Hey Salem,

Professional basketball is back at the Salem Armory Auditorium. The Salem Capitals are beginning their 2026 season in The Basketball League (TBL), a league that operates with an emphasis on community involvement alongside competition.

What You Should Know About the TBL

The Basketball League positions itself differently from traditional minor leagues. Built around the idea of "lives over balls," the league focuses on player development and community engagement alongside the game itself. Rosters typically include former NBA G-League and international players.

The Schedule

The Capitals open Friday, March 6th on the road against the Lilac City Legends, followed by a Sunday game against the Yakima Heat. The home schedule begins the following week.

Doors open one hour before tip-off at all home games. Tickets and additional information are available through the Salem Capitals.

Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead! Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 8, when clocks move forward one hour at 2:00AM and become 3:00AM. The annual change is meant to extend evening daylight hours, though it also means we will lose an hour of sleep.

I, for one, am so excited to spring forward. The winter darkness is hard on me, so the extra daylight has me looking ahead to brighter days. Spring is right around the corner. Before long the cherry blossoms will be blooming and you will be reaching for shorts and sunglasses again.

What are you going to do with your extra hour of daylight? I will be taking bike rides through Minto-Brown and getting a head start on my tan.

Bring a little New Orleans energy to Salem with a Mardi Gras themed roller skate night at Cherry City MadHouse.

Kick things off with skating lessons from 7:00PM to 8:00PM before the rink opens for a lively evening of open skating. Expect festive vibes, colorful flair, and plenty of chances to show off your moves on wheels.

She’s Speaking Live returns with a powerful showcase of some of the Northwest’s most compelling female and gender expansive artists.

The evening features Crystal Lariza, Ashleigh Flynn, Jenny Conlee, Kristen Grainger, Beth Wood, Marilyn Keller, Bre Gregg, and special guest Mary Flower. Backed by the house band The Riveters, expect heartfelt originals, genre-spanning musicianship, and performances that linger long after the final note.

The Underground Market returns to the basement of Blast Off! for another round of local makers, artists, and creative vendors. Swing through from 3:00PM to 7:00PM to browse handmade goods, unique crafts, and specialty items from around 30 local vendors.

While you are there, head upstairs to dig through Blast Off’s famously fun racks of vintage clothing. You might just stumble across the jacket or wild vintage piece that instantly becomes your new favorite.

Celebrate International Women’s Day with Willamette’s fifth annual tribute concert honoring women in music. Featuring award-winning faculty and special guests, this inspiring afternoon of live performance is a meaningful way to spend your Sunday. 

Looking to try something new? Bounskee might be the game for you. This ping pong ball toss finesse sport blends elements of Skee Ball, Blackjack, Poker, Tic Tac Toe, Connect 4, and BINGO into one playful competition.

With contests, stat tracking, and even an art project mixed in, it is an easygoing night of games and social fun. Recommended for adults and kids ages 8 and up, it is also a great way to meet new people and share a few laughs.

Get ready for a high energy night of Celtic rock as the Young Dubliners bring The Hot Toddy Tour to Salem.

Known for blending traditional Irish melodies with modern rock grit, the Young Dubs deliver a show packed with driving rhythms and singalong choruses. Opening the night are local favorites Possibly Irish, whose lively take on Celtic music always gets the crowd clapping along.

The Gothard Sisters bring their rich blend of Celtic, folk, world, and classical music to Salem’s Historic Grand Theater.

Sisters Greta, Willow, and Solana combine violin, guitar, mandolin, bodhran, djembe, whistle, and soaring harmonies to create a vivid musical experience. With more than 2,000 performances and 10 albums, their captivating sound has enchanted audiences around the world.

Kick off St. Patrick’s weekend with music, movement, and Irish spirit at the 2nd Friday Céilí.

Live music from Preston Howard-Wilde, Bob Soper, and Elizabeth Nicholson pairs with dances called by Sam Keator, making it easy for everyone to join the fun. A short lesson begins at 7:15PM so newcomers can jump in before dancing starts at 8:00PM.

There will be Celtic-inspired items raffled off and a beautiful hand-made quilt available in a silent auction. 

The Salem Capitals tip off their 2026 season with a League Opener against the Seattle Superhawks at the Armory.

A packed house makes all the difference for our hometown team, so rally your friends and plan to be there. Let’s fill the stands, get loud, and give the Capitals the kind of energy that launches a great season.

Looking for a St. Patrick’s Day party with some edge? JFK returns to The BAD Space for the St. Patrick’s Day Massacre, a loud night of rock and roll that will keep the party going all night.

Tickets are $15 in advance and must be purchased by calling 503-580-3154. This show is expected to sell out, so grab yours early.

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Thanks for keeping up with Salem this week!

Spotted something interesting in town? Drop us a note at [email protected] We love hearing from you.

See you next Thursday,

Ernie