What to do in Salem from March 6-12: Solve a murder mystery, enjoy a symphony
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, March 6, to Wednesday, March 12.
*Starred events are free to attend, although they may include ticketed components or a suggested donation.
Pops Concert
Sunday, March 9: The Salem Pops Orchestra will be performing a “March Movie Madness” concert at 3 p.m. the East Salem Community Center, 1850 45th Ave. N.E. The show will feature music from “Wicked,” “The Lion King,” “Jurassic Park,” and more. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $10 for students and free for children under 6 years old. There is another performance at Western Oregon University on Friday, March 7.
Murder mystery party, book talk
The Salem Public Library, located at 585 Liberty St. S.E., has several free events this week.
*Saturday, March 8: A free book talk about “From Chicken to Eagle: Seven Women Paddling Whitewater and Navigating Life,” a collection of short memoirs by seven women who took a life-changing wilderness adventure in 1979. Copies of the book will be for sale.
*Wednesday, March 12: Teens are invited to help solve a murder mystery set in Las Vegas, joining a team to gather clues and theorize about suspects before the killer strikes again. It’s a free event, and snacks are provided. Registration is required. Costumes are welcome, but not required. The game starts at 2 p.m.
Oregon Symphony
Friday, March 7: Oregon Symphony will perform Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” and Jean Sibelius’s Fifth Symphony. Violinist Stephen Waarts will also make his Oregon Symphony debut with a performance of Samuel Barber’s violin concerto. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at Willamette University’s Smith Auditorium, 270 Winter St. S.E. Tickets start at $44.
Center Stage Theatrics’ gala
Friday, March 14: A red carpet gala with live music and theater performances, and dinner from Millers BBQ & Cafe, will fundraise for the nonprofit arts education program Center Stage Theatrics. Reserved seating is $30, and table seating is $50. The gala starts at 6:30 p.m. at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre, 191 High St. N.E.
Tribute performances
Tributes to iconic bands will take the stage this week at The Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. S.E.
Friday, March 7: The Black Jacket Symphony will perform The Beatles’ album “Abbey Road” from start to finish. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25.
Saturday, March 8: Eagle Eyes, an Eagles tribute band, will perform songs spanning the band’s extensive discography, plus a few songs from the solo careers of Eagles’ band members. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets start at $25.
Karaoke with a band
Friday, March 7: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre is hosting karaoke with a live band, starting at 8 p.m. It’s open to all ages, and entry is $5. See the Grand’s website for a list of songs, and to sign up. The theater is at 191 High St. N.E.
Infinity Room comedy
Infinity Room is hosting two comedy shows this week. The venue is located downtown, at 210 Liberty St. S.E.
Friday, March 7: Comedian Mike Glazer, as seen on Netflix and the 2023 NHL Awards, will perform standup at Infinity Room. There’s an all ages show at 7 p.m., and a late 21+ show at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, and $20 at the door.
Saturday, March 8: The “Here to Pee” tour featuring a lineup of trans comedians will perform at Infinity Room. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. The show is all ages, but material will not be clean. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Proceeds benefit local LGBTQ+ nonprofits.
Saturday Market
Saturday, March 8: Salem’s Saturday Market is back 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.
CORRECTION: The Wednesday, March 12 , Teen Murder Mystery Party at the Salem Public Library starts at 2 p.m. A previous version of this story had an incorrect time. Salem Reporter apologizes for the error.
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.
