Our Monthly Picks | May 2023
OREGON WINE MONTH
All of May | Oregon Wine Country
You can celebrate Willamette Valley wine all year round, but especially during Oregon Wine Month, when the entire state joins in commemoration of the beloved industry for the month of May, offering special activities and promotions for the enjoyment of Oregon wine. Taste new wines from your favorite labels, sample from the barrel with winemakers or savor specialty food pairings and live music.
www.oregonwine.org
KODOMO NO HI, CHILDREN’S DAY
May 7th | Portland Japanese Gardens
Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day) is commemorated each year in Japan in early May to celebrate children's growth and good fortune. The festival will feature a range of family-friendly activities. Listen to taiko performances, learn how to make origami koi or frogs, participate in a treasure hunt, and enjoy koinobori or cloth carp streamers displays.
www.japanesegarden.org
ST. JOHN'S BIZARRE AND PARADE
May 13th | St. John's
The St. Johns Bizarre is a uniquely crafted celebration that kicks off the summer street fair season in Portland. The Bizarre brings music, crafts, and food to the crowds who traditionally attended the St. Johns Parade. After the parade, a portion of the business district in St. Johns is closed to traffic and filled with over 135 juried craft vendors, several stages for music, great food, and tons of games and activities.
www.stjohnsbizarre.com
UFO FESTIVAL IN MCMINNVILLE
May 19th-20th | McMenamins Hotel Oregon
Suspect we’re not alone in the universe? Then join your like-minded, alien-obsessed cohorts at the second-largest UFO fest in the country. There will be favorite events like the UFO Parade and a speaker lineup that includes bestselling authors, extraterrestrial experts as well as alien abductees. And, of course, there will be plenty of Alienator IPA on tap.
www.ufofest.com
TEDxPORTLAND
May 20th | Keller Auditorium
In a world that’s often polarized and divisive, choose to come together. At the intersection of skepticism and curiosity are understanding and innovation. The power of ideas is what propels everyone forward. The one-day event will feature 12 TED Talks, highlighted by four incredible performances. Year 11 will embrace fluidity, strength, and balance. Celebrate the contrarians, open-minded thinkers, and doers committed to creating a better tomorrow for the city and the world.
www.tedxportland.com
PORTLAND ROSE FESTIVAL
May 26th–June 11th | Various Locations
Declared the city’s official festival in 2010, the celebration includes more than 60 events, starting in late May and ending in mid-June. With the festival comes parades, carnival rides, art shows, dragon boat races, fun runs and more!
www.rosefestival.org