5 things to do in Salem this week: Record Store Day, Earth Day crafts, comic art expo
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 16, to Wednesday, April 22.
*Starred events are free to attend, although they may include ticketed components or a suggested donation.
Paper art fair
*Saturday, April 18: The first annual Salem Paper and Print Art Fair will be held at the Grand Theatre from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The art fair will include over 40 art and book vendors, workshops, book and poetry readings and children’s activities. It is free to attend. That same evening, a romantic and fantasy-themed ball will take place in the Grand Ballroom. It will have live music, food and an open bar. Costumes are encouraged for the ball, which runs from 7 – 11 p.m. Tickets for the ball are $45 and can be bought online. The theatre is at 191 High St. N.E.
Record Store Day
Saturday, April 18: Record stores in Salem will be opening their doors early this weekend for Record Store Day.
- Drum Bug Music will open at 8 a.m. and offer coffee and treats for early risers. The store sells new and used vinyls. There will be a 20% discount on used vinyl. Live music will start at 12 p.m. The store is at 345 High St. S.E.
- Harvest Music will open at 8 a.m. to customers looking for new and used vinyls, CDs and more. The store will be offering food during the event. It is at 1105 Edgewater St. N.W.
On-water Willamette River cleanup
Saturday, April 18: Willamette Riverkeeper and Western Michigan University Alumni Association are partnering to do an on-water river cleanup between Wallace Marine Park and Keizer Rapids Park. Volunteers on boats will paddle upstream on rafts and inflatable kayaks, picking up trash in the river and adjacent waterways along the way. Participants will meet at Keizer Rapids Park at 10 a.m. to shuttle to Wallace in Riverkeeper vans. The cleanup is open to the public. No paddling or cleanup experience is required. Children ages 10 and over can participate. Volunteers can register here. The cleanup will go until 2 p.m.
Comic art expo
Saturday, April 18: A comic art expo is coming to the Oregon State Fairgrounds this weekend. The two-day, family-friendly event will include several vendors, artists and activities. On Saturday, there will be a junior cosplay contest for ages 13-16. An all-ages cosplay contest will be from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, there will be a kids cosplay parade for ages 12 and under from 2 – 2:45 p.m. The event runs from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday. It will be held in the Oregon State Fairgrounds Jackman-Long Building at 2330 17th St. N.E.
Earth day crafts at Willamette Art Center
Sunday, April 19: The Willamette Art Center will offer a series of eco-friendly crafts for all ages to celebrate Earth Day. There will be a free seeding activity and coloring sheets. Or, for a small fee, visitors can do a $5 clay project or paint their own clay item for $10-20 per piece, with the kiln firing included. The event will run from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The studio is at 3995 Fairview Industrial Dr. S.E.
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.
