Wellness

Join Portland Opera for an hour of story and song from their latest production, La Traviata.

Celebrate Samhain and the Day of the Dead with a transformative, grounding evening hosted by Celine Redfield of Two Wings Balanced Healing. Aligned with the deeply intuitive water energy of Scorpio season, this sacred gathering combines community connection with deep personal restoration.

• The Experience: The evening begins with an ancestral invocation and a warm botanical tea ceremony—guests are welcome to bring a memento, photo, or candle to place on a collective altar. You will then ease into a guided hypnotic meditation before relaxing into a restorative, one-hour water-element sound bath.
• The Instruments: Healing frequencies are created using a carefully curated selection of "watery" and crystalline instruments. You will experience crystal singing bowls for all seven chakras, a cosmic light chalice, ocean drums, rain sticks, aqua Koshi chimes, crystal pyramids, tongue drums, and pangi seed shakers.
• Who It’s For: This event is for anyone looking to honor their ancestors, connect deeply with their intuition, or find a peaceful space for internal reflection and fresh personal transformation.
• The Benefits: Attendees will experience deep, receptive relaxation, reduced stress, emotional release, and a renewed sense of internal safety and security.

From the celebrated and award-winning composer Dave Malloy comes Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812, an electropop opera based on a scandalous slice of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Young and impulsive, Natasha Rostova arrives in Moscow to await the return of her fiancé from the front lines. When she falls under the spell of the roguish Anatole, it is up to Pierre, a family friend in the middle of an existential crisis, to pick up the pieces of her shattered reputation. Following a critically exalted premiere at Ars Nova in New York City, a subsequent off-Broadway transfer and an acclaimed run on Broadway, this award-winning musical expands the possibilities for the genre with its daring score and bold storytelling.

Music and Lyrics By Dave Malloy

Step into a slippery world where the line between truth and fiction is all in the packaging. It’s 1936, and a pair of passionate filmmakers has landed their next big project: a sweeping Spanish Civil War film with the potential to change American hearts and minds. It just happens to be bankrolled by the KGB. Spain by Jen Silverman is a seductive and tense thriller about the power of art to change the world — for better and for worse.

by Jen Silverman, directed by Josh Hecht

One of the most ambitious productions in recent Profile history, Spain is a grand cross-disciplinary spectacle featuring multiple partnerships with arts organizations throughout Portland, including live opera developed in partnership with Portland Opera, and both recorded and live music performed by musicians with 45th Parallel.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra is back with a spectacular new production of The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More – featuring the fan-favorite holiday rock opera alongside TSO classics, and rarely performed gems.

Shows:

November 28 at 3:30pm & 8pm

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.

Mantra, music, and storytelling to awaken the heart. Sacred Dharma is a Pacific Northwest kirtan-fusion jam band. At its core, they facilitate the devotional practice of chanting Sanskrit mantra. The music is colored by world influences ranging from Indian classical to jazz and psychedelic rock, enhancing the mood so that each repetition of the Name can awaken the heart.

Led by Sitaram Dass with Jeanette Kangas on tabla, Clark Stacer on bass, Lance Jordan on guitar, and a rotating selection of some of the PNW's finest musicians.

Sitaram Dass (he/him) spent several years serving his beloved teacher Ram Dass on Maui, where he was shown the path of Bhakti, the yoga of service and devotion to God. He is an author, teacher, kirtan singer, and spiritual counselor. As the director of the Sacred Community Project, he works to provide affordable, free, and donation-based offerings as a praxis of Sacred Community.

$25 Advance / $30 Door

(No one turned away for lack of funds)

Portland Japanese Garden’s Tea Ceremony Workshop offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional practice of Chanoyu, or the Way of Tea. Experience the art of tranquility, mindfulness, and omotenashi, whole-hearted hospitality.

It is not an exaggeration to say that through tea, one can understand much of Japanese culture. Tea’s influence can be found in many of the nation’s most beloved artforms, including arranging flowers, calligraphy, incense, ceramics and lacquerware. Japanese gardens are also deeply intertwined with tea ceremony. The four principles of tea, wa (harmony), kei (respect), sei (purity), and jaku (tranquility), are explored by the gardeners of Portland Japanese Garden in their work every day.

Guided by skilled instructor Jan Waldmann, Sosui, the focus of this workshop is to learn to be a guest in the tea ceremony, an important aspect to this historic tradition. Participants will learn the proper etiquette for attending a tea ceremony, including how to receive and consume sweets and matcha, and most importantly, the reasons behind each of the steps. Additionally, you will gain insight into what it entails to be a host— understanding the occasion and seasonality, attention to aesthetics, careful preparation, and the thoughtful gestures made toward the guests.

Participants will first attend a presentation of tea ceremony in our Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner alongside visitors to the Garden before they are taken into their exclusive workshop in the Yanai Classroom.

Participants will first attend a presentation of tea ceremony in our Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner alongside visitors to the Garden (2:00-2:30pm) before they are taken into their exclusive workshop in the Yanai Family Classroom (2:45-4:15pm).

No previous experience is needed. Students will sit in a chair at a table, not kneeling on a tatami mat.

Urasenke Konnichian of Kyoto is one of the major establishments within Japan that has preserved the tradition of Chado or the Way of Tea.  From the first Urasenke generation, Sen no Rikyu (1522-91) to the current headmaster Zabosai Genmoku Soshitsu XVI (b.1956 -), the Sen family lineage has devoted great effort to fostering the philosophy of Tea through the simple words of Wa – Harmony, Kei -Repect, Sei – Purity & Jaku – Tranquility. Over the years Urasenke has established connections in over 21 cities worldwide.

Seasonally guided afternoons invite participants to refresh mind, body, and energy while centering the idea that rest can be a form of resistance and that community care supports justice and right relationship. To keep the experience accessible, the community sound offering is by donation, creating a welcoming space for all. Each gathering begins with gentle movement, therapeutic shaking, pranayama, and energy practices that prepare the body and nervous system to receive the transformative effects of sound. An immersive sound bath follows, a full body listening experience that nurtures deep rest, balance, a sense of connection with inner guidance, and overall well-being. The soundscape may include crystal and Tibetan bowls, gong, elemental chimes, ocean drum, a singing pyramid, and related instruments. With consent, hands-on or hands-off energy work is available to support alignment and deeper relaxation. Participants often notice benefits such as profound relaxation, a stronger feeling of community support, a more present relationship with emotions, eased stress and anxiety, better sleep, heightened focus and awareness, renewed energy, and a clearer sense of ease and alignment. Attendees are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, optional meaningful items for a shared altar that can be taken home afterward, and any personal comforts that help you settle in, such as a pillow. Regular participation is encouraged to sustain the benefits over time.

Don't let the rainy season stop you from connecting with nature! Join Urban Forestry at the Belmont Library to explore for an evening of mindfulness and nature education. Trees are good for our health, especially if we take time to pay close attention to them. At this event we will use all five senses to study tree samples to practice feeling grounded in natural spaces! You'll also learn about the many ways that connecting with nature and trees can improve mental and physical health.

This event will be entirely indoors. Tea and snacks will be provided for participants.

Join us at the new Multnomah County Belmont Library!

1038 SE César E. Chávez Boulevard
Portland, OR 97214

The 10th Annual Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation Turkey Trot, presented by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Columbia Credit Union, takes place on a scenic route through Ridgefield, traveling through Abrams Park and along Lake River. It’s a 5K family friendly run/walk event that raises funds to help the Foundation’s efforts to provide scholarships and grant opportunities to students, teachers, and staff. Last year’s event had more than 1,000 participants, and we hope to grow our event even more this year as we support Ridgefield schools and their students.

This year’s 10th Annual Turkey Trot, presented by Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Columbia Credit Union will take place on Thursday, November 26th, starting with the Drumstick Dash—a short run for children ages 5 and under and not yet in kindergarten —at 8:45 am. The main event, a 5K run/walk, follows at 9:00 am. Both events will begin and end at Union Ridge Elementary School in downtown Ridgefield.

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While the Turkey Trot is a fun run/walk without a formal timer, participants are encouraged to enjoy the spirit of the event and work up an appetite for their Thanksgiving feast.

Race packet pick up and in-person registration will be held on Wednesday, November 25th, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, and again on race day from 7:45 to 8:45 am in the Union Ridge Elementary School Gym. A limited number of extra T-shirts will be available for purchase during in-person registration.

To ensure you get a race T-shirt, please register by Wednesday, November 11th. Additionally, we encourage participants to bring nonperishable food items to packet pick-up for donation to the Ridgefield Family Resource Center. Each item donated will earn you a ticket for a chance to win $100 in local restaurant gift cards.

All proceeds from the event will be equally shared between the Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation and the Ridgefield Family Resource Center, making this a great way to give back to our community while embracing the Thanksgiving spirit. See you there!

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RACE DETAILS

DRUMSTICK DASH

Once again our Turkey Trot will feature a Drumstick Dash, a short run for our youngest participants ages 5 and under (not yet in kindergarten). We will make an announcement at 8:40 am for any children interested in participating to report to the starting line. The Drumstick Dash will begin at 8:45 am.

5K FUN RUN/WALK

Our main event, the 5K run/walk, will get started at 9 am. Those who are planning to run should position themselves at the front of the crowd, closest to the starting line. Walkers, please make way for runners who are trying to move to the front. There is no official timer for our fun run/walk event, so those interested in knowing their finish times should plan to use their own watches to time themselves. For safety, please keep in mind that at certain points on the route you may be asked to stop for vehicle traffic (vehicles have the right of way during the Turkey Trot) so finish times could be impacted.

5K ROUTE:

The course begins on 5th Ave. at Union Ridge Elementary and then heads down to Abrams Park and continues northeast along the trail bordering Gee Creek. From there the route takes participants up Heron Drive to Main Ave. It then continues south to the corner of Main & Pioneer and takes participants down to the Ridgefield waterfront via the railroad overpass. Participants will follow the course along Lake River and turn around near the south end of Carty Lake. The course then continues in reverse, back up to the corner of Main & Pioneer, where participants will head north for one block before heading east up Simons St. to finish back at Union Ridge Elementary.

EVENT SAFETY NOTE

Roads remain open throughout the event. Please stay to the right on roads and use sidewalks whenever possible. Once again, this is a family friendly fun run/walk event. Participants may be subject to brief waits for vehicle traffic. Since roads remain open, vehicle traffic does have the right away.

BRING ITEMS FOR THE RIDGEFIELD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

The Ridgefield Family Resource Center is seeking non-perishable foods (especially cereal, rice, pasta sauce, canned fruit, canned meat, and canned pasta meals) as well as new socks and stretchy knit gloves. For each item (non-perishable food items, pairs of socks, and pairs of gloves) brought to packet pick-up/in-person registration on Wednesday or Thursday morning, you will receive one ticket for entry into a prize drawing for $100 of local restaurant gift cards.

T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

For any participants who do not meet the T-shirt registration deadline of Nov. 12th at 10 pm, a limited number of T-shirts will be available for purchase at packet pick-up/in-person registration at a cost of $5 each.

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EVENT PARKING

Parking will be available at Union Ridge Elementary, the RACC, and the Ridgefield Church of the Nazarene. Street parking throughout downtown Ridgefield is also an option for participants.

One of the most beloved operas ever written, La Traviata pairs soaring melodies with a deeply personal story of love and sacrifice. At its center is Violetta, an independent woman navigating desire, societal expectation, and the fragile possibility of happiness on her own terms. As romance and reality collide, Verdi’s luminous score reveals the emotional complexity of living authentically in a world determined to impose its rules. Tender, tragic, and timeless, the opera continues to resonate for its compassionate portrayal of Violetta’s vulnerability, resilience, courage as she chooses personal truth in the face of public judgment.

Experience a restorative sound bath at Lighthouse Community Yoga PDX that blends therapeutic tones, soothing vibration, and gentle somatic awareness to calm the nervous system and ease physical, mental, and emotional tension. The session begins with Progressive Muscle Relaxation to help the body unwind, then moves into the resonant layers of crystal singing bowls, harp, and hypnotic percussion, paired with soft guidance that invites deep rest. This somatic approach can support the release of stuck survival responses like fight, flight, or freeze that may remain after overwhelming experiences. Whether you are seeking rest, clarity, nervous system care, or a moment to reconnect with yourself, the space welcomes all bodies and identities, from first-timers to returning participants. Offered on a sliding scale. Led by Charlie Sebastian Short, a Portland-based certified sound practitioner, musician, and caregiver whose work draws on the Quantum Sound Method, classical training, and years of caring for both humans and animals. Charlie centers nervous system support, using harmonious instruments to encourage calm and emotional ease, and fosters an inclusive environment as a mixed-race, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent practitioner.

Experience a brand-new immersive experience at SaunaGlo led by energy reader, meditation guide, stress consultant and clinical researcher, Emily Greenway. This 90-minute energetic experience opens with an intuitive update on the month ahead, so you know what's coming and how to work with it to reduce stress and burnout.

Inside the sauna, a guided meditative energy clearing gets you into your body and breath, using the heat to build internal awareness of what you're actually holding. The cold plunge takes that further, guiding you through your breathing and teaching your body to relax under pressure rather than fight it. From there, move into a community journaling experience, releasing whatever energy came up and setting spells and goals for the month ahead.

This is where you start building the structure for more magic and bliss, and kicking stress and burnout goodbye. Round two takes you back into the sauna for another clearing meditation, back into the cold plunge for more breathwork, and more time on the page. close together as a group, with time for connection before you head out.

Participants will begin with self-reflective prompts before embarking on a slow, guided walk, where they will be invited to observe and capture with a camera (or cell phone) how the late autumn garden mirrors the landscapes of transformation, grief and transition.

The seasonal landscape itself becomes a teacher: the architectural presence of conifers standing among bare deciduous trees, the rich layers of fallen leaves returning to the soil, beavers preparing for winter, eagles tending their nests, seed pods, mosses, textures, changing light, and the quiet beauty that emerges when life appears stripped down to its essence.

Through mindful photographs, participants will gather visual "fragments" before coming together in a circle for creative reflection, gentle conversation, and complementary herbal teas. The intention is to cultivate presence, symbolism, and a compassionate way of witnessing both nature and ourselves.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate layers, drinking water, optional snack, camera or cell phone. If using a cell phone camera, be sure that the sound is off.

About the Guest Facilitator

Clara-Julia Peru is an artist, poet and nature advocate. She is a grief informed art and nature guide with an abundance of specialized training in grief support and expression. Learn more about Clara-Julia’s work here.

Sliding Scale Equity Pricing

In an effort to create an inviting and inclusive community for all we have sliding scale equity pricing based on personal financial experience and financial privilege.

Strengthen your household readiness through the "Be 2 Weeks Ready" program, presented by PrepLO. Learn how to prepare for disasters like earthquakes, storms, and wildfires. This essential training includes hands-on CPR/AED instruction provided directly by the Lake Oswego Fire Department (LOFD).

Fee: FREE (Pre-registration is required)

Thursday, September 10 • 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Course ID: 33840 • Register Online

Thursday, December 10 • 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Course ID: 33841 • Register Online

Saturday, September 5 • 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 33842 • Register Online

Saturday, December 5 • 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 33844 • Register Online

Tuesday, October 20 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Course ID: 35016
Fee: FREE

Join clinical experts from Providence Health & Services to learn how age-related changes in balance, physical strength, and general medical health affect daily mobility. Discover concrete ways to minimize risks by modifying everyday medications, assessing footwear choice, and addressing common home environment hazards. Includes a short, participatory tai chi balance demonstration.

Presented by: Providence Health Leaders
Register Online

Thursdays, October 22 – November 12 • 12–1:30 p.m.
Course ID: 34887
Fee: Resident $36 / Non-Resident $54 (4-week course)

This structural, evidence-based series features weekly presentations by Providence clinical directors focused on optimizing physiological health as you age. Learn actionable, science-backed lifestyle habits designed to promote everyday brain fitness, strengthen emotional resilience, and maximize lifetime physical vitality rooted in the latest senior medical research.

Presented by: Providence Clinical Directors
Register Online

Tuesday, November 3 • 10–11:30 a.m.
Course ID: 34823
Fee: FREE

Join representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for an invaluable QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training session. Participants will learn how to recognize early situational warning signs, ask supportive, compassionate direct questions, and safely guide neighbors, friends, and family toward life-saving community crisis resources.

Presented by: NAMI NW Advisors
Register Online

Tuesdays • 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Fee: Resident $20 / Non-Resident $25 per multi-week section

Elevate your card game in a supportive, structured environment! Curated for enthusiasts who possess standard background play experience, this community class weaves short, technical lessons with real-time coached table play. Refine card play execution, clarify bidding options on the fly, and share the friendly table camaraderie of fellow players.

Section A (Sept 8 – Oct 27): Course ID: 35364 • Register Online
Section B (Nov 3 – Dec 15): Course ID: 35365 • Register Online

Thursday, October 29 • 2–4 p.m.
Course ID: 35370
Fee: FREE

Learn how to optimize your living space to be safer, energy-efficient, and structurally accessible using public county support systems. Experienced case managers from Clackamas County will detail application criteria for free residential weatherization upgrades, low-cost deferred maintenance home improvement loans, and localized senior accessibility renovation grants.

Presented by: Clackamas County Program Coordinators
Register Online

• Life’s Final Chapter Series (May/June): A thoughtful practical exploration covering end-of-life logistics, medical directives, and grief support, facilitated alongside Death Doulas NW and End of Life Choices Oregon.
• Estrangement & Reunion Workshops (May/June): Multi-session mental health family guidance led by the licensed marriage and family therapists of Family Ties Counseling Center.
• Caregiver Support & Resilience Intensives (May/June): Specialized, four-hour professional workshops covering dementia communication habits and chronic caregiver burnout prevention, led by Dr. Andrea Holzner.
• Healthy Legs as You Age (May 6): A cardiovascular educational forum addressing vein health, modern treatment options, and leg circulation, led by Dr. Toshio Nagamoto of Inovia Vein.
• Estate Planning Basics (May 20): A legal resource class reviewing wills, asset protection vehicles, and common probate filing pitfalls, presented by Michael Rose, Attorney at Rose Elder Law.
• Paying for Long-Term Care (June 10): A community seminar providing legal guidance on qualifying for public Medicaid benefits and managing long-term institutional residential costs, presented by Rose Elder Law.

The House Pilates, 2008 S.E. Eighth Ave., Suites 203 and 204, Camas, will open its new Restore Room featuring a red light bed. The event, from 6:45-7:45 p.m. Nov. 3, includes an open house and workshop.

🌌 Galaxy Games Friday Fun Night! 🌌
Get ready for an out-of-this-world night of adventure at Kids Club on Friday, November 13, 2026!

This is a fundraiser for Chinook Elementary!
Proceeds will go toward new RECESS EQUIPMENT for this school year!

Blast off into the world of Galaxy Games where young space explorers will race through the Spaceship Relay, battle it out in an exciting Lightsaber Battle, compete in Galaxy Ball, complete space-themed challenges, create a fun take-home craft, enjoy gymnastics room fun, and work together to complete an evening full of excitement, surprises, and out-of-this-world fun!

Event Details
🕒 Drop-Off: 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
🕙 Pick-Up: 9:30 PM – 10:00 PM
🍕 What’s Included: Event admission, cheese pizza, and a drink
💲 Cost: $39.99 per child

Kids in the 4–6 age group will not have the opportunity to purchase snacks at the café during dinner time—however, you’re welcome to pack them additional snacks!

Kids in the 1st–5th grade age group will have the chance to purchase snacks at the café during dinner time—or you’re welcome to pack them additional snacks!

Important Notes
• Children must be able to stay with the group, follow directions, and be fully toilet-trained (no diapers or pull-ups).
• Students in the 4–6 year old group may not join the older group due to safety and activity appropriateness.
• Please bring a labeled water bottle for your child. 💧
• Please leave toys at home so they don’t get lost during activities. 🧸
• Don’t forget to wear socks! 🧦

🚀 Get ready for Galaxy Games!🌌

Ascendance Enclave hosts Restorative Yoga from 6 to 7 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month at Dovetail Cellars, 404 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. This class welcomes beginners as well as seasoned yogis. Attendees should bring yoga mats. Other comfort props will be supplied if needed. After yoga, enjoy a glass of wine at happy hour prices. The class fee is $10 to $20. Register at ascendanceenclave.com.

Vanessa Grace of Soul Amplified will lead a workshop about the spiritual aspects of autumn from 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 4 at Self Balance Massage, 8301 N.E. Hazel Dell Ave., Vancouver. Autumn is the transition between the outward-focused, fast pace of summer and inward-focused, slow pace of winter. Students will learn how to “live the autumn life” in preparation for winter, the art of releasing and the significance of endings. Grace will lead participants in a guided mediation, leaf release ritual and journaling. The cost is $30, including a digital workbook. For details, email [email protected].

Questions? Email: [email protected]

Since 2002, Clark County families have met for a fun run together on Thanksgiving morning. As the run grew in popularity, the families decided to organize the event and use the opportunity to give back to the community. Now, 1,250 racers join us each year and 100% of the proceeds benefit Clark County Food Bank, which provide the resources for roughly 140,000 meals every Thanksgiving!

Turkey Trot 2025 will be at Salmon Creek Trail, with both races starting at Klineline Pond at 9 am on Thanksgiving morning! The course follows a flat, mostly paved trail that weaves between areas of forest and open meadows. The course will be clearly marked with directions and exact mile markers for both the 5k and 10k races. Water stations will be at the start/finish line, as well as the 10k turnaround. There will also be a first aid station located at the start/finish line.

All registered racers receive timing chips in their race packets, which will electronically track the racer’s time. Chips are then attached to the outermost layer of clothing above the waist. This method ensures accurate timing and creates an easy, quick way for race officials to post times and rankings online following the event.

Turkey Trot has two race day options: a 5k walk/run and a 10k run. Both races begin at 9:00 am on Thanksgiving morning, and take place along the same course. There will usually be around a 5 minute delay between the start of the 10k and 5k races. All age groups are welcome and encouraged to participate! Food (bagels, donuts, bananas, etc.) and coffee will be provided the morning of the race. Special prizes will also be handed out to racers that come dressed in crazy, fun, or Thanksgiving themed costumes!

Create a safe container for energetic care and receiving spiritual gifts (and clearing). This is at the tail end of Samhain, when the energies of souls and ancestral energies are easily accessible for transformation. This entire year is one for massive spiritual growth. So it may just be a continuation of clearing, alignment and manifestation for you. In this ceremony, support your body and spirit to receive a direct experience.

With a strong container and thorough marriage of shamanic healing and sound, call on ancient guides, rhythms, ancestors, and the Great Mystery to clear what no longer serves you. Prepare by bringing something for the altar and wearing comfortable clothing. Join Amy Kimmick of Temple Medicine Healing and Madeline Leigh, Mistress of Sound of Shady Pines Radio, for this powerful gateway experience. Open pathways for your deepest intentions to take root.

With divine guides and multidimensionality over the years, accessing this infinite, beautiful portal of awakening will be effortless. You will attune to your true nature.

Join us for a 5K or 10K guided walk. Walk goes through wetlands, woods, parks, neighborhoods, and the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation Center area. Enjoy n

Led by Rayleen Courtney, this monthly workshop will explore somatic practices as a recovery support!

ALL levels of experience — with somatics and/or recovery — are welcome and affirmed.

In person, Loft

For more than 20 years, Portland Opera to Go (nicknamed POGO) has shared opera experiences with communities around the region. The Crown Maker is a world-premiere opera inspired by the life and legacy of Eva Castellanos, a Mexican American healer, artist, educator, and tireless advocate for immigrant rights. Rooted in Oregon history and shaped by the traditions of community storytelling, the work explores how creativity, compassion, and cultural knowledge can transform lives across generations.

Told as a traditional corrido, The Crown Maker blends poetry, history, and music to explore how one woman’s vision empowered generations through art, healing traditions, and fearless community leadership. Through an evocative score and intimate storytelling, The Crown Maker honors Castellanoz’ lifelong dedication to uplifting others through art, healing practices, and grassroots activism. Her work created spaces where identity, heritage, and belonging could thrive, even in the face of social and political barriers. The opera examines the lasting influence of those who build community not through power or prestige, but through care, vision, and persistence.

Created especially for Portland Opera to Go audiences, The Crown Maker blends poetry, history, and music to explore how one woman’s vision empowered generations through art, healing traditions, and fearless community leadership. This production brings a uniquely Oregonian story to life, while speaking to universal themes of resilience, memory, and self-determination. The Crown Maker celebrates the power of cultural inheritance and the people who preserve it, inviting audiences of all ages to reflect on how stories, traditions, and acts of courage continue to shape communities today.

Nov. 14 — Two performances at Walters Cultural Arts Center in Hillsboro at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Dec. 4-5 — Three performances at the World Trade Center Theatre.

Jan. 10 — Watch at the historic Clatskanie Cultural Center at 2 p.m.

Jan. 24 — Join the Happy Valley Library at 2 p.m.

Speed Dating Tonight!
Music & Libretto by Michael Ching
Based on a concept by Dean Anthony

Portland State University’s Opera program kicks off its 50th anniversary season with Michael Ching’s “Speed Dating Tonight!” (2013). Set over the course of a single evening at a local bar, this clever, heartwarming opera follows a revolving cast of singles searching for that elusive spark. There's the dreamer, the hopeless romantic, the bashful, the over-sharer, the chronically distracted, and everyone in between, each getting their moment in the spotlight through music that is equal parts tender, heartbreaking, and hilarious.

Written with duets and ensembles for up to 45 voices, “Speed Dating Tonight!” has a flexible modular structure that can be customized to fit any cast size, voice type, or gender identity. PSU Opera’s version of “Speed Dating Tonight!” features 35 song selections and arrangements specifically chosen to reflect the unique assortment of voices in the 12-member cast.

At its heart, this is a show about the universal human longing to be seen and cherished by another person. Woven through the interactions is another question: can a genuine connection actually happen in five minutes or less? With Michael Ching’s delightful opera, the answer is decidedly yes.

Visit the Speed Dating Tonight! web page to learn more about this production, including additional dates, cast and crew information, photos, and more as we get closer to opening night.

Learn more about the Opera program at Portland State University's School of Music & Theater.

Meet our bike club, explore Portland Metro, learn great routes North, South, East and West.We do the planning and you just come out to ride your bike and enjoy some time in the saddle. NO DROP bike ride. Mostly flat and easy (climbs to access bridges). Caters to newer, slower riders. Learn how to access and ride the two Interstate Bridges. Beautiful scenery, fun metro riding. Depending on group and weather we may take a spin through the new Vancouver waterfront area. Will include a stop at a nice cafe in Vancouver. Pace 13-15 mph with modifications for specific group.

Set aside two hours for a somatic-focused mini retreat with Sophia Miller that explores the balance and support of the hips and pelvis. The session weaves gentle Primal Vinyasa, sacral aromatherapy, journaling inspired by the natural world, and an all-instrumental soundscape, and it begins with a simple tea service. Journaling materials are provided. Please bring a yoga mat and a favorite mug for tea. Early bird pricing is $45 or $80 for two, with a $55 rate afterward. Space is limited to 16 students, and registration is available through Mindbody.

There is something powerful about being able to exhale in a space where you know you are welcome. Rainbow Exhale is a queer and trans-centered sound journey created for LGBTQIA+ community members and allies. The experience begins with a guided EFT meditation, followed by progressive muscle relaxation to help release tension and settle into the present moment. From there, the session opens into a carefully composed sound bath using crystal singing bowls and other gentle acoustic instruments.

Each sound and instrument is chosen intentionally, with the session unfolding through a progression of tones, textures, rhythms, and silence. The experience offers space for deep rest, reflection, and restoration, with time to slow down, listen, and notice what arises. No experience with EFT, meditation, or sound healing is necessary. Whether you're deeply familiar with these practices or trying them for the first time, you're invited to get comfortable and let yourself be guided through the experience.

Led by Charlie Sebastian Short, a queer, BIPOC, and neurodivergent sound healing practitioner and professional musician, Rainbow Exhale is a trauma-aware space created with LGBTQIA+ community members in mind. Allies are warmly welcome. While many items are available to borrow, feel free to bring any comfort items, such as a favorite pillow, squishmallow, eye mask, or anything else that helps you get comfortable... then give yourself some room to breathe.

This is a pay-what-you-can (PWYC) or sliding-scale event.

Through guided self-inquiry, journaling, group reflection, and a guided inner child practice, you'll uncover some of the beliefs and patterns you may have learned in order to feel loved, safe, and accepted.

Come climb and build community with other women, femme, trans, and non-binary folks at the climbing center! Climbers must complete the safety quiz at member services and grab a wristband before using the Climbing Center. Check out your climbing gear at the equipment check-out desk. Staff are available to belay. Drop in anytime during the event, or arrive at 5:30 p.m. for introductions, Ice-Breakers, and overview of the space. If you need accommodations please email the Outdoor Program: [email protected]. Open to all!

Emily Wright

$25 – the practice + all creative supplies

$55 – the practice, all creative supplies + a bottle of fine, natural scent, 5 ml roll-on. This special scent crafted by artist Catherine Haley Epstein blends natural, high-quality extracts of cedar, violet and apricot for a light, peace-inspiring aroma. A lovely add on to any restorative or creative practice.

The practice of Yoga Nidra is thousands of years old yet immensely relevant to our time. A systematic process of deliberate relaxation that combines breath, body-scan and imagery-based techniques to serve as a powerful antidote to overstimulation, burnout and exhaustion.

Yoga Nidra is an accessible go-to practice in any wellness toolkit for sharpening cognition, bolstering creativity and promoting a healthy response to stress. Through a 20-minute practice, studies have shown that it improves neuroplasticity, resets dopamine levels and supports healthy central nervous system regulation.

Additionally, its ancient wisdom undeniably invites in a deeper knowing of the soul. This more spiritual angle empowers a release of fear and unwanted habits and enables new alignment to authenticity, freedom and heart.

Focus on gentle movement, stretching, and mindfulness to relieve tension and stress while calming the nervous system. This class will be done entirely seated in a chair and is well suited for individuals with limited mobility.

November is a time for letting go, turning inward, and deepening the connection with what truly matters. You are warmly invited to a special Sauna Sisters gathering dedicated to honoring ancestors, roots, and the connection to nature. Come alone or bring a woman from your family—your mother, daughter, aunt, sister, or another loved one—to share stories, hold space for one another, and experience a magical evening in the sauna.

What to Expect — 3 Hours

• Ancestral Honoring Ritual: A gentle ritual to connect with our roots and express gratitude to those who walked before us.
• Story Sharing Circle: A safe and welcoming space to listen, reflect, and speak from the heart.
• Healing Sauna: Relax into the restorative warmth of the sauna and löyly, the sacred steam, in the company of other women.

Reetta Ranta is a Finnish storyteller, author, coach, and the creator of the Sauna Sisters concept. She works to revitalize ancient spiritual traditions and deepen a connection with nature. She is the author of Timeless Nordic Rituals and the creator of the Nordic Forest Rituals oracle deck, published in 2026 by REDFeather / Schiffer Publishing.

🎵 K-Pop Dance at Campus Rec!

Move, dance, and connect! Celebrate International Education Week with K-pop dance at the PSU Campus Recreation Center. Move to energetic beats, meet new people, and connect with the PSU community. Bring your enthusiasm, try something new, and have fun on the dance floor! More details can be found on the Campus Rec's website.

Introduction to the 5 major tea types and ceremonial tea.
Join us for an introduction to the five major types of tea; green, white, oolong, black, and dark tea. Together we will explore the origins of Camellia sinensis, trace its history and cultural roots, and experience the art of gongfu ceremonial tea service. This class is an invitation to step into the magic, wonder, and devotion that tea inspires, while learning how its many expressions continue to connect us to the natural world and our human nature.

This gathering is offered with a suggested contribution of $35. In the spirit of inclusivity and balance, you are welcome to offer what feels right for you, whether that is $35, $25, or more if you have the means. Contributions above the suggested amount help make this experience accessible to those with financial need and sustain the ongoing care and energy poured into holding spaces like this. Every offering, whether financial or energetic, affirms the value of community supported education.

We also acknowledge the systemic barriers that have long limited access for BIPOC communities. To honor this, a $15 option is available for BIPOC participants who would benefit from it. This is one way we commit to equity, ensuring that diversity is not only welcomed but integral to the richness of the experience.

If the listed prices are still a barrier, please reach out directly. I am more than willing to work with you to ensure that tea remains within reach for all who feel called to share in it.

All are welcome here. You are invited to arrive exactly as you are and take part in a space rooted in openness, care, and community, a living space where each presence is honored and where we grow together through the deep, transformative beauty of tea.

To help us hold a mindful and welcoming space, we ask participants to be considerate of sensory sensitivities by avoiding strong fragrances. This is a space of gentle awareness, where we honor our own needs as well as those of others. By showing up with openness, care, and respect for each other’s boundaries, we create a collective meditative atmosphere where, tea, and community belonging can flourish.

In the spirit of reciprocity and uplifting community together, five dollars from each participant will be donated to Q Center, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ2SIA+ communities through advocacy, resources, and safe spaces, embodying tea’s spirit of connection, reflection, healing, and belonging.

This class is led by D’Guar (they/them), a trans person of color, tea guide, and community builder based in Portland, Oregon. D’Guar has devoted their path to exploring the spirit of Camellia sinensis through mindful practice, storytelling, and connection. Through their project Water Fairy Tea, they create spaces where tea becomes a bridge between nature, presence, and belonging. Their offerings weave education with devotion, inviting participants to meet tea not only as a beverage, but as a living companion in self discovery and community care with nature and the world around.

We acknowledge that this work takes place on the traditional lands of the Multnomah, Clackamas, Chinook, Kathlamet, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other Indigenous ancestors and communities. We honor their enduring presence, care, and wisdom, and offer gratitude to the land and to the people who have tended it since time immemorial.

Join us for a special basketball skills and drills event with Michael Holton! Play games, learn new skills, and enjoy free pizza, snacks, and prizes while learning more about the Reynolds Middle School basketball program.

This event is free and open to all youth ages 5–14. Youth should wear athletic shoes, preferably basketball shoes, bring a water bottle and a smile, and be ready to play!

Registration required

Enjoy an illuminated evening bike ride through Wilsonville’s city streets. Perfect for families and cycling enthusiasts of all ages!

Growing older isn’t just about adding years; it’s about discovering new ways to find meaning, connection, and joy. Join a welcoming community of adults 60+ for a six-week journey of reflection, conversation, and personal growth. Together, we’ll explore this stage of life with resilience, purpose, and wisdom.

​Through guided conversations, mindfulness practices, journaling, and shared experiences, you’ll gain practical tools and fresh perspectives for navigating life’s transitions. Together, we’ll explore topics such as embracing change, cultivating meaningful relationships, enhancing well-being, and creating a lasting legacy.

​Based on the book Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience, and Spirit by Rabbi Rachel Cowan and Dr. Linda Thal, this series uses the book as a guide for discussion and reflection.

Because each session builds on the last, participants are asked to commit to attending all six weeks, allowing the group to develop trust, meaningful connections, and rich conversations together.

​The series is facilitated by Laura Ziegler, an experienced trainer and group facilitator who is passionate about helping older adults embrace the opportunities and transitions of the Third Act.

​This series is free to attend, but registration is required. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Participants are asked to purchase a copy of the Wise Aging book prior to the first session. If the cost of the book is a barrier, please let us know — we’re happy to provide a copy.

Join local artist Elizabeth Higgins for weekly workshops focused on creative expression, mindfulness, and supportive community connection. Designed as a sanctuary from daily stressors, these sessions emphasize the joyful process of making art rather than the pressure of a finished product. Perfect for all skill levels, from absolute beginners to experienced creators looking to refresh their practice. All premium studio materials are included in the tuition fee.

Class Times: 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. on Mondays
Tuition per Session: Resident $79 / Non-Resident $119 (Materials included)

Slow down and see the world around you with fresh eyes. This four-week session uses the quiet patterns of the natural world to anchor your attention in the present moment. Through gentle, guided, and meditative sketching exercises, you will learn to quiet a busy mind and relieve daily stress. Elizabeth will introduce accessible mark-making techniques that make sketching feel approachable, helping you overcome the fear of the blank page and establish a sustainable, deeply personal daily sketchbook practice.

Topics Covered:

• Using rhythmic, repetitive drawing patterns found in leaves, seed pods, and stones to induce a meditative flow state
• Contemplative "blind contour" and gesture sketching to bypass the inner critic and build confidence
• Practical techniques for starting, organizing, and maintaining a regular, stress-free sketchbook habit at home

Dates: Mondays, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, & 10/26
Event Code: 34836

Experience the liberating and playful art of paper collage. By cutting, tearing, and arranging everyday found papers, hand-painted fragments, and text, you will bypass the technical anxieties of drawing and jump straight into raw visual storytelling. This course balances mindful, intuitive play with fundamental design concepts. While enjoying a relaxed studio environment, you will discover how to arrange bold abstract artwork that expresses your inner landscape.

Topics Covered:

• Intuitive paper tearing and layer arrangement to build textures without overthinking your choices
• Introduction to foundational color theory, contrasting palettes, and visual balance in abstract design
• Mindful sharing and collaborative community exercises designed to inspire deep connection with fellow classmates

Dates: Mondays, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, & 11/23
Event Code: 34837

About the Instructor:
Elizabeth M. Higgins is a Portland‑area teaching artist whose work centers on creativity, nature, and mindfulness. She holds a 100‑hour certification in eco-therapy and brings a gentle, encouraging approach to her watercolor and nature-journaling classes, inspiring students of all ages to explore art joyfully. Her vibrant work is shown at her Hillsboro studio and Grey Raven Gallery in Beaverton.

Website: Elizabeth M. Higgins — https://elizabethmhiggins.com/

The following previous topics from this season are now complete. Please contact the registration program desk if you would like to be notified when these seasonal topics return to the calendar.

Held weekly across April and May 2026, this foundational workshop invited beginners and nature lovers to connect deeply with seasonal shifts. Utilizing the principles of eco-therapy, students ventured into outdoor environments to observe regional flora and fauna firsthand. Under Elizabeth's gentle guidance, participants learned to blend delicate watercolor washes with organic line work to document the textures, shifting light, and quiet rhythms of the Pacific Northwest springtime landscape.

Join a day of sipping and celebrating with tea friends. Special guests from Enthea, Teazen, Ocha, and Aishang will be stopping by throughout the day. Enjoy delicious pastries from Miss Orange and friends, along with crafts, giveaways, and plenty of surprises.

Enjoy a Little Magic with Sarah Blue Cloud tarot and palm readings. Guest Tea Spotlights with Via Tempo, Tea J Tea and Brew and Blossom. End the evening with Charlie Sebastian Short for a Sound Bath Meditation, a peaceful way to close out a day of tea, friendship, and celebration. Space is limited for the Sound Bath.

No admission fee, just an open invitation to spend the day enjoying tea.

Free All-Day Tea Party.

As autumn settles more deeply into the land, join a cozy evening at ChamBurn Farm in Oregon City, just 20 minutes south of Portland. Begin with a short tour of the beautifully designed farm, then warm up with hot cider and a seasonal snack provided by chef Jim of ChamBurn Farm.

Under a large covered outdoor patio complete with a fire burning in the fireplace, Angela of Breathe Yoga will open the evening's practice with a grounding, inviting you to settle into your body, connect with the earth beneath you, and arrive fully in the moment. Then, Gabrielle of Hearthsounds Sound Healing will guide you into a 75-minute immersive sound bath. Singing bowls, gong, chimes, and other instruments will surround you in layers of sound and vibration, blending with the natural sounds of the farm: the crackle of the fire, the rustling of the evening air, and the occasional call of an animal.

November invites one to slow down. The harvest has been gathered, the landscape is changing, and nature is gradually becoming quieter. This evening is an opportunity to follow that rhythm, settle into stillness, and simply receive.

Enjoy 30-40 minutes of age-appropriate stories, songs, and yoga movements.

Our books, songs, and activities are ideal for kids ages 0-5, and all are welcome.

• Organizer: Cameron Bennett
• Schedule: Meet at 8am, ride at 8:30am
• Ride Length: 15+ miles
• End Location: The scheduled portion of the ride will end at the sausage fest. Stick with the group to roll to the Hatfield (Hillsboro) MAX station after dinner, or ride home when you've had enough to eat and drink.
• Location Details: Meet under the picnic shelter by the basketball courts
• Audience: Adults (21+)

Would you ride in the rain for all-you-can-eat bratwurst? Let's enjoy some rolling (and likely rainy) miles to Verboort; the all-you-can eat dinner tastes way better if you ride there!

GETTING THERE
Meet at the Wallace Park picnic shelter near the basketball courts. Gather at 8am, departing at 8:30am - can't be too late to dinner. Pace will be spirited enough to stay warm but slow enough to not show up too sweaty. There will be a few regroup/snack breaks at the top of the climbs, as shown on the route.

THE ROUTE
Please be aware that there are some significant hills on this route, and we will be far from TriMet service at times. While this is a no-drop ride, you are expected to be self-sufficient! Bring enough layers and calories to keep yourself happy and healthy for the conditions. There are short sections of busy roads on route, but it is generally pretty low-traffic. There is a short section of gravel since it's the nicest way to get over the hill; you will be able to ride it on any type of bike.

Bring a lock, lights, rain gear, and some cash! Fenders are appreciated :)

THE SAUSAGE FESTIVAL
Dinner is $23, and there will be a wait to eat after we arrive. Luckily, there's a beer garden to pass the time in... There will be sauerkraut and sausage for sale. Make sure you've got the stomach and cargo capacity to take advantage of it all!

https://www.verboort.org/dinner

GETTING HOME
Worried about riding home? ...trust us, the MAX is the better option. We'll roll out as a group and keep the pace easy on our full tummies.

Join Chelsea Hoshaw for a family-friendly yoga class! Family yoga includes songs, books, meditation, movement and emotional regulation techniques for the whole family! Child-sized mats will be supplied; families can bring their own adult mats if they would like. This class is geared toward 0-6 but siblings can come, too. Each child needs to have an adult and adults are encouraged to participate.

From “Portland Stair Walks” by Laura Foster: 4.5 miles with 11 staircases. 650’ elevation changes. Begin at the NW corner of SE 61st & Stark St