Signature Events
Join us for unforgettable celebrations throughout the year! From adults-only evenings and family-friendly festivities to special community gatherings, our signature events bring joy, creativity, and connection to people of all ages. Whether solving mysteries, trick-or-treating through interactive exhibits, or supporting our mission at our annual gala, every Gilbert House event celebrates the power of play and imagination.
Upcoming Events
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Community Play Day
Monday, February 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Inspired by A.C. Gilbert’s "Legacy of Play," we close our doors to the public for a dedicated day of discovery for families served by our community partners. It’s a day for making lasting memories, exploring all three historic houses, and venturing through the Outdoor Discovery Area in a supportive, high-energy environment built just for kids.
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Once Upon a Mother’s Day Royal Playdate
Sunday, May 9, 2027
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: VIP Experience Access
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: General Admission Access
Location: Gilbert House Children’s Museum
Treat Mom to a fairytale morning of play, magic, and royal memories! Step into our historic houses for an immersive princess quest—complete with a princess map to help your little ones hunt for their favorite characters stationed throughout the museum. Guests will enjoy Princess Punch and sweet treats, with the morning culminating at 12:00 PM for the magical "Cinderella Clock Chime" outdoor performance. Every ticket includes FREE admission for Mom or your guest of honor (1 free adult per order)!
VIP Experience Add-On (9:00 AM Early Access): Give your little royalty the ultimate fairytale morning! VIP child upgrades include 1-on-1 meet-and-greets, a mini performance, a keepsake tiara, princess sash, VIP gift box, preferred seating, and digital delivery of a professional photo. (Limited to 50 child upgrades total!)
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Gilbert House For Grown Ups - Murder at the Museum
Saturday, June 5, 2027 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Ditch the typical dinner-and-a-movie for a high-stakes "Whodunnit" across our historic houses. Step into a detective noir world where the exhibits become a crime scene and you are the lead investigator. Interrogate suspects and sip craft cocktails while you piece together the scandal of the season—this is not your average night out.
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Father's Day Carnival
Sunday, June 20, 2027
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Exclusive Member Preview Hour
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: General Admission Access
Location: Gilbert House Children’s Museum
Step right up and celebrate Dad with a classic carnival experience at the Gilbert House! Every admission includes a carnival ticket strip for interactive game stations like Double Axe Throwing, Giant Darts, Galactic 4-in-1, and Mini Golf, plus delicious treats like popcorn, cotton candy, and corn dogs. Families can explore free-play yard games, land a guaranteed prize at the Duck Pond, and strike a pose at the "Trophy Dad" photo op. Every ticket purchase includes FREE admission for Dad or your guest of honor (1 free adult per order)!
Carnival Ticket Details: Admission includes wristbands and game/food ticket strips. Extra 12-ticket strips will be available day-of for $3 at the ticket booth so the fun never stops!
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Gilbert House For Grown Ups - Summer Night Out
Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Dust off your butterfly clips and low-rise jeans—we’re throwing it back to the turn of the millennium! Join us for an unforgettable Y2K-themed night where the museum becomes an adults-only playground. Trade the daily grind for an evening of high-energy play, nostalgic hands-on projects, and local brews. It’s the ultimate "recess" for the 21+ crowd—no strollers, no tantrums, just pure connection and throwback fun.
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Power Hour Breakfast Tour
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Give us an hour, and we’ll show you how we’re building a brighter Salem. Designed for our busy community leaders and professionals, the Power Hour is a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes look at the magic of Gilbert House. Fuel up with coffee and pastries while you tour our historic houses and see firsthand how your support fuels STEM discovery, social-emotional learning, and the preservation of our city's history.
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Halloween Re-Engineered
Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Experience trick-or-treating with a creative, mechanical twist! In the spirit of our namesake inventor, we use gizmos and gadgets to deliver treats throughout the museum. This safe, indoor adventure is perfect for families looking for a unique Halloween experience where innovation meets the candy bag.
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Discover The Wonder Gala
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
All aboard for our biggest and most magical party of the year! Our Polar Express themed gala is an evening of pure imagination that directly supports our mission. Join us for an inspiring night of dinner and auctions to help keep the museum vibrant and accessible for every family in our community.
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Cookies & Cocoa With Santa
Sunday, December 14, 2026 |
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Hosted by Oregon Wealth Management
Bring the whole family for a magical holiday morning at the Willson Durbin House! Warm up with delicious hot cocoa, enjoy sweet holiday cookies, and create festive seasonal crafts together. Best of all, Santa Claus is dropping by for special photo opportunities and to hear your holiday wishes. Join us for a sweet, cheerful morning of memory-making and festive play!
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Noon Years Eve
Thursday, December 31, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Why let the adults have all the fun at midnight? We’re bringing the glitter and joy of a New Year's celebration to the middle of the day. With a spectacular balloon drop at exactly 12:00 PM, your little ones can ring in the New Year with a bang and still be home in time for an early bedtime.