What to do in Salem from Feb. 27- March 5: Saturday Market, volcanic comedy

Each week on Wednesday, Salem Reporter highlights a few upcoming local events.

For a more complete list, browse our events calendar here. You can submit an upcoming event here.

Here’s a roundup for the week from Thursday, Feb. 27, to Wednesday, March 5.

*Starred events are free to attend, although they may include ticketed components or a suggested donation.

Salem Reads

The last Salem Reads events for the book “Why Didn’t You Tell Me?” by Carmen Rita Wong will be held this week. The events have themes of family, identity and finance and don’t require having read the book.

*Thursday, Feb. 27: “I Survived DNA Testing” will share true stories and shocking family secrets from anonymous Salem residents, as performed by a troupe of local actors. It will be in the Loucks Auditorium, 585 Liberty St. S.E., and starts at 7 p.m.

*Friday, Feb. 28:  “Finding Home in a New Culture and Country” will feature stories from Salem for Refugees staff and former refugees about resettling in Salem. The discussion, hosted by Salem City Club, will be on Friday, Feb. 28, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Dye House at the Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St. S.E. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and registration is online.

Salem Poetry Festival

*Thursday, Feb. 27 – Saturday, March 1: The Salem Poetry Festival returns this week, bringing poets from Salem, Portland, Eugene and beyond for readings and workshops. All events are free, and will be different locations including Willamette University, the Salem Art Association and The IKE Box. See the schedule of events on their Facebook page, and in the image below.

Saturday Market

Saturday, March 1: Salem’s Saturday Market returns for the season, bringing fresh produce and local wares. It runs each Saturday through October, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 865 Marion St. N.E.

Polar Plunge

Saturday, March 1: A chilly 5k and optional jump into cold water will fundraise for Special Olympics Oregon athletes. The program offers year-round sports, competitions and community for children, teens and adults with intellectual disabilities. Salem’s Polar Plunge will be at the Illahe Hills Country Club, 3376 Country Club Drive S. Registration and donation links are available online. Individual registration starts at $25, with a fundraising minimum of $60 to take the plunge or do the 5k.

Gardening

*Saturday, March 1: The Salem Public Library and OSU Extension Service of Marion County are hosting a seed and houseplant swap. Participants can bring seeds, cuttings and houseplants to trade. There will also be seeds and houseplants to take home without a trade. Master Gardeners will be there to answer questions and share tips. The swap goes from 1-3 p.m. at the library, 585 Liberty St. S.E.

Monday, March 3: OSU Marion County Master Gardeners will answer questions and share gardening tips for the spring season at monthly workshops. The class will be from 9 a.m. to noon at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd. N.E. The fee for the class is $7 for Salem residents, and $8.40 for nonresidents. Register online or at Center 50+.

Comedy

Friday, Feb. 28: Infinity Room is hosting an improv show to pregame the Academy Awards, which are Sunday. Friday’s 21+ comedy show will feature improvised scenes inspired by movies of all genres and eras. Doors are at 9 p.m., and the show starts at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 online or $12 at the door. Infinity Room is located at 210 Liberty St. S.E.

Saturday, March 1: Comedian Ben Miller was the first stand-up comedian selected as the artist in residence at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. His science-based routine will cover topics including volcanology, Hawaiian history and more. “Ben has made people laugh in front of a burning lava lake and he is not afraid of you,” an event description reads. Local science comedian Naomi Fitter will open. The 9:30 p.m. show is 21+. Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door. The Infinity Room is located at 210 Liberty St. S.E.

UPDATE: This article was updated to add information about the Salem Poetry Festival.

Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-575-1251.

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