What to do in Salem from Aug. 14-20: Plays, cruise in and blood drive
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, Aug. 14, to Wednesday, Aug. 20.
*Starred events are free to attend, although they may include ticketed components or a suggested donation.
Blood drive
*Thursday, Aug. 14, and Friday, Aug. 15: Salem’s police and fire departments are competing to see who can sign the most people up to donate blood for the annual American Red Cross Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.
The drive will be at the Salem Police Department at 333 Division St. N.E. from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. both days. Sign up here.
Plays
Friday, Aug. 15 – Saturday, Sept. 6: The opening Friday night show of “Hairspray” at Pentacle Theatre has already sold out, but seats are still available for later dates this week. The musical, set in 1950s Baltimore, blends comedy, rhythmic music and the fight for civil rights. Tickets start at $24, with half-price discounts available for students with valid ID and Oregon Trail Card holders.
Friday, Aug. 15, and Saturday, Aug. 16: “The Icarus Paradox,” which local playwright Maeve Z. O’Connor described as “part thought experiment, part uplifting drama,” will show at Salem’s Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5090 Center St. N.E. Friday’s show starts at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday’s show starts at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.
Saturday, Aug. 16: “Omission,” a play about four strangers weathering a storm together in a jazz bar as a professor searches for her lost wife, will show at Salem’s Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5090 Center St. N.E. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.
Traditional Mexican dance
*Thursday, Aug. 14: A free performance by Ballet Folclorico Guelaguetza will showcase Mexican music and dances. It will start at 2 p.m. at the Salem Public Library’s Loucks Auditorium, 585 Liberty St. S.E. See the city website for more information.
Zucchini races
*Saturday, Aug. 16: Zucchini racing will return to the Salem Saturday Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Competitors decorate produce and race it down a large track for glory. Entries are free and include a zucchini, wheels, axels and decorations. The market is at 800 Union St. N.E. See the city website for more information.
Capitol Cruise In
*Saturday, Aug. 16: Live music, food trucks and cool cars are coming to a parking lot near the Oregon State Capitol this Saturday, from 5-9 p.m. for the second Capitol Cruise In of the summer. It will be at the green lot at 865 Marion St. N.E. Admission is free.
Special movie screenings
Salem Cinema is showing two limited-time movies this week. The movie theater is located at 1127 Broadway St. N.E.
Thursday, Aug. 14, and Saturday, Aug. 16: Celebrate the 60th anniversary of “The Grateful Dead” by seeing the cult classic movie featuring the band’s five-night live performance run in 1974. Tickets are $15. Thursday’s show is at 7 p.m. and Saturday’s show is at 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 17, and Wednesday, Aug. 20: Experience the Mayflower Dog Show on the big screen with the cult classic 2000 mockumentary “Best in Show.” It will show on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 1:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.
Gallery, museum exhibits
See what’s showing in Salem’s art galleries and museums 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.
