Welcome to Portland, Oregon. Events are nonstop, rain or shine. As you probably know, Portland is a hoppin' town. There are literally hundreds of things to do here in May, and even more in the summer. Here is a list of some of the upcoming exciting things to do in Portland.
If you know of a Portland, Oregon event that we missed, tweet at us @ccgpr!
Cinco de Mayo
From May 1 to May 5, 2010, Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association presents the 26th annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta event at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Find out more at
www.cincodemayo.org.
Portland Farmer's Market Downtown Is Open For Business
Buy local, eat local. Artisan food and drink abound at Portland's Farmers Markets, which occur all over the city. The most famous is the farmers market at Portland State University, but lesser known is the market at Shemanski Park between SW Salmon and Main, which opens May 5 and runs through October. Other markets take place in the King and Buckman neighborhoods, so you have no excuse not to check out one of these great eat local events. Find out more at
http://www.portlandfarmersmarket.org/.
First Springtime "First Thursday" Art Walk
You know it! Come wander through the galleries downtown for the First Thursday art walk. DJs, sometimes even live music, vendors, complimentary wine, sometimes snacks and of course the main event, local art and lots of it! May 6. More at
http://www.firstthursdayportland.com/.
11th Annual UFO Festival
In 1950, two local citizens witnessed and captured a UFO on camera, so the story goes, and the photos are said to be some of the most convincing evidence of UFOs to date. Whether you're a believer in alien life or not, you should still head out for this fun and quirky event at McMenamins Hotel. May 14 to 15. More info at
http://www.ufofest.com/ufofest07/.
Reach The Beach 2010
That sun is shining, and that means it's time to get to cyclin'! This ride (destination: beach party) starts from four different locations: Portland (100 mi), Newberg (80 mi), Amity (55 mi) or Grand Ronde (28 mi), all gorgeous routes on the way to a "magnificent beach party with a delicious, hearty feast." Benefits the American Lung Association. May 15. More info at
http://action.lungusa.org/site/TR?fr_id=1630&pg=entry.
First Springtime "Last Thursday" Street Fair
Roam down Alberta for this classic Portland pastime of eating, enjoying live music and performances, and shopping for local crafty things. The quintessential Portland experience. May 27. Photos and a bit more info at
http://lastthursdaypdx.ning.com/, but the event is not formally organized so expect to be surprised!
Rose Festival
Starting with a fireworks spectacular over Waterfront Park on May 28, this family event includes games and performances at Waterfront Village and things don't wind down until June 13. Get more info at
http://www.rosefestival.org/.
This is just a taste of what's happening in Portland this month. There's also the circus show FROGZ at Imago Theatre, the Beethoven Festival, The Eagles at the Rose Quarter and the Barber of Seville at the Portland Opera. Too many great Portland events to list here! We recommend
http://www.travelportland.com/event_calendar/ for a more comprehensive rundown.
We heart Bend!
One of the biggest reasons we love Bend besides its natural beauty - the art! Be sure to attend one of the most fantastic events that bring this town to life, First Friday Art Walk.
The first Friday of each month the Old Mill District and Downtown Bend come together and beam with local art, libations, and smiling faces.
The Old Mill District Art Galleries will be open Friday, May 7th from 5 - 9 p.m. offering wine and light refreshments. Galleries include DeWilde Art & glass, faceout studio, Lahaina Galleries, Lubbesmeyer Studio & Gallery and Tumalo Art Company.
Also, the Old Mill District TRASHformations will be on display for its final appearance for First Friday May, 7th. Visit theoldmill.com for more information.
The May 7, 2010 Downtown Bend Art Walk features art exhibits at participating downtown Bend businesses from 5 - 9 p.m. Our dear friend Rebecca at Cowgirl Cash is always filling mason jars with a pony keg from Bend Brewery for her First Friday visitors! This week she will feature Christeena Madsend and Cari Dolyniuk from Scavenger Jewelry. They will be presenting their one of a kind jewelry made from found items in epoxy resin.
Rebecca will also be announcing the winner of the Eli Halpin "Lady in Chamomile" painting (image above). You can still buy a raffle ticket for your chance to take home "Lady in Chamomile" for just $5. All proceeds benefit the Wild Horse Coalition. Visit CowgirlCashBend.com for more details.
-@jacqsmith
