Need plans this weekend? Here are 5 things to do in Salem area
Abby Luschei
No weekend plans, no problem. Go into March with these five events in Salem:
"Mamma Mia!"
What: A musical set in Greece following a young bride-to-be who is trying to figure out which of three men from her mother's past is her father, featuring ABBA's hit songs.
When: Runs from March 1 to March 23
Location: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave. NW, off Highway 22
Cost: $29-34
Tickets: Available at Pentacle’s downtown ticket office, 145 Liberty St. NE or 503-485-4300, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, or at tickets.pentacletheatre.org
National Read Across America Day
What: Gilbert House is participating in this annual event celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday by instilling a love of reading in youth with Dr. Seuss-themed crafts and activities, as well as character appearances; dressing up as a Dr. Seuss character is encouraged.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 1
Location: Gilbert House Children's Museum, 116 Marion St. NE
Cost: $8 general, $7 for military and ages 60 and older, free for ages younger than 1
Information: www.acgilbert.org
More play:Gilbert House aims to raise money needed to renovate outdoor playscape by January 2020
Mardi Gras Masquerade Party
What: March's Formal First Saturday will celebrate Mardi Gras with masks, beads, themed-cocktails, jambalaya and gumbo; dressing up is encouraged, bring your own mask or borrow one.
When: 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 2
Location: Archive Coffee & Bar, 102 Liberty St. NE #120
Information: www.facebook.com/events/383192042493237
Volksfest
What: Enjoy great food, live German music, dancing, games and demonstrations as you celebrate Mount Angel's German heritage at Volksfest.
When: 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 1-3
Location: Mt. Angel Community Festhalle, 500 Wilco Hwy. NE, Mt. Angel
Cost: $5 admission for guests 21 and older; $10 with specialty stein or glass (limited availability)
Information: www.mtangelvolksfest.com
Name change:Wurstfest no more; Mt. Angel changes name of annual festival
Jurassic Quest
What: A dinosaur adventure featuring activities and more than 80 realistic dinosaurs including the new 24-foot Carnotaurus and T-Rex rides.
When: 3 to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 1-3
Location: Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St. NE
Cost: $20-36
Information: www.jurassicquest.com
More things to do
Movies:"Gone with the Wind" 80th-anniversary screenings, more dates added
Outdoors:Oregon's 10 best hikes with kids at Mount Hood, Columbia Gorge, Coast and Painted Hills
History:Mid-Valley love stories featured in exhibit at Willamette Heritage Center
Movies:What's playing in Salem movie theaters this week?
Food & Wine:Chen's Family Dish in NE Salem offers solid, Americanized Chinese in a pretty space