This week in Salem, enjoy fried food and roller coasters, boogie at Riverfront Park or learn how to do historical research in local archives.
Here’s the lineup of Salem events for the week from Thursday, Aug. 22, to Wednesday, Aug. 28. Browse all of Salem Reporter’s events coverage here.
*Free events are marked with an asterisk.
Oregon State Fair
Friday, Aug. 23-Monday, Sept. 2: The Oregon State Fair is back at the state fairgrounds beginning on Friday and running through Labor Day.
The fair includes concerts, entertainment, a carnival, animals, entries, vendors and more. Pre-sale admission tickets for adults cost $10, $8 for children, $1 for seniors. Children 5 and under are free. A pass for admission to all 11 days of the fair is $25. Tickets can be purchased online. Ride wristbands are available for presale, $45 on weekdays and $55 on weekends.
The fair also has concerts most nights, with presale tickets available for acts including Ludacris, Foreigner, the Goo Goo Dolls and Craig Morgan. There will also be some first-come, first-served free seats available with fair admission. See the lineup and more information here. The fairgrounds are at 2330 17th St. N.E.
Let’s Dance
Sunday, Aug. 25: Let’s Dance returns to Riverfront Park on Sunday from 6-9 p.m. The community sock hop features music from the 50s, 60s and 70s. DJ Freddie & KBZY Radio’s Charlie Fox will be playing the music, and the event is hosted by Center 50+, the South Salem Senior Center and the Keizer Senior Center. Admission is $5, and proceeds go to the Alzheimer’s Association, Boys and Girls Club of Salem, and the Center for Hope and Safety.
The dance will be at the Gerry Frank | Rotary Amphitheater in the park, 200 Water St. N.E. The last Let’s Dance this year will be on Sept. 22.
This is the second year Let’s Dance is happening. Read our interview from last year with founder Ron Steiner about the effort to get the party started here.
Center 50+ WOW Van
*The Center 50+ Wellness on Wheels Van will take free activities and crafts to four Salem locations this week, including at Let’s Dance, while the senior center remains closed through Labor Day for maintenance.
Thursday, Aug. 22: The WOW Van will bring a drop-in beading craft, refreshments and Tai Chi to Bush’s Pasture Park, located at 890 Mission St. S.E. The event will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, near the base of the Soap Box Derby track.
Saturday, Aug. 24: Zucchini races will return to the Salem Saturday Market, hosted by the WOW Van. Entry into the race is free, and zucchini, wheels and axles are provided. The races will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 865 Marion St. N.E.
Wednesday, Aug. 28: The van will return to Bush’s Pasture Park at the bottom of the Soap Box Derby track Wednesday morning, from 9-11 a.m. It will provide coffee, refreshments and a watercolor craft.
Stream celebration
Thursday, Aug. 22: The Mid-Willamette Outreach Group is hosting a free family event with activities about wildlife, plants, salmon and stream water quality. The event will be at Pringle City Park, 606 Church St. S.E., from 4-7 p.m., followed by a free screening of UPRIVER, a film about Willamette River conservation.
Historical research workshop
Saturday, Aug. 24: Since 2019, the Willamette Heritage Center has identified and documented the lives of people who worked at the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill. Now it’s possible to get a glimpse of the research process during the DIY Research Workshop event on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The workshop costs $25 per person, and heritage center members receive a 10% discount. Those interested must sign up online by Friday, Aug. 23. The center is located at 1313 Mill St. S.E.
Roller derby
Saturday, Aug. 24: A roller derby bout will have sci-fi face off against fantasy, with players in costumes representing each genre. Hosted by Concussion Roller Derby, the players will come from multiple leagues and cities.
It will be at the MadHouse, 1335 Madison St. N.E. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the first game starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10, and there will be food and drink for sale. The crowd is also encouraged to dress up.
Lights of Hope
Wednesday, Aug. 28: Salem’s fifth annual Lights of Hope event will display 1,500 illuminated bags at Salem Rotary Amphitheater at Riverfront Park, 200 Water St. N.E. The annual event will start at 8 p.m.
Salem’s display is part of a nationwide fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, and a tribute to cancer survivors and those who have died. Anyone can donate $10 to add a bag to the display. It will be one of the biggest displays in the country this year, according to Shawn O’Neal, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network spokesman.
Salemite Kathy Ottele has organized the Riverfront Park event. Read Salem Reporter’s interview with her from last year’s event here.
Live music, comedy, improv and local performances
Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St. S.E. #150
Thursday, Aug. 22: Sexy Talk at Infinity Room at 8 p.m. See a steamy stand-up comedy show where hilarious comics riff on audience questions about sex, love, and relationships. Audience members can anonymously text their spicy questions before and during the show. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 18+ show.
Friday, Aug. 23: Comedian, actress and writer Kate Willett takes the stage at Infinity Room at 7 p.m. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 18+ show.
Saturday, Aug. 24: Ricky Winters makes a Salem debut at Infinity Room. James Hartenfeld (Top 5 comedian as rated by Willamette Week) brings his “Jerry Springer-esque” talk show to Infinity Room. As seen on KGW, this unique comedy experience showcases talent from standups and improvisers. Described as “genius,” “masterful,” and “messy,” this show has sold out every time. Show at 8 p.m., tickets $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
Sunday, Aug. 25: Infinity Room presents The Aussie Comedy Show at 8 p.m. Hear stories from down under by Geoff Tate, Michael Markus and Dan Green. This rollicking show dives into everything that makes Oz unique: from kangaroos in the backyard to Vegemite on toast and the joys of Tim Tams. Tickets $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
Grand Theatre, 187 High St. N.E.
Friday, Aug. 23: A night of rock band Sublime’s songs kicks off at the Grand Theatre at 8 p.m. A Dylan Santiago Tribute to Sublime is selling tickets online for $15, but tickets will also be available the day of the show for $20.
Saturday, Aug. 24: Nine musicians come together to put on an Icons of Rock Tribute Show at the Grand Theatre. The show has three acts of classic rock music, including AC/DC, Pat Benatar and Joan Jett and the Blackheart songs. Starts at 8 p.m. and general admission tickets are $25.
Other venues
Saturday, Aug. 24: Lord Lawrence headlines The Mommy Issues Tour Live at The BAD Space, 2572 19th St. S.E., with featured guests 503 Inferno, Malsuendo, Noah Fence and Stormy Outside. Doors at 7 p.m. for an 8 p.m. show. Tickets $11.30 with fees. 21+ only.
Live theater and cinema
Friday, Aug. 23: In “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” veteran ghostbusters join forces with new recruits to save the world from a supernatural ice age. The movie will show for free at Riverfront Park, part of Salem’s Movies in the Park lineup. The show starts around sunset, approximately 8 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 23 – Saturday, Sept. 14: “Clue,” a play based on the 1985 murder mystery comedy movie and beloved board game, will show at the Pentacle Theatre. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets start at $25, and are half off for students and Oregon Trail Card holders. The theater is located at 324 52nd Ave. N.W.
Aug. 23, 24, 30, 31: Keizer Homegrown Theatre presents “Lovecrafted.” This horror-filled play is adapted from HP Lovecraft by celebrated playwright Laramie Dean and marks another world premiere written exclusively for Keizer Homegrown Theatre. Four survivors of inter-dimensional terrors share their stories in a secluded cabin. All shows at 7 p.m. Tickets $15, free for Oregon Trail Card holders. The theater is at 980 Chemawa Rd. N.E.
Tuesday, Aug. 27: Catch the musical “Oliver” under the stars in Riverfront Park. Chemeketa Community College puts on the play Tuesday evenings starting at 8 p.m. at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater, 200 Water St. N.E. Audiences can bring blankets, low-profile chairs and picnic meals to watch the show. Tickets are $20 general admission and $15 for students and seniors.
Markets and shopping
Every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. is the Salem Public Market at 1240 Rural Avenue S.E.
Salem Community Markets will bring local produce, food and products to various places throughout the city all week.
The Wednesday Chemeketa Market runs from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Chemeketa Community College Agricultural Hub at 4000 Lancaster Drive N.E.
The Thursday West Salem Farmers Market runs from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at 1260 Edgewater St. N.W.
The Saturday Market is 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 865 Marion St. N.E.
The Monday Hospital Market will be 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Salem Hospital’s campus, 875 Oak St., between building A & C.
Art and museum exhibitions
See what Salem museums and art galleries are showing this month:
Up next
See what’s happening later this month:
Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-575-1251.
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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.
