Portland and Area Activities Planner - September 20, 2024

by Geri And Tim Penner

WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND?
Excerpts From
TravelPortland .com
TualitinValley.org
TravelOregon.com

	OAKS PARK OKTOBERFEST Sept. 20–22 Head to Oaks Amusement Park for their annual Oktoberfest, where you can expect several beers on tap, delicious German food, live bands and performances by dance groups. "Willkommen" back to Oktoberfest, the first one since 2019. This fall family festival returns with three days of authentic German food and beer, polka music, dancing, kids' activities, cooking shows, thrill rides, and more. All ages of visitors are welcome.
	GREEN DAY WITH SMASHING PUMPKINS Wednesday, Sept. 25 @5:00PM Since the early '90s, Bay Area trio Green Day has been one of the world's most celebrated and successful bands, growing from an energetic and snarling pop-punk group into an increasingly melodic and stylistically adventurous act and infiltrating the mainstream early in the process. From the start, the band took notes from the anarchic attitudes and loud, fast, snotty approach of jittery late-'70s punk acts like the Jam and Sham 69, but elevated their blasting sound with pop elements like catchy hooks, tightly arranged song structures, and Beatlesque vocal harmonies.
	PORTLAND OKTOBERFEST Sept. 20–21 Bring your steins, dirndls, and lederhosen – Munich’s favorite fest arrives in downtown Portland this fall. It's Oktoberfest at Pioneer Courthouse Square. With its picturesque setting in the heart of the city, Portland Oktoberfest invites locals and visitors alike to experience an unforgettable fusion of German heritage and Oregonian flair. Indulge in authentic Bavarian delights with mouthwatering bratwursts and soft pretzels from Portland’s Urban German Wursthaus. Steins will overflow with a carefully curated selection of regional German-style beers and authentic imports straight from Munich.
	ZOOTOBERFEST Sept. 27–28 Introducing Zootoberfest. Welcome fall with more than 45 of the best breweries and cideries the Northwest offers. Enjoy live music and entertainment, keeper chats and more. Delicious local food carts and food options will be available throughout the zoo — discover perfect culinary pairings for beer and cider. This event is 21+ Together for Wildlife! Every ticket purchased helps the Oregon Zoo connect our community to the wonder of wildlife to create a better future for all.
	PORTLAND FASHION WEEK Sept. 16–22 Portland Fashion Week, the Sundance of Fashion Weeks, is the 3rd oldest fashion week series in the United States, TIME Magazine’s “BEST Indie Fashion Week in the USA since 2012, and the only carbon-negative fashion week in the world as outlined by The Huffington Post. From top-of-the-line eco-chic fashion experiences to our support for the local fashion community and the community, it’s no wonder Portland Fashion Week is on the “Top 100 Things to Do Before You Die” Portland Bucket List.
	PORTLAND LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL Sept 25–Nov 24 The Portland Latin American Film Festival announces its XVIII Season at the Hollywood Theatre, featuring feature films, documentaries, and short films from Peru, Portugal, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Mexico, Argentina.
	NEGRONI WEEK Sept. 16–22 What’s more fun than bar-crawling through Portland? Knowing that every sip is helping a worthy cause. Every September, bars and restaurants around the city (and the world) join forces for Negroni Week. This Portland-born fundraising event challenges bartenders across the globe to present their best twists on the classic three-ingredient cocktail. Part of the proceeds from each negroni purchased benefit 40 charities, including Portland’s Outside In and Oregon Food Bank. Negroni Week was founded in 2013 by Portland-based “liquid culture” magazine Imbibe and spirits giant Campari America. It has since expanded to more than 6,000 participating bars and restaurants throughout North America, Europe and Australia. The event raised $900,000 for thousands of charities worldwide in its first four years.
	AVIATION NEGRONI WEEK TOUR Sept. 15-22 Aviation American Gin has supercharged its classic Aviation Distillery tour to spotlight Aviation Gin and the iconic Negroni cocktail. Delve into the rich history of the Negroni that unveils the masterful craftsmanship that bartenders employ to perfect this classic drink. Discover how the distinct botanicals and artisanal spirit of Aviation Gin elevate the Negroni to new heights. Join an immersive experience in September and celebrate Negroni Week and the Slow Food movement, enriching your understanding and enthusiasm for these timeless classics. Add the "Slow Food PDX Guest" experience and $15 from each ticket will be donated to the Slow Food Movement.
	CORN ROAST AND CHALK ART FESTIVAL Saturday, Sept. 21 The Corn Roast and Fall Festival/Chalk Art Festival is Forest Grove’s premier fall festival and event. The Corn Roast is a Forest Grove tradition, where the city pays homage to its roots as a community. This is a fun, family-friendly festival. Bring the kids to meet Cornel Cornelius, the friendly corn mascot, and enjoy some corn on the cob roasted over open fire by the local firefighters. You can watch dancing and bands on the entertainment stage or peruse the booths of local artisans and businesses. There will even be bunnies this year at the rabbit rescue booth. The Chalk Art Festival is going the same day in Forest Grove so you can also buy a square and create a masterpiece.
	ST. JOHNS FALL FLING Saturday, Sept. 21 Saturday, Sept. 21Enjoy the changing of the season with the Fall Fling in the historic St. Johns neighborhood. Art, activities, and music will be in the St. Johns Plaza, a district-wide celebration with specials from local businesses all day. Pick up a drawing entry form to win hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards and merchandise from St. Johns businesses. Join this FREE day of fall-themed fun.
	NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH AT BAR CARLO Sept. 15–Oct. 13 Join Chef/Owner Melinda Archuleta of Bar Carlo, recently featured on Comcast's groundbreaking docuseries Culture Capital, in honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month. Chef Archuleta is launching a special series of Domingueando, a celebration of the art of leisurely Sundays. The series will feature all-day happy hour every Sunday from 4-8 p.m. The weekly event will showcase live music, art, pop-ups, and more, offering the perfect blend of culture and community. Come back every week to enjoy weekly seasonal food specials and handcrafted Cantaritos — vibrant cocktails made from muddled fruits, herbs, and optional agave spirits, served in handmade pottery cups created by artisans with disabilities in Mexico.
	GOOSE AT MCMENNAMIN'S EDGEFIELD Sunday, Sept. 22 Goose released their debut album in 2016 and quickly took flight, playing countless shows while steadily amassing a fervent fan following for their unique brand of irresistible songcraft, fluid musicianship, and spirited improvisational performance. 2022 proved a career-defining year for the Connecticut-based quintet with their critically acclaimed third studio album, Dripfield. Fueled by such hypnotic tracks as “Hungersite” (which spent multiple weeks among the top 10 at Triple A radio outlets nationwide), the album proved a phenomenon, debuting at #2 on Billboard’s “Top New Artist Albums” chart amidst critical applause from such national outlets as Rolling Stone, which hailed it as “both sweet headphone ear candy and the foundation for a perfect live peak.”
	THE FEAR PDX HAUNTED HOUSE Sept. 13–Nov. 1 PORTLAND'S LARGEST HALLOWEEN EVENT: All-new haunted houses, one location, one ticket. 2024 Attractions: Toxic Carnage The Mansion Blood House 2 Scarecrow Metal Massacre Rotten Pulp Poison Apple Festival Tormented Chopped Slasher Shed
	THE CORN MAIZE AT THE PUMPKIN PATCH Aug. 31–Oct. 31 Located on Sauvie Island, , a rural escape just 13 miles (21 km) north of downtown Portland, the Corn Maize offers visitors eight acres (3 hectares) of exciting twists and turns. But it’s not all about getting lost in nature; Two 16-foot (5 m) observation bridges provide picturesque panoramas with great views of the island and Mount Hood, as well as the maze itself. Every year, the cornfield is carved with a different pattern, and the design is always sure to stump maze-goers while delighting fans of public art. Starting at the end of August, the maze is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and stays open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in October (and on select days leading up to Halloween).
	GARBA BOLLYWOOD DANCE WORKSHOP Sept. 27 Step into the world of colorful rhythms and energetic moves at the Garba Bollywood Dance Workshop. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to add some spice to your routine, this workshop is perfect for everyone. What to Expect: Exciting Dance Routines: Learn authentic Garba moves and Bollywood choreography that will make you shine on the dance floor. Cultural Immersion: Discover Garba and Bollywood dance's rich history and cultural significance. Fun and Fitness: Enjoy a high-energy workout that’s as fun as it is effective. Community Vibes: Connect with fellow dance enthusiasts and be part of a supportive, lively community. No prior dance experience is needed — just bring your enthusiasm and energy. Whether you want to enhance your dance skills or simply have a blast, this workshop is designed to celebrate dance and culture in a joyful environment.
	CHAPMAN SWIFT WATCH All September Great blue herons, bald eagles and peregrine falcons are just a few of the Rose City avian residents routinely spotted by visitors. But to really “put a bird” on a Portland memory, mark the calendar for September’s Chapman Swift Watch — the time of year when thousands of Vaux’s swifts drift through the city on their annual migration from Canada to Central and South America. The tiny birds spend their days hunting for insects and their evenings roosting, bat-like, in trees and chimneys.
	DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS Sept. 13–29 Ever wondered what would happen if you took Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire tale and put it into a blender with Mel Brooks, Monty Python, and The 39 Steps? That’s just what happens in this lightning-fast, laugh-out-loud, 90-minute romp. When her sister Mina falls ill with a mysterious disease of the blood, Lucy Westfeldt and her fiancé, Jonathan Harker, enlist the help of famed female vampire hunter Doctor Jean Van Helsing. Their hunt for the dangerous and sexy Count Dracula abounds with clever wordplay and quick-change antics. Five actors play over a dozen roles in this bloodcurdling hilarious send-up of the literary classic.
	DAHLIA FESTIVAL Aug. 1–Sept. 29 Celebrate the season of DAHLIAS. A Rainbow of Color. Stroll through almost 40 acres and a beautiful display garden of stunning dahlias featuring over 370 varieties. The beautiful fields are open from August to September each year, closed on Monday and Tuesday. Pick out and order your favorite dahlias for Spring delivery and planting. Purchase a beautiful bunch of cut dahlias to take home with you or to make someone’s day. Visit the Gift Shop with hundreds of local treasures, open year-round. Fill your belly with yummy treats from Food Carts, relax and enjoy the Live Music, attend the Sunday farmers’ market, or take one of the Classes throughout the festival dates.
	CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: KOOZA Aug 21, 2024 - Oct 6 Undeniably the most daring Cirque du Soleil touring production, KOOZA takes audiences on a thrilling, emotional ride with its nail-biting, mind-boggling acrobatics. Inspired by traditional circus arts from around the globe, the show’s performances display remarkable showmanship, exceptional execution and incredible agility — notably in the High Wire, Teeterboard and Wheel of Death acts.
	BIGFOOT ADVENTURE CRUISE July – Sept, Wed - Mondays Explore the history and lore of Bigfoot while traveling 80 miles (129 km) roundtrip on a high-speed jetboat from Portland to Multnomah Falls. See the landmarks along the Willamette and Columbia Rivers that make the Northwest famous while listening to exclusive narration by Cliff Barackman (star of Animal Planet‘s “Finding Bigfoot”) and a live tour guide. You’ll enjoy curated information about the legend of Bigfoot and sightings in the Columbia River Gorge on this exhilarating, informative journey.
	ENCHANTED FOREST September Weekends The Enchanted Forest has been a destination for Oregon children since it opened in 1971. Generations of kids have slid down the creepy witch slide, delighted in the Crooked Man’s house, and ridden on the carousel. The Enchanted Forest is a theme park – there is a section with carnival rides and a haunted house – but what most people remember is the creative world contained in the paths and structures of the park.
	LENTS INTERNATIONAL FARMERS MARKET Sundays, Jun 2 – Nov 24 The Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM) is the only one in Portland with an intentional international focus. LIFM provides fresh, affordable and culturally appropriate produce to the diverse community of Lents neighbors. Founded in 2006 by a community of volunteers and then run by Zenger Farm, it is an important sales outlet for immigrant and new farmers and small food-business owners. The market features culturally specific products, including Northwest-grown traditional Mexican produce and Asian greens.
	STERNWHEELER RIVER TOURS Year-Round This once primary mode of transportation has become more of a fun commodity for tourism, as river cruise ships provide visitors a chance to get out on the water and take in the sights of their new surroundings. Oregon joined in on the trend in the early 1980s. Since then, several non-steam-powered sternwheel riverboats have been built and operated on major waterways in the state, primarily on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers in Marion County. Each is a fun ride for visitors and locals alike as they seemingly tug along and transport them to yesteryear.
	HIGH LIFE ADVENTURES Year Round Enjoy a tour of 8 zip lines in a beautiful setting. Join two tour guides on an exhilarating zip line experience around and over a seven-acre lake. A mile of zipping, sure to create lasting memories for the whole family. Take your team to the next level: High Life Adventures also offers customized Team Building Programs to challenge your group while bringing them together as a team.
	PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKET Mar. 9–Dec. 15 Combining the vibes of an art show, a live street concert and an open-air bazaar, the Portland Saturday Market has been a beloved Rose City tradition since 1974. In fact, the market is considered the largest continually operating arts-and-crafts fair in the United States, drawing up to one million visitors during its annual season.
	ST JOHN'S FARMERS MARKET May 4–Dec. 14 The St. Johns Farmers Market will be open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday May 4 through November 23, the weekend before Thanksgiving. There will also be a Holiday Market on Saturday, December 14, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The market is held at the corner of N. Charleston Ave. and N Central St, next to the St. Johns Bachelor Club. The 2024 season has a full vendor roster, including new and returning small businesses spanning local, sustainably-grown agriculture, artisan food, and handmade arts and crafts, Some exciting new products at the market this year include organically grown vegetables and quail eggs from Tiny Acre, a St. Johns-based small scale organic farm; breakfast burritos from Poblano Pepper Mexican Food; and plant-based, farmer-forward pastries and treats from Poppy Shop. To see which vendors are scheduled for each week, check out the interactive market map: https://maps.managemymarket.com/6336
	PORTLAND INDIGENOUS MARKETPLACE Ongoing Portland Indigenous Marketplace will host the Indigenous Marketplace. Over 30 vendors, food, art exhibits, and more will be present. A marketplace specifically for Indigenous/Black vendors, all the artists/entrepreneurs featured on Indigenous Marketplace have Indigenous/Black ancestry. Vendors sell their hand made and original designs.
	KENTON FARMER'S MARKET June 5–Sept. 25 The Kenton Farmers Market is located in the heart of the historic Kenton neighborhood in North Portland. Founded in 2012, the market’s live music and the festive street-fair atmosphere thrive in this growing business district. Proximity to a MAX station and easy access for bicyclists and those on foot make this market a lively and convenient mid-week destination for fresh, local food.