PORTLAND, Ore. — November is here and the holiday season is upon us, bringing in seasonal décor and rainy Portland weather. Right before Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas" officially transitions us into the holiday season, here is our list of 8 things to do across the Portland metro area.
Snowvana
When: Nov. 3-5, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: The Portland Expo Center, 2060 North Marine Drive, Portland
What's going on: The Northwest's snow party returns with all things winter. The event will feature a kids zone, the Mt. Hood Film Festival, an illumination speaker stage, a massive gear sale and discount on ski passes.
Dia de los Muertos Festival
When: Nov. 4, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center, Beaverton
What's going on: The Day of the Dead Festival is a time to remember loved ones who have passed. There will be Aztec Dancing, community altars, raffles, music, Mexican treats and more. The event will be put on by Mitotiliztli Tezkatlipoka, a Beaverton Aztec dance group alongside RISE, a nonprofit organization providing creative opportunity to youth from traditionally marginalized communities. The Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District is also working in partnership with both groups. The event is free and open to everyone.
Nights of the Golden Flower
When: Nov. 3-5, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Lan Su Chinese Garden, 239 Northwest Everett Street, Portland
What's going on: The Lan Su Chinese Garden is inviting you to step into the enchanting world of Chrysanthemum after dark. Where you'll find yourself mesmerized by the realm of glow in the dark chrysanthemum-adorned floral design. The design is a collaboration with the Floral Design Institute, providing the work of renowned floral designer Donald Yim and over a dozen talented local floral artists. Tickets are still available and range from $10-$20. The event is outdoors and will remain as scheduled, rain or shine.
Portland Book Festival
When: Nov. 4, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Portland Art Museum, 1219 Southwest Park Avenue, Portland
What's going on: Calling all book worms, community based nonprofit, Literary Arts known for supporting young writers and readers, will be hosting the Portland Book Festival. The festival will be held at the Portland Art Museum in addition to neighboring venues. The daylong event will have writing workshops, readings, kids' story time, a book fair, local food trucks, author discussions, pop-up readings and more. Over 100 authors will be featured in this year's festival with passes ranging from $15 to $25. Kids get in for free.
Mt. Hood Film Festival
When: Nov. 4, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Portland Expo Center, 2060 North Marine Drive, Portland
What's going on: The Mt. Hood Film Festival will be a sub-event at Snowvana, a weekend filled with all things ski and snow. The festival is fixated on all the latest ski films being screened throughout the event. Don't missed out on the chance to spend a weekend filled with action packed skiing.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour Concert Film
When: Nov. 4, various times
Where: Multiple locations, Portland
What's going on: Calling all Swifties! Award-wining artist Taylor Swift has brought her summer concert tour experience to the big screen. Fans will have a chance to relive the tour and see the behind-the-scenes details that brought the show to life. Taylor Swift Eras attire and friendship bracelets are strongly encouraged! Tickets range from $13.30 to $19.89.
Orcas: Our Shared Future
When: Nov. 1-Jan. 28, 2024, various times
Where: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland
What's going on: OMSI is showcasing a new exhibition of over 100 Orcinus artifacts includes life-sized replicas, fossils, original artwork from Pacific Northwest Coast Indigenous peoples and more. The exhibit gives the public a chance to better understand the human connection, social structures and consequences of orca captivity. Tickets range from $13 to $18
Veganizer: World Vegan Month 2023
When: Nov. 1-30, various times
Where: Multiple locations, Portland
What's going on: Veganizer PDX is a plant-based food consulting agency known for collaborating with vegan eateries across the Rose City. The agency will be putting on a monthlong event highlighting Portland's vegan restaurants. There will be over 20 restaurants offering vegan specials all month long. All the proceeds will benefit nonprofits.
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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.