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, June 12, to Wednesday, June 18. 

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

Salem Talks Science

*Thursday, June 12: Fascinated by the science of the universe? Come to Venti’s Cafe Thursday at 6:30 p.m. to learn from Rick Watkins, a Willamette University physics professor, who will give a talk called “The Big Bang and Beyond: a Beginner’s Guide to the Universe.” This free event is sponsored by Salem Talks Science and includes appetizers. 

Attendees are encouraged to buy food and drinks to support Venti’s, which is located at 325 Court St. N.E. Organizers said the group’s first event was standing room only.

Queer comedy

Thursday, June 12: Pride Month in Salem is both fabulous and hilarious with a queer comedy show coming to the Infinity Room on Thursday. “The Hear You Loud and Queer: An LGBTQIA+ Comedy Show” will start at 8 p.m. with doors opening at 7:30 p.m., and brings a lineup of some of the area’s best queer comedians. 

Tickets for the show purchased in advance cost $12, and tickets at the door cost $15. Infinity Room is located at 210 Liberty St. S.E. #150. The comedy show is recommended for people 18 years and older. 

Belly dancing competition

Friday, June 13 – Sunday, June 15: Belly Dancer USA will bring dance performances and workshops to Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre throughout the weekend. Events start at 3 p.m. Friday and go through Sunday night. Spectator tickets start at $20 for a day pass. Workshop tickets start at $65. The Grand Theatre is located at 191 High St. N.E.

Day of archaeology 

*Friday, June 13: An effort to dig up pieces of Salem’s early history will be open to the public on the Willamette University campus. Salem’s public archaeology day invites visitors to learn about a dig underway to locate artifacts from the Oregon Indian Mission Manual Training School. Archaeologists from the city of Salem, university and other partners are seeking to find the original footprints of the buildings and better document an early period of contact between Indigenous people and European settlers in the Willamette Valley. 

The site is located east of Smullin Hall on the university campus at 900 State St. Learn more about the event here. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Barley Cup Brewfest

Saturday, June 14: Taste-test brews local to the Willamette Valley at the 27th Barley Cup Brewfest. The event will take place at McMenamins Thompson Brewery & Public House, located at 3575 Liberty Rd. S. Those who attend can vote for their favorite beer, tour the brewery to watch the fermentation process and enjoy food specials. A taster tray is $18. The event will go from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with tours available between noon and 4 p.m. 

Puzzle contest

*Saturday, June 14: Teams will compete at the Salem Public Library to see who can complete the same 500-piece jigsaw puzzle first. The speed puzzling contest allows up to nine teams, each with up to four members. The time limit is 90 minutes. The contest will take place in the Anderson Rooms at the library, 585 Liberty St. S.E. Registration can be done on the library’s website. More information can be found there in English and Spanish.

Roller derby playoffs

Saturday, June 14-Sunday, June 15: Cherry City Roller Derby hosts playoffs for the junior roller derby teams competing for national glory. The Junior Roller Derby Association open division playoffs run all weekend, with seven games. Tickets are $15 for a single day, $25 for the weekend and free for kids 13 and under. Playoffs are held at the Madhouse, 1335 Madison St. N.E. More information and a game schedule is here.

Doggie Dash

Saturday, June 14: A dog-friendly festival and walk/run will help raise money to support programs at the Oregon Humane Society. Formerly known as the WillaMutt Strut, the event will bring food trucks, activities, drinks and contests to Riverfront Park from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants in the walk/run, which kicks off at 9:15 a.m. can choose between a 1K or a 5K. The park is located at 200 Water St. N.E. Donate, register or learn more on their website.

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