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Hip hip hooray, it’s Tuesday ~
Tomorrow is officially October and that means another month of awesome events to look forward to. Personally, I am looking forward to cooler weather and more rain. In this edition, I’ve got primarily non-Halloween related events to look forward to – I will have a couple big ones listed, but a full list of all things Halloween in Salem, stay tuned for next Tuesday!
What events do you like? Should I go to some, or perhaps you have other questions for me? I can answer or chit-chat in my inbox, at [email protected]. Now, onto sharing all these events on the way! Send me some Halloween events you have in mind that I should not miss!
Enjoying falling leaves,
Em Chan
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October (non-Halloween!) events to check out
You must hold your horses for Halloween, I am begging! There is more to October than the holiday, and here are some great ones to put on your calendar.
Festivals/Celebrations
There are a lot of outdoor festivals getting into swing. Here’s the ones you should plan a day outing for, as they’re perfect for dates or the whole family. There are some that began in late September (which you can check out here) but these have specifically opened this month.
Beginning Oct. 5, Fordyce Farm Fall Fest: The farm’s pumpkin patch season commences on Oct. 5 and will be open everyday through the entire month. Admission is free, except certain special activities like the regular and haunted corn mazes. Weekends will also have special activities, which are all listed on the website. 7023 Sunnyview Rd. NE.
Oct. 11, Hispanic Heritage Day: October is National Hispanic Heritage Month and the day’s events will take place inside the State Capitol’s Rotunda. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be family-friendly activities like music, crafts, exhibits, speakers and more. Admission will be free. 900 Court St. NE.
The Arts
Art exhibits and other art-related events will be here, because they are just as important and interesting this time of year. They’re some of my favorite to check out because I want to go out, but sometimes the weather is just awful.
Oct. 3, Art Rumble 2025: Art Department is hosting Art Rumble, a competitive art event where challengers battle it out to create a masterpiece in 20 minutes. A couple rounds later, last one standing will be the Art Rumble Champion. 254 Commercial St. NE.
Oct. 17-19, Westminster Festival of Fine Art: The annual free art festival held at the Westminster Presbyterian Church will showcase artists across various mediums, presentations and musical performances. Opening night there is an artist’s recpetion featuring musician Gail Gage Jazz from 6-8 p.m. 3737 Liberty Road S.
Theater
Live music and other acts are a great way to get out while avoiding the potential bad weather outside.
Oct. 4, The Problem Party: A Dungeons and Dragons Improv Show: “The Problem Party” is a recurring improv show that has a new adventure every show. This show it is highly encouraged to dress as a vampire for the viewing. Individual tickets or “adventuring party pack” (limited quantity) available now at The Grande Theatre. 191 High St. NE.
Oct. 11, Salem Philharmonia Orchestra Presents: Eroica: The Salem-based orchestra will be performing three works, including Ludwig Van Beethoven’s “Symphony #3 (Eroica)”, at the East Salem Community Center. There will be a preconcert talk 45 minutes prior to the musical performance. Tickets are available online now. 1850 45th Ave. NE.
Oct. 17, The Teacher Show: Comedy from the Classroom!: Local comedians who are also teachers will be hosting this evening of school-related stand-up showcase at The Grand Theatre Ballroom. The show is all ages but does have some strong content like NSFW takes on the classroom. The event even states it’s “not be suitable for building administrators and/or helicopter parents” - you’ve been warned. Tickets avaialble online now. 187 High St. NE.
Sports
sPoRtS! Just kidding, hehe. The weather might but rough out, but that won’t stop all you athletes from doing what you love most. Here’s what’s in store for you!
Oct. 3: Willamette Valley Open Pickleball Tournament: Travel Salem is presenting this pickleball tournament, and though it is too late to register, you can still go and watch the participants. The event will be held at Salem Tennis and Swim. 4318 Lone Oak Rd. SE.
Seasonal
Seasonal, because they’re autumn-related!
Oct. 4, Bauman’s Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off: Bauman’s Harvest Festival hosts dozens of giant pumpkins over 1,000 pounds, to see which is the top (pumpkin?) dog. There is also a Giant Pumpkin Drop, plus other giants out for display through the rest of the Harvest Festival. Admission pricing details are available online. 12989 Howell Prairie Rd. NE.
Oct. 4, LifeSource Fall Food Fair: LifeSource’s annual Fall Food Fair and Customer Appreciation will be 90s themed. Enjoy free samples, live music and prizes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They will also be offering 20% off all regular-price items all day. 2649 Commercial St. SE.
Beginning Oct. 4, Indoor Winter Market at Wavra Farms: Don’t be sad about the Saturday market ending for the season, because Wavra Farms and Nursery is kicking off the winter market season. Held inside a large greenhouse, there will be over 45 vendors each Saturday, peddling much of the same wares as the summer markets. 7882 Jordan St. SE.
Uncategorized events
This section is for the few events that I thought deserved to be mentioned, but I couldn’t quite place them in the other sections. Primarily based around niche hobbies, here’s a handful of unique events.
Oct. 5, Salem’s Trading Card Showcase: You can find sports cards (new and vintage) rare Pokemon, Funko Pops and more at this year’s showcase. There will be 85 tables of vendors and the best part: free admission!(10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) 4090 Commercial St. SE.
Oct. 11, AFSP’s Salem Out of the Darkness Community Walk: The annual walk organized by the Oregon chapter of the American Foundation for Suidie Prevention returns at 10 a.m. at Riverfront Park. This walk is to promote suicide prevention and raise money for the nonprofit. There is no registration fee, but they are fundraising to get to this year’s goal of $50,000. Registration details and more are on the website. 200 Water St.
Oct. 17-18, The Great Junk Hunt: Find some treasure among the “junk” at this shopping event, held at the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Vendors will have vintage, industrial, re-purposed and more not-new items. There will also be live music, food and cocktails. Tickets available online now. 2330 17th St. NE.
Wow, this one was a packed edition! Thanks for hanging along as always. Again, next week will be all things Halloween so if you know of any specific events I should include, let me know at [email protected].
Prepping my Halloween costume,
Em Chan
High School sports this week:
This segment was well received by you all last week, which I am very grateful for. I was suggested to add the cross country meet dates too, plus the smaller schools’ games/meets as well, which were all great ideas. Thank you to those who reached out to me or the general WHS team, we so appreciate your continued support of our content.
Football matches on Friday, 10/3
North Salem at Sheldon, 7 p.m.
South Salem at Sprague, 7 p.m.
West Salem hosting McNary, 7 p.m.
Salem Academy at Dayton, 7 p.m.
McKay at Forest Grove at 7 p.m.
Girls’ varsity volleyball matches this week
9/30:
West Salem hosting McNary at 6:30 p.m.
Livingstone Adventist at Jewell, 6 p.m.
North Salem hosting South Salem at 6:30 p.m.
Salem Academy at Amity, 6:30 p.m.
Blanchet Catholic hosting Taft, 6:30 p.m.
10/2:
Livingstone Adventist at WVCHS, 6 p.m.
Chemawa Indian hosting Jewell, 6 p.m.
North Salem at Sprague, 6:30 p.m.
South Salem hosting West Salem, 6:30 p.m.
Blanchet Catholic hosting Jefferson, 6:30 p.m.
Cross Country meets in Salem, 10/2 - 6
10/2:
SKPS - Leslie/Judson/Claggett/Howard St. at Bush Park
SKPS - Waldo/Stephens/Clossier/Straub at Waldo Middle School
SKPS - Walker/Parrish/Whiteaker/Houck at West Salem High
10/4:
Charles Bowles Willamette Invitational at Bush Park
Have an idea you’d like to see us cover in a future Tuesday send?
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