MAY 2018 EVENTS
Calendar Listing for Oregon and Southwest Washington
(Updated Regularly)

Tacos & Taps
May 4 - 5
(Southwest Washington)

Tacos & Taps is a fun, high-energy event supporting the Clark County Food Bank. Guests enjoy gourmet taco creations and craft beer from some of the area's finest chefs and brewers. With live music, amazing desserts, raffle prizes, beer bottle ring toss, photo booth, and lots of excitement, this event is not only a ton of fun, but it's also a meaningful way to help people in the community...More 

Cinco de Mayo
May 4 - 6

Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association (PGSCA) presents the 34th annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, May 4 - 6.  Portland's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is the largest multicultural festival in the state of Oregon and is held at beautiful Tom McCall Waterfront Park: 1020 SW. Naito Parkway in downtown Portland.  Enjoy live entertainment, authentic food, carnival rides, amateur boxing matches, reptile and exotic animal exhibit, and much more...More

Spring Unveiling Arts Festival
May 4 - 6

More than forty artists will unveil new work during the 18th annual Spring Unveiling Arts Festival May 4,5,6 in Cannon Beach, which has been recognized as "One of the 100 Best Art Towns in America." Work will include watercolors, pastels and oil paintings, bronze, stone or metal sculpture, blown or fused glass, ceramics and jewelry. The weekend will also include demonstrations, receptions and live music. Additionally, twenty chefs are participating in "Art from the Chef'sTable"  featuring special “edible art” menu items based upon selections from the galleries, and served only during the weekend...More  

Oakridge Tree Planting Festival
May 4 - 7

All are welcome to attend the 65th anniversary of the Oakridge Tree Planting Festival, one of the world’s longest-running tree planting heritage events.  They'll have the WoodFest, a Quilt Show, dinner theater, a community arts fair, parade, mini Olympics, the Pioneer Museum and the Salmon Creek Run/Walk...More

Intrigue: 
A Day of Fashion & Lifestyle for Women after 50!
Saturday, May 5 

Come celebrate aging! This boutique event is about inspiring women over 50 to live well and have fun!  Traipse through a unique and high quality fashion show.  Indulge in exclusive shopping opportunities.  Meet and talk with motivating and inspiring exhibitors on nutrition, fitness, horticulture, and more.  Participate in a creative art experience.  Enjoy a glass of wine with appetizers.  Laugh, learn, connect, and leave happy...More 

Oregon Cannabis Festival
Saturday, May 5

This is a FREE event.  Nearly 300 cities worldwide, including Portland, will participate in the annual Global Cannabis March.  Portland participants will gather for a rally that begins with a scheduled cannabis freedom march through downtown in the afternoon. The day long event will showcase the Dr. Phillip Leveque Memorial Stage, bands, speakers and vendor booths.  Portland’s annual Global Cannabis March / Oregon Cannabis Festival advocates for decriminalization of cannabis for medicinal, industrial, and social use in Oregon and across the United States...More 

Master Gardeners Spring Garden Fair
May 5 - 6

Over 100 vendors with everything for the gardener!  Annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, tools, garden art and much more.  This two day event has plenty of FREE attractions too - making it worth the drive to Canby...More

Walk/Run for the Animals
Saturday, May 5
(Southwest Washington)

Join along for family fun at the annual Walk/Run for the Animals!  More than 2,000 people and 800 dogs gather together for a walk or run to benefit shelter animals and have a party in the park. Choose from two dog-friendly courses, a 3-mile walk along the Columbia River or a 5k timed run through Ft. Vancouver.  After your walk or run, head back to Esther Short Park for the Party in the Park with Rojo the Llama, dozens of pet-friendly vendors, a K9 unit demonstration, balloon entertainment, an awards ceremony, and fun for you and your dog...More 

Free Herbalism Project
Sunday, May 6

The Free Herbalism Project is an interactive community event with botanically inspired lectures from experts in the field, live music, vendors and plenty of free organic herbal tea!  Their goal is to create a remarkable experience for those who wish to delve further into the world of herbalism, wild foods, and natural living...More

Northwest Quilters "Festival of Quilts"
May 11 - 12

Over 300 quilts and special exhibits are on display.  They'll have Quilts of Valor, Bid and Buy booth, Small Quilt raffle, numerous vendors, including their show sponsor Montavilla Sewing Centers.  This year's featured quilter is Kathie Kerler.  Her works will be on display for the entire show.  Judged is a word they don’t like to use. The quilts will be evaluated by a selected panel of Northwest Quilters members.  The 2018 challenge quilt theme is “Festival of Quilts.”  There will be (2) prize baskets (donated mdse by the members of Northwest Quilters Inc) one (1) given away each day of the show. Winner need not be present to win.  Their raffle quilt “Spice Market” Vicky Wozniak pieced by Joy Nichols, Nancy Tubbs, Kathy Anderson and Brenda Youngston, Machine quilted by Robin Hill. Cost of raffle tickets is $1.00 each.  Drawing will be on the last day of the show, winner need not be present.  Silent Auction we call Bid and Buy.  Various quilting products, some new some used, possibly a small quilt or two or three.  Food will be available onsite...More  

Pendleton Cattle Baron's Weekend
May 11 - 12

The Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend was created in honor of our region’s cattlemen and ranchers and their legacy. It is an annual celebration of our ranching roots, with proceeds going to a worthy cause. With one of the largest select horse sales, cattlemen’s educational events, ranch rodeo events, and the North American Stock Saddle Bronc Championship, the Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend is fun from beginning to end. Couple those events with a world-class Bit, Spur and Engraver show, a world-class Saddlemaker’s Show, and an amazing Trading Post...More

CABA Classic Alpaca Halter & Fleece Show
May 11 - 13

Every year, hundreds of alpacas and alpaca enthusiasts, as well as fiber art enthusiasts, gather for the Northwest's largest and most prestigious alpaca shows, Alpaca Association of Western Washington's (AAWW) Alpacapalooza and the CABA Classic.  This year, these shows have joined for one grand event under one roof.  What better way to learn more about the alpaca industry than to talk to hundreds of breeders and meet their alpacas face-to-face, all under one roof?  This is your opportunity.  And it's FREE!  The special event will feature alpacas in the show ring competition, comprised of classes judging conformation and fleece quality in many categories for both Suri and Huacaya alpacas.  Throughout the weekend, artisans will showcase alpaca fiber and examples of felting, fiber arts and more. Vendors and farm displays will sell the latest alpaca fashions and hand-crafted items...More

Schreiner's Iris Gardens: Iris Bloom Season
May 11 - 31

Visit their 10-acre display gardens that contain over 500 named varieties and countless companion plants.  Bring home fresh cut Iris blooms or order rhizomes for your friends and yourself.  Treat yourself to a day at Schreiner's Iris Gardens.  Photographers and artists are welcome too...More

Camas Plant & Garden Fair
Saturday, May 12
(Southwest Washington)

This is a FREE event.  Held the day before Mother's Day each year, the plant fair draws in thousands of people to enjoy and explore the amazing selection of plants, trees, garden art and supplies, and much more provided by dedicated local growers and vendors. Kids' activities, live music, fresh food, and the shops and restaurants of Downtown Camas all add to the community experience...More 

Doggie Dash
Saturday, May 12

Held annually by the Oregon Humane Society, all are invited to participate with runners and walkers.  You can choose from two courses: Doggie Dash Classic  1.5 miles or Bridge to Bridge - 2.5 miles.  They'll also have a pet festivl with vendors, contests, fun activities, and great food...More

GeekCraft Expo
May 12 - 13

It's like a mall for geeks!  If you're looking for "that" special thing--or things--to complement your geeky lifestyle, there is simply no better place to shop; everything for sale at GeekCraft Expo is incredibly unique, limited in quantity (i.e. NOT mass produced—this stuff is all made by hand) and TOTALLY NERDY!  For kids (and adults) who are into superheroes, gaming and/or geeky things in general, GeekCraft Expo is the perfect day out….because superheroes, gaming and/or geeky things in general is what GeekCraft Expo IS, wall to wall! Cosplay is highly encouraged (get one more use out of that Halloween costume!) and, as always, ADMISSION IS COMPLETELY FREE!...More  

Oregon Zoo: Mother's Day Brunch
Sunday, May 13

Treat mom to a special brunch at the Oregon Zoo this year, and celebrate with a sweet and savory spread of brunch favorites.  Seatings at the Mother’s Day Brunch start at 9 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 13 in the Cascade Crest Ballroom, located on the lower level of the Cascade Grill.  This year’s menu includes made-to-order omelets, roast turkey, herbed pimento cheese grits and biscuits and gravy, along with fresh fruit, salads, a kids’ menu and pastries...More

Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival
Sunday, May 13

Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival, headlined by The Offspring is a day filled with craft beer, tasty gourmet tacos, Lucha Libre style wrestling and live music!  The Sabroso festival will feature up to four hours of craft beer tastings featuring over 100 craft beers, including some of the best local favorites.  The event is for adults, 21 and older.  It becomes all ages after 4 p.m.  Top Lucha Libre style wrestling stars from across the globe will take to the ring battling for the title of Sabroso Champion. There will be multiple qualifying wrestling matches throughout each festival day and one final championship match!...More 

McMenamins UFO Festival 
May 17 - 19 

The UFO-curious are invited to the McMenamins UFO Festival for multiple days of fun and mind-expanding opportunities!  Activities include more live music than ever, the always-fun UFO parade, pet costume contest, 5K alien dash, costume ball, a new wine tasting event, a new UFO/alien trivia night, and so much more.  This year's speakers are Jeremy Corbell, UFO phenomena researcher and filmmaker, speaking about the government’s UFO secrecy and Area 51; Randall Nickerson & Ariel School Eyewitnesses talking about an alien craft encounter; and George Knapp, an award-winning journalist and radio host who will reveal new information about Skinwalker Ranch...More

Ladd Marsh Bird Festival
May 18 - 20

The festival opens Friday night with music (original songs about birds and birding) by the Odd Strings followed by a presentation by Wallowa County biologist and photographer, Kendrick Moholt – “In Search of the Crowbar: Discovering Mythical Creatures Across Planet Earth.”  The wildlife area is open to birding and exploration.  Local birders will assist visitors with finding and identifying birds.  Also at the birding stations, artists sponsored by Art Center East will be painting or sketching plein air.  Kid’s activities including building a birdhouse, coloring a canvas tote and the Junior Birder program will be available.  You can also take in an afternoon bird walk, a live raptor presentation by Blue Mountain Wildlife and information on native plants for birds...More

Questival
May 18 - 19

The Cotopaxi Questival is a 24-hour adventure race where teams of 2-6 friends explore the unknown in their city and the wild spaces around it, do things they never thought possible, and share the stoke with a fun and supportive community.  Teams compete to win gear and do good.  Each race offers up to $5,000 in prizes.  24-hours before Questival begins, you'll receive the list of challenges in all categories and specifics on the Event Launch.  Make 2018 the year you step off the map of your own life and explore new spaces with Questival...More

Detroit Lake Fishing Derby
May 18 - 20

The much-anticipated Detroit Lake Fishing Derby is a great annual family event hosted in Detroit, Oregon. The lake is stocked with thousands of rainbow trout.  Ten of the fish are tagged for cash prizes. Please join along and get your FISH ON!  When you are finished fishing for the day, take your catch to City Hall, Kane's Marina or Detroit Lake Marine to be clipped...More

111th Annual Rhododendron Festival
May 18 - 20

The 2018 Rhododendron Festival will be held May 18, 19, and 20, with preliminary events beginning as early as Wednesday, May 16. This year’s theme, “Rhody Rendezvous,” evokes a feeling of coming to Florence for an exciting gathering to make memories with friends and family during a great time in Oregon’s Coastal Playground. This 111th annual event features parades, flower shows, classic car and motorcycle exhibits, a classic car cruise, live music, vendor’s fair, grand pageantry, and lots more...More 

Sandy River Spey Clave
May 18 - 20

All are invited to a FREE gathering of anglers interested in two-hand fly rod fishing.  The annual event provides a format for the exchange of Spey casting and fishing information.  It's a place to rub elbows with the best Spey casters and steelhead anglers in the World!  Held in the best kpet urban river in the world, this event has been termed "The Woodstock of Spey Casting Events!"  The 2018 Sandy River Spey Clave attempts a new level of 50/50 male/female integration with half of the on the water programs being done by female professionals in this sport...More 

Be Jeweled
Saturday, May 19

Be Jeweled, the 11th anniversary recycled jewelry sale is on Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Samaritan Center for Health Education, 740 SW 9th Street, Newport, OR 97365.  Vintage, fine, collectible, ethnic rings, watches and costume jewelry will be available at fabulous prices.  Closed from 12 - 1 p.m.  Half-price sale starts at 1 p.m.  All proceeds will benefit Food Share of Lincoln County to help achieve our mission to alleviate hunger in Lincoln County.  Mark your calendars and come join us on the coast!...More 

Kettle Sour Fest
Saturday, May 19

Sample 20+ local sour beers from local breweries at the lake front patio at Stickmen Brewery. This sour beer festival benefits Friends Of Doernbecher Children's Hospital. $20 admission includes festival glass and 10 drink tickets. Food will be available to purchase. All ages are welcome - free admission and soft drinks will be provided for minors...More  

PDX Skincare Festival
Saturday, May 19

Hosted by OHSU, their event features FREE, rapid skin care exams, tips and samples from skincare professionals, 5K Walk and Fun Run to benefit melanoma research.  You can also enjoy music, dance performances and enter to win raffle prizes!...More 

Red Dress Party
Saturday, May 19

Hosted by Red Dress PDX as a fundraiser,  this year's theme is called "Wicked Red."  All party goers - regardless of age, gender identity or sexual orientation  -  are REQUIRED to wear a red dress, or a dress-like garment...More

17th Annual Surf Perch Derby
Saturday, May 19
(Southwest Washington)

A family-friendly event, all are invited to enter Long Beach Washington's annual Surf Perch Derby.  Prizes are offered for the total weight of fish caught for individual and 3-person teams.  It will be held on Saturday, May 19.  Registration is from 6:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. at the Bolstad Approach Pavilion in downtown Long Beach on the north end of the boardwalk.  Those taking part in the derby must possess required fishing permits/licenses from the State of Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.  Weigh ins are from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. and winners announced at 4 p.m.  Registration includes a breakfast with "all you can eat pancakes"...More  

Warrior Dash
Saturday, May 19

Take down 12 world-class obstacles and test your strength against the muddiest obstacles around.  You'll also have to venture through a 3.2 mile course of mud-caked backgrounds and uneven terrain to the finish line.  Everyone can enjoy the all day festival with a live DJ, beer, group and warrior games - before and after your race...More 

Dozer Day
May 19- 20
(Southwest Washington)

Dozer Day is the ultimate construction experience: putting kids in the driver’s seat to operate dump trucks, dozers, and excavators all while educating about building sustainable communities, industry opportunities, and public safety.  There is something for everyone with music, food, giveaways, digging for treasures (including real gemstones), pipe and tire crawls, garbage trucks, fire trucks, an ambulance and much more!  Young guests receive a free official Dozer Day hardhat and will enjoy collecting sponsor stickers for their hat while they get their “dig” on...More 

Mt. Tabor Art Walk
May 19 - 20

It’s a great opportunity to see quality visual art and meet artists in their studios and homes. Diverse media are represented including photography, painting, ceramics, sculpture, prints, metal arts, photography, glass, jewelry, book arts, and mosaics.  Get a neighborhood map to visit the sites...More

Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival
May 19 - 20

The Northwest boating community comes together at this annual event.  Take to the river with other rafters and kayakers.  Or if you're new to the sport, find workshops and classes.  Join in the on-shore festivities with vendor booths, music, and beer garden...More 

Uncork Polk County
May 19 - May 28

Uncork Polk County is a week-long series of events across Polk County.  It's a chance for visitors and locals to experience their authentic agriculture, kick off the summer season, and relax with a glass of world-class wine.  Throughout the week, explore wine walks, a craft show, farmers markets, family-friendly classes, farm tours, farm-to-table dinners, and the well-known wine tasting experiences of Memorial Day Weekend...More  

Bark in the Park Run & Fair
Sunday, May 20

On your barks, get set, go!  Alton Baker Park goes to the dogs when over 1,000 dogs and their people leash up for a 10K, 5K, or 2K run/walk in the park.  There's the run, the walk, canine activities, vendor booths, demonstrations and much more...More 

Dallas Art & Wine Walk
Sunday, May 20

The Dallas Downtown Association is hosting the second annual Dallas Art & Wine Walk. It's a celebration of local businesses, artists, musicians, and wineries.  The event will be located in the heart of our historic downtown.  You will receive a Dallas Art & Wine Walk glass, 10 tasting tickets, and a passport with local coupons.  Must be 21+ to participate...More 

Mount Pisgah Wildflower & Music Festival
Sunday, May 20

Bring the whole family to this annual event that is a fundraiser for the Mount Pisgah Arboretum.  Festival activities include 300 - 400 wildflower species on display, live music all day, nature walks with expert guides, plant sale, the beautiful Art in Nature trail, food books, art and craft vendors, and a Kids Booth...More 

Portland Pug Crawl
Sunday, May 20

The annual Pug Crawl is one of Portland’s most popular dog-friendly events!  The Parade of Pugs is open only to pugs and pug-mixes, but any dog-friendly dogs are welcome at the event. People of all ages are also welcome.  This year's theme is "Blast to the Past!"  Bring your pug (and yourself!) dressed in your favorite “decades” costume, from top hats and crinolines of the 1860s, flappers of the 1920s, tie dye of the 1960s, shoulder pads of the 1980s, to crop tops of today—and EVERYTHING in between. Madonna, MC Hammer, Bonnie and Clyde, The Beatles, Gatsby, Marilyn Monroe, Rosa Parks, and Mr. Peanut will share the parade route to represent years gone by...More 

Run to Remember Washington
Sunday, May 20
(Southwest Washington)

Let us honor the brave men and women who have or are currently serving in our Armed Forces and remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our freedom. This Memorial Day Mile and 5K/10K running and walking event on Memorial Day weekend will benefit Battle Buddies, an organization that provides Service Dogs for our Veterans...More 

Portland Rose Festival: CityFair and Fireworks
May 25 - June 10

Rose Festival's waterfront activities will have entertainment, food, fireworks, scavenger hunt, Fleet Week, and carnival rides.  Military and kids 6 and under are always FREE...More 

Rogerson Clematis Garden:
Inviting Vines Garden Tour, Breakfast and Tea
Saturday, May 26

The 2018 Inviting Vines Garden Tour includes four private gardens in addition to an optional breakfast and afternoon tea with docent led tours of the Rogerson Clematis Garden at Luscher Farm. Special lectures "Breakfast with Lucy Hardiman" and "Tea with Linda Beutler" provide insight into garden design and plant selection.  Rogerson Clematis Garden is the only ornamental garden in the state dedicated to sustainable and chemical-free gardening...More  

Crafts on the Coast 21st Annual Spring Arts & Crafts Festival
May 26 - 27

Start your vacationing with a visit to Yachats, the Gem of the Oregon Coast, on May 26 - May 27, for the Crafts on the Coast 21st Annual Spring Arts & Crafts Festival. This premiere juried arts & crafts event is held inside the Yachats Commons, a charming, refurbished vintage elementary school.  You will find room after room and hallway filled to bursting with nearly 70 of the best artisans from the Pacific Northwest offering a variety of interesting, unique, functional, fun must-haves for yourself and gifts for others on your list.  Fun attractions at this family-friendly event include craft demonstrations, free tastings of the gourmet food, massage and community booths. Admission and Parking are FREE.  Join us Saturday, May 26, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Sunday, May 27, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., inside the Yachats Commons, 441 Highway 101 at W. 4th St. in Yachats...More

Heading West - Meet the Pioneers
May 26 - 27

This year marks the 175th anniversary of the Oregon Trail!  You can see interpreters re-create the excitement of preparing for the 5 month journey to Oregon in 1843...More

Multnomah County Fair
May 26 - 28

The friends of the Multnomah County Fair present the 112th annual Multnomah county fair! Adults and children, both returners and newcomers are sure to have an enjoyable weekend experiencing the many offerings of the Fair, including great food, entertainment, activities, and attractions!  Parking and gate admission are FREE!..More

Oregon Zoo: Memorial Day 
Monday, May 28

The Oregon Zoo will welcome military veterans and their families, active military personnel and their families, and families of deployed military personnel into the zoo FREE of charge, thanks to the Walmart Foundation, which is using the holiday as a way to show its support for those who have served.  The zoo store will also be offering a 10 percent discount and all zoo restaurants will be offering a 25 percent discount to veterans, active military personnel and their families, with proper ID.  To receive free admission Memorial Day, visitors must show a military or veteran organization ID, discharge papers or other official military identification; families of deployed military personnel must show an active duty ID...More

Race to Remember Memorial Day 
Monday, May 28

The Race to Remember Memorial Day run honors those men and women that have so bravely made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  Choose between a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or participate in the Honor A Hero Mile...More

ONGOING EVENTS:

Podcast Series: Holistic Nature of Us
Every Tuesday

My intent is to take us, you and I, into a better understanding of the concepts behind our holistic nature and how that ties directly to the holistic nature of the world around us.  It's time for practical action and profound inner change so our natural world is valued once again.  Released every Tuesday: Go to: www.judithdreyer.com for more details.