PDX Weekend Happenings: September 24-26

September 24, 2010

So in an attempt to do my part to “Keep Portland Weird,” I am focusing on those events this weekend that are strange, bizarre, and down right WEIRD. Keep it up Portland because it is events like these that make this the most interesting city to live in in the entire country!

Portland’s 2010 Thrill the World Dance: Michael Jackson’s Thriller Practice

What: The first of seven practices to prepare you for the world-wide “Thrill the World” dance party on October 23.  Last year Portland had 175 dancers in Pioneer Courthouse Square, and this year they want even more, but you have to practice the dance first in order to participate.

When: Friday, September 24, 6-8pm

Where: Fremont United Methodist Church, 2620 NE Fremont

Upright Brewery’s Punk Rock Bottle Release Party

What: A release party to celebrate their newest beer created in the style of 70′s and 80′s British Punk Rockers who fought the law to death and glory in the clash of the lower class leftists with limited career opportunities (their words not mine).

Event Details: Special beers on tap, bottles & t-shirts available for purchase, and a DJ spinning classic punk records.

When: Friday, September 24; 4:30-9pm

Where: 240 N. Broadway @ Leftbank Project Suite 2

The Juggling and Vaudeville Extravaganza

What: The best jugglers and variety acts from around the world come together in a single evening of live entertainment.

Event Details: Tickets cost $8-$16

When: Saturday, September 25; 7pm

Where: Benson High School Auditorium, 546 NE 12th Ave

Portland’s Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day

What: Perhaps one of the most interesting events I have ever heard of in Portland.  You have the unique opportunity to meet pretend time-travelers or pretend to be a time-traveler yourself.  The travelers will dress up as people from any age throughout history (or the future) and wander around Portland finding clues, talking to pedestrians and perhaps drinking beer (?).

When: Saturday, September 25

Where: No clue on the time because the details of the event were apparently written by a time traveler who doesn’t speak English very well.  Good Luck!

PDX Weekend Happenings: September 17-19

September 17, 2010

Portland has a lot to celebrate this weekend: pirates, the theater, SE Portland, tattoos, and of course beer.  I am thinking to cover all my bases I am going to get a pirate tattoo, act out a scene from Treasure Island, and then have a beer in South East Portland.  Sounds like a nice little Saturday!

Whole Foods Market Hollywood Hootenanny

What: A family friendly street fair featuring Handmade NW Artisans, fantastic food from some of our favorite vendors, hula dancing, live music, and kid’s activities. All proceeds from their grill will benefit Film Action Oregon.

Details of Event: Admission is FREE.

When: Saturday, September 18; Noon to 4pm

Where: Whole Foods Market Hollywood, on 43rd avenue between Sandy and Tillamook.

Block Party at Ninth Row

What: A not-for-profit art party to celebrate the emergence of the Central Eastside Industrial District as one of Portland’s new cultural hubs. With over 40 art, design, sustainability, and craft displays; food vendors; musical entertainment; and interactive street performers.  The event will conclude with an after party at the ART DEPARTMENT warehouse at 1315 SE 9th Avenue with surprise musical guests and a film screening.

Details of Event: A FREE all ages event

When: Saturday, September 18; 11am to midnight

Where: SE 9th Avenue between Belmont and Madison streets

Portland Pirate Festival Fifth Anniversary

What: Two exciting days of piratical fun and family adventure (their words).  There are tons of performers, attractions and events to take part in, including a Privateer Scavenger Hunt for all ages.  On Saturday, September 18th there will be the 1st Stumptown Beard & Mustache Competition.  On Sunday, September 19th you can help Portland reclaim our GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for “THE LARGEST GATHERING of PIRATES”.  For the kids, there will be puppets, children’s theater, pirate games, swordplay, scavenger hunts and giant inflatable rides.  For adults, the Oberon’s Three Penny Tavern will be open, with pirate wenches serving mead, cider and Ninkasi brew.  There will also be live music, sword play and pirate history.

Details of Event: Visit www.portlandpiratefestival.com for ticket prices

When: Saturday, September 18th, 10AM to 10PM; Sunday, September 19th, 10 AM to 6 PM

Where: Cathedral Park, under the St John’s Bridge, Portland, OR

Portland Oktoberfest by Maletis Beverage

What: A traditional Oktoberfest featuring German and local beer, bratwurst, apple fritters, and a full café menu. Music will fill the park at all times, and guests will gather, eat, drink, and dance under the covered glass canopy and in tented areas throughout the park.

Details of Event: $5; 21 & over.

When: Fri, Sept 17 & Sat, Sept 18, noon-9:00 PM; Sun, Sept 19, noon-7:00 PM

Where: Director Park in Downtown Portland

Adorn Tattoo 10th Anniversary Costume Party

What: A celebration for Adorn Tattoo, featuring their favorite local bands live, an inflatable boxing ring, Mediterranean vegetarian food and beverages, and a host of prizes for people coming dressed in theme. The theme is religion, so come dressed as any religious figure in history: “real” or imagined for a chance to win anything from original artwork, to tattoo time, to bikini waxing, to chiropractic care.

Details of Event: FREE

When: Sunday, September 19; 2pm-8pm

Where: Taking place in the shop’s Westside Parking Lot

PDX Weekend Happenings for September 10-13

September 10, 2010

There are way too many events happening this weekend to be able to cover them all, and so I thought I would do something I don’t normally do, which is not focus on the food and beer festivals and instead highlight all of the great causes happening around town.

Annual Proper Festival & Education Rally

What: The youth department of Celebration Tabernacle Church in North Portland is teaming up with the community development organization PROPER, to hold a rally for education in Kenton Park.  According to reports, the graduation rate of Portland Public Schools has dropped to 53% and budget cuts continue to increase.  As someone whose significant other is a public school teacher, I have seen first hand how these cuts have effected the teachers and students.  This is a great chance to show your support and get involved in the education of our future leaders.

Details of Event: There will be live music and artists, speakers, a bike and car show, free food with vegan and vegetarian options, a kids area, and various support and educational booths.

When: Saturday, September 11; Noon-5pm

Where: Located at Kenton Park, which is around the corner from the Paul Bunyan Statue on N Interstate and Denver intersection at N Kilpatrick.

The Candlelit Concert For Clean Energy | Local Music, Global Aid

What: This is a sustainable event: candlelit, acoustic, and paperless. And 100% of ticket prices, sponsorships, and donations go towards the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund in its efforts to assist families affected by the Gulf oil spill, as well as to help St. Davids retrofit its mid-century building for greater energy efficiency.

Details of the Event: The musical lineup features Valery Saul, Scott Belleri, Joel Kleinbaum, and Christy Kuiken from the innovative Cooperating Teaching Artists program at the Music Studio on Harrison Hill; members of the Portland Peace Choir; instrumental jazz odes by Plum Sutra; local music maverick Bill Crane; and old world European folk trio Shicky Gnarowitz and The Transparent Wings of Joy, among many others. General admission is $10, $7 for seniors, students, and seniors.

When: Saturday, September 11 at 7:30pm

Where: 2800 SE Harrison Street

The Heroes Ball Presented by the Rose City Rollers

What: The Rose City Rollers, Portland’s favorite philanthropists on wheels, are hosting a Heroes Ball with a portion of the proceeds going to the Portland Firefighters Association in their effort to erect a memorial for fallen firefighters.  The ball will include a DJ dance party, a super strength silent auction, fun Heroes-themed photos, and of course the heroes of the night: RCR skaters and Portland Firefighters. Singles $20, Couples $35.

When: Saturday, September 11; 8pm-midnight

Where: The Jupiter Hotel at 800 E Burnside St

“Many Hands” a Family Benefit Concert for Haiti

What: An all-ages benefit concert for Haiti with performances by  featured artists on the new CD release Many Hands. The CD includes songs by Pete Seeger, Dan Zanes, Elizabeth Mitchell, Randy Kaplan, Recess Monkey and many other top family music artists and will be available for sale at the event.  Featuring kid-friendly crafts from Thinker Toys, and Amiri’s Lemonade Stand, benefiting Mercy Corps’ fund for Haiti.

Details of the Event: This show is one of several family benefit concerts hosted around the country. Proceeds from this release will benefit the Haitian People’s Support Project and their long-standing work to help the people of Haiti.  Ticket prices are $10 adults/$7 children in advance/ $12 adults/$8 children at the door.

When: Saturday, September 11; 11am-12:30pm

Where: Multnomah Arts Center, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy

PDX Weekend Happenings: August 20-22

August 20, 2010

Summer had a very slow start in Portland, and there is definitely a sense of urgency to hold as many events as possible outside while the weather is still nice.  Unlike last weekend, when the weather was a little too warm for hanging out long periods in the sun, this weekend is promising to be clear blue skies and a pleasant 70 degrees.  Perfect weather to hit up several events.  Wine, crawdads, rivers and flying high, this weekend has more unique options than Lady Gaga’s wardrobe.

Alberta Street Fair

What: Three stages of entertainment, over 150 local vendors, a parade, kids corner, and of course to get through it all they’ve got a beer garden.  What more could you possibly need?

When: Saturday, August 21 from 11am-9pm

Where: Alberta St. of course :)

Website: http://www.albertastreetfair.com/alberta-street-fair/

High Art: A Surreal Portrait of the Soul

What: This is what Pendulum has to say about this show, “Told through Pendulum’s signature aerial work, High Art takes the audience through the cycle of life using canvas and paint as metaphors for how our personalities and interactions are shaped. Each of the show’s eight acts are inspired by a work of fine art from a 20th century master. Echoing the human and artistic need to add layers without sacrificing clarity and authenticity, High Art offers a revealing look into the nuanced depths of the soul.”  Which translates into, it is a visually pleasing performance!

When: August 19-20; see their website for times & ticket prices.

Where: The Kridell Grand Ballroom, Portland Art Museum

Website: http://www.pendulumaerialarts.org/index2.htm

Forest Grove: Uncorked

What: This is an annual downtown event to promote and celebrate the food, wine and micro-brew providers of our local communities. The event includes live music, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Forest Grove Fire Department.  Tickets are $10 each.

When: Saturday, August 21 from 4pm-9pm

Where: Main St. Forest Grove

Website: http://fgcityclub.com/uncorked/uc.htm

Mt. Hood Crawdad Festival

What: Crawdad’s aren’t really a popular meal in the NW, but when cooked right boy are these things tasty!  The Crawdad Festival promises to show us how they do it in the South with a crawdad barbecue, live music, face painting, and apparently a dunk tank (curious to find out what they use that for).  $5 entry fee.

When: Saturday-Sunday, August 21-22 from 3pm-10pm

Where: Skyway Bar and Grill, 71545 E Highway 26, Zigzag, Oregon

Website:  http://www.skywaybarandgrill.com/

RiverFest

What: A family-friendly event focused on the Willamette River. The festival includes art events, Sam Adams, live music, a Portland Trail Blazers Basketball Clinic, The Freshwater Trust Portland Triathlon, Portland Audubon events, the Festival at South Waterfront, Kayak Tours, and the SOLV Cleanup.  Most events are free.

When: Friday through Sunday, August 20-22; see website for times

Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Northwest Glisan Street and Naito Parkway

Website: http://www.portlandriverfest.org/

PDX Weekend Happenings: Happy Friday the 13th!

August 13, 2010

It is Friday the 13th once again, and in honor of this highly superstitious day (approximately 17-21 million Americans believe it to be an unlucky day) I am dedicating the entire blog to only Friday the 13th events–scary or not.

Something Scary: Screening of Friday the 13th

What: August 13 marks the 30th anniversary of the classic ’80′s slasher flick Friday the 13th.  What better way to celebrate 30 years of Jason leaping out of the water and scaring the bejesus out of us than with a special screening of the show and a meet ‘n’ greet with none other than Adrienne King?  King starred in both Friday the 13th movies part one and two.  She will be hanging out at the Valley View Winery to celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary and promote her own private wine label appropriately called “Crystal Lake.”

When: Friday, August 13 starting at 7pm.

Where: Valley View Winery in Jacksonville, Oregon

Cost: $10; this price includes the film screening, popcorn, and a meet ‘n’ greet with King. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.  It is encouraged to bring a blanket to sit on, and outside food is allowed so feel free to bring a picnic.

Something for the Kids: The Muppets Take Manhattan

What: Flicks on the Bricks is showing The Muppets Take Manhattan.  This movie is a childhood favorite of mine.  I actually developed an interest in the drums at an early age from watching Animal play.  I still don’t understand the frog and pig thing though, can someone tell me what is up with that relationship?

When: Friday, August 13 at 7pm.

Where: Pioneer Square in Portland, Oregon.

Cost: Free and includes popcorn!

Something for Everyone: B-52′s at the Oregon Zoo

What: The zoo’s Summer Concert Series continues with the legendary B-52′s.  I used to put “Love Shack” on repeat and annoy the heck out of my brother!

When: Friday, August 13 at 8pm.

Where: The Oregon Zoo

Cost: Check website for details.

PDX Weekend Happenings for August 6-8

August 6, 2010

The big event going on this weekend is of course The Bite of Oregon.  But there are also some smaller, rather interesting events happening this weekend that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Bite of Oregon

What: Consume yourself in all that is Oregon with Oregon wine & brew, Oregon cuisine, Oregon musicians (they aren’t edible), and meet some local celebs like Amy Roloff from Little People, Big World.  Forkfly is also happy to see many of our merchants are involved in the event: Boyds Coffee, In Good Taste, Whiffie’s Pie Cart, Koi Fusion and Papa Murphys.  Congrats guys!

When: August 6-8; FRI & SAT, Aug 6 & 7 11am-10pm; SUN, Aug 8 10am-8pm

Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park; click here for ticket info.

Pickathon 2010

What: I have never been, but the Pickathon is apparently an Indie-Roots Music festival. You can see over 35 bands on 5 stages on an 80 acre forest just 20 minutes from Portland, OR.  It sounds like there is some good camping and hiking out there too.

When: Aug 6-8; times vary

Where: Pendarvis Farm, 16581 SE Hagen Rd in Boring, Oregon; click here for ticket prices and times.

The World’s 13th Annual Elephant Garlic Festival

What: You would think there couldn’t be that much to do at an event that focuses on a type of garlic, but boy was I wrong.  The Garlic Festival is an ode to elephant garlic and has tons of food vendors, a parade, a Battle of the Bands, a 10k run, car show, arts & crafts, a beer garden and of course garlic.

When: Aug 6-8; times vary for events so click here for more info.

Where: Jessie Mays Community Center, 30955 NW Hillcrest in North Plain, Oregon; FREE

PDX Weekend Happenings for July 30-August 1

July 30, 2010

What would a Portland summer be like without its festivals?  The Rose Festival, The Blues Festival, The Food & Wine Festival, we have a party for every occasion and this weekend we have not one, not two, but three funtastic festivals to choose from.  Have fun but remember, having too good of a time is not a good excuse for why you can’t come to work on Monday!

PDX Bridge Festival

What: The PDX Bridge Festival kicked off July 23 and is now in its second weekend.  The event runs for 16 days and every day offers something new and fun!  You don’t want to miss this weekend’s Morsound concert, carnival and a showing of the film Bridge to Terabithia.

When: July 23-August 7, 2010

Where: The events all take place at different locations around Portland, so visit their website for location, prices and times.

Bones and Brew Festival

What: Portlanders never really need a reason to drink some NW brew, but if we did, supporting the Oregon Zoo would be a good one!  The festival brings together great beer, music, bbq, and welcomes adults and children, even children of the four footed kind.  Admission is only $3 and proceeds will benefit our beloved zoo.

When: July 31-August 1; 11am-9pm Saturday & 11am-5pm Sunday

Where: The Pearl District, NW 15th Ave. between Everett & Glisan.

PDX Unplugged Summer Fest 2010

What: PDX Unplugged Summer Fest is a three day long music extravaganza with over 80 bands of all types of genres playing on two different stages and it is all for FREE!

When: July 30-August 1; times vary so check out the Hawthorne’s website.

Where: The Hawthorne Theater




PDX Weekend Happenings for July 10-11, 2010

July 9, 2010

There are some out of this world events happening this weekend in and around Portland.  Events that will shock you, mystify you and maybe even take you boldly where no man/woman has gone before.  This is Forkfly’s weekend happenings for July 10-11.

Trek in the Park

WHAT: The small theater group in Portland, OR called Atomic Arts is performing their second season/episode of Trek in the Park — a live action recreation of a classic Star Trek episode from start to finish. The group launched Trek last summer with weekend performances of the bizarre episode ‘Amok Time’, and was widely enjoyed! Local band Fast Computers provides the live soundtrack, including a great rendition of the theme song to get things off to a spacey start.  All of my friends and I are going opening weekend, so hope to see you all there!  This event is free to all ages.

WHERE: Woodlawn Park, corner of Claremont & Oneonta in NE Portland.

WHEN: July 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31 & Aug. 1

TIME: 5pm

OMSI Teen Night

WHAT: Teen night is a FREE evening of music, games and SCIENCE, and all without your parental units.  Ages 13-18 are invited to come view the new Einstein exhibit, Samson the T. Rex and have fun on the Segway rides.  Sounds pretty awesome to me!

WHERE: OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave

WHEN: Saturday, July 10

TIME: 7pm-8pm

Turkey Rama 2010

WHAT: This is the 50th anniversary of Turkey Rama, which is an annual summer celebration that observes the historical importance of the once-thriving turkey business in the surrounding county.  This year’s festivities include the World’s Largest Turkey BBQ, a street fair and a Turkey Trot 8k run/walk.  No cost for entry.

WHERE: McMinnville, Downtown & E. Wortman Park

WHEN: July 9, 11am-10pm; July 10, 8am-11pm

I’m just wondering if there will be any turkeys left for Thanksgiving after this weekend!

PDX Weekend Happenings for July 2-July 4, 2010

July 2, 2010

It is 4th of July weekend, and so of course that means fireworks, barbecues, music festivals and camp-outs.  But there are other things to do this weekend to celebrate your independence that don’t involve loud noises, smoke and even fireworks.  Here are some other ways you could show your patriotism this weekend:

“Independence Day”

What: Why not spend this weekend reliving a classic 4th of July movie, “Independence Day”?  It is the day Will Smith kicked the aliens’ asses and we gained great catch phrases, such as “All right, you alien assholes! In the words of my generation: Up Yours!,” and “And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: “We will not go quietly into the night!”"

When: July 2, 11pm

Where: Bagdad Theater, $3.

John Adams Unbound

What: Why not spend this 4th with one of our founding fathers?  The Boston Public Library has collected President John Adams’ entire book collection (over 3,500 books) and they’re taking it on tour. It’s stopping at the Central Library’s Collins Gallery for all to see this month.

Where: Central Library, 801 SW 10th Ave

When: June 23-August 6

Portland Timbers

What: Nothing is more American than soccer (cough, cough). Well it might not have originated in the United States, but boy do we love it! Support The Timbers as they go against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

When: Saturday, July 3 at 7pm

Where: PGE Park, $12-$30

PDX Weekend Happenings for June 25-27, 2010

June 25, 2010

This weekend is just one big celebration!  Whether you are into tattoos, beer, sustainability, or Live Action Role Playing, there is a party out there to celebrate all our little niches.

INK PARTY


When: Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 9:00pm to 2:30am

Where: Barracuda, Portland NW 2nd & Couch Ave

What: The biggest nightclub in Portland is hosting the largest tattoo showcase in town. Local tattoo and piercing shops will be there to answer any of your questions and show off their work, and tattoo artists will be there doing their thing.  There will be giveaways, contests, henna art, and go-go dancers.  So now is your chance to show off that new dagger tat to a group of people who will most definitely appreciate it.  Heck maybe I will even show up and get a forkfly tattoo.  It could happen!

American Organic Brewers Festival

When: June 25 – 27, 2010; from noon to 9 pm on Saturday and noon to 5pm on Sunday.

Where: Overlook Park in Portland, Oregon

What: Do your part to save the planet one beer at a time! An organic pint that is! The AOBF is an annual celebration to raise awareness about sustainable practices and organic beer. Live music and organic food will also be offered. Admission into the event is free and purchase of a $6 reusable, compostable cornstarch glass is required for tasting beer. Tokens are a $1 apiece.

Medieval Market Day

When: June 26; all day event

Where: Beaverton’s Farmers market, Hall blvd between 3rd and 5th street

What: This Saturday the Beaverton farmers market will take it way back and I mean going back to the medieval times. There will be some historical role-playing from the Society for Creative Anachronism. Also, artisans demonstrating medieval crafts, children’s activities, music, cooking demos, heavy armor, and rapier tournaments.  So all you ladies and lords put on your medieval costume and go back to a time when men fought to defend their land and women took care of all the rest.  Wait that doesn’t sound too much different from now.  Hhmm.

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