Things to do in Salem this weekend: Oct. 23-25
Quick Read
Flynn Creek Circus raises its big top at Riverfront Park Friday through Sunday, with family shows and one adults-only performance Saturday night.
The Elsinore Theatre hosts Michael Franti Trio on Friday and Lyle Lovett and his Small Large Band on Saturday.
Families can try Powerland Halloween on Saturday and Sunday or indoor trick-or-treating at Gilbert House Children's Museum on Sunday.
Evil Dead The Musical opens Friday at Venture Hall, and Willamette hosts Pacific in football Saturday at 1 p.m.
Looking for things to do in Salem this weekend? A circus under a big top, two big names at the Elsinore, family-friendly Halloween fun, a canary show, college football and a downtown masquerade ball top this week's verified Friday through Sunday picks in Salem and nearby.
Mornings have turned frosty this week, so dress in layers for outdoor events. Times and prices can change, so double-check the official page before you go.
Friday, October 23
Flynn Creek Circus: The Cricket & the Wren (Friday through Sunday)
Friday 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 1, 4 and 7 p.m. The Saturday 7 p.m. show is an adults-only version for ages 21 and older. Riverfront Park, under the big top, 200 Water St. NE, Salem. Single folding-chair seats start at $27.90 plus a fee, with benches and tables costing more; the Friday opening show is 10% off.
An all-human fairy tale with aerialists, jugglers, knife throwers and comedy, following a merchant's daughter on a quest to break the Frog Prince's spell. Beer, wine and light concessions are sold, and parking is free. Official details.
Michael Franti Trio: Heartstrings & Dynamite
Friday, doors 7 p.m., show 8 p.m. Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE, Salem. Ticket prices vary by seat; see the box office.
The singer behind "Sound of Sunshine," "Say Hey (I Love You)" and "I Got You" brings a stripped-down trio show to the historic Elsinore. Official details.
Evil Dead The Musical (opening weekend)
Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. Runs through Nov. 15. Venture Hall (the former Cinebarre), 501 Marion St. NE, Salem. $25 to $40.
Wandering Players Theatrics opens its new home with the horror-comedy musical based on the cult films. The first few rows are the Splatter Zone, so wear old clothes if you sit up front. Official details.
Traveling Wheelz Open Skate: 90s/Y2K
Friday 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Mad House, 1335 Madison St. NE, Salem. Tickets through Traveling Wheelz; buying ahead is recommended because these nights often sell out.
A family-friendly, all-ages roller skate night with a 1990s and Y2K theme. Festive outfits are encouraged. Official details.
Saturday, October 24
Powerland Halloween (Saturday and Sunday)
Saturday and Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (plan on two or more hours). Powerland Heritage Park, 3995 Brooklake Road NE, Salem. $19 ages 13 and older, $15 ages 2 to 12, under 2 free.
A zero-scare Halloween mystery for families, "The Case of the Missing Fairy," with rides on a double-decker trolley and a former MAX light rail car, clue hunting, prizes and a white pumpkin to decorate and take home. Costumes are encouraged. Official details.
Salem Saturday Market
Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 865 Marion St. NE (the state Green Lot at Marion and Summer streets), Salem. Free to browse.
One of Oregon's largest markets, with more than 200 local vendors selling produce, baked goods, crafts and gifts, plus a food court. It's dog friendly, and the season wraps up Oct. 31, so only two Saturdays are left. Official details.
Columbia Canary Club Bird Show & Sale
Saturday. Admissions and bird sales open at 10 a.m., judging runs through the day, sales close at 3 p.m. and awards are at 3:30 p.m. Cascade Hall, Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St. NE, Salem. Fairgrounds parking is $10.
The club's 56th annual show features judged canaries, finches, softbills and small hookbills, plus birds and supplies for sale and raffles. It's a family-friendly look at a hobby most people never see up close. Official details.
Willamette Bearcats football vs. Pacific
Saturday 1 p.m. McCulloch Stadium/Ted Ogdahl Field, Willamette University, Salem. Check Willamette Athletics for ticket details.
Willamette hosts Northwest Conference rival Pacific for a home game in downtown Salem. Official details.
Spooky Storytelling at Atlas Bookshop (Silverton)
Saturday 3 to 4 p.m. Atlas Bookshop, 214 S. Water St., inside the Hartman Building, Silverton.
Seasonal stories "with just a bit of spooky," read by Michele Burgess and Valentina Ortiz. A low-key option if you are making a fall drive out to Silverton. Official details.
5th Annual Masquerade Ball
Saturday 6 to 11 p.m. Reed Opera House Ballroom, 189 Liberty St. NE, Salem. $57.33, ages 21 and older.
Masks and elegant attire are encouraged at this downtown dance night with live music from Johnny Wheels & the Swamp Donkeys. Official details.
Lyle Lovett and his Small Large Band
Saturday, doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m. Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE, Salem. Ticket prices vary by seat; see the box office.
The four-time Grammy winner mixes country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues with his trademark storytelling. Official details.
Sunday, October 25
Halloween Re-Engineered at Gilbert House
Sunday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (members get early entry at 9 a.m.). Gilbert House Children's Museum, 116 Marion St. NE, Salem. $26 per person for non-members, $8 for members; museum admission and an 8-ounce hot chocolate are included.
Indoor trick-or-treating through the museum's historic houses, a haunted Erector Set maze, a witches' potion station, a candy catapult build, slime, spooky science and a skeleton scavenger hunt. Costumes encouraged. Official details.
Also all weekend: Fordyce Farm's Pumpkin Patch and Fall Fest on Sunnyview Road NE has free admission, a hay fort and pumpkin patch, with a paid corn maze, and a haunted corn maze Friday and Saturday nights from 7 to 9:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Have a favorite Salem-area weekend event we missed? Tip us through willamettenews.com and we will check it for a future roundup.
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Cover photo: The Elsinore Theatre on High Street SE in downtown Salem, July 2017. Photo by Joe Mabel via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY 4.0.
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