6 things to do in Salem this week: Pet adoptions, orchestra concert, MLK Day walk
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, Jan. 15, to Wednesday, Jan. 21. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed Monday, Jan. 19, and most government offices will be closed.
*Starred events are free to attend, although they may include ticketed components or a suggested donation.
Kittens and beer
Thursday, Jan. 15: Grab a pint of beer and cuddle a kitten at an adoption event at Santiam Brewing, hosted by Meow Village. It starts at 5 p.m. and is free to attend. A $5 donation is suggested to cuddle the kittens. A portion of every beer sale will be donated to Meow Village – an Aurora foster-based cat rescue. Santiam Brewing is at 2544 19th St. S.E.
Oregon Symphony concert
Friday, Jan. 16: The Oregon Symphony will take the Salem stage to perform a Beethoven classic and other works. It will begin with a performance of “On a Sad Evening,” followed by a violin concerto and lastly, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica.” It will run a little over 90 minutes and will have an intermission. The concert is at the Willamette University’s Smith Auditorium at 270 Winter St. S.E. Tickets range $39 – $55, and can be bought online.
Candlelight orchestra concert
Friday, Jan. 16: Experience orchestral arrangements from Coldplay and Imagine Dragons in the candlelit Spinning Room at Willamette Heritage Center, performed by Listeso String Quartet. The group will play over a dozen songs from both bands, including “Clocks,” “Radioactive,” “Sky Full of Stars” and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the performance starts at 7:00 p.m. Seating is first come, first served. The museum is at 1313 Mill St. S.E. Tickets range $26.50 – $45, and can be bought online.
Retro skate night
Friday, Jan. 16: Roll into the 1980s and 1990s at a retro-themed, family-friendly skate night at the MadHouse, 1335 Madison St. N.E., starting at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 and skate rentals are $5. Tickets can be bought online.
Puppy adoption event
Saturday, Jan. 17: Little Critters Rescue will host a puppy adoption event at Ratchet Brewery from 1 – 4 p.m. Little Critters is a foster-based dog rescue in Salem. The dogs will be available to foster and adopt. The brewery is at 2475 25th St. S.E.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day peace walk
Monday, Jan. 19: A program honoring local leaders “who embody Dr. King’s dream of building a beloved community” will be held at 1 p.m. at McKay High School, according to an event description. It will be followed by a peace walk starting at the school at 2440 Lancaster Dr.N.E., and ending at To God Be The Glory Church at 4455 Silverton Rd. N.E. The event is hosted by the Salem-Keizer NAACP and Salem Leadership Foundation.
Have a news tip? Contact reporter Hailey Cook: [email protected] .
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Hailey Cook joined Salem Reporter in 2025, following the completion of an internship through the University of Oregon’s Charles Snowden Program for Excellence in Journalism. She works as a reporter and photojournalist, with a focus on business and entertainment, among other topics.
