Salemites have plenty of opportunities to dance, laugh and shop this weekend with a full schedule of live performances, comedy shows, markets and dance parties.
Here’s the roundup of events for the weekend of Friday, Sept. 8 to Sunday, Sept. 10.
Cornhole competition
All day Saturday, Sept. 9, over 200 cornholers will compete for glory on the Oregon State Capitol lawn.
The Capital City Cornhole Classic is back, featuring craft beer, local food trucks, lawn games and, of course, cornhole.
Proceeds go to support the organizer, Shangri-La, a nonprofit human services organization with offices in Salem and Eugene that provides services for people with disabilities, including group homes and employment services.
Competition registration was nearly sold out as of Thursday afternoon, with a handful of youth division tickets remaining for $15 each. There is also a form to be added to the waitlist. Spectating is free.
Let’s Dance
Head down to the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater at Riverfront Park on Sunday, Sept. 10, to get your groove on to classic tunes from the 50s, 60s and 70s.
It’s the last Let’s Dance gathering planned for this year, which met every second Sunday of the summer.
Food carts will also be there, including Curbside Bacon, Lucy’s Tropical Juice and Rolling Bridgeway Cafe, according to the event website. DJ Freddy Ruiz will play the music.
Gates open at 6 p.m., and the dance is from 7-9 p.m. at the park, 200 Water St N.E.
Tickets are $10 each, with proceeds going to the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club and the Center for Hope and Safety, which all support local youth. Tickets are available online or for cash only at the gate.
Markets
The Salem Saturday Market continues this weekend, bringing local produce, handcrafted products and food. The market will be at 865 Marion St. N.E. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Come say hello to the Salem Reporter crew, who will have a booth there until noon.
West Salem’s Artisan Market is back this Saturday, from 11- 5 p.m. in the At The Corner Art Gallery & Boutique, 1105 Edgewater St. N.W. The low-barrier entry market meets twice a month, and highlights artists from historically marginalized communities.
Céilí dance
Dance to live Celtic music at the September Céilí on Friday, Sept. 8, from 7-11 p.m., hosted by the Céilí of the Valley Society at the VFW Hall, 630 Hood St. N.E.
There will be a short dance lesson at 7:15 p.m., and musicians Dale Russ and Teresa Baker will perform as dance instructions are called out. Beginners are welcome, and no partner or experience is required.
“If you can follow instruction and know how to count to three and seven, you can do this!” the Facebook event page reads.
Organizers recommend bringing water and comfortable shoes. Light snacks will be available.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and $30 for families. Children 10 and under get in free.
Boot Scoot and Brew
Proceeds from rockin’ and rollin’ Friday night will go to combat senior loneliness in Salem.
The Boot Scoot and Brew at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd. N.E. will feature live music from Roundhouse Bluegrass Band, The Big Time and local favorites the Rock n’ Roll Cowboys. The party will take place in the Center 50+ parking lot, which will be transformed by event tents, a stage and a dance floor.
The event goes from 4-9 p.m. and is open to adults of all ages, and will include music, food, wine and beer and raffles.
Tickets are $15 and available online, with raffle tickets, food and drinks available to purchase separately.
Live comedy
Comedian Tom Papa’s tour will stop at the Elsinore Theatre on Friday, Sept. 8.
Papa has five Netflix stand-up specials, and has dozens of television and movie credits. His third book, “We’re All in This Together… So Make Some Room,” was published in June.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. showtime at the Elsinore, 170 High St. S.E. Tickets are available online, and start at $39.
The Infinity Room, located downtown at 210 Liberty St S.E. #150, has several comedy shows scheduled for this weekend.
The Electric Baguette Improv Comedy group, which performs every other Friday, has a show at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $10. Comedians Myles Weber and Luke Severeid have a Friday show starting at 9:30 p.m., with tickets starting at $15 each.
Saturday, the Makeup and Mimosas Drag Brunch hosted by RiRi Caliente will be from 12:30-2:30 p.m. The brunch is for people over age 16, and tickets are $12. “Slay ‘Em,” showcase of local comedians, will be at the Infinity Room that night, starting at 8 p.m. The show is all ages but will have profanity, and tickets are $12.
Art
If you’re looking to see some art this weekend, check out our guide to September’s gallery exhibitions here:
Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-704-0355.
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Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian, where she covered labor issues, health care and social services. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
