What to do in Salem from Oct. 16-22: Haunted parties, vintage shopping, scary movies
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, Oct. 16, to Wednesday, Oct. 22.
*Starred events are free to attend, although they may include ticketed components or a suggested donation.
Ghosts of the Grand launch party
Saturday, Oct. 18: In celebration of the return of the Ghosts of the Grand haunted house, the Grand Theatre is hosting a costume dance party. The “Rest in Pieces” rave will feature five DJs, interactive games including a live-action murder mystery, ghost hunting in the basement and costume contests. The party goes from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. General admission to the party is $15, a ghost hunting session is $25, or they can be bundled for $33. Tickets can be purchased online, and the theater is located at 187 High St. N.E.
The Ghosts of the Grand haunted house and ghost hunts will open for the season starting Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. Learn more about it and Salem’s other haunted houses here.
The Westminster Festival of Fine Art
*Friday, Oct. 17 – Sunday, Oct. 19: Over 60 artists will be featured at this year’s Westminster Festival of Fine Art hosted by the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3737 Liberty Rd. S. The work includes painting, photography, woodwork, jewelry, fabrics, pottery and more. The festival is free to attend, and art will be available for purchase. The festival will be from 12-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sunday. The address is 3737 Liberty Rd. S. See the full schedule, which includes live music performances, here.
Halloween movies
Saturday, Oct. 18 – Wednesday, Oct. 22: In the leadup to Halloween, Salem Cinema, located at 1127 Broadway St. N.E. is playing a series of horror favorites and cult classics, including:
“Corpse Bride,” a stop-motion musical about a man who accidentally proposes to an undead bride. Saturday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $9.
“Eraserhead,” the 1977 David Lynch classic about a bizzare baby and strange apartment complex, on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Monday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $11.
“Evil Dead 2,” Director Sam Raimi’s gory tale about an abandoned cabin and demonic possession on Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15, and will benefit Wandering Players Theatrics, a local theater collective.
“Tucker & Dale vs. Evil,” a horror comedy about two friends who, while fixing up a cabin,are mistaken for serial killers by college students after a series of ridiculous accidents, on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $9.
Light Treason Presents: Ghost Light Act I
Thursday, Oct. 16: Local musician Light Treason will celebrate the digital release of his new album, “Ghost Light: Aperitif Mort” with a blend of live concert and theater. The show is a collaborative effort with multiple Oregon artists, with ghosts haunting the theater and the musicians themselves. The show takes place at the Grand Theatre, located at 187 High St. N.E., and starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 the day of.
The Great Junk Hunt
Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18: The Great Junk Hunt flea market returns to the Oregon State Fairgrounds, bringing vintage, handmade and re-purposed items along with cocktails and live music. The sale runs from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday. Parking is $10, and admission ranges from $10-$20 depending on entry time and day. Parking will cost $10. The fairgrounds are located at 2330 17th St. N.E. Tickets can be purchased online.
All Ages 90s show
*Saturday, Oct. 18: The ‘90s tribute band Schwing will be playing well-known alternative hits from the decade at The Yard Food Park from 7-10 p.m. Bands they’ll cover include Nirvana, Chumbawamba and Radiohead. There is no ticket cost for the all ages show. The food truck park is located at 4106 State St.
A Comedy of Tenors
Thursday, Oct. 17 – Sunday, Oct. 19: The Pentacle Theatre’s latest production continues this weekend. In the play, set in 1930s Paris, a series of hijinks and hilarity unfold the night before tenor singers are due to perform in a big concert. The theatre is located at 324 52nd Ave. N.W. along Highway 22, and tickets start at $28. Tickets can be purchased online or in person.
Harvest festivals
For hayrides, pumpkin patches and other fall treats, see our roundup of Salem’s harvest festivals below:
Gallery and museum exhibitions
See what’s new at Salem’s galleries and museums 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.
