Portland has tons of events going on every month. Usually, there are multiple events going on every day, From concerts to shopping, to festivals. Here are some of the events going on in Portland during the month of May. The events listed below can be found on websites such as Eventful, Travel Portland's Events Calendar, and Events 12.
Monday, May 2
5:30 PM. MONDAY NIGHT BIKE RACE SERIES. The Portland International Raceway (PIR) hosts a weekly Monday-night bike race, with separate categories for beginners and advanced cyclists. The race is offered on a flat, closed, and car-free circuit. PIR is located at 1940 N. Victory Blvd, in Portland. Cost is $15 per person.
7:00 PM. TENNESSEE WILLIAMS MOVIE NIGHT: "CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF." Celebrate the mastery of Tennessee WIlliams on the silver screen! Tonight's movie is "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." The event is free, and located at the Portland Center Stage Gerding Theater, at the Armory. The address is 128 NW 11th Ave, in Portland. I repeat, the event is free!
9:00 PM. THE DUSTBOWL REVIVAL. Join for a night full of bluegrass, swing, hot jazz, pre-war blues, southern soul and New Orleans funk music. The Dustbowl Revival is "what you could call an American roots orchestra with eight full-time members - and they play it all, mashing the sounds of traditional American music into a genre-hopping, time-bending dance party that coaxes fire out of familiar coal." The event is at the Doug Fir Restaurant, Bar & Lounge, located at 830 E. Burnside St, in Portland. The show costs $10-$12 per person and is 21+.
Tuesday, May 3
7:00 PM. MARK O. HATFIELD DISTINGUISHED HISTORIANS FORUM. Since 1998, the Oregon Historical Society presents this annual lecture series - bringing together the country's top historians and authors for "thought-provoking evenings of history." Tonight's speaker is Kenneth C. Davis, author of "The Hidden History Of America At War." The lecture is presented at the First Congregational Church, located at 1126 SW Park Ave, in Portland. Cost is $22.50 and up for members, and $25 for general admission. There are further discounts for students with a student ID.
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. B-MOVIE BINGO: SHADOW WARRIORS. Presented by B-Movie Bingo, "Shadow Warriors" (1997) is about what happens when an international terrorist targets the U.S in order to launch an attack and a covert task force of mercenaries is forced to defend a threat of nuclear devastation. The film stars Terry "Hulk" Hogan, Carl Weathers, and Shannon Tweed. The movie will be screened at the Hollywood Theatre, located at 4122 NE Sandy Blvd, in Portland. Tickets can be bought for $9 per person.
Wednesday, May 4
7:30 PM. MALPASO DANCE COMPANY PRESENTED BY WHITE BIRD. Founded in 2012 with the intention to fast-forward Cuban contemporary dance, Malpaso features work created both by international choreographers and Cubans, with music like Latin jazz, and Caribbean tunes from Cuba’s cultural melting pot. This concert will be accompanied by Arturo O’Farrill and his "Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble" (Oregon Arts Watch). Based in Havana, Cuba, the program features work by Artistic Director Osnel Delgada, and a new dance by Portland's own Trey McIntry. The show will be staged at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, located at 1037 SW Broadway, in Portland. Tickets start at $26 per person, with discounts for students, seniors, and groups.
8:00 PM to 10:30 PM. MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU. no better way to celebrate "Star Wars" Day, than to join for a night of "Star Wars"-inspired variety, including galactically renowned burlesque, acrobatics, juggling, and comedy to celebrate a galaxy far, far away. The cast features past Cirque du Soleil performer Patrick McGuire, Nanda acrobat Misha Fradin, David Letterman, contortionist Brittany Walsh, and many more. Guests are strongly encouraged to come in costume. A prize will be awarded to the guest with the best Star Wars-themed tattoo. The celebration will be held at the Star Theater on 13 NW 6th Ave, in Portland. Cost is $20 to attend per person.
Thursday, May 5
11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. PORTLAND CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA. The Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association (PGSCA) presents the 32nd annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta! The largest multicultural fiesta in Oregon. Guests will enjoy entertainment from Guadalajara's Mariachi de Ciudad Guadalajara, and Oregon's Ballet Folklórico Mexico en La Piel. Artisans will be coming from Jalisco, Mexico, to share their artwork with guests. All entertainment is included in the entry fee, including Lucha Libre and amateur boxing. The entry is $10 per person.
7:00 PM. SONGWRITER ROUNDUP. Join Artichoke Music every first and third Thursday night for their celebration of songwriting and Portland's vibrant music literature community. Songwriters, you’re invited to put your name in a hat to play an original song during the evening. Names will be chosen at random to perform. Songwriter Roundup is a unique and wonderful experience for players and non-performing listeners alike! Hosted by Matt Meighan and Suzan Lundy." The roundup will be held at Artichoke Music, located on 3130 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Cost is $5 per person.
7:30 PM. "LIZA, LIZA, LIZA."In this U.S. premiere, join Liza Minnelli the three different stages of her life, often all on-stage. Plenty of songs and backstories about the troubled daughter of Judy Garland. There will be humor among the frightening tales of drinking, drug abuse, broken legs, strokes and hip replacements. Travel through Liza's chaotic life. Songs will include "A Quiet Thing" from "Flora the Red Menace," and other favorites such as "New York, New York," and "Cabaret." The show will be staged at the Sanctuary of the Sandy Plaza, at 1785 NE Sandy Blvd, in Portland. Tickets are $5-$35 per person.
Friday, May 6
7:30 PM. MOZART'S "THE MAGIC FLUTE." Mozart's last opera, sung in English and features scenery and costumes designed by children's book artist Maurice Sendak. The opera is being presented by The Portland Opera. An adventure tale, a profound love exploration, a coming-of-age saga, and a celebration of the power of music all in one. The opera is staged at the Keller Auditorium, located at 222 SW Clay St, in Portland. Tickets start at $25 per person.
9:00 PM. STEEL PANTHER. Steel Panther's debut "Feel the Steel" hit number one on Billboard's Top Comedy Albums Chart. The group has sold out shows worldwide and has appeared at festivals such as Download and Rock on the Range. The group has performed with Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, KISS's Paul Stanley, Slipknot's Corey Taylor, Linkin Park's Chester Bennington, and Rage Against the Machine's, Tom Morello. The group has also appeared on Dancing with the Stars, Bad Girl's Club, and a web campaign for the movie adaptation of "Rock of Ages." This is not a show you want to miss. Steel Panther will perform at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, located at 1332 W. Burnside, in Portland. Tickets are $22 to $25 per person.
Saturday, May 7
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. CHOCOLATE TOUR AND TASTING. While everyone may love chocolate, very few people understand how it's grown and turned into the delicious treat. On the tour, you will learn about the various states of chocolate and the process of making. You will taste chocolate from its raw, liquid, and final bar form. The tour ends with a drinking chocolate from the cafe for you to enjoy. The tour takes place at Cup & Bar, located at 118 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, in Portland. The tour costs $10 per person.
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. THE DINNER DETECTIVE INTERACTIVE MURDER MYSTERY DINNER SHOW It;s America's largest interactive murder mystery comedy dinner show! Guests will solve a hilarious murder case while feasting on a four-course dinner. Just beware: the killer is hiding somewhere in the room and you may find yourself to be a prime suspect! Your ticket includes the signature murder mystery show with a prize package for Top Sleuth of the night, a four-course dinner with your choice of entree, and waitstaff gratuity is included. The show takes place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on 1441 NE 2nd Ave, in Portland. Tickets are $54.95 to $59.95.
7:30 PM. "BACK TO THE FUTURE." Power up your DeLorean, charge your flux capacitor, and celebrate the film's 30th anniversary like you have never seen before! Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd star in the popular film. It will be shown on a high-definition screen, with a live orchestra playing Alan Silvestri's musical score in sync with the film. The viewing will take place at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, located at 1037 SW Broadway, in Portland. Tickets prices are varied. Call the Concert Hall at 503.248.4335for more information.
These are just a few of the countless events happening around Portland, Ore. every day! This is just to get you started!
Make sure to mark your calendars!