Ready for an absolutely packed weekend in Salem? Take a look at what's going on and add some events to your calendar!
Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival
The Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival brings plenty of creative inspiration to the Oregon State Fair and Expo Center. Shop sewing, quilting, needle-art, and craft products from a variety of exhibitors while discovering new tools, techniques, and project ideas. The festival also features free daily demonstrations, make-and-take activities, and door prize drawings.
Date: October 22 - 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Oregon State Fair and Expo Center, Columbia Hall // 2328 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301 (Note: MUST enter at white gate).
Cost: $15 for 3 days | Parking $10
Public Paint-Party: Cubanisimo Vineyards in West Salem
Serendipities by Dena is hosting a creative evening at Cubanisimo Vineyards with a guided “Scarecrow Silhouette” painting party. No experience is needed, and all supplies and instruction are included.
The ticket comes with a $10 voucher toward beverage purchases, and attendees are welcome to bring food or order delivery.
Date: October 23, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Cubanisimo Vineyards // 1754 Best Rd NW, Salem, OR 97304
Cost: $45 (includes $10 beverage voucher)
Scare at the Fair - Fright Planet
This one's not for the faint of heart. Fright Planet brings three haunted attractions together for a night of Halloween scares at the Oregon Expo. One ticket includes access to Podunk Hill, Death Row, and Pennville Lunatic Asylum, each with its own eerie theme, characters, and spooky surprises.
Date: October 15 - November 1, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Oregon Expo, 4H Exhibit Hall // 2330 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: Tickets start at $16.66 | Parking $10 per vehicle
Flynn Creek Circus: The Cricket & The Wren
The circus is coming to Salem! Flynn Creek Circus presents The Cricket & The Wren, an imaginative all-human fairytale under the big top. The story follows a merchant’s daughter on a daring journey to break the Frog Prince’s spell, with aerialists, jugglers, knife throwers, comedy, and impressive acrobatics woven throughout the adventure.
Date: October 23, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Salem Riverfront Park - Under the Big Top Tent // 200 Water St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: Starting at $27
Nightmare Factory 2026
Nightmare Factory returns to the Oregon School for the Deaf for another season of Halloween scares. Established in 1987, this long-running haunted attraction has become a Salem tradition for those looking to add a fright-filled night to their October plans.
Date: Weekends through October 31, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location: Oregon School for the Deaf // 999 Locust St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $20+
Michael Franti Trio - Heartstrings & Dynamite
Michael Franti brings his uplifting sound and energetic stage presence to the Elsinore Theatre as part of the Heartstrings & Dynamite tour. Known for hits like “The Sound of Sunshine,” “Say Hey (I Love You),” and “I Got You,” Franti blends music, positivity, and connection into a feel-good live experience.
Date: October 23, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Doors at 7:00 PM)
Location: Elsinore Theatre // 170 High St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: Starting at $60 | VIP options available
Athletic Edge's Spooktacular Adventure
The Athletic Edge Adventure Park is getting into the Halloween spirit with a family-friendly Spooktacular Adventure! Each session includes a Halloween-themed snack for kids, with additional food and drinks available for purchase. Adults can also enjoy specialty beverages while the family joins in the seasonal fun. Costumes are encouraged.
Date: October 24 & 25, 2026
Time: October 24 at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM & 6:00 PM | October 25 at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Location: The Athletic Edge Adventure Park // 1379 Madison St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $20 for walking age through 15 | Ages 16+ FREE
The Salem Wedding Show
Getting married soon? The Salem Wedding Show will have tons of local wedding professionals together under one roof at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center.
Couples can meet photographers, florists, caterers, DJs, venue coordinators, and more while gathering ideas and connecting directly with vendors for their big day. VIP admission includes early entry, a swag bag, special gifts, and additional perks.
Sign a contract at the event for a chance to win 10% of your contract value back!
Date: October 24, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM; VIP entry begins at 10:00 AM
Location: Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center, Jackman Long Building // 2330 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $10 + fees online through October 22 | $20 after the show opens | VIP $32.38
Bauman's Cider Festival
Bauman’s Farms is adding an extra event to their lineup of fall fun with their annual Cider Festival. Sample local ciders and beers, enjoy festival activities, and take home a commemorative tasting glass.
Admission includes five tasting tickets and entry to the Harvest Festival. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
Date: October 24 - 25, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Bauman's Farms // 12989 Howell Prairie Rd. NE, Gervais, OR 97026
Cost: $30 (includes Harvest Festival admission, 5 tasting tickets, and a commemorative tasting glass)
The History & Artistry of Victorian Hairwork in 19th Century America
Deepwood Museum & Gardens welcomes historian and hairwork artist Diane Irby for a fascinating look at the Victorian tradition of transforming human hair into meaningful keepsakes. The presentation explores the artistry, history, and cultural significance of hairwork in nineteenth-century America.
Preregistration is required to help organizers prepare for the event.
Date: October 24, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Deepwood Museum & Gardens // 1116 Mission Street SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: $15 | Members FREE
Plant Bingo with Kenny Shelton
Rudy’s Garden Shop is hosting an exciting evening of plant-themed bingo in their garden classroom. The event combines a little friendly competition with plenty of greenery.
Date: October 24, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Rudy's Garden Classroom // 1288 State St, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $35
Masquerade Ball
Step into an evening of mystery and glamour at the 5th Annual Masquerade Ball inside the historic Reed Opera House Ballroom. Attendees are encouraged to dress up, wear a favorite mask, and enjoy an elegant night of dancing, drinks and snacks, and surprises in one of downtown Salem’s historic venues.
Date: October 24, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location: Reed Opera House Ballroom // 189 Liberty St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: $57.33 (Ages 21+)
Lyle Lovett and his Small Large Band
Known for thoughtful songwriting and memorable storytelling, Lyle Lovett will bring his signature blend of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues to the Elsinore Theatre.
Date: October 24, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Elsinore Theatre // 170 High St SE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: Starting at $58
Salem Brew Week
It's Salem Brew Week! Explore participating local breweries and taprooms throughout the city with a free passport, collect stamps from at least four locations, and submit the completed passport for a chance to win prize boxes, swag, gift cards, brewery tours, and more.
Date: October 24 - 31, 2026
Time: Varies by participating location
Location: Participating Salem breweries and taprooms
Cost: FREE
Halloween Re-Engineered
Gilbert House Children’s Museum is transforming its historic houses into an indoor Halloween adventure filled with trick-or-treating, hands-on activities, spooky science, a skeleton scavenger hunt, festive photo opportunities, and so much more.
Families can explore the museum in costume while enjoying a weather-proof celebration. Every ticket includes an 8 oz. hot chocolate.
Date: October 25, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Members receive early entry at 9:00 AM
Location: Gilbert House Children's Museum // 116 Marion St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Cost: Members $8 per person | Non-members $26 per person
Blast off with the Salem Pops Orchestra
Calling sci-fi fans of all ages! The Salem Pops Orchestra is taking audiences on a musical trip through the stars with favorites from Star Trek, E.T., Superman, Doctor Who, and Star Wars, among others.
Date: October 25, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: East Salem Community Center // 1850 45th Ave NE, Salem, OR 97305
Cost: $20 general admission | $10 students | Children under 7 FREE
Symphonic Winds: Myths, Magic, & Mystery
Myths, Magic, & Mystery promises a musical afternoon of dramatic storytelling, ancient legends, and autumn atmosphere. The program features works inspired by witches, wizards, ghosts, and the changing season, including selections from Harry Potter, Malcolm Arnold’s Tam O'Shanter Overture, Randall Standridge’s Symphony No. 1: A Ghost Story, Eric Whitacre’s October, and Julie Giroux’s Wonderfully Wicked.
Date: October 25, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Rose Auditorium // 700 Howard St SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cost: $6.52 - $22.30
However you spend the weekend, showing up for local events is a simple way to support the people, places, and traditions that make Salem feel like home. Have a great time, Salem!