Water and Power: A Night Carnival of Climate Apocalypse

Gather your War Boys, roll out your Tank (Girl), and set sail for Dryland this Thanksgiving weekend with "Water and Power: A Night Carnival of Climate Apocalypse". Shake off your turkey-induced lethargy and slake your hunger for performance, power, and resources in this final installment of the 2026 Night Carnival season, "Art At The End Of The World". Bringing performances from climate apocalypse fiction, pop culture, and speculative realities to life in a four-hour costume party and cabaret event of catastrophic proportions.

Whether you make a statement with a costume inspired by current climate anxieties, or make waves as a character from Waterworld, there’s a place for every wasteland warrior, mutated kangaroo, and Thunderdome gladiator at the post-apocalyptic table. Featuring performances from some of Portland’s best circus, dance, cabaret, and performance artists with acts ranging from Tank Girl-inspired aerial to contemplations on the relationship with nature told in fabric and light, get ready to confront climate collapse…but “make it fun.”

Come dressed as your favorite climate apocalypse character, pop-culture reference, or concept and enjoy original cocktails from The Steep and Thorny Way to Heaven mixologists Myrrh Larsen and Megan Skye Hale, wasteland wares from a featured local vendor and performances throughout the night. N95 or equivalent masks are highly encouraged for all guests when indoors. Guests incorporating an N95 or equivalent mask into their costume will receive a special thank-you gift.

“Even the wind carries the memory of forests long gone.” — Lawrence Nault

The Night Carnival 2026 season is funded in part by the Regional Arts and Culture Council and the Arts Access Fund. ASL Interpretation provided.