PORTLAND, Ore. — Thanksgiving is about two 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 BrewLights, World Vegan Month, Portland Holiday Market, Snackfest PDX, Frozen in Concert, QDoc Film Festival and more to look forward to. Here is our list of 8 things to do across the Portland metro area.
When: Nov. 15-16, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Oregon Zoo, 4001 Southwest Canyon Road, Portland
What's going on: Take a moment to enjoy the holiday lights — child-free. The Oregon Zoo is hosting a brew festival experience for those over the age 21, of course. There will be more than 50 Northwest breweries and cideries to sample from. Live music will be featured with music from Dance Hall Days Band, Ian James and local DJs. Local food carts will also be providing good eats. Tickets range from $40 to $75.
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 the proceeds will benefit nonprofits.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Nov. 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Milwaukie High School Common, 2301 Southeast Willard Street, Milwaukie
What's going on: Have you already set up your Christmas tree? Put up festival décor and are already counting down to Christmas? Well this event might be just for you. Milwaukie High School is holding a Holiday Bazaar hosted by the Milwaukie High cheer team. There will be photos with Santa, letters to Santa, face painting, hair tinsel, craft kits and a selfie photo booth. Cash and check will only be accepted. Proceeds support the cheer team and the Mustang Born Alumni Scholarship Foundation.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Nov. 15-17, various times
Where: Portland Expo Center, 2060 Marine Drive West, Portland
What's going on: Find unique and handmade holiday décor and gifts at this weekend's Portland Holiday Market. There will be more than 100 vendors all celebrating Portland's entrepreneurs while kicking off the holiday season. There will be holiday workshops, a massive living blue spruce Christmas tree for great pictures. Of course, there's also the chance to bring the little ones to Santa Land for pictures with Santa Claus. Tickets range from $12 to $27.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Nov. 15-17, various times
Where: 100 Southeast Alder Street, Portland,
What's going on: Are you looking to expand your taste buds? Look no more. SnackFest is a food festival featuring goodies from hot food vendors, food trucks, food purveyors, retailers and more. There will be live entertainment, countless demos, educational breakout sessions and a chance to meet the creators behind some of Portland's popular food and products. There will also be one-off pop-ups from a few of the featured chefs. The event is open to all ages and is free, which the exception of a few ticketed events. Don't miss a chance to get your snack on this weekend.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Nov. 16-17, various times
Where: Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 Southwest Broadway, Portland
What's going on: Disney's Frozen will be coming to life in concert thanks to the Oregon Symphony. Frozen follows a girl named Anna in an epic journey to find her sister, Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Elsa, along with her hilarious snowman companion, Olaf, battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. Bring the whole family to watch this heartwarming performance. Tickets start at $35.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Nov. 17, 10 a.m.
Where: Union/Pine, 525 Southeast Pine, Portland
What's going on: From vintage denim, to novelty holiday sweaters and wearable throwbacks — the Carnival Vintage Market has it all. Many vendors will be in attendance such as Dustbunny, Kissing Booth, and Broken Seams, just to name a few. There is a $20 admission fee for early attendees at 9 a.m.; the admission fee is $5 at 10 a.m.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Nov. 8-10, various times
Where: Hollywood Theatre, 4122 Northeast Sandy Boulevard, Portland
What's going on: A Portland festival dedicated to queer documentaries, QDoc returns to the historic Hollywood Theatre this year for further engagement with diverse queer perspectives on politics, diversity, sexuality, family, and more. Opening night kicks off with "'I'm Your Venus," a documentary following the unsolved murder of "Paris Is Burning" star Venus Xtravaganza. There will be three days of screenings and networking with opportunities for intimate Q&A sessions with directors. Tickets start at $12.
For more information about the event, click here.