A puppet show for misfit toys, dark burlesque starring Throb Zombie, and preschoolers investigating Sasquatch. Portland, I have follow-up questions.
I'm Larie. I find the strange, fun and genuinely useful Portland happenings, check the details and try to get them to you before they're over. This is my edited list, not every event in town.
If you've ever heard about a brilliant little Portland event on Monday only to learn it happened on Saturday, welcome to the club. So I've been collecting unusual events around Portland, Oregon—some free, some worth a ticket, all with real organizers behind them.
Looking for things to do in Portland this weekend, with children, after dark or for absolutely zero dollars? Start here. Dates, access, admission and weather can change. The organizer links are there for a reason.
A puppet show, a gallery full of Krampus ornaments, and artists worth knowing by name. Both listings are indoors; verify show admission and gallery hours.
Artist Davis Wohlford’s handmade misfits have personalities, histories and now their own stage. The free puppet show grows out of a bigger story about the working artists behind North Pole Studio.
Holiday ornaments inspired by characters from different traditions, including Krampus and La Befana. This exhibition is free, but not open every day, so check its current hours.
Five very different excuses to leave the house. Age restrictions, prices and access vary.
Darkwave, drag, a Sunday dark market and a headline performer named Throb Zombie. Shows run Friday and Saturday; the Sunday market has separate details.
An artist market, performances, cosplay and an actual ghost-cat maid café. Dress for the convention you want to attend. Check the program and registration before going.
ZooLights without the school groups: glowing animals, local breweries and cideries, music, and nondrinker ticket options. Friday and Saturday only.
Young scientists practice observation using the five senses and Oregon’s favorite elusive creature. It’s a science workshop, not an announcement that Bigfoot has finally agreed to an interview.
The enormous painted crows that inspired gifts from Portlanders will raise money for OHSU Doernbecher. No in-person tickets remain; the public can register to bid online or check livestream instructions.
A few plans for people who like knowing what's coming before their calendar gets crowded.
Lighted wildlife displays, glowing tunnels and a walk through the zoo after dark. Some November dates are closed or reserved for special nights, so look at the exact schedule first.
A look behind the engineering and art of theme-park attractions, including interactive experiences and original artifacts. Ideal when you want to escape the rain without leaving Portland.
Portland’s downtown tree gets almost 10,000 lights and a community sing-along. It’s difficult to be grumpy at a tree lighting. Even if you’ve lost all feeling in your toes.
I look for original ideas and people behind them, check what organizers say, and give you a reason to care. If you want a wider date-and-region filter, use our PNW events calendar. For things to do across both states Friday–Sunday, try the Weird Weekend Desk.
Need stories rather than plans? Explore Portland reporting. Found something unusual we missed? Tell the newsroom. Submitting an event doesn't guarantee coverage.
Plus the discoveries I couldn't leave alone and one little adventure to steal.