Pride in the Park
Capital Pride’s signature event returns Saturday, Aug. 26, to Riverfront Park, with a full day of performers, vendors, food, drink and dancing.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the park, located at 200 Water St. N.E. and features performances from LGBTQ comedians, drag performers, the Confluence Willamette Valley LGBT Chorus and other performers. Pride is free and open to the public, and an American Sign Language interpreter will be present.
See more information on the Capital Pride website.
State fair opens
The Oregon State Fair begins Friday, Aug. 25, with daily shows and nine concerts for visitors to enjoy. The fair, located at 2330 17th St. N.E., is open daily from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. weeknights and 11 p.m. weekends.
This weekend’s lineup includes rock band Bush on Friday, Aug. 25, and “Bubbly” singer Colbie Caillat on Saturday, Aug. 26. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. and require separate tickets.
Rodeo fans will have plenty to watch at the Pavilion. Saturday, Aug. 26, brings the Hell on Hooves Roughstock Rodeo, and the Jaripeo Espectacular will bring Mexican bull riding on Sunday, Aug. 27. Both shows start at 2 p.m. and are free with fair entry. Early entrance is available with a fast pass purchased in advance.
See a full preview of the fair below. Learn more and buy advance admission and concert tickets on the fair website.
Marijuana magic
A unique Las Vegas show will make a one-night appearance, combining cannabis with magic at the Grand Theatre, 187 High St. N.E. The show is Saturday, Aug. 26, at 8 p.m. and is for adults 21 and older only.
“Smokus Pocus” is a marijuana themed magic show where magician Ben Zabin performs
“innovative feats of magic that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. Cannabis will appear, lighters will come to life, and bongs will bend reality.”
Marijuana consumption is not allowed during the show. Tickets are available starting at $35 plus fees online.
Flea market
More than 70 local vendors will have their wares available Sunday, Aug. 27, for the Cherry City Flea Market.
The market takes place at the Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St. S.E., and runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Vendors will have vintage decor, clothing, baked goods, jewelry and more for sale. Learn more on Facebook.
Movies and plays
It’s National Cinema Day Sunday, Aug. 27, which means $4 movie tickets at some local theaters.
Both Salem Cinema and Northern Lights Theatre Pub are offering $4 showings all day. You can catch the summer blockbuster Barbie at either theater, with multiple showtimes.
Salem Cinema’s offerings include a new documentary, “Lakota Nation vs. United States,” about the Lakota Nation’s fight to reclaim sacred land; and sci-fi comedy “Jules” starring Ben Kingsley.
Northern Lights is also showing superhero film “Blue Beetle” and video game racing film “Gran Turismo.”
A list of showtimes and ticket information is posted on Salem Cinema’s Facebook page. Northern Lights has showtimes for Sunday on their website. Tickets at both theaters can be purchased in advance online.
The Pentacle Theatre production, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” adapted from the book of the same name, continues this weekend.
Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and a 2 p.m. matinee Sundays. The Pentacle Theatre is located at 324 52nd Ave. N.W. Tickets range from $17 to $37, and are available online, by calling 503-485-4300 or at the box office starting 45 minutes before the show. Frontline healthcare workers, students and Oregon Trail Card holders can get half priced tickets by providing information at checkout.
Contact reporter Rachel Alexander: [email protected] or 503-575-1241.
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Rachel Alexander is Salem Reporter’s managing editor. She joined Salem Reporter when it was founded in 2018 and covers city news, education, nonprofits and a little bit of everything else. She’s been a journalist in Oregon and Washington for a decade. Outside of work, she’s a skater and board member with Salem’s Cherry City Roller Derby and can often be found with her nose buried in a book.
