Six Great Things to Do This Weekend...
LEARN
Obonfest 2010
Where: The Oregon Buddhist Temple, 3720 SE 34th Avenue, near Powell
When: Saturday, August 7, 3 p.m.-9 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Tip: Come hungry! This year's Obonfest features food items: yakisoba, yakiniku, yakitori, shave ice, manju, chirashi sushi, beer garden, soft drinks and Spam musubi.
This ancient Buddhist ceremony originated in Japan as a way to annually honor one's ancestral spirits for their sufferings and sacrifices, culminating in the joyous and appreciative dance of the Bon Odori. Food and Japanese-inspired wares shall be made available for those hoping to take home something by which to remember this year's ceremony.
ENGAGE
Providence Bridge Pedal 2010
Where: That depends on how many bridges you plan to cross
When: Early Sunday morning, August 8
Cost: $25-$45, depending on when you register and (again) how many bridges you plan to cross
Tip: No dogs. Your must wear a helmet. Registering early (up to 11:59 p.m. online on Saturday) will save you $10.
There are many ways to participate in this annual event that takes you on a ride of up to 36 miles across 10 Portland bridges, including pedaling the top deck of the Fremont Bridge. Kids, depending on their ages, ride free, and walkers are welcome, too. Visit the web site for routes, rates and all other kinds of useful information.
RELAX
Willamette Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream
Where: Cerf Amphitheatre, Reed College
When: Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m., Sunday 6 p.m.
Cost: Free, but donations are gratefully accepted
Tip: Pre-show events begin an hour before "curtain time," so stake your claim early.
Gossip, scheming, jealous fairies, love potions, cases of mistaken identity and broken hearts? Will Hermia's and Lysander's love stand the test of time? Whether you know, or whether you don't, know this: taking in one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays in the twilit summer is something everyone should do every once in a while.
CONSUME
The 2nd Northwest Book Festival
Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square
When: Saturday, August 7, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Tip: Bring your curiosity, your open mind and maybe a bag to haul home what everyone hopes will be new and enlightening treasures.
Consume knowledge abstractly, mentally and physically by visiting Portland's living room, where you can meet plenty of authors, many of them self-published, and many of them your neighbors, writing in genres spanning spirituality, fantasy, young adult and political satire.
PLAY
The Star E Rose Variety Show
Where: Star E Rose Café, 2403 NE Alberta
When: Saturday, August 7, 6 p.m.-11 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Tip: Not necessarily an event for the kidlets.
Ladies, Gentlemen and the General Rabble: This annual festival will once again feature exercises in hooping, belling dancing, poi, magical illusion (by Mark of Mystery), general circusy feats (performed by Zirk Du Fiasco) and the sounds of "doom jazz" (performed by The Symphonic Rebellion. For the uninitiated, don't let the genre scare you off: think a more sensual and mysterious noise inspired by the populist cabaret sounds of The Threepenny Opera.)
EXPLORE
Passport to Sellwood-Westmoreland
Where: Sellwood-Westmoreland in Southeast Portland
When: Saturday, August 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Tip: There are over 100 participating businesses. Be sure to wear your walking shoes!
Mingle with locals and "foreigners" from other neighborhoods while exploring the retail landscape of Sellwood-Westmoreland. Have coffee, enjoy lunch and shop neighborhood boutiques. Participating business will stamp your "passport." You may be, depending upon how many travels you make, be the winner of a weekend trip for two to Central Oregon's Kah-Nee-Ta High Desert Resort & Casino, which is raffled off at day's end (with other fab prizes). And don't forget to keep your ears to the ground for music performances at the event's four outdoor venues.
