Weekend Six Pack (7/9-7/11): Up in the Air Summer Affair, Trek in the Park, Ice Cream Relays

Six Great Things to Do This Weekend…

LEARN

Discovering the Life Aquatic of Balch Creek
Where: Forest Park (meeting place TBA via email)
When: Saturday, July 10, noon-2 p.m.
Cost: $10 per kid (parents free of charge)
Tip: Space is limited to the first 15 kids, so register online to reserve your spot.

There’s no better way to beat the recent heat wave than to spend an afternoon along the shade-covered waters of Balch Creek at Forest Park. Guide Tuomas Uola will lead this less than 2-mile hike designed for elementary school aged kids and their parents, pointing out the various creatures that live in the creek and even offering aspiring environmentalists the chance to clean up an oil spill. (When did BP start drilling in Portland?)

ENGAGE

The Night Ride
Where: Starts at the Portland Train Station, 800 NW 6th Avenue
When: Saturday, July 10, 9 p.m.
Cost: $30 adults advance registration ($40 day of event), $10 kids
Tip: Show up around 8:15 to get your free glow in the dark face paint and necklaces, and to be considered for best costume prizes.

It just wouldn’t be a summer weekend in P-Town if a bunch of crazies didn’t gear up in random costumes and take to the streets en mass on two wheels. This weekend it’s The Night Ride, a 21-mile spin along a glowing city street path with all manner of entertainment and stops along the way, including a karaoke group sing along, a disco party and all you can eat doughnuts at the finish line.

RELAX

Up in the Air Summer Affair: The Neat Sheet Launch Party + Local Boutique Showcase
Where: Rooftop of Hotel deLuxe, 729 SW 15th Avenue
When: Friday, July 9, 6-9 p.m.
Cost: $10 donation (all proceeds benefit Willamette Riverkeeper)
Tip: Buy raffle tickets for a chance at great prizes—all proceeds benefit Willamette Riverkeeper.

Music, appetizers, cocktails, and, of course, skinny-as-hell, pouty-faced models strutting Portland’s latest summer fashions will all be on hand this Friday on the rooftop of Hotel deLuxe. Local art, jewelry and body care products will be hawked on-site along with booze from New Deal Vodka, Deco Distilling and Kona Brewing,

CONSUME

Dairy Farmers of Oregon: Ice Cream Relay
Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square
When: Friday, July 9, 12-1 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Tip: Slow down—you’ll get brain-freeze!

There’s nothing better than old fashioned hand-cranked ice cream on a hot July day, and this Friday Portland chefs will try to churn their way to victory and win over a panel of judges by creating the recipe that best captures “what summer tastes like in Oregon.” (Mmmmm… Willamette-y. ) Spectators are invited to watch the competition at Pioneer Courthouse Square while licking their way through a variety of samples.

PLAY

Trek in the Park
Where: Woodlawn Park, NE Claremont Avenue and Oneonta Street
When: Saturday, July 10 & Sunday, July 11, 5 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Tip: Get there early for the best viewing spot—these shows can quickly become packed.

This month, nerds all over the city will boldly go to Woodlawn Park to view a reenactment of a classic episode of Star Trek complete with live music, special effects and…no girls whatsoever. Sorry fellas—maybe you should try the fashion show.

EXPLORE

Mississippi Avenue Street Fair
Where: N Mississippi Avenue (between Fremont and Skidmore)
When: Saturday, July 10, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Tip: Head over to Beech Street at 12 p.m. to catch the high noon parade.

Last year the Mississippi Avenue Street fair was large and in charge, drawing over 30,000 people to their little stretch of the city. This year, it’s on again with over three dozen acts performing music, dance and poetry, 150 street fair vendors, a rib-off competition and a brew garden.