It’s the first upcoming events article of 2026, and Salem’s local event scene is already buzzing! From live music and art openings to cake tastings and bird walks, it’s a great time to try something new, get inspired, and ease into the new year with a little fun.
January 2026 Opening Reception at the Bush Barn Art Center
The Salem Art Association is kicking off the new year with four exciting exhibitions and a welcoming reception at the Bush Barn Art Center. Guests can explore works by Yuji Hiratsuka, Sam Marroquin, and other represented artists, with artist introductions beginning at 6:00 PM.
Date: January 9, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Bush Barn Art Center // 600 Mission St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE
F-Stop: A Moment in Time | Photography Exhibit Opening
Stefani Art Gallery presents F-Stop: A Moment in Time, a group photography exhibition exploring the beauty of fleeting moments and the art of visual storytelling. The opening reception features work by five regional artists, along with wine, small bites, and truffles in celebration of the gallery’s ongoing dedication to photographic arts.
Date: January 9, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Stefani Art Gallery // 305 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
Kroc Center Parents Night Out
No sitter? No problem! Parents can enjoy a night to themselves while kids (ages 4–12) have a fun-filled evening at the Salem Kroc Center. The evening includes pizza, games, and rock wall climbing in a safe and supervised space.
Date: January 9, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Kroc Center Salem // 1865 Bill Frey Dr NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $15 for Kroc members, $25 for non-members (view registration information)
Adam Kenaston – Live at The BAD Space
Americana singer-songwriter Adam Kenaston returns to The BAD Space for an evening of heartfelt originals and select covers. Doors open at 6:00 PM for this all-ages show.
Date: January 9, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: The BAD Space // 2572 19th St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: $10 at the door
Winter Wonderland Open Skate Night
Join Traveling_Wheelz at the Cherry City Roller Derby Madhouse for a Winter Wonderland-themed open skate night. All are welcome! Come dressed in your winter best and enjoy an evening of fun on wheels.
Date: January 9, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Cherry City Roller Derby Madhouse // 1335 Madison St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $10 admission, $5 skate rentals (+$1 card fee) (view ticket information)
David Bowie: A Birthday Celebration at The Grand Theatre
Celebrate the legacy of David Bowie with a spectacular night of live music at Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre. This all-ages tribute will feature a lineup of local artists performing songs from every Bowie era.
Date: January 9, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre and Event Center // 187 High St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $20 online | $25 day of (view ticket information)
Supplement Saturday 2026
LifeSource Natural Foods is kicking off the year with Supplement Saturday, a one-day wellness event with 15% off all regularly priced items in the Wellness Department. Stop by to refresh your health routine and enjoy helpful support from their knowledgeable staff.
Date: January 10, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Location: LifeSource Natural Foods // 2649 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE to attend; items for purchase
SAS Minto-Brown Island Park Bird Walk
Want to pick up a new hobby in 2026? Why not try birding? Join Salem Audubon Society (SAS) for a free guided bird walk at Minto-Brown Island Park, one of the area’s top birding spots. You’ll explore diverse winter habitats and look for songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors during this relaxed outing.
Date: January 10, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Minto-Brown Island Park // 2200 Minto Island Rd SW SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE
Free Cake Tasting
Michelle Ashley Custom Cakes is inviting newly engaged couples (and non-engaged cake lovers of all kinds) to a free tasting event. Sample a variety of popular wedding cake flavors and explore sweet possibilities for your special day (or just treat yourself)!
Date: January 10, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Michelle Ashley Custom Cakes // 2195 Hyacinth St NE Ste 101, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
Live Jazz at Vortex
Head to Vortex Eatery + Taphouse for a night of live jazz with the Blue Gardenia Jazztet. This performance will feature Madison Griego on vocals, Mike Nolley on keys, Scott Napper on trumpet and flugelhorn, and Raymond Rios on drums. Enjoy great music and 20% off your bill during the show.
Date: January 10, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Vortex Eatery + Taphouse // 4435 Liberty Rd S, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE too attend; food and drink for purchase
ElectrAcoustics Live at SOB Brewery
Catch classic rock band ElectrAcoustics live at SOB Brewery Smokehouse for a fun Saturday night. No cover, just come ready to rock!
Date: January 10, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: SOB Brewery // 2027 25th St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: FREE to attend; food and drink for purchase.
Austin Gilbert at South Liberty
Austin Gilbert from NBC’s The Voice is coming to South Liberty Bar for a special live performance featuring a surprise guest. Seating is first come, first served. 21+ only.
Date: January 10, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: South Liberty Bar // 4682 Liberty Rd S, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: $5 per person
Live Music @ The Gov Cup – J.E. Sunde + Anna Tivel
Experience a heartfelt evening of live music with acclaimed singer-songwriters J.E. Sunde and Anna Tivel at The Gov Cup! This free show will invite guests to enjoy reflective, poetic storytelling and rich vocals in an intimate setting. 21+ only.
Date: January 10, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: The Governor’s Cup Coffee Roasters // 471 Court St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: FREE
The Fifth Step – National Theatre Live at Salem Cinema
For one day only, Salem Cinema presents The Fifth Step—a gripping and darkly funny new play by David Ireland. Starring Jack Lowden and Martin Freeman, the story (filmed live from London’s West End) explores vulnerability and truth through a fragile bond formed in a 12-step recovery program.
Date: January 11, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Salem Cinema // 1127 Broadway St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $15 advance, $18 day of (view ticket information)
If this weekend is any sign of what 2026 has in store, we’re in for a creative and community-filled year. Get out there, support local, and enjoy what Salem has to offer. Happy New Year!
