Salem After Dark

Explore Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley’s Nightlife Scene

While you're exploring all the wine, waterfalls, art walks, and historic gems in the Salem region during the day, be sure to save up a little energy to experience its nightlife, too.

3/14/2023

Downtown Salem - Photo Credit: @Oregonmann

That's right, Oregon's capital city and surrounding Mid-Willamette Valley area offer plenty of things to do after the sun goes down. Our friendly and intimate settings offer a relaxed vibe. Enjoy live music, late-night laughs, and more at the following venues:

The Infinity Room

The Infinity Room is a one-of-a-kind venue located in downtown Salem that offers a variety of live entertainment four times a week. The laid-back lounge atmosphere is the perfect spot for enjoying outstanding bands, comedians, and poets. Check out their Instagram page to see what events are happening throughout the week. While you're there, sip on late-night cocktails and dine on delicious dishes from an entirely vegan menu.

Christo's Pizzeria

Experience artisan pizza and classic Italian eats at Salem’s version of Little Italy. Christo’s Pizzeria has been serving pizza, pasta, and other Italian-American-inspired dishes since 1997. More than a pizzeria, Christo's added a music lounge to showcase live jazz music. Stop by on Thursday and Saturday nights to indulge in live jazz and other genres of artists. You'll come for the food and stay for the late-night experience.

A delicious pizza topped with tomatoes, olives, and herbs is served on a tray in a welcoming restaurant setting.
Christo's Pizzeria

Taproot Lounge and Café

Opened in 2015, the Taproot Lounge and Café quickly garnered a following for its long list of handcrafted cocktails, tasty food, and hip, easygoing vibe. This downtown restaurant has something for everyone, with a menu catering to vegans, vegetarians, carnivores, and gluten-free appetites. As you enjoy the food, check out the artwork on the walls, featuring local artists. On Friday and Saturday nights, stop by to enjoy some of the region's top musical talent.

Inviting cafe featuring brick walls, windmill ceiling decor, lush plants, and cozy seating with guests enjoying the ambiance.
Taproot Lounge and Café

The Coin Jam

Did you know that Salem is home to one of Oregon’s few 21 and over arcades? The Coin Jam will delight fans of those nostalgic video and arcade games such as Ms. Pac-man, Mario Bros, and other cult classics. Challenge your friends to a game of Air Hockey, race them in a round of Mario Kart, or jam out together on Guitar Hero, all while you munch on savory bites paired with a glass of local beer, wine, or cider.

B&G Bingo

If you think Bingo is entertainment from a bygone era, think again. This age-old British pastime is making a comeback, popping up at bars and hangouts across the U.S. In Salem, the place to play is B&G Bingo, which offers sessions 5 nights a week. Plus, all proceeds support the Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion & Polk Counties. Come ready to shout Bingo!

The Elsinore Theater

Named after the sixteenth-century Danish castle in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the Elsinore Theater is one of Oregon's most delightful destinations to enjoy nighttime entertainment year-round. As the artistic center of Salem, you can view nationally recognized musical artists, live theatre, classic film series, and comedy artists. You will be awed not only by the splendor of the theatre but the outstanding performances that happen there.

The Elsinore Theatre glows with bright yellow lights on a stunning tan building featuring elegant gothic windows.
Elsinore Theater

Mac's Place

Mac’s Place, located in downtown Silverton, lives in the oldest building on the Silverton National Historic Register. This local hangout is well known for its live entertainment and changing nightly specials like Taco Tuesday or Elk Burgers on Thursday. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday, and an open mic every Tuesday. Mac's Place boasts year-round, heated outdoor seating overlooking the scenic Silver Creek.

The Fireside Lounge and the Oregon Garden Resort

Located inside the Oregon Garden Resort, the Fireside Lounge is a cozy gathering place featuring nightly live music and happy hour specials every evening from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Lounge's focal point is a central fireplace surrounded by couches, where guests can indulge in fine wine, beer, seasonal cocktails, and a special lounge menu.

Fireside Lounge at the Oregon Garden Resort

Spirit Mountain Casino

Located just 25 miles west of Salem, Spirit Mountain is a Las-Vegas style casino open 24 hours a day where you can play slot machines and table games, like Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, and more. When you want a break from games, visit one of the five dining options or enjoy some live music. View world-class entertainers on the main stage or relish in the live music showcased almost every night inside the Mountain View Sports Bar.

Bright "Mountain View Sports Bar" sign with mountain accents in a stylish, vibrant, and inviting modern setting.
Mountain View Sports Bar at the Spirit Mountain Casino

Pentacle Theatre

Tucked away in Oregon oak and Douglass fir trees is the Pentacle Theatre, a premier community theater presenting eight plays every year. Sitting on the edge of West Salem, this theatre offers live theatre in an intimate setting. The directors, cast, and crew come together to immerse audiences in entertaining productions from plays to musicals in a rustic and cozy playhouse.

Two Wolves Taproom

There is always something happening at the Two Wolves Taproom located in Dallas. This taproom features a whole lot more than tasty brews on tap and great eats. Evenings are chock-full of events including live music, paint nights, taproom takeovers, and drag shows. Come with your brain ready for trivia Wednesdays or order some bites to eat from their underground menu. Follow their Instagram page for their weekly event schedule.

For more ideas of what to see and do in the Salem area, check out our events calendar.

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