PORTLAND, Ore. — The food events are nonstop this month and the weather forecast calls for a blessedly rain-free weekend. So make some room, because this week you have three food festivals to choose from, Disney On Ice, a film festival, a Veterans Day parade, a tea tour and even a Japanese anime showcase.
Portland Veterans Day Parade
When: Nov. 11
Where: MLK Boulevard (between Northeast Beech and Summer Street)
What's going on: Come out and honor veterans at Portland's only Veterans Day parade, set in Northeast Portland. The parade has been around since 1974 and has been carried on by local organizations and locals. Parade organizers pride themselves on having an inclusive, nonpartisan and family-friendly event.
QDoc Film Festival
When: Nov. 11-13
Where: Hollywood Theatre, 4122 Northeast Sandy Boulevard, Portland
What's going on: If you're feeling supportive and giving this month (it is November after all) why not support the only festival in the U.S. devoted specifically to queer documentaries — QDoc. The festival has been around since 2007 and brings the highest caliber of films — and their makers — to share with Portlanders. The event kicks off with the premiere of "For The Love of Friends," a film about activist Brent Nicholson and his fight against AIDS.
Kumoricon
When: Nov. 11-13
Where: Oregon Convention Center, 777 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Portland
What's going on: Get your cosplay outfits ready because Kumoricon returns to Portland this weekend. Every November for the past 20 years Kumoricon (kumori is the Japanese word for "cloudy") showcases anime and Japanese culture. Known to embody everything it means to live in the Pacific Northwest, the event stretches across generations, bringing major anime fans together in one room — rain or shine.
Disney on Ice
When: Nov. 10-13
Where: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 North Winning Way, Portland
What's going on: Mickey, Moana, Forky, Elsa and more are skating into Portland this weekend for Disney On Ice: Road Trip Adventures. If you've been wanting to head to a Disneyland Resort, there's no need to do it right now because the magic is coming to you. "Disney adults," grab your friends and family and get ready to discover a whole new world with all your favorite Disney characters.
Gobble Up Portland 2022
When: Nov. 12
Where: Alder Block, 100 Southeast Alder Street, Portland
What's going on: Gobble, gobble! If you're looking to up your charcuterie board game or if you just love free food samples — Gobble Up is where you want to be this Saturday. Shoppers can expect to find innovative, local treats from artisan sauces and chutneys, to local ciders and spirits. There will also be kitchenware and unique ceramics from local vendors to help kick off your holiday shopping season.
Holiday Food & Gift Festival
When: Nov. 11-13
Where: Westside Commons, 801 Northeast 34th Avenue, Hillsboro
What's going on: The 33rd Annual Holiday Food & Gift Festival makes its return this weekend at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Another "holiday" themed event to kick-start your holiday shopping. The festival will feature art, crafts, jewelry, clothing, woodcraft, music, toys and much more. There will also be a large selection of gourmet foods that you can sample and purchase.
Portland Cheese and Meat Artisan Food and Beverage
When: Nov. 12
Where: The Leftbank Annex, 101 North Weidler Street, Portland
What's going on: Charcuterie board artists this one is for you. The Bank of America presents this artisan food and beverages festival that brings international and local foods while paring them with wine and beer. This is the only known festival specifically dedicated to artisan food in the Pacific Northwest. Grab your boards — literally — and go support your local artisans.
Chrysanthemum Tour with Lan Su Horticulturalist
When: Nov. 12
Where: Lan Su Chinese Garden, 239 Northwest Everett Street, Portland
What's going on: If you're a tea lover, this tour is right up your alley. Come join this tour on how chrysanthemums are grown and styled by one of Lan Su's gardeners. Enjoy tea while learning about the traditional art of growing chrysanthemums. November is also the season for chrysanthemums and Lan Su will have events all month long so keep an eye out.