Take your lederhosen out of the closet, as there are Oktoberfests galore this month, in addition to several street fairs, the inimitable Polish Festival, and the Juggling and Pirate Festivals to boot!
Speaking of boots . . .
Friday-Sunday
The Muddy Boot Organic Festival kicks off Friday at St. Philip Neri Church (18th & Division). The festival features:
- Workshops and exhibits on sustainable living and climate change
- Local and healthy organic foods and beverages
- Organic beer and wine
- Kids’ activities
- Musical entertainment provided by March Fourth Marching Band, Freak Mountain Ramblers, Jackstraw, Stolen Sweets, Dirty Martini Trio and more
Hopworks Urban Brewery (which isn’t even open yet!) is the official organic beer of the festival. Muddy Boots runs through Sunday, and a $5 suggested donation per person is requested.
Saturday
Widmer is out of the Teutonic gates first* with the Widmer Brothers 3rd Annual Oktoberfest from 4pm until late Saturday, September 8th.
I attended last year, and while the beer was good, it felt more like a tailgater than an Oktoberfest. Nevertheless, it’s walking distance from my house so I might give it another chance. At least there will be some accordion music (Those Darn Accordions).
* The Mt. Angel Oktoberfest kickoff party is the same day, but the festival doesn’t begin until Thursday, September 13th.
The Belmont Street Fair will be car free this year, and that much better for it. The Division/Clinton Street Fair was a disappointment this year, while the car free Mississippi Avenue Street Fair was fantastic (though other factors such as business density, types of business, target audience, etc. came into play too). It will be centered between 33rd and 35th, but will run from 20th-48th.
Saturday-Sunday
The 2007 Portland Dragon Boat Race will be held at Water Front Park on both Saturday and Sunday. Hong Kong-style Dragon Boats (I think that just means the big fancy ones) will ply the 250 and 500 meter courses both days, and there will be a beer garden, food vendors, and other entertainment for spectators to enjoy.
I may be biased, but I think my mom’s team, Pink Phoenix, is going to win the whole thing!
Leave a Reply