What to do in Salem from Nov. 6-12: Veterans Day events, handmade goods, comic books

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, Nov. 6, to Wednesday, Nov. 12.
*Starred events are free to attend, although they may include ticketed components or a suggested donation.
Veterans Day events
Saturday, Nov. 8 and Sunday, Nov. 9: Willamette Master Chorus’ 21st Annual Veterans Concert will feature “War-themed Broadway Musical Repertoire,” from the chorus’ high school honor choir. The performance will start at 3 p.m. both days, in the Smith Auditorium, 270 Winter St. S.E. Tickets are $27.
*Tuesday, Nov. 11: The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will hold a statewide ceremony at the Oregon State Capitol honoring all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. The event will include speeches from elected officials and special guests, a color guard, singing and wreath laying. The ceremony starts at 11 a.m., and will be across the street from the Capitol entrance, 900 Court St. N.E. It is open to the public, and uncovered seating will be provided.
Tuesday, Nov. 11: Center 50+ will host a Veterans Day meal, program and music starting at 11:30 a.m. It’s free to attend for veterans and their spouses, and $5 for other guests. They’ll be serving a choice of ham or chicken with potatoes, vegetables and a roll, along with dessert and coffee. Center 50+ is located at 2615 Portland Rd. N.E. See the city’s event page for more information.
Tuesday, Nov. 11: The nonprofit Stay Alive Vets is hosting its 5th annual auction and dinner to support local programs that provide recreation, occupational therapy, mental health resources and other services for veterans. There will be both a live and silent auction. Admission for non-veterans is $60, and includes a meal and dessert. It will start at 6 p.m. at the Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St. S.E. Tickets can be purchased online.
Evil Dead the Musical
Thursday, Nov. 6th – Saturday, Nov. 22: The cult classic horror movie “Evil Dead” comes to the stage in a comedic musical. The musical features fights with demons, bloody effects, and “splatter zone” seating. The play is recommended for people ages 16 and up. The show will be at 7:30 p.m. each night, and tickets start at $26.50 The show is playing at the Grand Theatre, 187 High. St. N.E.
Handmade fiber arts sale
*Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8: The 43rd annual Salem Fiberarts Guild sale will bring handwoven scarves, rugs, linens and more for purchase. There will also be live demonstrations of weaving, knitting, lacemaking, rug hooking and more. The event goes from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. both days at the Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St. S.E.. See the Facebook event for more information.
Roller skating
Friday, Nov. 7: There will be a punk-rock themed open roller skating night at the Madhouse, 1335 Madison St. N.E. The skate goes from 8 – 10 p.m. Admission is $10, and skate rentals are $5, or free with a food donation. Skaters are encouraged to dress on theme.
Park After Dark
Friday, Nov. 7: A park ranger will lead a 2-mile walk to teach kids ages 9-12 about the nocturnal animals that live in Minto-Brown Island Park. There is a shorter, half-mile walk option where kids will wait at the first bridge and try to spot critters. Parents and guardians can join in, too. Registration is available online or in-person at the City of Salem Customer Service Center, 440 Church Street S.E., 5th floor of the Parkway Building. It is $10 per child, or $20 for a family.
Comics, sci-fi and fantasy swap
Saturday, Nov. 8: Shoppers can browse thousands of vintage comics, pulp novels, toys, games and more at the Capital City Comics Sci-fi & Fantasy Swap. There will also be original art, zines and comic books from indie creators who will be there to talk about their work. It will go from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St. S.E. Entry is $5 from 11 a.m. to noon, $3 from noon to 4 p.m. and free from 4-5 p.m.
Exhibits in galleries, museums
See what art and history is showing at Salem’s galleries and museums below:
Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-575-1251.
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Senior Reporter Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022, where she covers homelessness and housing. She previously worked as the business reporter at The Astorian. A University of Oregon grad, she has also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.





