What to do in Salem from March 13-19: St. Patrick’s walkabout, cherry blossoms, scavenger hunts

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 13, to Wednesday, March 19.

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

Musical Theatre karaoke

Thursday, March 13: Keizer Homegrown Theatre and Infinity Room are hosting a fundraising karaoke to support Drinking Habits, a play directed by Jeff Minden that will premiere on April 11. The event starts at 7 p.m. and is open to all until 10 p.m. after which it becomes 21+ only. Infinity Room has a full kitchen and bar with a 100% vegan menu and is located at 210 Liberty St. S.E. Tickets on their website cost $12 for adults and $10 for children 12 or younger, or $15 for all at the door. 

Unveiling of Mr. Sprinkles

*Friday, March 14: Salem Riverfront Carousel will unveil its new unicorn Mr. Sprinkles, which will be available to ride for a cost. There will be complimentary snacks. The carousel is in Riverfront Park by the intersection of Front Street and State Street and there is more information on its website.

St. Patrick’s Day walkabout

*Saturday, March 15: Céilí of the Valley Society is hosting its annual St. Patrick’s Day walkabout, meeting at 11:30 a.m. at the Riverfront Carousel in Riverfront Park and leaving at noon. There will be pipes and drums leading the group downtown and organizers recommend wearing green to celebrate the occasion. It is open to all. 

Cherry Blossom Day

*Saturday, March 15: The third Saturday of March is Cherry Blossom Day at the Oregon State Capitol. It will be celebrated on the Capitol Mall, north of the Capitol across Northeast Court Street, with booths, activities, a martial arts demonstration, music performances and a kimono show to celebrate Japanese culture. It will start at 11:00 a.m. and go until 3 p.m. Parking is free on Saturdays.

Fermentation celebration

*Saturday, March 15: LifeSource Natural Foods is holding a tasting event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with fermented products such as kombucha, sauerkraut, beer and wine. Apart from samples, it will feature live demos, giveaways and flash sales. The store is located at 2649 Commercial St. S.E.

Great Waterdrop Scavenger Hunt

Through March 31: The City of Salem and the Mid-Willamette Outreach Group have set up scavenger hunts in Bush’s Pasture Park, Keizer Rapids Park and Ankeny Hill Nature Center to celebrate World Water Day. To participate, look for a raindrop with a QR code and follow the instructions to win a prize. 

Contact reporter Alan Cohen: [email protected].

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