The approaching weekend took me by surprise. There are as many worthwhile events as on some of the busiest summer weekends.

Come for the Scandinavian food, crafts, and the 54th crowning of Oregon’s Lucia Queen of Light. Stay for the Pickled Herring Eating Contest!

Of course the North American Organic Brewers Festival will be at Overlook Park all weekend long. I’m heading up there immediately after work on Friday – it’s my favorite summer beer festival.
Saturday celebrate the summer solstice (a week late) at the 81st annual Scandinavian Midsummer Festival with the Scandinavian Heritage Foundation and The [...]

Heather and I spent last weekend in Astoria. We wanted to check out the 2009 Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, and both of us just happen to adore Astoria.
As usual, Heather has posted an amusing account of our fantastic trip, with photos and videos, at her blog:
Tank Full Of Gas, Chapter 16: Astoria [...]

I’m glad I checked out Around The Sun this morning, as earlier this week when I compiled my list of weekend activities I had completely forgotten about Sunday’s Norwegian Constitution Day celebration and parade.
Norway’s most important holiday, “Syttende Mai” (set-na-my), Constitution Day, will be celebrated on Sunday, May 17th right here in Portland, [...]

Saturday morning found us at PSU’s Smith Center for the 24th annual ScanFair, celebrating the sight, sounds, tastes and traditions of a Scandinavian Christmas. The event raises funds for PSU Nordic language classes and the Scandinavian Heritage Foundation, the mission of which is to preserve, communicate and celebrate Scandinavian heritage and culture.
Events like the [...]

There are other things to do this weekend in besides drinking beer.
The Scandinavian Heritage Foundation’s 24th Annual ScanFair takes place this weekend at PSU’s Smith Center. Come for the Scandinavian food, crafts, and the 53rd crowning of Oregon’s Lucia Queen of Light. Stay for the Pickled Herring Eating Contest at noon Saturday!
The [...]

Festivals are few and far between in late fall and winter, but this weekend is one of the exceptions. Fight the holiday cheer and cold: imbibe copious amounts of alcohol, sausage, and pickled herring.
Thursday-Sunday
Pioneer Square hosts the Holiday Ale Festival once again. Stay warm and dry and claustrophobic under the big tent. [...]