Performing Arts

Portland Art Museum invites the community to join a Free First Thursday event, offering free admission to the museum for all, plus a Live Wire event as part of the Literary Arts Portland Book Festival. Visitors can take in the afternoon gallery pop-ups, the evening show, or both!

4:30 – 6 p.m. — Free, pre-show, pop-up performances will take place throughout the Museum’s galleries. Performers are poet and rapper Dessa, bestselling children’s author Mac Barnett, Pulitzer Prize Finalist Ed Park, and Portland comedian Mx. Dahlia Belle.

Free First Thursday tickets can be reserved online one week in advance and are also available at the door.

7 p.m. — Enjoy a fully seated, ticketed Live Wire taping hosted by Luke Burbank with announcer Elena Passarello, featuring a blend of interviews, comedy, and music performed live for the audience, then edited into an episode for broadcast to over 200 public radio stations nationwide. Performers are poet and rapper Dessa, bestselling children’s author Mac Barnett, Pulitzer Prize Finalist Ed Park, and Portland comedian Mx. Dahlia Belle. Doors will open at 6:30pm.

GA Tickets are $15. Preferred Seating is $40. Discounts available to Portland Book Festival passholders.

Dessa is a singer, rapper, and writer who fell in love with language as a toddler—and just never got over it. Now, she works in fields that traffic in words: she’s recorded rap bangers as part of the fiercely independent Doomtree collective, released a live album with the Grammy-winning Minnesota Orchestra; contributed to The New York Times and National Geographic Traveler; delivered a TED Talk on the intersection of romance and neuroscience that’s notched more than 4 million views; hosted 2 seasons of behavioral science podcast Deeply Human (BBC/American Public Media); and published a memoir recounting most of the above called My Own Devices (Penguin Random House).

Mac Barnett, the 2025–2026 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, is a New York Times bestselling author of stories for children. Mac’s books have won many prizes, including two Caldecott Honors, three New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Book Awards, three E. B. White Read Aloud Awards and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, as well as several international prizes. He lives in Oakland, California. His latest book, illustrated by X. Fang, is Tom Nancy: The Sheep Who Swapped Brains with a Boy. From two of the most exciting picture book makers today comes a hilarious trickster tale and Freaky Friday switcheroo story: a sneaky, cheeky sheep named Tom Nancy has a brain swap proposal for an innocent farm boy named Felix that will change both of their lives forever. Laugh-out-loud, subversive, and totally unexpected.

Ed Park is the author of the novels Personal Days and Same Bed Different Dreams. He is a founding editor of The Believer, and has worked in newspapers, book publishing, and academia. His writing appears in The New Yorker, The New York Review of Books, Harper’s Magazine, The Atlantic, and elsewhere. Profound, wily, and beautifully wrought, his new book Three Tenses: A Transmission from the Nineties is a meeting of memory and myth, confession and obfuscation, coalescing to offer a singular picture of creativity in action.

The princess of Portland comedy, best known for her breakout performance on the popular Netflix special Hannah Gadsby’s Gender Agenda, Mx. Dahlia Belle has been compared to a Swiss Army knife—different tools to extract sharpness, softness, vulnerability, hope, and wicked wit. She’s been declared one of “11 Trans Comedians… Funnier Than Dave Chappelle” by Out Magazine, repeatedly featured on NPR, and has written for Cosmopolitan Magazine, The Guardian, The Stranger, and Portland Mercury. Her live performances have included NW Black Comedy Festival, Upper Left Comedy Festival, SF Sketchfest, and an awkward conversation with John Waters and Piers Morgan. In the upcoming live taping of her comedy special Affirmed at Polaris Hall on November 22nd, Mx. Dahlia Belle delivers 60 new minutes of stand-up to celebrate and affirm being human in the modern world through a combination of the wholesome and mundane, anecdotes about house cats, liscivious foibles of the LGBT community, and an unapologetic account of her personal journey with gender-affirming care, all delivered with her trademark free form wit.

Free First Thursdays at the Museum and PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater aligns with the revitalization of the long-standing Portland art galleries’ tradition of opening their doors for openings, receptions, and events on the first Thursday of each month. In recent months art and culture organizations have joined to bring back this popular activity, including the Pacific Northwest College of Art and the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education in the North Park Blocks.

Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.

Join an evening of conversation, laughter, and stories of the human spirit featuring The Omnibus Project with John Roderick and a special guest. Presented by Papertrees Creative in partnership with the 2026 Portland Book Festival and Literary Arts. This event will be recorded. The Omnibus Project is a podcast founded in 2017 by Ken Jennings and John Roderick as a repository for the lesser-known stories of our collected human experience that, in the event of a cataclysm, may not survive to be retold. It is an effort to save our own Library of Alexandria to disk, a project to preserve not just what made us great but what made us human.

The show has diligently researched and compiled the knowledge around the knowledge, building a compendium not of obvious and commonly cited data—the Roman Empire and World War II are widely reported elsewhere—but of the esoteric and sublime wonders that might otherwise be lost.

John Roderick is a Seattle-based musician, writer, and podcaster celebrated for his sharp wit and distinctive voice. Beyond co-creating The Omnibus Project, he also co-hosts Roderick on the Line. His essays have appeared in Rolling Stone, Esquire, and Seattle Weekly, and he has published a book of short prose, Electric Aphorisms. Best known as the frontman of The Long Winters, Roderick will return with a highly anticipated new album soon.

Choreographer Lai Hung-Chung makes dances of striking beauty and intention. “Birdy,” his captivating signature work for Hung Dance, moves between suspense and explosive energy, between the weight of tradition and the pull toward something new. Hung Dance blends traditional Chinese arts, including tai chi, Peking Opera, and classical Chinese music, with contemporary dance technique and driving electronic music, creating work that is poetic and rhythmic at once. What audiences see on stage is a world in constant transformation, where bodies bend and resist, images linger, and the tension between holding on and letting go becomes the dance itself.

TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN

Birdy

“…a dreamy sensibility with astonishing athleticism in culturally sensitive modern dance performance.” —Charlie Smith, Pancouver

Sponsored by George & Nancy Thorn. White Bird’s Uncaged Series Sponsor: Ronni Lacroute

The Friday and Saturday performances will have pre-show talks. Come early to hear from the dancers from 6:15–6:45 PM. No ticket needed.

Join us November 3rd for the Hung Dance Lecture Demonstration, FREE with RSVP here .

The Umbrae Noctis Festival is elated to announce 3 different movement workshops with the illustrious headliners and feature performers. Take class with local sensation Asteria Atombomb, Burlesque Hall of Fame title holder Moscato Sky, and/or Dragula season 4 runner-up Throb Zombie.

November 14: Are you stuck doing the same repetitive movements onstage? Trying to tell a story but can't find the actions to fit the narrative? Then this workshop is for you! Asteria will use her decades of experience in dance, theater, and artistic direction to help you create a compelling act. Through a series of dance and improvisational exercises, attendees will explore various ways to incorporate movement into a compelling storyline. Walk away feeling confident in getting your point across on the stage and leaving audiences wowed. Bring a journal and writing utensils. Clothes that are easy to move in.

November 14: Take your chair work to the next level with the them fatale of burlesque, Moscato Sky. This class will begin with a warm-up to prepare students to learn innovative ways to use this classic prop, how to maneuver on and off the chair with ease and grace, and exciting tricks that will stun any audience. In this workshop-style class, students will be challenged to create new movement pathways, explore obscure approaches to chair work, and walk away with tools to generate chair choreography.

This class is designed for students with a movement background or previous chair and floor work experience and may not be appropriate for people with serious knee and back injuries. However, all levels are welcome as this class acts as a lab and encourages exploration. Wear yoga or dance clothes you can move freely in. Knee pads are encouraged but not required.

November 15: Hump and Grind: Masc Movement and Choreography with Throb Zombie. Hump and Grind is an energetic and sexy dance class for kings or anyone who is ready to move. Taught by one of the most prolific, current dancing drag kings in the industry and iconic himbo, Throb Zombie.

Class will entail:

• A stretch/warmup
• Introduction to posture/masculine body movement
• Transitions/specific moves that can work for all dance levels from beginner to advanced
• Commanding space with presence
• A short choreography sequence
• Don’t be scared! While this class dares to challenge you, all levels are welcome. Come gyrate, grow, and get ready to sweat with the boys.
• Students must bring clothes they are comfortable moving in and are strongly encouraged to bring a water bottle and knee pads.

Mikis Theodorakis, one of Greece's most treasured and prolific composers, was widely known for film scores, such as the iconic "Zorba the Greek". This concert pays tribute to Theodorakis prolific body of work, including some of his lesser-known pieces and compositions that highlight Theodorakis' role as a symbol of resistance.

Whether your taste runs to folk or classical music, this concert has something for you. The Kombos Collective (including artists from San Francisco, Washington, DC and local Portland artists) will perform a range of Theodorakis' most beloved songs — pieces as historically significant as they are musically beautiful. This includes "Ballad of Mauthausen," set to the poetry of Holocaust survivor Iakovos Kambanellis, and widely regarded as one of the most beautiful songs ever written about the Holocaust. In addition to live music, attendees will learn about the enduring cultural significance of Theodorakis' music.

This program is organized by the Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Greece and Greek Americans in the Pacific Northwest.

Have you ever seen a group of acclaimed illustrators face off to showcase their art? Now is your chance! Join Steph Littlebird (You Are the Land), Scott Campbell (Feeling Good!), Vashti Harrison (That You Are Here is No Small Thing), Julia Kuo (Bing’s Cherries), Pedro Martín (Mexikid Dreams), Huda Fahmy (Huda F Would Love You?), for an exciting draw-off experience. Moderated by Breena Bard and Jonathan Hill.

About You Are the Land:

A joyful exploration of a child’s loving relationship with the land that supports and nurtures her as she grows. You Are the Land is a vivid ode to belonging within a family, within a community, and within the natural world.

From the day she’s born, a child feels the love and power that come with being part of something bigger. She’s a new spring leaf, alive and growing, as strong as the ancient cedars and as radiant as the glittering night sky. She is one with the amazing forces of nature that surround and nurture her, and that she nurtures in return.

Through inspiring words and sweeping illustrations, Littlebird’s stunning author-illustrator debut celebrates our connection to the land and shows how we perfectly mirror its beauty and resilience.

About Feeling Good!:

Cabin Head and Tree Head are BACK in this second volume of the lovable, laugh-out-loud graphic novel series about a best friend duo like no other! Book 2 includes 6 hilarious adventures in a wonderfully off-the-wall universe where everyone has something on their head! Includes bonus content: Storytime with Library Head, Notable Spots with Tour Bus Head and Sandcastle Building with Sandcastle Head. Cabin Head and Tree Head return for some “sunny day relaxing” and are ready to experience the joys of the beach, alone time, getting in strong shape, rewarding their accomplishments (like breathing) and other important activities (like posing and lying down). Check out the series School Library Journal called, “Not just one of the most unconventional books of the year, but one of the best as well.”

About That You Are Here is No Small Thing:

A stunning exploration of the history of Black Americans by award-winning picture book team Traci N. Todd and Vashti Harrison.

The world is forever changed because you are here.

At once honest and empowering, That You Are Here Is No Small Thing is a story about resilience. In these stunning pages, young descendants of enslaved Africans are guided through the history that led them to exist and thrive today. Through their eyes, we see how Black Americans have relied on one another to fight against oppression and the ways in which the strength of their ancestors is always with them.

Sibert Honor winner Traci N. Todd and Caldecott Medalist Vashti Harrison have created an unforgettable exploration of culture and history that records the important survival story Black children carry and celebrates their hope for a radiant future.

About Bing’s Cherries:

A modern American tall tale woven by a girl and her father about Ah Bing, the Chinese immigrant behind the Pacific Northwest’s most delicious cherries.

You’ve heard of a Bing cherry, but did you know the story of the Chinese American immigrant for whom the dark, luscious cherry is named?

Long ago, Ah Bing was a father who travelled across the sea from China looking for work. It was in Oregon where he met a man who hired him to work in his orchards, where eventually, Bing cultivated the delicious cherries we know of today.

But what was it that made this man and the cherries he made so special? a young girl wonders as she sits together with her father, enjoying cherries from their backyard. Weaving together cultural memory, historical fact, and her own imagination, the young girl imagines a narrative of Ah Bing that is as larger than life and as sweet as his namesake.

With touching text and lush illustrations, Livia Blackburne and Julia Kuo forge an unforgettable Chinese American folktale that has largely been untold. The backmatter includes a letter from the author and illustrator, as well as a recipe!

About Mexikid Dreams:

In this extraordinary graphic memoir companion to Newbery Honor winner Mexikid, hilarious family hijinks, immigration patrols, and musical daydreams shape a year of growth and change for a Mexican-American boy and his family.

Pedro Martín is sick of strawberries. Since he was seven, he’s spent every weekend and summer picking berries with his family under the hot sun. Sometimes it’s not so bad—Pedro’s an ace at “strawberry wars” with his siblings, and when a good song comes on the radio, the fields can come alive with music. But mostly, Pedro wishes he could just stay home watching Saturday cartoons, head to the beach like other kids, and not worry about immigration patrols. When his older brother gets a job away from the farm, freedom suddenly seems within arm’s reach: Pedro just has to prove to his dad that he’s ready to follow a different path! Maybe he can be a trombone player, or a cartoonist—if that’s even a real job. But as Pedro learns more about his parents’ and abuelito’s past, and the choices they made in order to open up more choices for him, he starts to understand that freedom isn’t just about leaving the fields—it’s about knowing where you came from and having the courage to draw your own life.

About Huda F Would Love You?:

In this funny and tender finale to the Huda F series, Huda has a plan to find love—but she might need to find herself first!

It’s the summer after Huda’s high school graduation, and love is in the air! Or it’s about to be, anyway. Because Huda has the ingredients for a perfect love story: a butt-kicking girl power squad of new friends, and a plan to woo all the aunties into setting her up with their eligible sons. But when she finds herself caught between her friends and her heart, gender roles and ambitions, and her fears and dreams, Huda begins to realize that finding her own “happily ever after” might require changing herself—or her expectations.

What do you get when Don Lemon, award-winning journalist, and DL Hughley, one of the original Kings of Comedy, and highly recognized stand-up comedians come together for a night of conversation?

Expect the unexpected from these two brilliant minds doing their public service while taking you on a journey exploring topics spanning everything from social issues, race, pop-culture and current events. Nothing is off limits!

The Low Bar Chorale is thrilled to welcome internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and producer Laura Gibson as a special guest. To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of her debut album, If You Come To Greet Me, Laura is re-releasing her first four records on vinyl. Sing together and learn harmony parts for some of her best-loved songs from these albums, as well as some favorite covers and guilty pleasures. Come sing with one of the defining voices of Portland's musical legacy.

Join us for an intimate evening featuring a pre-show discussion and Q&A with Soccer Mommy and special Guest Interviewer, followed by a local opener and solo performance by Soccer Mommy. This event is hosted by Papertrees Creative, in partnership with Literary Arts and the Portland Book Festival 2026.

Soccer Mommy

Sophie Allison has always written candidly about her life, making Soccer Mommy one of indie rock’s most interesting and beloved artists of the last decade. Allison has used Soccer Mommy’s songs as a vehicle to sort through the thoughts and encounters that inevitably come with the reality of growing up. After all, Soccer Mommy began as a bedroom-to-Bandcamp exercise with teenage Allison posting her plaintive songs as demos. Over the years, though, she has often enhanced that sound, using the endless production possibilities, newly at her fingertips, to outstrip singer-songwriter stereotypes. The records would start with songwriting’s kernels of truth, and she would then imagine all the unexpected shapes they could take. Every Soccer Mommy record has felt like a surprise.On Soccer Mommy’s fourth album, the tender but resolute Evergreen, Allison is again writing about her life. But that life’s different these days: Since making her previous album, 2022’s Sometimes, Forever, Allison experienced a profound and also very personal loss. New songs emerged from that change, unflinching and sometimes even funny reflections on what she was feeling. (Speaking of funny, this is a Soccer Mommy album, so there’s an ode to Allison’s purple-haired wife in the game Stardew Valley, too.) These songs were, once again, Allison’s way to sort through life, to ground herself. She wanted them to sound that way, too, to feel as true to the demos—raw and relatable, unvarnished and honest—as possible. The songwriting would again lead where the production would follow. Nothing overindulgent, everything real.

Enjoy an open jazz jam session for all ages and levels. An opportunity for younger musicians to play with seasoned pros and learn from experience.

Max Tucker is leading the Student Jazz Jam at Artichoke Music. Max, along with the afternoon's house band, will warm up the stage with a short set, and the jam will follow. The backline includes a keyboard and a drum set. Max Tucker is a drummer, producer and educator living in Portland, Oregon. He relocated to Portland in 2018, moving from NYC, where he studied jazz at the New School and studied with master drummer Michael Carvin. He is currently teaching drums and playing actively in the fertile Portland music scene.

Behind The Scene with The Christopher Brown QuartetSun, Nov 01++ PLEASE NOTE - THIS IS EVENT IS FOCUSED ON EDUCATION - PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION ++In an effort to create meaningful culture building moments within a Jazz context for teenage musicians (as well as band instructors), drummer/bandleader Christopher Brown will host an ongoing series entitled “Behind the Scene” with his quartet. And what will separate this event from any other like it is that it’ll combine the Jam session, concert, and clinic experience into a collection of transformative moments for all involved.On the 1st Sunday of each month Christopher teams up with Montavilla Jazz to provide our city with an invaluable Jazz workshop that’s designed to adequately prepare young musicians for the most competitive musical environments in the world (namely NYC). So for the cost of a trip to Starbucks, this event provides:• 30 min concert by Christopher’s quartet.• One hour Q & A with the quartet.• 30 min food, beverage, and mingling break.• One hour of interactive music mentoring with members of Christopher’s quartet.• Access to the quartet’s extended network.**THERE IS NO FOOD OR DRINK SERVED AT THIS EVENT (outside food and drinks are permitted)** 01:00 PM SHOW

Join Professor Dr. Schreiber and the Skeleton Key Odditorium for an historical magic experience unlike any other. Beyond Belief: Magic & Mysteries with The Historical Conjurer

Since the earliest days of the ancient ancestors, conjurers have illuminated the strange, the mysterious and the unexplained for all to see. Now, Professor Dr. Schreiber, the Historical Conjurer, will lead you on a journey through the past centuries of magic. You'll see parlor magic from a bygone era just as it was enjoyed by the elite audiences of antiquity. You will enjoy the tales of old times and smile and laugh together and experience this history of magic.

Guests are encouraged to dress in their best old-fashioned attire or whatever makes you feel comfortable. Very limited tickets are available for this exclusive event.

This performance will be followed by a brief question-and-answer time to discuss magic and history.

Oregon Humanities and Constellation Reading Series are teaming up to ask Portland writers the question: What’s the book that made you say, Books are for me?

The idea comes from the Works Cited section of Oregon Humanities magazine, where authors reflect on the foundational texts that shaped their lives. On Wednesday, November 4, we’re bringing that idea to the new PALS (Portland Arts & Literary Society) Building for an evening of literary show-and-tell.

We'll hear from Aleksandr Chernousov, Lydia Kiesling, Tim Lane, Jae Nichelle, Christopher Rose, and Eric Tran about the books that shaped them, and they'll also share passages from their work. Then we’ll open the mic to you.

Bring the book that started your literary origin story! It could be a children’s book, a comic, a classic—all books count. During our lightning round open mic, you’ll have 60 seconds to share your book and why it matters. If you’d rather just listen, that’s welcome too, just pull up a seat and enjoy the evening.

Up Up Books will be open especially for the event, and the readers’ books will be for sale.

Come celebrate the reading life with us! This event is part of the Portland Book Festival's Cover to Cover series.

Diwali, “the festival of lights,” is a holiday celebrated all across India. In collaboration with the Indian-American community, NWCT is excited to bring the festivities back to The Judy. Create a beautiful rangoli, make a lantern, learn a diya (lamp) dance, and enjoy savory and sweet Indian treats.

Free to attend with a suggested donation of $10 per family.

RSVPs are strongly encouraged.
All ages welcome.

When Toni Morrison declares that she “can't wait for the ultimate liberation theory to imagine its practice and do its work,” she raises an issue at the heart of modern democratic life: What does freedom mean in the shadow of racial slavery and colonialism? While Morrison's literary achievements are widely celebrated, her contributions as a “revolutionary political thinker” remain underappreciated. Lawrie Balfour approaches Morrison’s political thought through her account of “word-work,” or the creative use of language, as a practice of freedom. First, Balfour considers Morrison’s defense of the necessity of writers to the flourishing of democracy and her reflections on the political implications of her own literary practice. Second, Balfour examines Morrison’s use of the language of “sovereignty” to convey what writers do, when they create worlds out of words. Third, she asks what Morrison might say about the part her novel Beloved played in the 2021 governor’s race in Virginia and concludes with some thoughts about the political urgency of Morrison’s word-work today.

Lawrie Balfour is James Hart Professor of Politics and a member of the American Studies faculty at the University of Virginia, where she offers courses on race, gender, democracy, and literature. She is the author of Toni Morrison: Imagining Freedom; Democracy’s Reconstruction: Thinking Politically with W. E. B. Du Bois; and The Evidence of Things Not Said: James Baldwin and the Promise of American Democracy. Lawrie’s current projects include a series of essays on reparations for slavery and a study of the Black feminist visions of the journal Freedomways (1961-1985).

Free and open to the public.

Join community artist, teacher, and storyteller Drea Robideau to learn Native Games and explore the healing power of play!

Made possible by The Library Foundation through support from The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Fund.

Join Unsolicited Press authors at Leikam Brewing for short readings, local beer, and conversation. Stop in for this evening event or make it part of a full weekend of books and breweries. https://www.unsolicitedpress.com/portland-book-festival

Cited by The Portland Mercury as "One of the funniest (and most educational) comedy shows in town": Comedy, queer history, and dangerously delightful shenanigans collide at Be Gay Do Crime.

July features a Know Your Rights presentation by community activist Frances Portillo, with scenarios acted out in sections by the featured BIPOC improv troupe Brown Sugar.

**This presentation is specifically geared towards allies wanting to know more about how to support their immigrant and BIPOC neighbors and community members.**

Also featuring the talents of local comedians and performers, including:

• Stand-up comedy from Lindy Tongol (Host of qu eer, BIPOC show House Party)
• Improv from Brown Sugar
• Stand-up from Julia Corral (host of Comedy in the Park, House Party, and Bruja-ja)

July's show will be hosted by Jane Dillinger and Jenna Britann.

Tickets are GAYAF — give as you’re able, friend. Ticket sales will go towards compensating the hosts and performers. All additional tips collected during the show will support a different local community non-profit organization each month.

(Please note, this show is about history and adult themes, and adult content is often included, including themes of violence, racial discrimination, homophobia, sexual violence, sexual content, drug use, mature language, etc. There are also "dishonorable guests" whose comedy or artistic material could include similar themes. Recommended for ages 14+ and parental discretion for those under age 18.)

In this lecture demonstration, members of Hung Dance will provide an introduction to Taiwanese dance company Hung Dance’s movement language, including how their acclaimed work Birdy blends traditional Chinese exercises and materials with contemporary dance. The company will also delve into the inspiration and concepts behind Birdy, followed by a short excerpt of the work. Guests will have the opportunity to have their questions about the dance answered by members of the company. This lecture demonstration will be delivered primarily in Mandarin, with live translation between Mandarin and English.

Join scholars Dr. Lindsey Mantoan, author of It's All Happening: How Musical Theater Does High School (Oxford, 2026), and Dr. Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, author of Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist (Simon & Schuster, 2025) for a free conversation about high school on the musical theater stage. This evening will feature performances by PSU students from some favorite high school musicals--come to sing, chat, and cheer along!

Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Learn more about theTheater Arts program at PSU's School of Music & Theater.

Join an intimate evening featuring a pre-show discussion and Q&A with Soccer Mommy and special Guest Interviewer, followed by a local opener and solo performance by Soccer Mommy. This event is hosted by Papertrees Creative, in partnership with Literary Arts and the Portland Book Festival 2026.

Sophie Allison has always written candidly about her life, making Soccer Mommy one of indie rock’s most interesting and beloved artists of the last decade. Allison has used Soccer Mommy’s songs as a vehicle to sort through the thoughts and encounters that inevitably come with the reality of growing up. After all, Soccer Mommy began as a bedroom-to-Bandcamp exercise with teenage Allison posting her plaintive songs as demos. Over the years, though, she has often enhanced that sound, using the endless production possibilities, newly at her fingertips, to outstrip singer-songwriter stereotypes. The records would start with songwriting’s kernels of truth, and she would then imagine all the unexpected shapes they could take. Every Soccer Mommy record has felt like a surprise.

On Soccer Mommy’s fourth album, the tender but resolute Evergreen, Allison is again writing about her life. But that life’s different these days: Since making her previous album, 2022’s Sometimes, Forever, Allison experienced a profound and also very personal loss. New songs emerged from that change, unflinching and sometimes even funny reflections on what she was feeling. (Speaking of funny, this is a Soccer Mommy album, so there’s an ode to Allison’s purple-haired wife in the game Stardew Valley, too.) These songs were, once again, Allison’s way to sort through life, to ground herself. She wanted them to sound that way, too, to feel as true to the demos—raw and relatable, unvarnished and honest—as possible. The songwriting would again lead where the production would follow. Nothing overindulgent, everything real.

Special live introduction and post-screening Q&A with the writer, director, and producers Josh Androsky, Nate Fisher, and Amber A’Lee Frost!

Chapo Trap House presents: CHUNKS – an anthology film of six unique comedy shorts threaded together with our host Ruby, a faded Hollywood starlet (Ruby McCollister, Search Party, Rap World) and taking inspiration from the glamorous by-gone era of late nite public access weirdness.

With live action shorts featuring originals from friends of the podcast, like Pod About List (Adam Friedland Show, Rap World), Sandy Honig (Adult Swim’s Three Busy Debras), Will Senett (A Closer Look, Eephus), and two animated segments from Episode 1 & Jim Soper (The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie) and Nick Mullen (CumTown) & Saul Crinier.

• Director: Various
• Country: United States
• Year: 2026
• Runtime: 120 minutes

21+ · <p><strong><em>UMBRAE NOCTIS​ 2026 - WEEKEND PASS</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>onsale Sept 1- Sept 30</em></strong></p><p><em>single day passes will be available Oct 2</em></p><p></p><p><strong><em>FRIDAY NIGHT HEADLINER:</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>*MOSCATO SKY</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>FRIDAY NIGHT FEATURE:</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>*ASTERIA ATOMBOMB</em></strong></p><p></p><p><strong><em>SATURDAY NIGHT HEADLINER:</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>*THROB ZOMBIE</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>SATURDAY NIGHT FEATURE:</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>*HALO AS HELL</em></strong></p><p><br>We will gather in the glorious confines of The Coffin Crypt to witness a spectacular showcase of resplendently decadent performance art by creatures from all walks of life.</p><p>You will find gloriously ghoulish drag and burlesque performances that will transfix your senses all weekend, all set to the feelings and sounds of darkwave, post-punk, goth, deathrock and punk. Artists from all walks of life and from all parts of the world will gather to share their beauty with you with performances that will leave you breathless.</p><p></p><p>- Friday and Saturday, November 13 & 14 at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thecoffinclubpdx.com/"><u>The Coffin</u></a> (421 SE Grand Ave) - performances from 8pm-11pm each night (doors at 7), with after party and dancing til 2 AM.<strong><em>​</em></strong></p><p></p><p>- Sunday, November 15 we will hold a Dark Market at THE COFFIN<strong><em>​</em></strong></p><p></p><p>- Saturday & Sunday you will have the opportunity to take <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.umbraenoctisfestival.com/workshops"><u>workshops </u></a>with our special guests, including our headliner Throb Zombie!</p>

Step into autumn’s splendor as the garden transforms with the colors and textures of chrysanthemums, a flower of nobility and longevity in Chinese culture. Stroll among 81 mum varieties, cascading displays along the waterfall, and sweeping floral sculptures that transform the garden into a living gallery.

From dazzling floral artistry to hands-on learning opportunities, Chrysanthemum Festival is one of the garden's most anticipated annual celebrations—and an unforgettable way to experience Lan Su in fall. Explore this beautiful flower and time of year.

Nov. 5-8 — Nights of the Golden Flower: Immerse yourself in the illuminated works of 18 talented local floral artists and featured designer Toni Tibbits as they interpret this year’s theme, Golden Blooms Upon Autumn Waters. Plus, enjoy gentle music by Lulu Guzheng Studio, dance performances by YZ Dance Academy, floral jewelry-making, and all-ages fun as you wander among glowing lanterns and vote for your favorite designs of the showcase. Sensory Night November 14.

Anthony Hudson reads from his new collection of performance works Lamp Black: Plays and Other Grievances at Portland Art Museum in the American Art gallery (Level 2, Room 211), paired with Moses Soyer, Girl with a Cigarette.

Followed by book signing at The Shop at PAM.

A major collection of performance works by artist and agitator Anthony Hudson.

Lamp Back: Plays and Other Grievances collects nearly a decade of work by Anthony Hudson, a queer Indigenous artist and agitator also known as Portland, Oregon’s premier drag clown, Carla Rossi. Whether fumbling with a lamp in a satirical takedown of land acknowledgments or confronting the history of redface in pop culture, Hudson alternates between Rossi’s cackling “ghost of white privilege” and more earnest, vulnerable confessionals as himself—all with a deep commitment to bitter humor and brutal honesty. In these performance works, a mixed-race Native boy plays a pilgrim in his kindergarten Thanksgiving pageant. A young artist recounts the racism in their favorite musical and the larger American theater system. A drag queen storytime goes disastrously wrong and calls for an exorcism with a plunger. Kate Bredeson’s unflinching introduction speaks to Hudson’s work through a cultural and historical lens and illuminates the importance of his project to filet the American Empire.

Live Wire teams up with the Portland Art Museum during First Thursday and the Portland Book Festival. From 4:30 to 6 p.m., complimentary pop-up performances roam the museum galleries, no ticket needed. At 7 p.m., host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello lead a seated, ticketed taping with poet and rapper Dessa, children’s author Mac Barnett, Pulitzer Prize finalist Ed Park, and Portland comedian Mx. Dahlia Belle. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.. Portland Book Festival passholders get 10% off.

Portland Opera brings special previews of La Traviata to local libraries. Enjoyable for opera experts and opera-curious alike, these preview events offer library visitors an opportunity to learn about opera and hear excerpts.

Preview events are free and open to the public.

Join us to discover and celebrate Día de los Muertos, an important Mexican holiday honoring loved ones.

We will tell stories, create block print artwork, and experience a vibrant performance by Folkloric Ballet of SW Washington. We’ll also share traditional pan de muerto and other festive treats. Come explore, create, and celebrate together!

Events are offered in partnership with La Casita Art Gallery & Cultural Center.

Participe con nosotros para descubrir y celebrar el Día de los Muertos, un importante día festivo mexicano que honra a los seres queridos.

Contaremos historias, crearemos grabados en bloque y presenciaremos una interpretación vibrante del Ballet Folklórico del Sudoeste de Washington. También compartiremos el tradicional pan de muerto y otras delicias festivas. ¡Venga a conocer, crear y celebrar junto con nosotros!

Los eventos se ofrecen en colaboración con La Casita Art Gallery & Cultural Center.

At the Oregon Convention Center, fans of the strange, the unusual, and the bizarre can explore a curated market of vendors, artists, dealers, and small businesses devoted to oddities. Expect taxidermy, preserved specimens, original art, horror and Halloween-inspired creations, antiques, handmade curiosities, vintage medical oddities, eerie apparel, distinctive jewelry, skulls and bones, funeral-related collectibles, and more. All merchandise is legal to own and responsibly sourced. Beyond the marketplace, the event features sideshow performances on stage and offers the chance to learn the craft of taxidermy with classes held during the expo. Admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door, and children 12 and under are admitted free without a ticket. Presented with a DIY approach and a focus on oddities vendors and dark artists, the expo aims to provide a welcoming space to discover new creators and connect with a community of like-minded people.

Portland premiere of a new, independent film!

After a tragic accident involving possibly fatal weed, stoner gig worker Marlo teams up with her journalist ex-girlfriend Julia to trace it back to the source and unravel a corporate conspiracy.

Screening followed by a Q&A with directors Tyler Aquilina and Brady Petrik, moderated by author Alison Cochrun and video essayist Lola Sebastian.

• Director: Tyler Aquilina and Brady Petrik
• Country: United States
• Year: 2026
• Runtime: 109 minutes

Guthrie’s music has seen a resurgence in the past several months, having been featured in recent concerts by artists such as Bruce Springsteen. It resonates with audiences today as much as, or maybe even more than, it did when This Land Is Your Land was released and gained widespread popularity in 1949.

Guthrie composed 26 songs in 30 days while riding along the Columbia River and touring the Grand Coulee Dam Project in 1941. With his unique, authentic voice, he chronicled both the grandeur and the perils of what he called “The Greatest Thing That Man Has Ever Done” as an employee of the Bonneville Power Administration. His time here in the Pacific Northwest inspired a swell of patriotism that led Guthrie to enlist in the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II, after which he returned home to fame and notoriety, but also to tragedy and tremendous personal loss.

This interactive musical history performance will have you singing along to “Roll on Columbia,” “Pastures of Plenty,” and of course, “This Land is Your Land,” and learning the—sometimes hilarious, sometimes tragic—stories behind the songs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”chino” border_width=”3″ css=””][mk_padding_divider size=”15″][vc_column_text margin_bottom=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1793378910642{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Tickets are $18 in advance and include any applicable taxes and fees. Space is limited and tickets may sell out prior to the event. If available, tickets will be sold at the door for $25 each.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”BUY TICKETS” color=”warning” size=”lg” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fthehistorictrust.rezdy.com%2F785642%2Fstories-and-songs-of-woody-guthrie-a-musical-history-performance-by-joel-underwood%3F_gl%3D1*1lfr4za*_gcl_au*MTY5MjM4MzMwNy4xNzkzMTE0NTQ4LjIwOTI0MjQzNDQuMTc5MzExNDU1MS4xNzkzMTE0NTU1LjE1OTcwMTU0MTcuMTc5MzExNDU1MS4xNzkzMTE0NTU1*_ga*MTM2NDc5Mzk1NS4xNzczODQ4NTkw*_ga_J7SXS0R0D6*czE3OTMxMTQwNTIkbzE1MSRnMSR0MTc5MzExNTEyMyRqNTAkbDAkaDE1MzQzMzQzMTQ.”][vc_column_text margin_bottom=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1793378820300{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]General admission seating in Providence Academy Chapel pews will be available on a first-come first-served basis. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. (30 minutes prior to performance start time). Free parking is available in the Providence Academy lot (the Aeon Apartments parking lot is NOT available for event parking).

This event is a fundraiser for The Historic Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Proceeds from ticket sales support its mission to inspire civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community’s history.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=”15″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Join us for a reading and celebration of Paul Maziar’s Junebug. The evening with feature musical guests Kelli Schaefer and Drew Grow.

When asked for eight words to describe Junebug, Maziar channeled Agent Cooper: “Everyday, once a day, give yourself a present.” But did he mean the present? Either way, Junebug is a gift.

Junebug situates Paul Maziar’s latest acts of listening and attending, transmission and transcription. He’s built a modular space suggestive of both the theatre and the gallery, performance and (inter)play. The aphoristic title sequence hones sharp accessibilities — we find words available to us, for our limbs and limbics to hold, hurrumph, to slap our knees and share. A mysterious dramatis personae pervades Junebug’s expanse across the mental maps Maziar graphs as he organizes streets of words and questions what their design might reference. We encounter, among others, Toulouse-Lautrec, Agnes Martin, Eva Hesse, Jack Whitten, Colette, Robert Walser. Who are all these characters in Maziar’s parade? Maybe there’s some insight in the final serial sequence, “Hives,” which states that “The real thing is inside of what everything appears as.” The real in Junebug asks us to admire the distance between the surface and the subject. We already have the right tools.

Charles North: From short poems to prose poems to the wonderful fragments collected in its title poem, Paul Maziar’s writing revels in imaginative discontinuity. Junebug is smart, witty, surprising—and inspiring—throughout.

Merrill Gilfillan: These works step up in the name of Poetry and its heartwood, its ever-salvational “What’s on the river today?”

Tetra Balestri: Maziar manages to resurrect a conversation started sometime in the early to mid-20th century that cuts through the present-day pandemonium with polish and swagger. Junebug is a pair of pants worth trying on.

Simone Kearney: Reading Paul Maziar’s Junebug, I feel the tightrope walker’s high-wire balance between the forces of levity and gravity, the contexts of interior and exterior, the concocted and the perceived, thought and overheard speech. These poems make me wonder how it is that we move through the world, which is also a moving-through language.

I’m reminded that language bears a strange mystery. It’s always received and always being made at the same time; it’s a material we inherit and get to play with. In Maziar’s work, overheard phrases and sayings arrive solidified, brick-like things. The language resembles the fragments of familiar tunes — an echo, or memory of one — appearing as the freshest, strangest thing newly imagined.

I feel the intimacy and elusiveness of unspoken thought in the poems: words not yet uttered, still inside the mind. This makes me feel the dynamics of inside and outside that are part of the human drama. Am I looking at something the poet is looking at, or am I inside his head? Maziar lets us inhabit uncertainty. This is living language just being breathed, catapulted from lips, cemented into freshly-thought speech.

Junebug lets me delight in the way language can tend to trip over itself: “I’d rather stimulate than simulate”; “a certain vigor (or vinegar?).” Decontextualized, speech is absurd, funny, strangely moving: “I’m not going anywhere until I see a horse.”

What emerges is a tour de force composed of song, slogan, slip of the tongue, reverie, note, advertisement, fragment, nonsense, musing, hiccup, rupture, tidbit, epiphany. “The only faith he had was in the confusion of his experiences,” Maziar writes, suggesting that one thing we can do amid such confusion is continue to place words onto the page — in relation to ourselves, to others, to images, and to other words. And those words keep coming to meet us: flat, full, flowing, tired, zippy, and ready for more.

Kelli Schaefer's latest record, Even Still, could be the soundtrack to a modern gothic, a playlist for a trudge through a muddy forest or the accompaniment to a subconscious mantra. She demonstrates deftness in refusing to confine herself to a single genre. Schaefer excavates her past while planting herself deeper into the avant-garde, offering a fresh take on the age-old singer-songwriter trope, delivering haunting melodies over swirling woodwinds, piano, classical guitar, and upright bass.

The Pacific Northest's beloved troubadour, musician/artist Drew Grow (Slang, Modern Kin, Pastor's Wives) is back with new songs and a new stripped down method. Spotted playing solo shows around Portland this summer, he is out on his own, debuting new music and packing a wall of little guitar amps. It's new digs for the artist. Drew's solo approach, raw and exposed, is even more striking than the bands of his past. His powerful voice still ringing through as ever, magnetic and arching over the solo guitar and twisted old amps. The sound is momentous and vulnerable, seeming to come from a deeper place. What have you brought us?

A $10 ticket supports our musical guests, Kelli Schaefer and Drew Grow.

Join us at the concluding event of the 23rd Annual Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies: Race Monologues

Each year a different group of L&C students writes an original series of personal narratives to share their feelings, experiences, and understandings of race, ethnicity, and identity.

Learn more about this year’s Ray Warren Symposium keynote speakers, art exhibit, and event schedule.

Join scholars Dr. Lindsey Mantoan, author of It's All Happening: How Musical Theater Does High School (Oxford, 2026), and Dr. Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, author of Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist (Simon & Schuster, 2025), for a free conversation about high school on the musical theater stage. This evening will feature performances by PSU students from some favorite high school musicals — come to sing, chat, and cheer along.

Get ready to laugh, get ready to learn, get ready to make some new nerdy friends.

Nerd Nite is a monthly event held in 100+ cities across the globe during which folks give 20-minute fun-yet-informative presentations across all disciplines – while the audience drinks along!

There are often bands, trivia, speed-friending, and other shenanigans as well.

Imagine learning about math feuds, the emu war of Australia, the genealogy of Godzilla, or zombie insects, while having a few drinks.

A three-day immersive songwriting experience for writers of all levels, focused on creative expression, musical craft, and community. Participants can write a first song or develop new material, learn techniques through workshops led by songwriting teachers, take songs from private practice to the stage, and connect through singing circles and an intimate open mic in an art sanctuary. The experience takes place at the Portland Kennedy School and a private art space across the street.

Search and Destroy (S.A.D. for short) is a multimedia variety show happening on the last friday of every month featuring artists and local leaders sharing their craft and talking about what matters most to them. Through storytelling, live conversations, audience interaction, and heavy doses of honesty and humor, S.A.D. seeks to give hope and to be an entertaining and informative space for all to have fun, let loose, and be reminded that we as a people have the agency and ability to initiate change by working together as one.

S.A.D. was partly inspired by late-night television talk shows and variety hours and follows a similar format: an eye-catching opening number, a charming Emcee willing to play the fool, and a shared evening of dance, music, film, comedy, and conversations/interviews, all loosely tied to a theme of the night. The show ends with a dance party where the audience is invited to join the party on stage.
One of the main goals of each S.A.D. show is to dissolve the separation between artist and audience by directly engaging, conversing, and interacting with the audience, inviting them to participate in their seats as well as on the stage.
 Every show features dance movement, improvisation, visual imagery and soundscapes, conversations and spoken word, and various bits that play with the blurring of boundaries between the scripted and unscripted, all through an honest and humorous lens and the intention to entertain, educate, and inspire. Each episode of S.A.D. showcases different artists and acts than the previous one, guaranteeing that every iteration is unique and can only be experienced once.
S.A.D. is a show for everybody and every body, regardless of their identity, background, age, and anything else used to describe oneself.

*Revenue generated from each show is split evenly amongst the contributing artists

This will be a special night for all dance lovers!

Come at 8PM and get a Forró Dance class!

Josephina Del Norte: The Argentinian DJ, singer and multi-instrumentalist Josefina Del Norte will start the night playing a mix of Latin American Cumbia and Forró music from Brazil.

Forró Beleza: Led by Pyata Penedo, a Brazilian lead singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and owner of Figure 8 Sound Recording Studio, the band performs a variety of music from Northeastern Brazil known as forró.

Forró is a lively Brazilian music and partner-dance tradition rooted in Northeastern Brazil, where it developed through community gatherings centered around music, dancing, and social connection. Popularized nationally by legendary artists such as Luiz Gonzaga, its distinctive sound is traditionally created by the accordion, zabumba drum, and triangle, producing rhythms that feel both grounded and flowing.

The dance brings people together through a warm embrace, shared movement, playful turns, and a close connection to the music. Although it may remind newcomers of the intimacy of tango, the energy of salsa, or the grounded feeling of blues, forró has a joyful and welcoming character entirely its own.

More than simply a style of music or dance, forró is a celebration of Brazilian culture and community—and the best way to understand it is to come experience it for yourself!

Join us for an unforgettable evening at Albina Library for Menopunks Podcast Live! Enjoy a diverse & dynamic conversation about perimenopause and menopause. Menopunks is part hormonal healthcare activism & part guide to navigating midlife with defiance & purpose. Alicia J.

Community Dance Odd Fellows Hall 11/20/2026 7:00 – 9:30, upstairs above LaHaie’s Men’s Wear,
Let’s have some fun! Come get acquainted with BALFOLK, the dance craze from Europe. Traditional dances have been revived in new ways in every country in Europe. We will feature Balfolk dances from Gascogne, Bretagne, and other regions of France. All ages and skill levels welcome. Dance instruction will be provided. You will be accompanied by a 9 piece acoustic band, Raspberry Bourrée, featuring violins, accordion, nyckelharpa, mandocello, string bass, harp, clarinet and more! Donations accepted, but the dance is free.

Join Habiba, a native of Ghana, in learning the richness of West African culture through song and dance. Habiba offers an interactive, multicultural lesson with authentic West African costume, spiced with singing and movement. The whole audience gets involved in simple dance steps, call and response, greetings and phrases, and rhythm drumming.

This event is first come, first served.

All dances taught, no need for a partner, gender free calling, all skill levels welcome, tickets $15.92, 21+ (doors open at 6 pm, dance at 7). Oct 26 (Mon): The Old Time String Band with calling by Bex Bee Nov 2 (Mon): Old Time Highway with calling by Amy Hofer Nov 9 (Mon): calling by Steph Noll Nov 16 (Mon): Probably Polly String Band with calling by Andy Grummon Nov 23 (Mon): Miss Praline‘s Whip Lodge Tenderstrokes with calling by Tighe Hauze Tickets can be bought in advance on-line at the Showdown‘s website. Come out and support the dance, so Pickathon and the Showdown will support more dances into the future! Sponsored by Pickathon and The Showdown.

21 & Over | $15 Advance, $20 Day of Show | Slicker is a 7-piece country rock band, playing the best country hits while taking you on a musical tour through the decades and genres. Slicker delivers a rock concert-style performance, and brings an energetic party vibe that gets people knocking chairs over to get to the dance floor.

This night of kick-your-heels-up country music begins with a FREE line dance lesson from the Dance Your Boots Off crew.

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Reserved Seating Available

Please note that departure times are subject to change; final trip times are approximate and will be confirmed closer to the event.

Step back in time at Aurora Colony Days, a beloved heritage festival celebrating the history and traditions of this charming historic town. Your visit includes:

• Browsing an open-air market filled with antiques, crafts, and artisan goods.
• Living history demonstrations highlighting the colony’s past.
• Classic car displays and vintage vehicles.
• Live music, local food vendors, and a lively festival atmosphere.

Date / Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Sat 8/8
Price: Res $51 / Non-Res $77
Registration Website: https://www.auroracolony.org

Spend the day at Seaside, a classic Oregon Coast town with a lively promenade, sandy beaches, and a variety of shops and eateries. Take in ocean views, explore local shops, and enjoy the seaside atmosphere.

Highlights of this outing include:

• Walking along the Seaside Promenade and beach.
• Browsing local shops, boutiques, and souvenir stores.
• Enjoying the classic seaside town atmosphere with cafés and oceanfront views.
• Lunch will be on your own and paid individually; we will not be dining as an organized group.

Date / Time: 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Thu 8/13
Price: Res $37 / Non-Res $56
Registration Website: https://www.seasideor.com

Reconnect with nature and experience the calming presence of horses during this unique retreat focused on communication and trust-building. The day includes:

• Hands-on activities designed to build confidence and connection with horses.
• Guided interactions with gentle horses in a peaceful outdoor sanctuary.
• Learning about horse behavior, communication, and emotional awareness.
• A relaxing group picnic surrounded by open skies and natural beauty.

Date / Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Thu 8/27
Price: Res $94 / Non-Res $142
Registration Website: https://oregonhorsemanship.com/

Enjoy a lively day exploring the Camas Vintage & Art Faire, where historic downtown streets transform into a vibrant outdoor marketplace. Highlights include:

• Browsing unique vintage treasures, antiques, and handmade artworks.
• Meeting talented local artists and craft makers.
• Live music performances throughout the festival.
• Local food vendors and the welcoming charm of downtown Camas.

Date / Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Sat 8/29
Price: Res $52 / Non-Res $79
Registration Website: https://downtowncamas.com/event/camas-vintage-art-faire/

Get a behind-the-scenes look at artisan cheese making and spirit distilling at TMK Creamery. This day trip includes:

• A hands-on cow milking experience and an opportunity to meet the dairy cows.
• Learning how farmstead cheeses and unique craft spirits are created.
• Sampling delicious cheeses and spirits directly at the source.

Date / Time: 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Tue 9/8 (Tour #34866)
Price: Res $107 / Non-Res $160
Registration Website: Register Online

Celebrate Indigenous culture at the annual NAYA Neerchokikoo Powwow. This cultural excursion includes:

• Immersing yourself in traditional dance and witnessing spectacular ceremonial regalia.
• Listening to powerful, historic drum groups.
• Supporting Native communities by shopping local Native vendors.

Date / Time: 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat 9/12 (Tour #34867)
Price: Res $59 / Non-Res $88
Registration Website: Register Online

Explore Elk Rock Garden, a breathtaking hillside estate overlooking the Willamette River. This scenic tour includes:

• Strolling peaceful, winding pathways to discover rare international plants.
• Viewing rocky cascades and beautifully curated garden landscapes.
• Taking in stunning autumn views of the river and Mount Hood.

Date / Time: 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Tue 9/15 (Tour #34868)
Price: Res $47 / Non-Res $70
Registration Website: Register Online

Join the old-school fun at St. Josef's annual Grape Stomping festival. This festive outing includes:

• Jumping into giant wood barrels to experience crushing grapes by foot.
• Enjoying live music and a lively harvest festival atmosphere.
• Relaxing on the scenic patio to toast to the new vintage.

Date / Time: 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat 9/26 (Tour #34869)
Price: Res $77 / Non-Res $115
Registration Website: Register Online

Indulge your sweet tooth at the Portland Craft Chocolate Festival. This tasty escape includes:

• Meeting artisan chocolatiers and learning about their craft.
• Sampling premium small-batch chocolate creations.
• Shopping local treats while discovering the fascinating journey from bean to bar.

Date / Time: 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m., Sat 10/3 (Tour #34870)
Price: Res $94 / Non-Res $144
Registration Website: Register Online

Join the community celebration at Clackamas Community College honoring Indigenous Peoples Day. This gathering includes:

• Experiencing moving traditional performances and song.
• Hearing insightful guest speakers share history and legacy.
• Viewing cultural exhibits during an inspiring day of community unity.

Date / Time: 12 p.m.–5 p.m., Sat 10/10 (Tour #34871)
Price: Res $53 / Non-Res $88
Registration Website: Register Online

Enjoy a private tour of Frog Pond Farm in Wilsonville. This autumn farm outing includes:

• Getting up close to feed and interact with resident llamas, goats, pigs, and chicks.
• Experiencing a crisp day filled with classic, nostalgic farm fun.
• Enjoying gorgeous farm backgrounds perfect for fall photo ops.

Date / Time: 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Thu 10/15 (Tour #34872)
Price: Res $77 / Non-Res $96
Registration Website: Register Online

Board a historic locomotive in Garibaldi for a gorgeous autumn rail journey. This trip includes:

• Winding along scenic Tillamook Bay and the Nehalem River.
• Taking in vibrant autumn foliage from the comfort of a historic train.
• Dedicated free time to explore the coastal surroundings and grab lunch.

Date / Time: 8 a.m.–7 p.m., Sat 10/24 (Tour #34873)
Price: Res $113 / Non-Res $141
Registration Website: Register Online

Go behind the scenes at the Oregon Humane Society Portland campus. This educational tour includes:

• A walkthrough of the state-of-the-art animal care facility.
• Learning about innovative behavioral rehabilitation programs.
• Discovering the profound dedication and work behind life-saving animal rescues.

Date / Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Tue 11/10 (Tour #34874)
Price: Res $69 / Non-Res $86
Registration Website: Register Online

Go behind the scenes at the Gamblin Artists Colors factory to see how premium oil paints are crafted in Portland. This unique tour includes:

• Observing the traditional manufacturing and milling process up close.
• Learning the fascinating science behind color making.
• Discovering what makes these materials a favorite for global artists.

Date / Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Wed 11/18 (Tour #34875)
Price: Res $52 / Non-Res $86
Registration Website: Register Online

Discover the art of traditional basketry during an interactive workshop. This hands-on experience includes:

• Guided instruction with the expert educators at Trackers Portland.
• Learning how to source, manipulate, and work with natural organic materials.
• Creating and taking home your very own hand-crafted basket.

Date / Time: 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Tue 11/17 (Tour #34876)
Price: Res $97 / Non-Res $146
Registration Website: Register Online

Enjoy a guided tour of the world-class gem, mineral, and fossil collection at the historic Rice Museum. This trip includes:

• Exploring unique geological exhibits and viewing rare extraterrestrial meteorites.
• Seeing the famous, world-renowned Alma Rose rhodochrosite.
• Learning about the history and preservation of historic Northwest treasures.

Date / Time: 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Fri 11/20 (Tour #34877)
Price: Res $73 / Non-Res $109
Registration Website: Register Online

Experience winter magic during the Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto. This evening holiday outing includes:

• Walking beautifully illuminated forest pathways.
• Enjoying incredible live choral performances inside the world-renowned chapel.
• Gathering around outdoor fire pits to share seasonal warmth and camaraderie.

Date / Time: 3 p.m.–9 p.m., Tue 12/1 (Tour #34878)
Price: Res $82 / Non-Res $123
Registration Website: Register Online

Stroll through a traditional German-style holiday market nestled inside the Oregon Garden. This festive trip includes:

• Savoring the sight of millions of twinkling, intricate light displays.
• Sipping authentic warm beverages to stay cozy.
• Exploring classic vendor booths filled with unique handmade gifts.

Date / Time: 3:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m., Sat 12/19 (Tour #34879)
Price: Res $98 / Non-Res $148
Registration Website: Register Online

Experience ultimate holiday magic at the iconic Pittock Mansion during its Christmas celebration. This final seasonal trip includes:

• Viewing spectacular, professionally styled seasonal displays inside the historic chateau.
• Learning about the history of early Portland high society.
• Taking in unparalleled, panoramic winter views of the city below.

Date / Time: 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Tue 12/22 (Tour #34880)
Price: Res $73 / Non-Res $109
Registration Website: Register Online

Take a look at the wonderful day trips we've enjoyed earlier this year! These programs are currently concluded.

• Otter Wildlife Tour (3/11): A behind-the-scenes trip to the Oregon Zoo's Steller Cove to meet the otter care team and explore marine conservation.
• Wolf Haven Sanctuary (3/26): A guided walk through an internationally recognized refuge to observe rescued wolves and study prairie restoration.
• Portland Bridge Tour (4/9 & 4/16): An engineering and cultural history tour of Portland's iconic river crossings, inspired by the LO Reads book Tilt.
• Secret Lives of Bees (4/30): An immersive apiary and pollinator garden walk with local beekeepers, complete with a specialty honey tasting.
• Live Jazz at The Benson (5/13): An elegant, cultured evening enjoying live music from local jazz artists paired with dinner at a historic hotel.
• Magic in the Mountains Event (5/30): A premium wine country outing at The Allison Inn & Spa, featuring tastings from 35+ regional wineries.
• Berry Picking & Picnic (6/11): A relaxed farm-to-table trip harvesting fresh seasonal fruit with a group picnic at South Barlow Berry Farm.
• The Covered Bridges of Lane County (6/25): A scenic historic drive through the Oregon countryside to marvel at century-old timber bridges.
• Western Antique Airplane & Automobile Museum (7/11): A trip to Hood River for a vintage transportation car show and massive historic aircraft collection.
• Villa Catalana Cellars (7/14): A unique Mediterranean-inspired botanical garden tour mixed with a private vineyard wine tasting.
• Oregon Coast – Cannon Beach (7/23): A free-guided day of beach walking by Haystack Rock and exploring art boutiques and local eateries.

The Bridge is a monthly songwriter showcase that helps artists build connections in Portland’s music scene while giving audiences a deeper look into the stories and creative process behind each song through thoughtful onstage interviews. Designed for artists who are new to songwriting, new to performing, returning to the stage, or new to Portland, The Bridge offers a welcoming listening-room environment where songwriters can share original music and connect with an attentive audience.

The Bridge offers audiences a chance to discover emerging songwriters in an intimate setting built for listening. For those who already know and support the artists, it is also an opportunity to hear their work in a quieter, more intentional room where lyrics land, dynamics breathe and the songs can be experienced fully.

The evening runs approximately two hours and includes a short intermission.

Our Saturday night series at Fulton Hall continues, sliding scale: $6-20 per person, cash or check. 7 pm newcomer/refresher lesson 7:30-10:30 pm dancing Sep 12 (Sat): caller Koren Wake [Seattle], music by Pleasantly Frantic Oct 10 (Sat): caller Noah Grunzweig, music by The Hat Band Nov 14 (Sat): caller Kelly Tabor, music by Riffraff [Olympia] Dec 12 (Sat): caller Tighe Hauze, music by Bandwidth We welcome people who respect our expressed dance-community values and code of conduct without regard for age, race, color, national origin, religion, gender expression, sexual orientation, or ability. Mask Policy: All contra dances are mask-optional at this time. COVID Policy: PCDC no longer requires proof of vaccination, but we continue to encourage everyone to be vaccinated. While currently available COVID-19 vaccines no longer do much to prevent transmission, they continue to be effective for protecting oneself from more serious illness.