NOVEMBER Highlights

Highlights of what's happening in music, arts and more

November 18

COMMUNITY. Shop a variety of handcrafted bowls—more than 1,200—created by the volunteer artists of Willamette Art Center during Empty Bowls. And while bowls may be in the title, that's not all you will find at this annual event that's perfect for getting ahead on holiday gifts. Shop ceramic dishes, cups, mugs, planters, platters, pitchers and other handmade pottery. Funds raised help feed the hungry in our community through Marion-Polk Food Share, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov 18 at Cascade Hall at Oregon State Fairgrounds. 503-3653911, willametteartcenter.com

COMMUNITY. Stock up during the LifeSource Pajama Sale - sorry, it’s not a sale on pajamas, but wear yours to get 20% off all regularly priced items (except turkeys). OK, Pajamas aren't actually necessary, but they are encouraged. Plus there will be giveaways, free samples and other fun. 6 to 10 a.m. Nov 18, at LifeSource Natural Foods, 2649 Commercial St SE. lifesourcenaturalfoods.com

COMMUNITY. Prepare for your Thanksgiving festivities with a 1K, 5K or 10K jaunt at the City of Salem’s Turkey Trot. Activities begin at 9:30 a.m. Nov 18 at Riverfront and Minto-Brown Island Parks. $1-$10. egov.cityofsalem.net/ ParksRec/Activity

MUSIC. Bush House Museum is hosting an intimate, mini-concert with singer/songwriter Amenta Abioto. In her one-woman show, Amenta builds vocal and instrumental loops from kalimba, synthesizer, drum machine and guitar creating atmospheric textures. Her raw live performances invoke elements of both theatrical surprise and magic through ancient African diasporic sounds and stories. 6:30 p.m. Nov 18 at 600 Mission St SE. $15+ salemart.org

November 24 & 25

ON STAGE. Step into the magical world of the Nutcracker, a mesmerizing part of the World Ballet Series, showcasing a diverse cast of 50 professional dancers who breathe new life into this classic holiday tradition. This family-friendly performance features Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable music, more than 150 radiant hand-crafted costumes, lavish hand-painted sets and the iconic Lev Ivanov choreography. 7 p.m. Nov 24 & 2 p.m. Nov 25 at Elsinore Theatre. $42+ elsinoretheatre.com

November 25

COMEDY. Take in a night of laughter at Slay ‘Em: A Comedy Showcase of Local Killers to see Salem's funny side at this all-ages show. Note: while all-ages are welcome, the material may not necessarily be clean. 8 p.m. Nov 25 at Infinity Room, 210 Liberty St SE. $15-$20. infinityroomsalem.com