attendees to explore the latest trends in home design and construction. As they visit the showcased homes, attendees can meet with builders, gaining valuable insights and ideas for their own future home projects. This event serves as a hub of inspiration, where dreams of custom-built homes can begin to take shape. Whether attendees are looking to build their dream home or simply seeking innovative design concepts, the Tour of Homes promises to be an enriching and informative experience for all. Homes will be released July 8. Click here for more information.
July 13 & 27
Gaiety Hollow Open Gardens is happening 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 13, featuring the Celtic-inspired sound of Constant Billy, and July 27, which includes a Build a Birdhouse family activity. All ages welcome.
July 14
Yoga + Wine — Gather on the lawn the sweeping views presented during this 60-minute, all levels, yoga class, and then stay for a glass of wine. Please bring your own yoga mat. The class takes place 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, July 14 at Coria Estates, 8252 Redstone Ave SE. Suggested donation of $5-$10 per yogi for practice. Click here to register.
Grapes and Grooves — Sit ‘n sip or get up ‘n groove while listening to music by Hit Machine plus local musicians Rustic Valley Acoustic, Skyylar Pelous and Remy Felsch. And should you get peckish from all the dancing, you can grab a bite from the food carts: Lobster Dogs PDX and Hangry’s.
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 14
Where: Zenith Vineyard, 5657 Zena Road NW
Cost: $5 general admission; $200 VIP table. Click here for tickets.
July 14-15
Salem Cinema presents National Theatre Live: Dear England — Gareth Southgate (Joseph Fiennes) has brought hope back to the England squad but with the nation’s expectations upon his shoulders, what happens when football doesn’t come home? The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t England’s men win at their own game? With the worst track record for penalties in the world, Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land.
When: 12 p.m. Sunday, July 14 and 6 p.m. Monday, July 15
Cost: $15 in advance or $18 day of the event. Click here for tickets.
July 16
Taco Tuesday, 5 to 8 p.m. July 16, features Garrett Flemming playing an eclectic mix of acoustic at Bryn Mawr Vineyards, 5935 Bethel Heights Road NW. Tacos are from Ricky’s Tacos food truck, plus the vineyard offers a selection of Bryn Mawr wines by the glass and bottle. Reservations required. Make yours at brynmawrvineyards.com.
July 17
Summer Concert: Tigers of Youth fuses bright-edged swing with pop/rock, uniquely blending high-energy beats with colorful melodies & passionate lyrics, July 17 at Lively Station lawn. Food & Drinks available for purchase.
Tom's Elton Tribute — Tom Cridland, playing the part of Elton John on lead vocals and piano, is close friends with Elton John drummer. The level of attention to detail in recreating the music and fabulous costumes of Elton John & His Band is simply unparalleled. Experience the show 7 p.m. July 17 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Click here for tickets.
July 18
Grab your fedoras and join us for Salem Dream Centers Cuban-themed fundraiser, Havana Nights, 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 18 at Cubanisimo Vineyards, 1754 Best Road NW. There will be live music, an authentic Cuban dinner, live auction, dancing and wine…all supporting Salem Dream Center. Fedoras and cuba attire encouraged. Cost is $95. Click here for tickets.
Drag Time! with RiRi Calienté — Every third Thursday, get a head start to your weekend with Drag Time hosted by Salem's fabulous drag mother RiRi Calienté! Join us for a night of dazzling drag entertainment paired with exquisite food and signature cocktails. 🍹✨ Secure your spot now for an unforgettable experience where the stage sparkles as much as your dining experience. Cheers to a night of fabulous fun, 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18 at Infinity Room. Cost: $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Age: 16 and older. Guests under 16 permitted with parent or guardian. Click here for tickets.
July 18
Barre + Beer — Brooke Schelar has long been the graphic designer for Yoga + Beer, so she isn’t new to the team, but now brings her knowledge to a new offering this summer: Barre + Beer! All you’ll need is a yoga mat, your body weight, and a willingness to move your body in a new way with us. This class is a full body, low impact workout set to the beat of music. The movements blend modern ballet conditioning, Pilates, yoga, and low-impact cardio. As usual, all-levels and all bodies are welcome. It begins with a 60 minute Barre class, followed by a beverage or bites with friends, 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 18 at Lively Station, 3635 River Road S. Suggested donation of $5-$10 per yogi for practice. Class expected to fill. Register in advance here.
July 19
Wywolf with Vardaman Ensemble and Accidental Intoxication — 8 p.m. Friday, July 19 at Infinity Room. Cost is $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
July 20
Red NOT Chili Peppers pay tribute to the ultimate funk rock quartet: a band who has developed one of the largest die-hard followings in the world by transcending four decades of chart-topping success. Combining nostalgic hits, full-throttle energy, and virtuosic performances, the Red Nots channel the raging party that has given the Chili Peppers international acclaim and regal rock and roll status. Having performed at many of the country’s most prestigious concert halls as well as every major tribute festival, the Red Nots’ undying devotion to the classic California sound has filled venues and rocked audience’s socks off all over the US and abroad. With a huge song catalog that spans every era of the Chili’s prolific career at their command, every Red Nots show provides a unique live music experience. Catch the performance 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at Elsinore Theatre. Cost is $25-$40. Click here for tickets.
Take in a night of metal with Wizard of the Woods with Slow Goat and Black Ember — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at Infinity Room. Cost is $12 in advance/$15 at the door. Click here for tickets.
Grab your beau, belle, spouse or bestie and get ready for an evening to remember when you take in an evening of Opera in the Lavender, 6 to 9 p.m. July 20 at Arrowhead Lavendar Farm, 6373 Sunnyview Rd NE. The performance will be conducted by Emily Way and a few members of Portland’s Renegade Opera with food by Home Sweep Home. Cost is $165 and includes two adults (18+), a charcuterie box, keepsake wine glasses, bottle of sparkling or regular water, 10% discount at the farm store, evening of opera and a one of a kind experience. Click here to purchase.
Salem Art Fair has been rescheduled until September, but Salem Art Association is hosting a Summer Celebration Party to fill the space! Spend an evening with live music, art, wine, desserts and lots of friends, 7 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at Bush Barn Art Center. This indoor/outdoor event will feature music from bluegrass trio Tuesday String Band so be sure to wear your dancin’ shoes. Click here for tickets.
MIG Fest is an all-ages event that combines punk and ska music with organically grown food from Minto Island Growers and local microbrews and wine. Featuring performances by:
- Bad Cop/Bad Cop, all-women political punk band on Fat Wreck Chords, from Los Angeles, CA
- Half Past Two, ska-punk band on Bad Time Records, from Orange County, CA
- Sad Snack, ska band that has released singles with Ska Punk International and Lavasocks Records, from San Francisco, CA
- Simple Minded Symphony, heavy, groovie, indie ska band with releases on Ska Punk International, from Seattle, WA
- The Wild Jumps, defiantly fun punk rock band from Portland, OR
- Where: Minto Island Growers
Cost is $25 for ages 13+, $18 for ages 5-12 and free for ages 4 and under. Click here for tickets.
July 20 & 21
New to the stage, see Act One of SPIRAL: the musical July 20 and 21 at Pentacle THeatre, 324 52nd Avenue NW. $35 suggested donation. Get tickets and learn more at spiral2024.info
July 22
Yoga + Wine at Chemeketa Cellars — Gather for an evening of wine-d down beginning with a 60-minute outdoor practice led by Kristen, then gather after for post-class sips with your fellow yogis. Note: Please bring your own mat or towel. Class is open to yogis of all ages.
When: 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 22
Where: Chemeketa Cellars, 215 Doaks Ferry Road NW
Suggested donation of $5-$10 per yogi for practice. Click here to register.
Taco Tuesday, 5 to 8 p.m. July 23, features Karyn Ann, a soul and Americana singer/songwriter at Bryn Mawr Vineyards, 5935 Bethel Heights Road NW. Tacos are from Ricky’s Tacos food truck, plus the vineyard offers a selection of Bryn Mawr wines by the glass and bottle. Reservations required. Make yours at brynmawrvineyards.com.
July 23-28
Hoopla XXV celebrates 25 years of this local event. Festivities are scheduled to begin on July 23, with the 3x3 tourney and activities happening the weekend of July 27 & 28. Learn more at oregonhoopla.com.
July 24
Yappy Yoga — Yoga + Beer goes to the dogs - quite literally. We are honored to be collaborating again with Capitol Subaru, for a benefit class for Oregon Humane Society. This outdoor practice welcomes both 2-legged and 4-legged yogis are welcome to join us. After class, stayvfor food and beverages (available for purchase), prizes and giveaways, dog photos and grooming, and more!
When: 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 24
Where: Capitol Subaru, 920 Auto Group Avenue NE
Suggested donation of $5-$10 per yogi for this class. 100% of donations will be contributed to Oregon Humane Society - and Yoga + Beer will be matching any donations made for class. Register here.
Inner Circle — Bringing their special brand of pop-oriented Jamaican beats and energy-filled live performances to downtown Sale, Inner Circle transcends the traditional reggae niche. To anyone familiar with the band’s 50-year-plus history in the reggae field and their immense popularity around the world, there’s much more to Inner Circle than what meets the eye. Indeed, this Jamaican-bred, Grammy-winning quintet is one of the world’s most respected reggae groups with a long string of successes stretching back to the mid-70′s.
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 2
Where: Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE
Cost: $30-$40. Click here for tickets.
July 25
Oral Fixation: Dentists Perform Comedy — Prepare for a laughter-filled root canal with "Oral Fixation: Dental Comedy without a Pre-Auth"! Join Dr. Brady Smith and Dr. Bert Walpack, two dentists turned comics, as they extract humor from the depths of the dental world. Together they navigate the ups and downs of running a dental practice, they provide a humorous glimpse into the daily grind of dentistry. All ages show, but material will not be clean.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25
When: Infinity Room
Cost: $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Click here for tickets.
July 25-28
Theatre 33 presents Gone by Lolly Ward — A will provides peace of mind as four stepsiblings divide their anticipated inheritance with generosity…with suspicion…with greed. Gamble the night away, but whatever you do, don’t leave the house – your family is watching.
When: July 25-28 (and August 1-4)
Where: M. Lee Pelton Theatre on Willamette University Campus
Cost is $15 suggested donation (but no one will be turned away). Reserve your spot here.
July 26
Salem Movies in the Park presents “Wonka” — With dreams of opening a shop in a city renowned for its chocolate, a young and poor Willy Wonka discovers that the industry is run by a cartel of greedy chocolatiers. The free show begins at 8:45 p.m. July 26 at Riverfront Park. Click here for trailer. Make the most of the experience — bring a blanket or low-back chair and arrive early to snag the best viewing spot. Pack a picnic. Food and beverages are welcome, but no alcohol and no smoking or vaping, either. Films are free, but donations are welcome.
July 27
In The Pink: Portland's Floyd Tribute — Pink Floyd's staying power is reflected in both their continuing success with more than a decade on the Billboard Top 100 charts and the third highest grossing album in history. Additionally they are the focus on hundreds of tribute acts across the world. In the Pink is one of those acts. Catch the performance 8 p.m. July 27 at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre. Cost is $25. Click here for tickets.
July 30
Taco Tuesday, 5 to 8 p.m. July 30, features Ships to Roam, playing rock and indie rock, with shades of Motown, Nashville, and Manchester sound laced in at Bryn Mawr Vineyards, 5935 Bethel Heights Road NW. Tacos are from Ricky’s Tacos food truck, plus the vineyard offers a selection of Bryn Mawr wines by the glass and bottle. Reservations required. Make yours at brynmawrvineyards.com