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, May 15, to Wednesday, May 21.
*Starred events are free to attend, although they may include ticketed components or a suggested donation.
Community awards
*Thursday, May 15: An awards ceremony at the Grand Theatre will recognize a group of people working to “build a stronger, more vibrant Salem,” according to the event description. The ceremony will include a night of local comedy and music performances.
Jacob Espinoza, creator of What’s Happening Salem, is hosting the award ceremony and will interview the recipients live on stage during the event. Other entertainment will include comedian Eleanore Ryan, emcee Bank Sinatra and the Manny Martinez jazz quartet. Registration for the event is free, VIP tickets are $35. The pre-party with drinks, music and appetizers starts at 6 p.m. and the show is at 7 p.m. The theatre is located at 187 High St. N.E.
Art market
*Friday, May 16 – Sunday, May 18: Head to a weekend community festival to pick out arts and crafts from local vendors at the Outer Realms art market. The three-day market will bring a long list of artists and vendors to downtown Salem along with music and other entertainment.
At different times throughout the market, a folk musician will perform, a magician will conduct “lore and lamplight” magic and a drum circle will play. The market will take place at 217 State St. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. More information is available on Facebook.
“The Glass Menagerie”
Friday, May 16 – Sunday, May 18: Another performance of “The Glass Menagerie” will happen Friday at the Pentacle Theatre. The play by Tennesee Williams follows a southern family living in St. Louis as they face social and financial struggles, when the mother sparks a change that changes their lives.
The play stars Christopher Schoaps, Julianna Gibbons and Quaye Dydasco as main family members. The play will start 7:30 Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Pentacle Theatre, located at 324 52nd Ave. N.W. Tickets range from $23 to $36. The play’s run will end May 31.
Radness Ensues party
Saturday, May 17: A community center in Keizer is hosting its monthly dance party Saturday which will have a goth and industrial theme. On Saturday night, Radness Ensues is bringing “dark beats and ethereal melodies” to its space on North River Road, according to its Facebook.
The dance party will have music from live bands, DJs and a playlist made by staff. People are encouraged to wear anything from full goth regalia to simple band t-shirts. The dance party is planned to be from 6-10 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee, with nobody turned away for lack of funds. The community center is located at 3837 River Rd. N.
Rock climbing films
Sunday, May 18: To The Ceiling Entertainment is hosting a worldwide premiere of three new rock climbing films during the evening at the Grand Theatre. The films follow stories on Squamish’s Cobra Crack, Patagonia’s Torre Central and an unlikely partnership to fulfill a lifelong dream.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event will be from 7-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $11.50 and are available online. The Grand Theatre is located at 187 High St. N.E. More information is available on Facebook.
VETcare summit
*Tuesday, May 20: Learn more about mental health and listen to a panel of veterans sharing experiences and insight at a summit on veterans’ mental health hosted by VETcare, an Oregon provider of social programs for veterans. The summit is open to the public and will feature experts in mental health and initiatives to support veterans in readjusting to life after military service.
The summit includes a panel of speakers from VETcare providers and clients. The summit will be held at the Keizer Event Center, 930 Chemawa Rd., and will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check-in and same-day registration at the location starts at 7:30 a.m. Registration ahead of time is available online.
Last September, Salem Reporter spoke with some of the people leading Salem’s VETcare program Read that here.
Contact reporter Madeleine Moore: [email protected].
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Madeleine Moore came to Salem after graduating from the University of Oregon in June 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She covers addiction and recovery, transportation and infrastructure.
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