Dave Knows Portland

Giro di Portland 2011

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Giro di Portland 2011The first annual Giro di Portland, a criterium bicycle race through the streets of the Pearl District, takes place this Sunday, August 21, 2011. The race is presented by Festa Italiana (which takes place next weekend, August 25 to 27).

A criterium is a fast race, with competitors attempting to complete the most laps in a set period of time. The Giro di Portland’s six corner race course between Hoyt and Kearney 12th and 14th features fast corners, cobblestones, a bit of elevation gain and a long run to the finish will guarantee an exciting race for both racers and spectators.

Grab a seat at one of the restaurants lining the course and enjoy a drink while watching the exciting race.

The streets close to traffic at 4pm, and the first race begins at 4:30pm. The last race starts at 6:50 and goes for 60 minutes. Visit the website for more details.

Weekend Amusements (August 12-14, 2011)

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It’s Baconfest weekend! Plus there’s a whole lot of other stuff to do, including the Alberta Street Fair, Bridge Pedal, Movies in the Park, Adult Soap Box Derby, and more!

All Weekend

Columbia Gorge International Film FestivalColumbia Gorge International Film Festival

The fourth annual Columbia Gorge International Film Festival takes place August 10 through 14, 2011 in Vancouver, Washington.

The official selections include several films with Portland connections, including Patrick’s Story, produced by Portland-based Galaxy Sailor Productions, Portland-based filmmaker Jacqueline Gault‘s Sack Lunch, and others. The festival program includes brief descriptions of these and all the other selections. [more]

Movies in ParksMovies in the Park

Movies in the park this weekend:

Friday: Gamara vs Guiron (live dialogue & music) @ Sewallcrest Park
Saturday: James and the Giant Peach @ Dickinson Park
Sunday: Tangled @ Hazeltine Park [more]

Friday

Portland StreetcarPortland Streetcar 10th Anniversary Celebration

The Portland Streetcar celebrates 10 years of service this summer.

The modern Portland Streetcar debuted on July 20, 2001, carrying passengers between the Good Samaritan Hospital in Northwest Portland to Portland State University in Southwest.

This is a free, all ages, celebration open to everyone! [more]

Twilight CriteriumPortland Twilight Criterium

The Portland Twilight Criterium returns to the North Park Blocks (near NW 9th and Couch) this Friday, August 12, 2011 . . .

Assuming you’re not racing, I recommend watching from the beer garden, which features a happy hour from 4-6pm! Festivities include a Food Carts Expo, a Handbuilt Bike Exhibition, and a chance to meet the women of the Rose City Rollers. [more]

Saturday

PDX Adult Soap Box Derby PDX Adult Soap Box Derby

The 2011 PDX Adult Soap Box Derby takes place this Saturday, August 13 on Mt. Tabor.

“Once a year a brave group of racers convene on the daunting slopes of Mt. Tabor to test their metal to their mettle. These pages are dedicated to all those who have spilled their blood, or even worse, spilled their beer. We thank our beloved volcano for allowing us to
tickle her spine.” [more]

Alberta Street Fair 2011Alberta Street Fair

The 2011 Alberta Street Fair takes place this Saturday, August 13 on Alberta, from NE 10th through 30th.

Things kick off at 11am with the Kids Parade – which starts at 15th and ends at the 21st Avenue stage. Enjoy the line up of activities for kids and families throughout the day. [more

Baconfest!Portland Baconfest

Portland’s third annual Baconfest takes place Saturday, August 13, 2011. The street party runs from noon until 8pm at 18th and East Burnside – adjacent to the East Burn (1800 E Burnside).

Over 2000 bacon lovers attended last year’s fest, thoroughly lubricating their cardiovascular system and contributing over 900 pounds of food for the Oregon Food Bank. [more]

Outpost Block Party 6Outpost Block Party 6

The 6th annual Outpost Block Party takes place this Saturday, August 13, 2011 at Kenilworth Park (SE 32nd and Holgate) from 1pm until 10pm.

SE PORTLAND’S ORIGINAL BLOCK PARTY returns with a massive lineup, a new location, and a whole new look… BUT STILL FREE! [more]

Portland’s Black Panthers: Comic Release and PresentationPortland’s Black Panthers: Comic Release and Presentation

Join The Dill Pickle Club, Portland’s creative cultural club, on Saturday, August 13, 2011 for Portland’s Black Panthers: Comic Release and Presentation.

“The Black Panthers have a rich and important history in Portland—this new comic from the Dill Pickle Club tells their story.” [more]

Sunday

Bridge PedalBridge Pedal

Join us for the 16th anniversary celebration of Providence Bridge Pedal this Sunday!

Since 1996, Providence Bridge Pedal has grown to be a signature event on Portland’s summer event calendar. It offers you the one opportunity each year to enjoy the Willamette River bridges – including the top decks of the Fremont and Marquam bridges – from the best possible vantage point: the seat of a bicycle. [more]

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

Portland Twilight Criterium (12-August-2011)

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Twilight Criterium 2011The Portland Twilight Criterium returns to the North Park Blocks (near NW 9th and Couch) this Friday, August 12, 2011.

Cri*te*ri*um (krI’-tir-E-&m), noun [Latin]:
A bicycle street race. Competitors must complete the most laps in a set period of time. Very fast. Very exciting.

I had my first exposure to criterium racing four years ago when the Twilight was held in the South Park Blocks near the Art Museum. The hilly course made for a particularly fun spectacle. Racers whipped down Broadway, turning left up Madison. Some of them ended up in the hay bales, as their wheels literally crumpled at the high speed 90 degree turn. I saw one racer gather himself up after a particularly nasty spill, throw his bike on his shoulder, run up the hill to repair his bike. Then he jumped right back into the course, bloody knees be damned. Impressive stuff.

Assuming you’re not racing, I recommend watching from the beer garden, which features a happy hour from 4-6pm! Festivities include a Food Carts Expo, a Handbuilt Bike Exhibition, and a chance to meet the women of the Rose City Rollers.

The event opens at 4pm, and racing begins at 6:30pm. Visit the event website for more details.

Weekend Amusements (July 22-24, 2011)

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Another great summer weekend in Portland (whether the weather cooperates or not). Beer, berries, books, a street fair, and Sunday Parkways! And pickles, don’t forget the pickles!

Two ongoing (through Sunday) Annual Beer Events!

Concordia Cup 2011Concordia Cup 2011

Concordia Cup 2011, featuring Imperial IPAs, runs from Wednesday, July 20 through Sunday, July 34 at the Concordia Ale house (3276 NE Killingsworth).

“We have searched the STATE of OREGON for 12 great brews!” [more]

Belmont StationPuckerfest 5

Belmont Station’s Puckerfest, a Celebration of Sour Beers runs all week long, July 18 through 24, 2011.

“Now in it’s fifth year, Puckerfest has grown to become one of the most popular little festivals in July.” [more]

Ongoing

Movies in ParksMovies in the Park

Movies in the park this weekend:

Friday: True Grit (2010) @ Irving Park
Saturday: Iron Man @Ed Benedict Park
Sunday: Iron Man 2 @ Ed Benedict Park [more]

Friday-Saturday

Berries!Oregon Berry Festival 2011

Celebrate berry season at the 2011 Oregon Berry Festival this Friday and Saturday, July 22 and 23 at Ecotrust (721 NW 9th Avenue).

“[T]aste and buy some of the season’s best berries and also sample amazing products made with Oregon’s berry bounty.” [more]

PDX Anarchist Bookfair 2011Portland Anarchist Bookfair 2011

The 2011 Portland Anarchist Bookfair takes place this Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24, in the Smith Memorial Student Union at Portland State University.

In addition to dozens of vendors … a series of lectures and seminars are scheduled. [more]

Saturday

Division Clinton Street Fair 2011Division/Clinton Street Fair and Parade 2011

The 19th annual Division/Clinton Street Fair takes place this Saturday, July 23, 2011 on SE Division and Clinton Streets between 20th and 50th.

The parade, featuring co-Grand Marshals Mayor Sam Adam and entertainer Storm Large, kicks things off at 10:45am at SE 50th and Division. The parade finishes at SE 26th and Clinton. [more]

Pickle Throwdown 2011Pickle Throwdown 2011

The first annual Kenny & Zuke’s Pickle Throwdown takes place Saturday, July 23, 2011 at Sandwichworks (2376 NW Thurman).

From noon until 5pm taste pickles, enjoy BBQ and beer and wine – all for a good cause – your $5 at the door goes to the Oregon Food Bank. [more]

Sunday

Sunday ParkwaysNW/Downtown Portland Sunday Parkways 2011

The 2011 NW/Downtown Portland Sunday Parkways takes place July 24.

The third (of five) Sunday Parkways this year, this is the 2nd annual NW/Downtown Portland event. [more]

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