PORTLAND, Ore. — Thanksgiving is about three weeks away and Christmas is nearing one month out. Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas" has officially transitioned us into the holiday season. There is plenty to do to stay busy this season.
This weekend brings a multitude of events across the Rose City. You've got Día de Los Muertos Festival, World Vegan Month, Disney on Ice, Desi Diwali Night, Kumoricon, Portland Veteran's Day Parade and more to look forward to. Here is our list of 8 things to do across the Portland metro area.
When: Nov. 9-10, Various times
Where: Milagro Theatre, 525 Southeast Stark, Portland
What's going on: Join Portland’s longest-running Día de Los Muertos celebration! Milagros observes the holiday each year by building connections through death. Día de los Muertos is a traditional fiesta in honor of the deceased that is celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America on Nov. 1 and 2. The holiday is celebrated though ritual observations like constructing altars filled with offerings to the dead and decorating family gravesites to commune with the dead. Day of the Dead is also commemorated through vivacious fiestas in which communities gather to celebrate by dancing, playing music, feasting, drinking and masquerading as death.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Nov. 1-30, various times
Where: Multiple locations in the Portland metro area
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 is putting on a monthlong event highlighting Portland's vegan restaurants. Over 30 restaurants are offering vegan specials all month long. All the proceeds will benefit nonprofits.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Nov. 7-10, various times
Where: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 North Ramsay Way, Portland
What's going on: Ready to step inside the magical world of Disney? Disney's Frozen and Encanto will be brought to life on ice at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Be ready for Olaf, Kristoff, Sven and Anna to take you to Arendelle to be apart of the journey to find Elsa as her icy powers are unleased. Melt into the beautiful sunny world of Colombia where you'll join the Madrigal family and Mirabel on the adventure to save the family's enchanted home alongside her two sisters. Tickets range from $34 to $200.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Portland
What's going on: Since 1974, the Portland Veteran's Day Parade has been a long-standing city tradition. The parade was founded to pay respects to all veterans and thank them for their service. The parade route starts at Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Northeast Beech Street heading north, and will end at Northeast Emerson Street and Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. There will be a vendor and resource fair following at the Walnut Park complex parking lot at 5305 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. This year's grand marshals include Ken and Malinda Buckles, Crystal Chanel, James Posey and George Carrilo. This a free event and anyone is welcome to attend.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Nov. 8, 6-11 p.m.
Where: Greatroom, 15900 Southwest Regatta Lane, Beaverton
What's going on: Bring your most colorful festival attire to celebrate Desi Diwali Night. Diwali is a major religious festival for Hindus, but it's also observed by Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. The event highlights the origin stories of the festival, with the underlying theme of victory of good over evil. Desi music and mashups will be provided by DJ BEE. Tickets range from $3 to $10.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Nov. 11, various times
Where: Any national park in Oregon
What's going on: Oregon has it all, from volcanoes and Evergreen forests, to desert and shrubland. For many people, the state is a life-sized playground that is home to six national parks: Crater Lake National Park, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Nez Perce National Park, and Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve. The National Park Service is allocating only five days throughout the year where the entrance fee is waived for park guests, providing free admission. November 11 happens to be one of those fee-free dates, so take advantage of the opportunity and check out the beauty of Oregon.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Nov. 7-10, various times
Where: Portland Expo Center, 2060 Marine Drive West, Portland
What's going on: There will be more than 400 vehicles that will be on display at the Portland Metro Dealers 66th RV Show, there will also be dozens of exhibitors. You can get 2-for-1 tickets online or get the coupon to present at the show.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Nov. 8-10, various times
Where: Oregon Convention Center, 777 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Portland
What's going on: Portland's annual anime and Japanese culture convention is back for its 21st year in the Pacific Northwest. Kumori means "cloudy" in Japanese. The convention will have workshops, karaoke, cosplay and merch available for purchase. Tickets range from $50 to $500.
For more information about the event, click here.
