PORTLAND, Oregon — October is in full swing, bringing in vibrant fall leaves and erratic Portland weather. Many fall festivities offer indoor alternatives, including concerts, festivals, expositions and more.
This weekend brings a multitude of events across the Rose City; you've got the Portland Film Festival, an Eclipse Festival, Zack Fox, Black Lagoon pop-up and more to look forward to. Here is our list of 8 things to do.
Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul & Nas: NY State of Mind Tour
When: Oct. 17
Where: Moda Center, 1 North Center Court Street, Portland, Ore.
What's going on: It's official: the "Protect Ya Neck" rap legends are bringing the N.Y. State of Mind to the Rose City. The legendary group Wu-Tang Clan announced their collaborative worldwide 2023 N.Y. State of Mind Tour with iconic rapper Nas and infectious legendary group De La Soul back in February. All have shifted the face of hip-hop as well as the music industry with their unique and raw sounds. They will be in concert at the Moda Center with tickets still available. Don't miss out on getting a taste of the Big Apple here in the Rose City.
RELATED: Legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan and famed rapper Nas put Portland on to N.Y. State of Mind
Adam Sandler: The I Missed You Tour
When: Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 North Ramsay Wy, Portland, Ore
What's going on: Award-winning comedian and actor Adam Sandler is rolling into town on his "The I Missed You" tour. The comedian is known for his witty, family-friendly humor and films. Sandler is said to also bring a concert experience with an electrifying performance, in addition to his comedic show. His show is open to anyone over the age of 16 and tickets are still available for purchase.
Black Lagoon Halloween Bar Pop-up
When: Oct. 15-31, Various times
Where: Dirty Pretty, 638 East Burnside Street, Portland, Ore.
What's going on: Time to dust off your finest Halloween fashions and show out at the Black Lagoon pop-up. Portland's Dirty Pretty will be hosting this year's pop-up in Portland. The pop-up experience was curated by bartenders Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage in New Orleans in 2019. Featuring dungeon-esque decor and delicious creepy crawly cocktail creations such as "Hellfire Fizz", "Book of Blood", "Death Rattle" and more. The pop-up will be in town until Halloween.
Portland Film Festival
When: Oct. 12-16, Various times
Where: Multiple locations in Portland, Ore.
What's going on: Looking for an indoor event? Check out the Portland Film Festival, featuring over 80 different films that will all be screened during the multi-day event. Many of the films featured are independent projects from local Portland emerging directors. Anyone who wants to buy a ticket can go to the Portland Film Festival's website. All the films will rang in price between $10-$15, and all-access passes are also available.
Once on This Island
When: Oct. 13-29, Various times
Where: World Stage Theater, 1935 Southeast Powell Boulevard, Portland, Ore.
What's going on: Once on This Island is a coming-of-age musical with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, based on the 1985 book My Love, My Love; or, The Peasant Girl by Rosa Guy. This is the Caribbean version of Disney's The Little Mermaid. The production will be put on by World Stage Theatre founded in 2006 by Shalanda Sims. The show will be running from Oct. 13 until the 29th. Tickets start at $15.
Zack Fox
When: Oct. 14
Where: Wonder Ballroom, 128 Northeast Russell Street, Portland, Ore.
What's going on: Zack Fox will be performing a concert at the Wonder Ballroom with opening at Sky Jetta. He is an Atlanta-raised rapper, actor, comedian, artist and writer known for expressing his free-spirited creativity. Fox is also known for his role on the Emmy award-winning hit show Abbott Elementary, portraying Tariq Temple. Temple is an aspiring rapper and ex-boyfriend of the main character Janine Teagues, played by show creator Quinta Brunson. Fox has performed in many shows across the world and released his R&B ep "Wood Tip' in December 2022. Tickets are still available and doors open at 7 p.m. for all ages.
The Maize at the Pumpkin Patch
When: Now-Oct. 31
Where: The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island, 16511 Northwest Gillihan Road, Portland, Ore.
What's going on: It's that time again, fall time! And nothing screams fall family fun time like a corn maze and a pumpkin patch. This year The Maize is turning 25. It just opened last weekend on Sauvie Island and will remain open through Halloween. Grab your pumpkin spice lattes and head on over to The Maize to kickstart fall before the official start of the season.
Spirit of Halloweentown
When: Sept. 16-Oct. 31, various times
Where: Spirit of Halloweentown, 275 Strand Street, St. Helens, Ore.
What's going on: Halloween isn't here yet, but that doesn't mean the celebrations haven't started. The town of St. Helens, Oregon is getting festive and marking Halloween during the entire month of October. St. Helens was the backdrop for the classic Disney Channel movie, "Halloweentown," which was filmed in 1998. Every year, part of the town is transformed into a month-long celebration of all things spooky and creepy, drawing tens of thousands of people. There are a number of special events and family-friendly attractions held on weekends, including a costume contest with cash prizes. Tickets for general admission and special attractions are available by the entrance arch on South First Street. All parking is free on weekdays, but weekend parking is $15.
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Sabinna Pierre is the curator of "Things To Do" for KGW's digital platforms. Know of an event you'd like to see featured? Let her know! Email her at SPierre@kgw.com. Follow Sabinna on Instagram @SincerelyBinna.
