Dave Knows Portland

Pittock Mansion and OHS Commemorate 1962 Columbus Day Storm (October 12-31, 2012)

by Leave a Comment

Pittock Mansion in the aftermath of the Columbus Day StormThe 1962 Columbus Day Storm nearly destroyed the then privately owned Pittock Mansion. A fundraising effort by concerned citizens spurred the City of Portland to purchase the mansion in 1964 (for $225,000!). It was restored and in 1965 the historic house opened as the museum we know it as now.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the storm this year, in partnership with Oregon Historical Society, whose exhibit, The Mightiest Wind, examines the 1962 Columbus Day Storm’s effects throughout Oregon, Pittock Mansion’s members will receive free reciprocal admission to OHS between October 12 and 31. Non-member visitors receive $2 off OHS admission and OHS visitors receive $2 off Pittock Mansion admission too (don’t forget your receipt!).

Oregon Archives Crawl (6-October-2012)

by Leave a Comment

Archives Crawl 2012The 3rd annual Oregon Archives Crawl takes place Saturday, October 6, 2012.

Crawlers begin at any of the four host locations:  Portland Archives and Records Center, the Portland State University Millar Library, Multnomah County Central Library or the Oregon Historical Society.

At each site you’ll encounter archivists, historians and other representatives from organizations that devote their time to preserving the past so that it will be available for you and future generations to use. Not only will you get to visit the archives of the four host locations, but the other organizations will be bringing some of their “stuff” for you to see!

Pick up your free “passport” at any host location, and make sure to get stamps as you crawl from site to site.

This year we are paying tribute to the 100th anniversary of Oregon women winning the right to vote by highlighting women in history. Through the crawl, you will learn about the contributions and impact of women on Oregon politics, health, education, culture and more. Attend a presentation; learn some tricks for preserving and researching your family’s history; peruse old photos, maps and documents; or take a behind-the-scenes tour to see where all this history is stored.

At each site also hosts other participating local archives and heritage organizations. Over two dozen organizations are participating in this year’s Archives Crawl, including the Lewis and Clark College Watzek Library, Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center, the Multnomah County Records Program, the Portland Police Historical Society, and more.

The archive crawl runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Anyone interested in history is welcome at the archive crawl – you don’t have to be a history scholar.

Bring your fully stamped passport with you to the After Party at the Al’s Den at McMenamin’s Crystal Hotel (303 SW 12th) and enter a drawing for items donated by participating organizations. Relax and chat with archivists, historians, and you fellow history buffs while enjoying live music. The party runs from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is open and free to the public – but bring money for McMenamins’ food and beer!

Portland Art Museum Free Day (28-September-2012)

by Leave a Comment

Portland Art MuseumAdmission to the Portland Art Museum (1219 SW Park) is free on Friday, September 28, 2012 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

The museum offers free admission ever fourth Friday (5 p.m.- 8 p.m.) of the month, so if you can’t make it this week, mark October 26, 2012 on your calendar!

Regular adult admission is $15 ($12 for seniors 55 and up and college students, 18 and up, with ID; free admission for children up to 17).

Portland Weekend Amusements (September 14-16, 2012)

by Leave a Comment

Holy crap what a weekend – the only thing this weekend lacks is fireworks!

Ongoing

Swift WatchChapman Vaux’s Swift Watch 2012

Every September thousands of Vaux’s Swifts come to Portland. After spending their day eating bugs, the Swifts coalesce in Northwest Portland, flying in a giant undulating swirl in the sky above the school. Around sunset the swirl gets more compact, like a ground pepper tornado, and begins disappearing, measure by measure, down the chimney. On the lawn below hundreds of Portlanders stare mesmerized at the sky, from the comfort of lawn chairs and blankets. Boos erupt when opportunistic Peregrine falcons get lucky. [more]

Friday

K+S Word 2012Kicking + Screening Soccer Film Festival Friday is last day

The Kicking + Screening Soccer Film Festival, an annual series of events that bring together soccer and film enthusiasts to celebrate the beautiful game, touches down in four cities this year: Liverpool, New York City, London, and Portland, Oregon. . .

On Thursday and Friday films, including Argentina Futbol Club, Loucos de Futebol Gringos at the Gate, A Most Improbable Life, and [more]

Saturday

El Grito 2012El Grito y Fiestas Patrias

Join Consul Enrique Romero-Cuevas and Portland Mayor Sam Adams in celebrating Portland’s El Grito y Fiestas Patrias at Pioneer Courthouse Square on Saturday, September 15 2012 from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.

El Grito refers to the battle cry of the Mexican War of Independence. The event is remembered and celebrated each year on the night of September 15. [more]

Slabtown Community Festival 2012Slabtown Community Festival

The sixth annual Slabtown Community Festival takes place Saturday, September 15, 2012 at the NW Portland library parking lot.

“Over the past six years, support of the Slabtown Community Festival has been tremendous. The neighborhood came together, participating as volunteers, merchants and festival-goers.” [more]

Portland TimbersCascadia Cup Match: Portland Timbers vs. Seattle Flounders

The Portland Timbers (7-14-6) play host to their Cascadian rivals, Seattle Sounders (13-6-8), at Jeld-Wen Field Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

A rare bright spot for the Timbers this season has been their play against the Cascadia rivals, Seattle and Vancouver – two wins and one draw – a win Saturday would go a long ways toward securing the Timbers’ first Cascadia Cup since 2010, and first ever against all three rivals in MLS.

Saturday-Sunday

Serbian Fest 2012Portland Serbian Fest 2012

The sixth annual Serbian Fest takes place Saturday and Sunday, September 15 and 16, 2012 at St. Stephen in Milwaukie (11447 SE 27th).

The fest features delicious serbian food: barbecue, roast pig and lamb, desserts and live music, National Dance, beer & wine, kids’ activities, and much more! [more]

Maker FairePortland Mini Maker Faire

Portland Mini Maker Faire is a two-day, family-friendly showcase of creativity and cool technology, and a celebration of the Maker movement. It’s inspiring, stimulating, and fun for all ages.

Maker Faire is a weekend filled with an incredible variety of exhibits, talks, demonstrations, and performances bridging arts, crafts, science and engineering—many of them hands-on and all of them engaging. Maker Faire, presented by Intel and MAKE Magazine, is a reflection of our community at its very best. [more]

Sunday

Gay Fair in the SquareGay Fair on the Square

Join the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus and dozens of other LGBT organizations for a day of music, fun, and information in Portland’s living room. Meet other members of the community and learn all about the various organizations and teams throughout the Willamette Valley. Whether you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, just out, considering coming out, or an ally to the gay community, it’s guaranteed to be a wonderful event. [more]

Attack of the FlixAttack of the Flix #9

Attack of the Flix, presented by Microflix, is a monthly competition for Portland filmmakers held at the Curious Comedy Theatre (5225 NE MLK). This month’s show takes place Sunday, September 16, 2012.

Submit your film if you are an Oregon or Washington filmmaker! Entries must be 10 minutes or less, and submitted on USB thumb drives encoded as AppleTV (see the FAQ for full details). [more]

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest“One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” 50th Anniversary Party

Join the Kick Ass Oregon History crew and the fine folks from Nestucca Spit Press on Sunday, September 16, 2012 as they present the “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” 50th Anniversary Party at Mississippi Studios (3939 N. Mississippi) – the celebration begins at 7:30 p.m. [more]

For even more weekend events and activities, check out the Dave Knows Calendar, and visit Around the Sun, Blogging Portland on the Cheap, and Oregon Events at OregonLive.com.

Portland Weekend Amusements (September 7-9, 2012)

by 1 Comment

September always treats Portlanders to the best summer-like weather of the year; perfect for the furious rush of street fairs and festivals! This weekend treat yourself to Baconfest, Widmer’s Oktoberfest, the Belmont Street Fair, and more!
Ongoing

Movies in ParksPortland Movies in the Park – last weekend!

Portland Parks and Recreation has released the 2012 summer schedule of Movies in the Park. From June 29 through September 18 sprawl out at one of Portland’s fine municipal parks several times a week for an evening of free entertainment.

Friday 9/7: Funny Face (1957) @ Director Park
Friday 9/7: Hugo @ Multnomah Arts Center
Saturday 9/8: Pee-wee’s Big Adventure @ Wallace Park [more]

Swift WatchChapman Vaux’s Swift Watch 2012

Every September thousands of Vaux’s Swifts come to Portland. After spending their day eating bugs, the Swifts coalesce in Northwest Portland, flying in a giant undulating swirl in the sky above the school. Around sunset the swirl gets more compact, like a ground pepper tornado, and begins disappearing, measure by measure, down the chimney. On the lawn below hundreds of Portlanders stare mesmerized at the sky, from the comfort of lawn chairs and blankets. Boos erupt when opportunistic Peregrine falcons get lucky. [more]

Friday

Architectural Heritage CenterExhibit Opening: Streetcars Build a City

Streetcars Build a City, the new exhibit at the Architectural Heritage Center (701 SE Grand), opens Friday, September 7, 2012 with a free showing from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“In Portland, our urban neighborhoods are a product of the pre-automobile era.” [more]

Friday-Saturday

Widmer OktoberfestWidmer Oktoberfest

The eighth annual Widmer Brothers Brewing Oktoberfest expands to two days this year, taking place Friday and Saturday, September 7 and 8, 2012 at the brewery (929 N. Russell Street).

Widmer’s beers, brats, chicken schnitzel wraps, sauerkraut, and pretzels are available, and of course there will be accordions! [more]

Saturday

Belmont Street Fair

The 16th Annual Belmont Street Fair takes place Saturday, September 8, 2012 from noon until 7 p.m. The fair extends from 20th to 48th on Southeast Belmont, with car free blocks from 34th to 38th.

The fair features over 100 craft booths, two music stages, food vendors, and activities for the kids. There will be a beer garden at SE 33rd! [more]

PDX BaconfestPDX Baconfest

The fourth annual Portland Baconfest takes place Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 18th and East Burnside, adjacent to the East Burn (1800 E Burnside), from noon until 9 p.m. – it’s a giant street festival celebrating bacon!

Thousands of bacon lovers attended last year’s fest, thoroughly lubricating their cardiovascular system and contributing hundreds of pounds of food to the Oregon Food Bank. [more]

McMenaminsKennedy School Oktoberfest

When you imagine Oktoberfest, what comes to mind? Oom-pah bands, loads of beer, bratwurst and hamburgers and more! One and all are welcome to participate in the German celebration that is Oktoberfest! Begun as a wedding party for Germany’s Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese in 1810, today Oktoberfest is celebrated all over the world with music, singing, dancing, beer, food and revelry. [more]

For even more weekend events and activities, check out the Dave Knows Calendar, and visit Around the Sun, Blogging Portland on the Cheap, and Oregon Events at OregonLive.com.