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 of happenings for Thursday, April 30, to Wednesday, May 6. 

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

*Friday, May 1: The First Friday Art Walk will take residents around downtown Salem stores and restaurants to see local art, pop-up events and live music. The walk happens 5 – 8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. Destinations for the May walk include Elsinore Framing & Art Gallery, Manna Bakery, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, Salem on the Edge and many more. A full map of the walk can be found here. 

*Friday, May 1: The McKay High School orchestra program is having its 5th annual benefit concert to help all of its students have access to instruments. The program includes over 150 students and five orchestra groups. Students will perform Bach’s Violin Concerto in A Minor alongside the Oregon Symphony’s Associate Concertmaster Jessica Lee. The concert will run from 7 – 8:30 p.m. It will be in the Willamette University Smith Auditorium, 270 Winter St. S.E. Tickets are $25 for the public and $5 for students. All proceeds from the concert will go toward the program. 

*Saturday, May 2: Sheep and other animals will crowd the Willamette Heritage Center lawn for its 41st annual Sheep to Shawl festival. The Heritage Center’s 5-acre property includes over a dozen historic structures, including the 1896 Thomas Kay Woolen Mill, where factory workers spun raw wool into textiles. Visitors can see the mill in action again when skilled shearers, wool spinners and fiber artists demonstrate their craft live for visitors. There will also be vendors, live music, historical actors and activities for kids. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The event runs from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is free. The museum is at 1313 Mill St. S.E.

*Saturday, May 2: Radar Toys will have stacks of free comic books for all ages during Free Comic Book Day. There will also be a mystery comic artist, Star Trooper cosplayers, free tattoos and raffles for prizes. The event will run from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The store is at 1440 Lancaster Dr. N.E.

*Saturday, May 2: The basement of Blast Off Vintage will transform into an underground market with up to 30 vendors. Vendors will sell hand made goods or offer services like tarot or massage. The market is from 3 – 7 p.m. The store is at 860 High St. N.E.

Have a news tip? Contact reporter Hailey Cook: [email protected] .

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