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If your calendar has been feeling a little empty, that’s about to change. Late April tends to sneak up with a packed schedule, and this week is no exception.
From community walks to concerts and local workshops, there’s a little bit of everything mixed in. It’s a good reminder of how many small, thoughtful events happen here every week. You just have to pick one (or three!) and go.
🏠 Historic Preservation Month Is Almost Here!
The Gist: Our Salem Historic Landmarks Commission is gearing up for May with tours, workshops, and contests that celebrate the city’s history. You have until April 30 to enter the Hidden History photo contest, and events begin with a heritage conference in Woodburn from April 29 to May 2. Other highlights include a window restoration workshop at Pringle Community Hall on May 9 and a downtown walking tour on May 14.
Why It Matters: It’s about more than old records or historic buildings. It’s about preserving the places, stories, and family connections that give Salem its character and help it feel like home.
🪑 New Life For The Old JCPenney Building
Photo from statesmanjournal.com
The Gist: After sitting vacant for nearly six years, the massive 100,000-square-foot former JCPenney building at 305 Liberty St. NE is finally getting back to work. Owner Stuart Lindquist confirmed on April 16 that a furniture retailer has signed a lease for an 11,070-square-foot space on the first floor. This marks a major turning point for the historic site, which has been empty since JCPenney closed in 2020 following a century-long run in our downtown.
Why It Matters It’s nice to see this downtown anchor finally filling up again. By trading the old big-box model for smaller, street-facing shops, the building will better serve the wave of new residents moving into nearby apartments.
🥂 Candlelight, French-American plates, and textures
2nd Floor of The Forge,
285 Liberty St NE #230, Salem
Located on the second floor of The Forge, Clink! offers a warm atmosphere where seasonal Willamette Valley ingredients take center stage.
The room feels dressed-up yet genuinely relaxed, perfect for a lingering Wine Wednesday or a long-overdue catch-up.
Standouts include the mushroom and leek crêpes Normandy and the "Pear-fect Pairing" dessert featuring white wine poached pears with housemade brie ice cream. Steak au poivre for dinner or a tarragon crème fraîche brunch, anyone?
🎨 A quiet downtown corner for colorful messy hands
270 Commercial St NE, Salem
Visiting Create A Memory can be your gentle exhale. This downtown studio offers a vast selection of pottery and fused glass, where flat-rate pricing covers every tool and kiln firing.
With Mother’s Day approaching, it is an ideal time to start a handmade gift, as pieces take a week to finish. You might even spot the studio puppy while you work. It’s always a lovely, low-stress way to spend a morning.
Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!
🎠 Happy Hour $1 Rides | Salem's Riverfront Carousel | 04/24 | More
Magical afternoon rides on handcrafted animals for an accessible community price.
🎨 Mario Brush & Box Office | Northern Lights Theatre Pub | 04/25 | More
Guided painting class followed by a cinematic journey into the Mushroom Kingdom.
🌾 Ag Fest | Oregon State Fairgrounds | 04/25–04/26 | More
Hands-on agriculture experiences: pony rides, sheep shearing, petting zoo, and more.
🏠 Youth Entry Program Visit | Salem Public Library | 04/28 | More
Supportive assessments and resources for community members ages 14 to 24.
🎼 Celebration of Music | Elsinore Theatre | 04/29 | More
Showcase of local student talent and melodic high school performances.
👕 Spring Consignment Shopping | 4500 Commercial St SE | 04/29-05/02 | More
Vast selection of summer play items and clothing at significant retail discounts.
👊 Fight Club 25th Anniversary | Northern Lights Theatre Pub | 04/22 | More
Special one-night big screen return of the cult classic for its silver anniversary.
🎸 Rich Swanger Live | Chemeketa Cellars | 04/23 | More
Soulful Americana melodies paired with award-winning, student-crafted wines.
💥 Sierra Hull | Elsinore Theatre | 04/23 | More
Come for the musicianship and stay for the warmth she brings to the stage.
☕ Emerging Leaders Social | Gilbert House Museum | 04/23 | More
Creative activities for young professionals in a playful setting.
🎙️ Dude Dad’s Parents Night Out | Elsinore Theatre | 04/25 | More
Relatable observational comedy celebrating the beautiful chaos of family life.
✨ Krizz Kaliko Live | Salem Armory Auditorium | 04/25 | More
A performance from a hip-hop icon, featuring vocal speed and legendary presence.
Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
