Many Salem venues are still coming back from a holiday break, but this weekend brings an eclectic mix of things to do if you’re itching to leave your home.
From family crafts to a panel of Gen Zers discussing “The American Dream,” here’s your guide to Salem events from Friday, Jan. 5, to Sunday, Jan. 7.
Hear Kalapuya stories
Esther Stutzman of the Kalapuya and Coos tribes brings a special cultural event to the Salem Public Library. From 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, hear stories and music from the Kalapuya people who are indigenous to Salem. Held in the Loucks Auditorium at the library, 585 Liberty St. S.E.
Plant a tree
Volunteers with Friends of Trees are digging in the dirt Saturday at Lansing Park and could use your help. You can sign up to plant trees in the park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more or sign up here.
“Planting with Friends of Trees is a great way to get outside with your friends or family (or by yourself!), learn how to plant trees, meet people, fulfill community service requirements, and help make the Salem area greener and healthier—all in a few short hours,” the nonprofit says on its website.
Discuss “The American Dream”
Salem City Club’s Friday, Jan. 5, presentation brings a panel of Gen Z Salemites to discuss what the American Dream means to them. Held at the Willamette Heritage Center Dye House, 1313 Mill St. S.E. The program runs from 12-1 p.m., doors open at 11:30 a.m. Register for $10 (non-members) online here.
Go skating
Travelin’ Wheelz has an open skate Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Madhouse, 1335 Madison St. N.E.. Admission is $10, and skate rentals are $5. The skate is at The Madhouse, 1335 Madison St. N.E. The first session is from 3 – 5 p.m., and the second session goes from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Presale tickets are available online.
See an improv show
Infinity Room has two shows Friday, Jan. 5. At 7:30 p.m., catch the Electric Baguette All-Ages Improv for a unique show based on audience suggestions.
“Good Cop/Bad Cop: A Comedy Roast Show” is a “brand new show that combines a classic roast show with improv and puts the audience right in the middle,” the event description says. The show is at 9:30 p.m. and suitable for adults.
Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. The venue is at 210 Liberty St. S.E. and has a kitchen and bar offering food and drinks during the show. Learn more or buy tickets here.
Make a cup
Willamette Art Center is putting on a weekly Sunday family crafting event at the center, 1820 Silverton Road N.E. (near the north corner of 17th Street and Silverton Road at the Oregon State Fairgrounds).
Drop in anytime between 1 and 3 p.m. to make a coil cup with stamps. Cost is $5 per person. Learn more and see a full schedule on the center’s website.
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.
