Events in Salem from August 22 to 28: State Fair, Let’s Dance
This week in Salem, enjoy fried food and roller coasters, boogie dance at Riverfront Park or learn how to conduct historical research at local archives.
Here is the list of events in Salem for the week of Thursday, August 22 through Wednesday, August 28. Browse all of the Salem Reporter’s event coverage here.
*Free events are marked with an asterisk.
Oregon State Fair
Friday, August 23 – Monday, September 2: The Oregon State Fair will be held again at the state fairgrounds starting Friday through Labor Day.
The fair includes concerts, entertainment, a carnival, animals, tickets, vendors and more. Advance tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children and $1 for seniors. Children under 5 are free. A ticket for all 11 days of the fair is $25. Tickets can be purchased online. Wristbands for the rides are available in advance and cost $45 on weekdays and $55 on weekends.
The fair also hosts concerts most nights, with advance tickets available for artists such as Ludacris, Foreigner, the Goo Goo Dolls and Craig Morgan. There are also a few free seats available with admission to the fair on a first-come, first-served basis. The program and more information can be found here. The fairgrounds are located at 2330 17th St. NE
let’s Dance
Sunday, August 25: Let’s Dance returns to Riverfront Park on Sunday from 6-9 p.m. The Community Sock Hop will feature music from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. DJ Freddie and Charlie Fox of KBZY Radio will play the music. The event is hosted by the Center 50+, South Salem Senior Center and Keizer Senior Center. Admission is $5 and proceeds go to the Alzheimer’s Association, Boys and Girls Club of Salem and Center for Hope and Safety.
The dance will take place at the Gerry Frank | Rotary Amphitheater in the park, 200 Water St. NE. The last Let’s Dance this year is on September 22nd.
Let’s Dance is taking place for the second time this year. Read our interview from last year with founder Ron Steiner about the efforts to bring the party to life.
Center 50+ WOW Van
*The Center 50+ Wellness on Wheels van is bringing free activities and crafts to four Salem locations this week, including Let’s Dance, while the Senior Center is closed for maintenance through Labor Day.
Thursday, August 22: The WOW Van brings beading, refreshments and Tai Chi to Bush’s Pasture Park, 890 Mission St. SE. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday near the base of the Soapbox Race Track.
Saturday, August 24: The Zucchini Races return to the Salem Saturday Market and are hosted by the WOW Van. Admission to the race is free and zucchini, wheels and axles are provided. Races are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 865 Marion St. NE
Wednesday, August 28: The van returns to Bush’s Pasture Park at the end of the Soap Box Derby track between 9am and 11am on Wednesday morning. Coffee, refreshments and a watercolour artwork will be provided.
Stream celebration
Thursday, August 22: The Mid-Willamette Outreach Group is hosting a free family event with activities about wildlife, plants, salmon and river water quality. The event will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at Pringle City Park, 606 Church St. SE, followed by a free screening of UPRIVER, a film about conservation on the Willamette River.
Workshop for historical research
Saturday, August 24: Since 2019, the Willamette Heritage Center has been identifying and documenting the lives of the people who worked at the Thomas Kay Woolen Mill. Now it’s possible to get a glimpse into the research process during the DIY Research Workshop on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. The workshop costs $25 per person and Heritage Center members receive a 10% discount. Interested parties must register online by Friday, August 23. The center is located at 1313 Mill St. SE
Live music, comedy, improvisation and local performances
Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St. SE #150
Thursday, August 22: Sexy Talk in the Infinity Room at 8 p.m. Experience a hot stand-up comedy show in which witty comedians answer audience questions about sex, love and relationships. Viewers can submit their saucy questions anonymously via text message before and during the show. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Show for ages 18 and up.
Friday, August 23: Comedian, actress and author Kate Willett takes the stage at the Infinity Room at 7 p.m. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Show ages 18 and up.
Saturday, August 24: Ricky Winters makes his Salem debut at the Infinity Room. James Hartenfeld (Top 5 Comedian according to Willamette Week) brings his “Jerry Springer-esque” talk show to the Infinity Room. As seen on KGW, this unique comedy experience showcases talents from stand-up comedy and improvisation. The show is described as “ingenious,” “masterful,” and “chaotic” and has sold out every time. Show at 8 p.m., tickets $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
Sunday 25 August: Infinity Room presents the Aussie Comedy Show at 8pm. Hear tales from Down Under from Geoff Tate, Michael Markus and Dan Green. This rollicking show delves into everything that makes Oz unique: from backyard kangaroos to Vegemite on toast and the joys of Tim Tams. Tickets $15 in advance and $20 on the door.
Grand Theater, 187 High St. NE
Friday, August 23: An evening of songs by the rock band Sublime begins at 8 p.m. at the Grand Theater. “A Dylan Santiago Tribute to Sublime” sells tickets online for $15, but tickets will be available the day of the show for $20.
Saturday, August 24: Nine musicians come together to put on an Icons of Rock tribute show at the Grand Theatre. The show will feature three acts of classic rock music, including songs by AC/DC, Pat Benatar and Joan Jett and the Blackheart. It starts at 8 p.m. and general admission tickets are $25.
Other places
Saturday, August 24: Lord Lawrence headlines the Mommy Issues Tour Live at BAD Space, 2572 19th St. SE, with special guests 503 Inferno, Malsuendo, Noah Fence and Stormy Outside. Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Admission $11.30 including fees. Ages 21 and older only.
Live theatre and cinema
Friday, August 23: In Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, veteran Ghostbusters team up with new recruits to save the world from a supernatural ice age. The film will be shown for free at Riverfront Park, part of Salem’s Movies in the Park program. The show begins around sunset, approximately 8 p.m.
Friday, August 23 – Saturday, September 14: “Clue,” a play based on the 1985 crime comedy and popular board game, will be performed at the Pentacle Theater. Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and are half price for students and Oregon Trail Card holders. The theater is located at 324 52nd Ave. NW
August 23, 24, 30, 31: Keizer Homegrown Theatre presents “Lovecrafted.” Adapted from HP Lovecraft by acclaimed playwright Laramie Dean, this horror play is another world premiere written exclusively for Keizer Homegrown Theatre. Four survivors of interdimensional terror tell their stories in a remote cabin. All performances at 7 p.m. Admission $15, free for Oregon Trail Card holders. Theatre is located at 980 Chemawa Rd. NE
Tuesday, August 27: Experience the musical “Oliver” under the stars at Riverfront Park. Chemeketa Community College performs the play Tuesday evenings starting at 8 p.m. at the Gerry Frank Amphitheater, 200 Water St. NE. Spectators can bring blankets, flat chairs and picnic meals to see the show. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students and seniors.
Markets and shopping
The Salem Public Market takes place every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 1240 Rural Avenue SE.
The Salem Community Markets bring local produce, foods and products to various locations throughout the city throughout the week.
The Chemeketa Market will be held on Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Chemeketa Community College Agricultural Hub, 4000 Lancaster Drive NE.
The West Salem Farmers Market is held Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 1260 Edgewater St. NW.
The Saturday market is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 865 Marion St. NE.
The Monday Hospital Market is held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Salem Hospital campus, 875 Oak St., between Buildings A and C.
Art and museum exhibitions
See what Salem’s museums and art galleries are showing this month:
Next
See what happens later this month:
Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: (email protected) or 503-704-0355.
SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE NEWS FROM SALEM – We cover your community carefully, thoroughly, fairly and accurately. Get local news that matters to you. Subscribe today to receive our daily newsletters and more. Click “I Want to Subscribe”!
Abbey McDonald joined the Salem Reporter in 2022. Previously, she worked as a business reporter at the Astorian, where she covered labor issues, health care and social services. A graduate of the University of Oregon, she also reported for the Malheur Enterprise, The News-Review and Willamette Week.
