What to do in Salem from April 10-16: Junk Hunt, ballet, live music
Each week, Salem Reporter highlights a selection of 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, April 10, to Wednesday, April 16.
*Starred events are free to attend, although they may include ticketed components or a suggested donation.
Junk Hunt
Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12: The Great Junk Hunt will fill the Oregon State Fairgrounds with vintage home decor, hidden gems and more curated one-of-a-kind “junk” for purchase. It also includes cocktails and live music. Tickets range from $10 to $20, based on entry time. The event is from 4-9 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. The Fairgrounds are located at 2330 17th St. N.E.
Dance
Friday, April 11: A 14-piece, all women band will play during this Friday’s Céilí, a monthly Celtic community dance hosted by Céilí of the Valley. Everyone is welcome, and dances will be taught shortly after doors open at 7 p.m. There will be live music and dancing from 8-11 p.m. The dance is at the VFW Hall, 630 Hood St. N.E. Admission to the all-ages event is $10. See the Facebook event for more information.
Wednesday, April 16: Center 50+ is hosting two square dance classes on Wednesday evenings. There will be one class for beginners, followed by a standard class for people with some experience. The standard class starts at 6 p.m., and the beginner’s class starts at 7 p.m. It costs $15 for five classes, or $18 for non-Salem residents. Learn more here.
Roller skating, roller derby
Friday, April 11: There will be a Barbie-themed open skate night organized by Travelin’ Wheelz at the Madhouse, 1335 Madison St. N.E. Participants can bring their own skates, or rent some for $5. Admission is $10. For more information, see the Facebook event.
Saturday, April 12: Cherry City Roller Derby will host a triple-header bout between Salem’s home teams and teams from Pullman, Washington. Doors open at 1 p.m., and bouts will start at 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. See the Facebook event for more information.
A ballet’s world premiere
Sunday, April 13: Salem Symphonic Winds is collaborating with the Rainbow Dance Theatre for the world premiere of “The Princess and The Wind,” a ballet composed for the groups by Leroy Osmon. It’s set in the ruins of the Mayan civilization, and “explores themes of inner beauty, love, and transformation, culminating in a magical and heartwarming conclusion.”
The show starts at 4 p.m., and will be in the Rose Auditorium at South Salem High School, 700 Howard St. S.E. Tickets range from $5 to $20. See here for more information.
Live music
*Thursday, April 10: Recovery Outreach Community Center, or ROCC, will celebrate recovery and wellness with a free, all-ages music and comedy night at Salem’s Grand Theatre, 187 High St. N.E. The show starts at 5:30 p.m. It features artists Bro Diddley and the Nikki Jones Band. Donations are appreciated, but not required.
*Friday, April 11: The band Lip Bomb will play a free show at the Westside Station Restaurant, 610 Edgewater St. N.W. The band does covers from the 70s, 80s and 90s, everything from Elvis Presley to Alanis Morissette to Weezer, including kazoo music. “We have stickers, magnets and buttons/pins we will be giving away free while supplies last!,” an event description said. The show goes from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Saturday, April 12: Salem alt-rock band Showtigers is headlining an all-ages show at Infinity Room show, joined by bands Fawkes Glove and No Other Option. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with a show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $13 at the door. Infinity Room is located at 210 Liberty St. S.E.
Comedy
Thursday, April 10: Seattle-based comedian Bo Johnson will perform at Infinity Room at 8 p.m. Johnson has been featured by Netflix is a Joke Radio and on Comedy Central programming. Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door.
Friday, April 11: Comedian Kate Willett will perform two shows at Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St. S.E. Willett co-hosts the political comedy podcast Reply Guys. The early show is at 7 p.m. and the late, 21+, show is at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
Museum, gallery events
See what’s happening this month in Salem’s museums and art galleries below.
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.
