Hello! If you’re here for 2018 Portland Adult Soapbox Derby video, we’re working on finishing the editing. Check back in a few days, or you can subscribe to get our posts, including a weekly culture and arts events listing for East Portland.
To tide you over, here are the videos we’ve done over the past few years. I hope you enjoy them! Thanks to all the hard-working volunteers and organizers that make this event so amazing.
DIY, day drinking, one of Portland’s most beautiful parks, and a hint of danger… the derby truly is Portland at its best.
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The 2014 video featured Sandy V on the mic. He’s a software developer who’s not afraid to try new things… like interview strangers while day drinking.
I was there in 2015, but didn’t film anything. It was a good time still.
In 2016, we stuck to the basics. I blame my woo-ing on the boxed rosé.
At 2017’s race, I sorta asked / sorta didn’t ask my friend Jason S. help me narrate throughout the day.
The City of Portland‘s Planning and Sustainability Commission is updating its Neighborhood Contact Code.
A hearing on August 14th brought seven testifiers. You can watch the hearing here (the presentation begins @ 9:20), and read the Portland Mercury‘s take on it here.
Representing the Overlook Neighborhood Association and a group of nine North Portland NA chairs, Christian Trejabal testified @ 22:04. His input was a contrast to many of the others who opposed changes that they feel could slow developers from adding housing.
“You can adjust the rules and increase engagement with your residents without throwing away the current system that works in the places that it works,” Trejabal said. You can read his submitted testimony here.
BDS’s Neighborhood Contact Code Update Project home page is here.
Written testimony can be Map App here or delivered in hard copy to the BPS office (1900 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 7100) will be accepted until 5 pm on Friday, August 17.
The Planning and Sustainability Commission has a work session and will provide recommendations to the Neighborhood Contact Code Update on August 28th (agenda).
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Here’s video from the August meeting of the Montavilla Neighborhood Association. At this meeting, they discussed the future of artist community Milepost 5.
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“The Planning and Sustainability Commission voted to recommend the Manufactured Dwelling Park Project to City Council on July 10, 2018. Council will review the recommendation and consider public testimony before voting on the proposal on August 22, 2018.”
FRIDAY
“Zen Hunter’s music is an eclectic blend of mostly original tunes, combining heavy grooves with exquisite exploratory jams, often ending up in a funky place which encourages dancing and good energetic transfusion with their crowds.”
The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * 9:30 pm – 1 pm * free
SATURDAY
The fifth annual Montavilla Jazz Festival is happening this weekend. celebrates Portland’s jazz scene and raise money for the Montavilla Schools Music Fund.
Tonga Day 2018: “The main event starts at 1 PM with family-friendly activities and cultural performances. The evening’s feature film is ‘Moana’ (2016) PG.
Pre-movie entertainment will be provided by Tongan 101 Tongan/Pacific Island music and dance. Pre-movie entertainment starts at 6:30 PM. Movie begins after dusk.”
Gateway Discovery Park, 10520 NE Halsey St * 1 pm
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If you’ve never attended, the Portland Adult Soapbox Derby is a really good time. Dozens of groups build their own soapbox cars and race it down Mt. Tabor. It’s the best of Portland’s DIY artistic aesthetic, a relaxing day at Mt. Tabor Park, and just a dash of danger… some of those cars move pretty fast.
It’s a good event for kids, and as long as you post up away from the track, you can let the racers experience all the risks. Bring a lunch, bring your favorite beverage, I think you’ll have a good time.
Mt Tabor Park * 10 am – 4 pm
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“Come celebrate the end of summer with a water balloon free-for-all on the Holgate Library lawn. All water balloons provided. Participants should expect to get soaked. Bring your own towel!”
Group A: K-5 grades, 2-2:20 pm * Group B: 6-12 grades, 2:30-3 pm
“The Jade International Night Market is a crucial tool to help support local small businesses in the Jade District neighborhood. The annual summer event provides a space to celebrate and recognize the diversity and culture of the communities who live and work in the Jade District and sheds light on the issues impacting a neighborhood in transition.”
Portland Community College Southeast Campus, 2305 SE 82nd Ave
SUNDAY
Outer Northeast Portland Sunday Parkways:
“In 2018, Sunday Parkways is returning to Outer Northeast with new attractions and new parks/marketplaces. This route that begins after Gateway green will bring you home or introduce you to life in the Outer NE. This 6.4 miles route will take you to Knott, East Holladay and debut the newly constructed Gateway Discovery Park. These parks will be overflowing with music, food, and fun finds. Come see for yourself on August 19, 2018!”
“Join community members and elected leaders as they gather at Gateway Discovery Park for in a one-mile walk to Knott Park, alongside our refugee and immigrant neighbors in a show of support. This event recognizes the unique experiences of new Portlanders, of all ages and backgrounds.
Hear refugee and immigrant stories
Enjoy diverse music, food, and other family activities”
Gateway Discovery Park, 10520 NE Halsey St * 11 am
They’re hosting a farm-to-table event this weekend. It’s sold out, but still worth knowing about:
“The evening includes:A guided, edible tour through the garden; a multi-course meal prepared by PSU Eats Executive Chef Matt Steele; each dish includes freshly grown produce from LGL, along with wine and beer pairings; live entertainment; storytelling by PSU students.”
Learning Gardens Laboratory, 6801 SE 60th Ave
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“The African and African American experience comes alive for children from birth to age 6 (with a favorite adult and other family members). In a positive and affirming environment, have fun with books and stories, songs, and movement activities. Black Storytime builds language and literacy skills your child needs to be ready for kindergarten.”
Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Ave * 11:15 am – 11:45 pm
SUNDAY
From 1 pm – 4 pm, Montavilla Initiative will be hosting a park cleanup at Montavilla Park. At 4 pm, they’ll be a potluck dinner.
After the dinner, Montavilla Initiative is hosting a press conference @ 7:30 pm in the parking lot of Montavilla Park. They will be meeting the press to discuss chronic crime and livability issues.
The group has become a non-profit and want people to join their organization for $25 a year. For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.
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We’re deep in the summer produce… for the current summer roster, go here.
Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm
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It’s an Irish afternoon at O’Neill Public House… jams and featured Cary Novotny Band feat. Bronnie, Preston, Conor, Kelsey from 7 pm – 9 pm.
“Cary Novotny (Cul an Ti) brings his band with special guest Bronnie Griffin, Irish step dancer Kelsey Wilson — who will sing as well — and Preston Howard and Conor O’Bryan!”
The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * 2 pm – 11:30 pm * free
We just wanted to pop in and let y’all know about the National Night Out in Montavilla tonight. There’s so many awesome events going on in Portland’s summer…
“Come to Montavilla Neighborhood Association’s National Night Out Picnic this Saturday 4-7 pm at Montavilla Park! Food, entertainment and kids’ activities will be provided. Come down and hang with some of your neighbors!”
Montavilla Park, NE 82nd and Glisan * Saturday, August 4 * 4 pm – 7 pm
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Over in Brentwood-Darlington:
The excellent advocates at the Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association are hosting the national night out:
“Join us for our annual National Night Out Event on Saturday, August 4th, 3:00 – 7:00 PM. Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association will be grilling up hot dogs (beef, turkey, and veggie) with all the fixings, so bring a side dish, salad, or dessert to share and join the neighborhood fun! This FREE family-friendly event is designed to encourage neighbors to get to know each other. Live music (local band: Babylon Star Destroyer), delicious food, fun for the kids, and hanging with your awesome neighbors make this a must attend summer event!”
7211 SE 62nd Ave * 3 pm – 7 pm
SUNDAY
The fourth annual Lents Fair is here again… there’s be live music, prizes, a chicken beauty contest, and more!
Music lineup:
11 am – Daves Killer Granddaddies
12 pm – Rainbow Electric
1 pm – The Stone Hollers
2 pm – The Cabin Project
3pm – Portland Kora Project
Here’s the video we put together from last year:
SE Harold St. and SE 92nd Ave * 11 am – 4 pm
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We’ll be back next week with a full buffet of happenings in East Portland! Enjoy your weekend and enjoy your summer!
We’ll be back next week with a full buffet of happenings in East Portland! Enjoy your weekend and enjoy your summer!
“Journey through exotic lands with this fiddle-driven caravan of Klezmer, Balkan, Sephardic & original soul music all spiced up with a Texas twist. With her captivating band, Michelle Alany brings fresh interpretations of ancient melodies, hypnotic strings and wild improvisation with her energizing soulful music. Hot off a tour in Spain, bandleader, violinist & vocalist Michelle Alany is a dynamic performer & ambassador of world folk traditions, specializing in Sephardic, Mediterranean & Eastern music.”
The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * 9:30 pm – 1 am
“Hoedown is Zenger Farm’s festive celebration at the height of summer! This event brings guests together to eat, dance, drink and play, while also helping Zenger promote access to good food for all. Your ticket includes dinner, a drink ticket for ages 21+ and fun activities for the whole family.”
There’ll be four bands, farm games, ice cream, and adult beverages. Buy tickets here.
Zenger Farm, * $25 general admission, $15 for youth, free for kids 5 and under * 4 pm – 9 pm
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Parkrose Street Mural and Block Party:
“It’s a Block Party! Grab your painting clothes and lawn chairs and join us to bring a little more art and fun to the Parkrose Community! We’ll be painting a street mural in the intersection of NE 109th and Skidmore between 10 am and 2 pm, but the streets will be closed from 7 am to 5 pm. When you’re not painting, feel free to enjoy the car-free streets with your family. Bring a game or a food item to share if you wish. Last Call Delivery Boyz, owned by a Parkrose resident, will be serving food around noon.”
Special thank you to Parkrose Hardware, Historic Parkrose and everyone who has contributed to making this event happen! Donations are accepted here.
NE 109th Ave and NE Skidmore St * 10 am – 2 pm
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Portland Slavic Festival is this weekend. There’s not a lot of information on their site, but there’s a lot of great photographs.
Ventura Park, 460 SE 113th Ave * 9 am – 10 pm
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“An experiential holistic event sharing information based on the wisdom of the ancients that will improve your health and strengthen your immune system!
Learn how to find and self-massage the most commonly applied pressure points in the Traditional Chinese Medicine system for everyday care and optimal health
Teach yourself how to massage and trigger these pressure points using essential oils”
Here’s an interesting editorial on the changes happening at Office of Neighborhood Involvement. In it the publisher of the NW Examiner questions the office’s lack of pubic process in its shift of mission and re-branding.
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There was another cougar spotted near 118th Ave & Division St this week. Authorities are telling people to keep pets inside.
FRIDAY
Portland Pickles games are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. See the schedule and buy tickets here.
July 14th from 2 pm – 7 pm for a Caribbean celebration with food, drinks, live music, kids activities, community and culture! All ages. All backgrounds.”
“A Family friendly Tasting Tour that coincides with Second Saturday! Come out for tastes of everything from booze to board games.
Start out at any of the participating businesses,pick up your passport book and start tasting! Each participating business will have a special that day for a stamp (sticker) in your book. Collect as many stickers as you can and hand it into one of the hosts to be entered into the contest to win awesome prizes!”
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Outdoor Movie in Glenhaven Park – Tonight, starting about 6:30 p.m. it’s a “Movie in the Park” event. The evening starts off with music by the Beatles cover band All Together Now. Then, at dusk, they’ll be showing Star Wars: The Last Jedi on their big outdoor screen, with stereo sound. Bring a blanket or low beach chairs, a picnic dinner, and warmer clothing for when the sun goes down. This event is located at Glenhaven Park, 7900 NE Siskiyou Street Concert.
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Garden and cooking party with community chef Van Duong:
“Join us for a beautiful day in our new International Kitchen Garden! We will be tending to the garden, sharing knowledge about urban gardening, and harvesting food. Then Chef Van will lead us in preparing a lunch menu highlighting the garden’s summer harvest. Any harvested food that is not used will be for folx to take home to recreate the recipe! Children are welcome to attend alongside their adult. No one ever turned away for lack of funds.”
Registration: Space is limited. If you would like to attend, please email prairie@zengerfarm.org or click here to register.
Zenger Farms, 11741 SE Foster Rd * 10 am – 1:30 pm * pay-what-you-can, suggestion of $5 – $15 per group
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“Join us for the third annual Oregon Walkways (event), a pedestrian-focused open-streets event celebrating Portland communities… this year in the Rosewood Neighborhood!
We’re working with The Rosewood Initiative to create a comfortable walking environment and a fun day of games, prizes, food, art, music, outdoor activities, and much more!”
SE 162nd between Stark & Main St, and SE Main between 162nd & Market Ct * 11 am – 4 pm
“The city’s top chefs will give demonstrations on everything from pasta to pie to barbecue while you taste, sip, and participate!”
Vegetarian options are available.
Rossi Farms, 3839 NE 122nd Ave * Sat & Sun, 11 am – 3 pm * $45 – $200
SUNDAY
Early cherries, strawberries, and plenty of other goodness at Montavilla Farmers Market. Quail eggs, hot sauce, honey, kombucha, and plenty of fruits and vegis are on this week’s market highlights here.
Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm
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“We are taking the archives on the road and traveling to neighborhood libraries. Drop by and learn what you can find in the City’s collections and how you can do your own research. City archivists are ready to answer questions and get you started on your research projects. Even if you don’t have any specific questions, stop by to look at historic photos from the surrounding neighborhoods.”
It’s a bit outside Montavilla, but Baerlic Beer Hall Halsey (6035 NE Halsey) is a great addition to the neighborhood. Read more about them on New School Beerhere.
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Until July 20th, Oregon Department of Transportation is accepting comments on “congestion pricing” / tolling on I-5 and I-205. Make your comment here.
FRIDAY
The Montavilla Mini Farm is open from 1 pm to 7 pm today! Visit their page or just go by to see what’s available.
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Portland Pickles! There are games Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. See the schedule and buy tickets here.
Walker Stadium, 4727 SE 92nd Ave * $5 – $13
SATURDAY
“The Lents Garage Sale is a neighborhood-wide event made up of garage or yard sales all over the Lents neighborhood.
Visit 25 sale locations throughout the day while exploring neighborhood projects and local businesses that make Lents unique in between. Locations are available on the Sale Map, in online or printed format. While visiting sales, play Bingo and enter to win prizes.”
Garage sale locations on their online sale map * 9 am – 4 pm
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Opera a la Cart:
“Portland Opera brings their own cart and performers to Cartlandia for the inaugural summer performance. FREE Family-Friendly 2 hour performance only. Enjoy music and food from the carts.”
8145 SE 82nd Ave * noon – 2 pm
Artists Milepost presents a workshop: How to Get Your Book Published.
8155 NE Oregon St * noon – 2 pm * ???
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“New Dew is a three-piece R&B/ Funk ensemble that originated in Portland OR in 2016. New Dew keeps things fresh, innovative, and exciting. Bringing a new style of music unlike any we’ve seen before. Their sets are improvised and pieced together by the energy of the venue, their listeners, and the atmosphere around them.”
The O’Neill Public House, 6000 NE Glisan St * 9:30 pm – 1 am * free
SUNDAY
The Montavilla Farmers Market is in full swing for the season… For a list of what’s available, go here.
Montavilla Farmers Market, 7700 block of SE Stark St * 10 am – 2 pm
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Sunday Jazz & all day happy hour @ Vino Veritas:
“Come enjoy live jazz Sunday afternoon along with all day Happy Hour. A wonderful way to wind down the week.”
