Dave Knows Portland

Stumptown Stories: When Oregon was Russian (15 October 2013)

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The Jack London BarKick Ass Oregon History‘s Ribald Resident Historian Doug Kenck-Crispin presents When Oregon Was Russian on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at the Jack London bar (basement of the Rialto, SW 4th and Alder).

Tuesday! Please join Doug Kenck-Crispin from Kick Ass Oregon History for “When Oregon was Russian” – looking at the fascinating history and influence of Russia in the exploration and exploitation of the Pacific Northwest.

And as a bonus, Doug has declared: if you’re really, really good – I’ll talk a little about the almasty – Russia’s Bigfoot! Cause why the hell not, right?

The Stumptown Stories: Free Tuesday Lecture Series, geared to anyone who is curious about the world and community in which we live and loves to learn new things, takes place most Tuesdays at Jack London bar. Free to get in, but must be 21 or over – there’s a full bar!

The presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. Always free. Always fascinating.

Portland 4th of July Weekend Amusements (2013)

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Have a great 4th of July – don’t drown and don’t burn anything down!

Thursday

Portland Area 4th of July Fireworks

Fireworks!

You’ll find fireworks galore in the Portland area on Thursday, July 4th 2013. All of the shows listed below can be seen from the sponsoring event venues and at least the immediately surrounding areas – find a roof or a hill for the best viewing! [More]

Friday-Saturday

Original Practice Shakespeare Festival

OPS FestFriday, July 5: Romeo and Juliet @ Director Park (815 SW Park)

Saturday, July 6: Macbeth @ Director Park (815 SW Park)

Because Shakespeare should be a little dangerous (Find out more about the Oregon Practice Shakespeare here!)

Movies in the Park

Movies in ParksFriday, July 5: Under the Same Moon (in Spanish with English Subtitles) @ Argay Park (NE 141st & Failing)

Saturday, July 6: The Goonies @ Woodlawn Park (NE 13th & Dekum)

Saturday

Saint Honoré Criterium

Come join us on Saturday July 6th for a fun filled day of cycling. The 1 kilometer flat long counterclockwise course features 6 corners and wide streets. It will be great for both beginner racers and seasoned veterans. Bring the whole family out and enjoy some fresh baked goods from St. Honoré and some great bike racing. There will be a free kid race at 3:30pm, Sorella Forte members will assist children and parents who are participating in this race. [More]

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

The Great Flood of 1894 (18-June-2013)

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Kick Ass Oregon HistoryJoin the Kick Ass Oregon History crew on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 for their 2nd Year Anniversary Party at the Jack London Bar (529 SW 4th) – and a presentation on the Great Flood of 1894, when the Willamette reached its all time Portland high water mark.

It was two years ago that Terry, who runs the show at The JLB, approached The Resident Historian and said, “I Googled Danford Balch and your podcast came up. So, do you want to come down to my new/ old timey bar and talk about The Hanging Danford Balch?” (Cause Terry is IRL all geeked out on Danford Balch) And The Resident Historian responded with a resounding “Fuck Yeah!!” This seems like something we should celebrate, yeah?

There will be booze, and cake of course! The edification and fun begins at 7:30 p.m. Entry is free. Visit OrHistory.com for more details.

Portland Weekend Amusements (June 14-16, 2013)

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Welcome, once again, to your weekend itinerary. I can’t think of any better way to spend a weekend than with books, pride, and a good old fashioned pagan festival (with beer garden!).

Friday-Saturday

Rose City Used Book Sale

Rose City Book FairThe 2013 Rose City Used Book Fair takes place Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15 at The Double Tree Lloyd Center (1000 NE Multnomah). The fair runs from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is only $2, or $1 with a can of food for the Oregon Food Bank.

Sponsored by the Portland Area Used Booksellers’ Association, this unpretentious book fair features thousands of books from independent booksellers from Portland and beyond. Over forty exhibitors will be displaying and selling used books, bargain books, collectible books, prints, and ephemera. Experts will be on hand for appraisals, several seminars are scheduled, and there are door prizes.

Visit the fair website and Facebook page for more details, including a map and list of exhibitors.

Saturday-Sunday

Portland Pride Festival & Parade

Pride NorthwestPortland’s official LGBTQ Pride Parade and Festival, Portland Pride, takes place Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16, 2013.

The Portland Pride Parade takes place Sunday, June 16 downtown – kicking off at 11:00 a.m.

The Waterfront Festival Saturday and Sunday at entertainers, vendors, and more at Tom McCall Waterfront Park along Naito Parkway in Downtown Portland between SW Pine and the Morrison Bridge.

Find more information at the official site and the Facebook page.

Sunday

Portland Scandinavian Midsummer Festival at Oaks Park

Scandinavian Midsummer FestivalThe 85th annual Portland Scandinavian Midsummer Festival takes place Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Oaks Park.

Midsummer in Scandinavia’s northern climate is the biggest coming out celebration of the year and everyone is invited. At Portland’s Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, it is a celebration of fertile fields, warmer and longer days with games, dancing, food, Scandinavian crafts and of course the raising of the Maypole.

Scandinavian roots are not required to celebrate at this summer solstice festival. As all people of Nordic descent know, it’s always a fun, family friendly and important day no matter your personal traditions.

Festivities begin at 11 a.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for kids (6-12), and $15 for families (2 adults, 2 kids). Enjoy food and crafts, entertainment on two stages, and a beer garden. The Maypole will be raised at 1 p.m.

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