Portland and Area Activities Planner - November 22, 2024

WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND?Excerpts FromTravelPortland.com TualitinValley.orgTravelOregon.com  CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTSNov. 29–Dec. 30Presenting the sights, sounds and sensations of the season, The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. The festival features nearly 160 indoor holiday concerts performed by many of the region’s finest school, church and civic choirs. Offering a family-oriented blend of traditional celebration and serene reflection, the festival theme reflects the special season of hope that Christmas offers many thousands of families around the Pacific Northwest. THE NUTCRACKERNov. 23–24Oregon International Ballet Academy revives its highly acclaimed Nutcracker production! OIBA’s Nutcracker offers a unique and seamless integration of charming and joyful performances by student dancers with stunning appearances from the school’s top performers and surprise guest artists. The result is a high-quality, cohesive, and exhilarating experience that delivers a heaping portion of holiday magic. TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRASunday, Nov. 24Multi-platinum, progressive rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) their highly anticipated winter tour. They will perform “The Lost Christmas Eve" for the first time in over ten years. Get in the holiday spirit with this unforgettable, multi-generational holiday tradition. PET NIGHTS WITH SANTAOct 18-Nov 3Is your pet on the “Nice” list? Celebrate the holiday season with photos of your fur baby at Washington Square. Your pet won’t ask for much this Christmas — all they want is you. If your four-legged family member has been a good girl or boy this year, you can repay their devotion by including them in the holiday cheer with a special “Pets With Santa” visit. ZACH BRYANNov. 26–27Country sensation Zach Bryan brings The Quittin Time Tour to Portland for two shows at Moda Center. The 27-year-old has built a hard-won reputation as an in-concert force of nature, second to none, as evidenced by anyone who attended shows from his Burn, Burn, Burn Tour, which wraps in Kansas City at the end of the month. All shows sold out instantly several months in advance,and he set new attendance records at several venues along the way. THANKSGIVING DINNERThursday, Nov. 28Join Mayrose, at the Historic Duniway hotel in the heart of Downtown Portland, for a prix fixe 3 course Thanksgiving menu with all the trimmings. Savor the flavors of the Thanksgiving Dinner Celebration. The culinary team has crafted a delightful prix fixe dinner to include items like  gnocchi with brown butter and sage, ale brined turkey breast or carved striploin, basque pumpkin cheesecake & pecan pie tartlet. PORTLAND SPIRIT THANKSGIVING DAY CRUISESThursday, Nov. 28The perfect setting for a wonderful Thanksgiving with the whole family. Let us do the cooking this holiday. Sit back and relax as you cruise down the river taking in the views of the city of Portland and the historic Milwaukie waterfront. Enjoy a delicious buffet meal with holiday classics and tempting desserts. THANKSGIVING AT THE RESORTThursday, Nov. 28Give thanks and celebrate. Join the Oregon Garden Resort for a delicious Thanksgiving meal. The special menu includes many holiday favorites, such as prime rib, turkey, ham, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and more. It will be available in the Garden View Restaurant and Orchid Ballroom. Click here for the full menu THE MURDER MYSTERY COMPANY DINNER THEATER SHOWNovember 23Join the event everyone is dying to attend—a two-hour-long comedic murder mystery in which even YOU can be the killer. Prepare to unravel the secrets of a thrilling murder mystery, where every twist and turn leads you closer to uncovering the truth. Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you examine clues and mingle with suspects, all while enjoying a delectable three-course meal. But beware — you might find yourself a suspect in this gripping tale. Secure your tickets now for an evening you won't soon forget. October: disguise yourself for our costume party, “Midnight at the Masquerade.” November: a 1930s Old Hollywood whodunit titled “Best Laid Plans.” December: celebrate the holidays with “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year.” MIDWINTER REVELSFriday, Nov 22Portland Revels celebrates the seasons through song, dance, story and ritual of the past and present, creating community across generations and cultures. Twelfth Night or What You WillNov 22-Dec 22When Viola washes ashore, her twin brother Sebastian is lost at sea. Disguises, mistaken identities and unrequited love show them that shipwrecks may be the least of their problems. In one of  Shakespeare’s most enduring comedies, everything — love, mischief, music and libations — exists in exciting excess!  CARSON GOLF & SPA RESORTYear-RoundDriving east on either side of the Columbia River Gorge with Mount Hood filling the windshield, the stunning scenery leads to an enchanted place where you can choose your own adventure, relax and enjoy the magical hot water of Carson Hot Springs. Whether you are looking for luxury and a comfortable overnight stay or something a bit more rustic with a camping option, Carson Hot Springs in Washington has something for everyone. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS VS SACREMENTO KINGSFri  Nov 1 7:00 PMWatch the Portland Trail Blazers take on the Sacremento Kings in these regular-season NBA games. Cheer along with Rip City at the Moda Center and become part of a Portland tradition. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFENov. 29–Dec. 22It’s A Wonderful Life is an award-winning musical adaptation of Frank Capra's classic film, with book and lyrics by Janet Mouser and music and lyrics by Michael Allen Harrison, Alan Berg and Julianne R. Johnson-Weiss. It’s A Wonderful Life is a holiday favorite for all ages. An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would have been like if he never existed.   SANTA PHOTOS AT WASHINGTON SQUARENov. 7–Dec. 24Santa will arrive in style at Washington Square on November 7 to welcome everyone home for the holidays. Santa will be available for pictures at Washington Square through December 24. Capture your family’s entire Santa experience with multiple cameras that let you bring home the magic. From your child’s first glimpse of Santa to their excitement or shy arrival at Santa’s lap, capture the hug, the high-five and even some tears to create lasting memories. Guests can purchase candid shots and traditional poses to post online and share with friends and family. PORTLAND LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVALSept 25–Nov 24The Portland Latin American Film Festival announces its XVIII Season at the Hollywood Theatre, featuring feature films, documentaries, and short films from Peru, Portugal, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Mexico, Argentina. STEELPORT HOLIDAY MARKETJune 8–Nov. 23Get your holiday shopping done early and connect with some Portland’s best local brands, all in one place, while enjoying food, drink, and good conversation. This event is free to attend. Vendors providing samples, selling products, and sharing their stories, include: Powell’s Books selling a selection of Portland's best cookbooks  FINEX Cast Iron Cookware  The Joinery  Westward Whiskey  The Flavor Society  Tan Tan  pFriem Family Brewers  Nossa Família Coffee  Smith Teamakers  STEELPORT Knife Co.  LENTS INTERNATIONAL FARMERS MARKETSundays, Jun 2 – Nov 24The Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM) is the only one in Portland with an intentional international focus. LIFM provides fresh, affordable and culturally appropriate produce to the diverse community of Lents neighbors. Founded in 2006 by a community of volunteers and then run by Zenger Farm, it is an important sales outlet for immigrant and new farmers and small food-business owners. The market features culturally specific products, including Northwest-grown traditional Mexican produce and Asian greens. STERNWHEELER RIVER TOURSYear-RoundThis once primary mode of transportation has become more of a fun commodity for tourism, as river cruise ships provide visitors a chance to get out on the water and take in the sights of their new surroundings. Oregon joined in on the trend in the early 1980s. Since then, several non-steam-powered sternwheel riverboats have been built and operated on major waterways in the state, primarily on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers in Marion County. Each is a fun ride for visitors and locals alike as they seemingly tug along and transport them to yesteryear. HIGH LIFE ADVENTURESYear RoundEnjoy a tour of 8 zip lines in a beautiful setting. Join two tour guides on an exhilarating zip line experience around and over a seven-acre lake. A mile of zipping, sure to create lasting memories for the whole family. Take your team to the next level: High Life Adventures also offers customized Team Building Programs to challenge your group while bringing them together as a team. PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKETMar. 9–Dec. 15Combining the vibes of an art show, a live street concert and an open-air bazaar, the Portland Saturday Market has been a beloved Rose City tradition since 1974. In fact, the market is considered the largest continually operating arts-and-crafts fair in the United States, drawing up to one million visitors during its annual season. ST JOHN'S FARMERS MARKETMay 4–Dec. 14The St. Johns Farmers Market will be open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday May 4 through November 23, the weekend before Thanksgiving. There will also be a Holiday Market on Saturday, December 14, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The market is held at the corner of N. Charleston Ave. and N Central St, next to the St. Johns Bachelor Club. The 2024 season has a full vendor roster, including new and returning small businesses spanning local, sustainably-grown agriculture, artisan food, and handmade arts and crafts, Some exciting new products at the market this year include organically grown vegetables and quail eggs from Tiny Acre, a St. Johns-based small scale organic farm; breakfast burritos from Poblano Pepper Mexican Food; and plant-based, farmer-forward pastries and treats from Poppy Shop. To see which vendors are scheduled for each week, check out the interactive market map: https://maps.managemymarket.com/6336 PORTLAND INDIGENOUS MARKETPLACEOngoingPortland Indigenous Marketplace will host the Indigenous Marketplace. Over 30 vendors, food, art exhibits, and more will be present. A marketplace specifically for Indigenous/Black vendors, all the artists/entrepreneurs featured on Indigenous Marketplace have Indigenous/Black ancestry. Vendors sell their hand made and original designs.

A Look into the Markets - October 25, 2024

This past week interest rates continued its recent trend of ticking higher as we approach a couple of weeks of significant news. Let's discuss what happened and look at next week's important headlines to follow.“Broke all the rules Played all the fools Yeah, yeah, they, they, they blew our minds!” – Thunderstruck by AC/DC   The Trend Is Not Our Friend On Sept 16th, the 10-year Note yield bottomed at 3.61% and has continued to trend higher causing mortgage rates to also move sharply higher in a short amount of time. How fast have rates moved? We have witnessed the quickest spike in rates after an initial Fed rate cut since 1995, when the Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan orchestrated a "soft landing" whereby they were able to lower rates and avoid a recession.This is essentially what the financial markets are also thinking today. With unemployment at just 4.1% and recent reports suggesting continued economic strength, the bond markets are adjusting rates to the idea that the economy will avoid a recession...for now. Fears of Inflation Exist Bonds and home loan rates loathe inflation. Next week will be big when the Fed's favored gauge of inflation, the Core Personal Consumption Expenditure Index (PCE) is reported. For now, markets have tuned to the Consumer Price Index which has climbed from an annual run rate of 2.00% in the 2nd Quarter to 3.00% in the 3rd Quarter.Currently, the Fed is essentially claiming victory that inflation is moving sustainably towards 2.00%. However, the bond market is now questioning this notion, which has added a huge amount of uncertainty and volatility. Fed Rate Cuts Still Coming Despite the fears of a stronger than expected economy and inflation possibly reaccelerating or at least sticky, the markets continue to price .25% rate cuts at each of the next two Fed Meetings. This can change after next week when a lot of important news is delivered.Even Fed officials have been mostly acknowledging that a gradual pace of rates remains appropriate...we shall see. Debt is a Headwind If we were looking for one more headwind for rates, look no further than our increased debt. Just in the last four weeks, our government debt increased by more than $455 billion. There is a saying in the bond market: bonds hate more bonds, meaning the Treasury Department must sell more bonds to fund our underfunded government, and this additional supply adds weight to prices, which slows rates from improving. 4.20% The 10-year yield has quickly risen to 4.20%, a level that has previously prevented rates from climbing higher. If this ceiling is broken once again, we will likely see yields spike to another level quickly, much like they did when it pierced through 4.00% and 4.10%. Bottom line: Home loan rates continue to climb despite a relatively slow news week. This can all change next week as several high impact reports are released. Looking Ahead Next week may very well be more important than the following week when Election Day and The Fed Meeting take place. We are going to get the Core Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) Index which will tell us how inflation looks. And if that were not enough, we will see several labor market readings including the Jobs Report.   Mortgage Market Guide Candlestick Chart   Mortgage bond prices determine home loan rates. The chart below is a one-year view of the Fannie Mae 30-year 5.0% coupon, where currently closed loans are being packaged. As prices move higher, rates decline, and vice versa.If you look at the right side of the chart, you can see the trend of lower prices and higher rates remains intact. Chart: Fannie Mae 30-Year 5.0% Coupon (Friday, October 25, 2024) Economic Calendar for the Week of October 28–November 1 Mark Snow Senior Loan Officer | NMLS #259960 397 SW Upper Terrace Dr. Suite 150, Bend OR 97702 O: (503) 929-5887 | M: msnow@guildmortgage.net Visit My Webpage  

Portland and Area Activities Planner - October 25, 2024

WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND?Excerpts FromTravelPortland.com TualitinValley.orgTravelOregon.com  PIRATES OF PINEHURSTVarious Times until Oct 30An exciting combination of animatronics, lights, fog, sound, and video. The show was written and conceived by the patrons who live on Pinehurst Court in Sherwood and lasts about 10 minutes. Please follow Pirates of Pinehurst on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date details on the show schedule and the Pinehurst Gold Treasure Hunt. If you are coming to view the show, please park close to intersection of Woodhaven and Pinehurst and walk down to view the show.  WICKEDOct. 16–Nov. 3So much happened before Dorothy dropped in. WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, WICKED — the untold true story of the Witches of Oz — transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.  BOOVERTONOct 27Join us for Booverton 2024 on October 27th from 1 PM to 3 PM in Beaverton, OR! This year, we’re turning up the excitement with multiple locations packed full of activities and fun for all ages. ANNE OF GREEN GABLESOct 18-Nov 3 A multi-generational production that is suitable for all ages.  HOWLOWEENOct. 19–27The zoo provides a fun and safe setting for this Halloween tradition over the last two October weekends. Costumed trick-or-treaters can learn about healthy habitats for wildlife with engaging activities throughout the zoo.  Bring your treat bags and join the trail of activities. Live entertainment — including magic shows, puppet shows and more — will occur on both weekends. In keeping with the zoo's mission, all the treats come from companies committed to using deforestation-free palm oil. Activities are best suited for children ages 2-10, but all are welcome.  SWEENEY TODDOct. 4–Nov. 3After 15 years in exile on a trumped-up conviction, Sweeney Todd returns to the grit and grime of Victorian London, bent on reclaiming his life and exacting bloody retribution. With the help of his trusty razors and his plotting landlady and pie-shop owner, Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney tears through a corrupt society, proving revenge is a dish best served piping hot. This Sondheim classic is to die for. THE MURDER MYSTERY COMPANY DINNER THEATER SHOWOn-GoingJoin the event everyone is dying to attend—a two-hour-long comedic murder mystery in which even YOU can be the killer. Prepare to unravel the secrets of a thrilling murder mystery, where every twist and turn leads you closer to uncovering the truth. Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you examine clues and mingle with suspects, all while enjoying a delectable three-course meal. But beware — you might find yourself a suspect in this gripping tale. Secure your tickets now for an evening you won't soon forget. October: disguise yourself for our costume party, “Midnight at the Masquerade.” November: a 1930s Old Hollywood whodunit titled “Best Laid Plans.” December: celebrate the holidays with “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year.” ROLOFF FAMILY FARMSOct 4-27 Fri-SunRoloff Farms is the home of the Roloff family, made famous by the television series “Little People, Big World.” The farm is only open to the public during pumpkin season. Throughout October, enjoy a pumpkin patch and a new scenic trail walk around the grounds. Tickets must be purchased in advance. THE CORN MAIZE AT THE PUMPKIN PATCHAug. 31–Oct. 31Located on Sauvie Island, , a rural escape just 13 miles (21 km) north of downtown Portland, the Corn Maize offers visitors eight acres (3 hectares) of exciting twists and turns. But it’s not all about getting lost in nature; Two 16-foot (5 m) observation bridges provide picturesque panoramas with great views of the island and Mount Hood, as well as the maze itself. Every year, the cornfield is carved with a different pattern, and the design is always sure to stump maze-goers while delighting fans of public art. Starting at the end of August, the maze is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and stays open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in October (and on select days leading up to Halloween).  CARSON GOLF & SPA RESORTYear-RoundDriving east on either side of the Columbia River Gorge with Mount Hood filling the windshield, the stunning scenery leads to an enchanted place where you can choose your own adventure, relax and enjoy the magical hot water of Carson Hot Springs. Whether you are looking for luxury and a comfortable overnight stay or something a bit more rustic with a camping option, Carson Hot Springs in Washington has something for everyone. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS VS OKLAHOMA THUNDERFri  Nov 1 7:00 PMWatch the Portland Trail Blazers take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in these regular-season NBA games. Cheer along with Rip City at the Moda Center and become part of a Portland tradition. DIA DE MUERTAS: A CELEBRATION OF LIFEOct. 13–Nov. 3Día de Muertos: A Celebration of Life is a compilation of artistic installations and art exhibits across the State of Oregon, based on the community tradition of Day of the Dead. Day of the Dead has grown in popularity worldwide. In the United States, it is known as an entertaining Mexican party. While it is related to Halloween, at least in terms of timing and the symbol of the skeleton, it is much more than just costumes and candy.   MILAGRO DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVALWhen: Oct. 13–Nov. 3Where: Milagro – Miracle Theatre GroupIdeal PDX, Milagro Theater, and Central Eastside Together present a family-friendly Dia los Muertos celebration in Southeast Portland.Discover local Latine artists’ interpretations of the Day of the Dead, as well as various activities, from a show at Milagro Theater to conversations around elements in altars, and a Bike Ride Altar Tour. HOFFMAN FARMS STORESept 18-Oct 31Our farm features an authentic pumpkin patch (pick your pumpkin directly out of the field!) and over 20 varieties of pumpkins for you to choose from! Take the scenic route and pull a red wagon down to the field and take in the glory of the scenic Scholls Valley. Access via wheelchair is off-road but not extremely rugged. We are offering a 10-acre corn maze this year and train rides on The Scholls Valley Railroad every 15 minutes or less.​ PORTLAND LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVALSept 25–Nov 24The Portland Latin American Film Festival announces its XVIII Season at the Hollywood Theatre, featuring feature films, documentaries, and short films from Peru, Portugal, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Mexico, Argentina. FALL HARVEST CELEBRATIONSept. 28–Oct. 27Tickets include:  Sunflower field, maze and optional u-cut sunflowers (as long as Mother Nature allows) Sorghum mazes for kids U-pick pumpkin field Hayrides Visit the animals Hay maze Farm tire and mini tractor playgrounds Tire swing Farm market featuring pre-picked pumpkins Cornhole and horseshoes Free Parking Duck races Tractor trikes Order from the bar all day and grill starting at 11 a.m. SPIRIT OF HALLOWEENTOWNSept. 28–Oct. 31It’s no “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” or” Night of the Living Dead,” but once in the 1990s, the peaceful waterfront city of St. Helens was overrun by something worse than zombies or headless horsemen — a Hollywood movie crew! Now, every October the lovely Oregon town just 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Portland transforms into a Halloween haven.Each year, St. Helens, the filming site of the nostalgic favorite “Halloweentown,” remembers its entry into lighthearted Halloween canon with Spirit of Halloweentown  a fun, family-friendly celebration of the spookiest holiday around. The celebration of the creepiest day of the year extends into every weekend in October, starting with the lighting of the Great Pumpkin in the city plaza. THE FEAR PDX HAUNTED HOUSESept. 13–Nov. 1PORTLAND'S LARGEST HALLOWEEN EVENT: All-new haunted houses, one location, one ticket.2024 Attractions:  Toxic Carnage The Mansion Blood House 2 Scarecrow Metal Massacre Rotten Pulp Poison Apple Festival Tormented Chopped Slasher Shed UNDERHILL HAUNTED HOUSEOct. 4–Nov. 2Visit the Trio of Terror:Underhill ManorTerror ShipThe Salvage Yard For little ones under 12 (and those of all ages that are a little Haunted House-phobic), the Kids Monster Fest is an immersive matinee experience because haunted houses are so less scary in the daylight. Kids Monster Fest will give you chills and a few scares but in a wholesome, kid and family-friendly environment. It is the only Halloween event targeted toward families with children (and you adult scaredy cats, too). OAKS PARK SCARE GROUNDSOct. 4–Nov. 2Portland Oregon’s ONLY Scream Park returns this fall to one of the oldest amusement parks in the country, the historic Oaks Amusement Park. The Event features three horrifying haunted walkthrough attractions, amusement rides, themed side attractions, mini golf, roller skating, concessions and so much more. Alcoholic beverages are available for adults 21+ LENTS INTERNATIONAL FARMERS MARKETSundays, Jun 2 – Nov 24The Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM) is the only one in Portland with an intentional international focus. LIFM provides fresh, affordable and culturally appropriate produce to the diverse community of Lents neighbors. Founded in 2006 by a community of volunteers and then run by Zenger Farm, it is an important sales outlet for immigrant and new farmers and small food-business owners. The market features culturally specific products, including Northwest-grown traditional Mexican produce and Asian greens. STERNWHEELER RIVER TOURSYear-RoundThis once primary mode of transportation has become more of a fun commodity for tourism, as river cruise ships provide visitors a chance to get out on the water and take in the sights of their new surroundings. Oregon joined in on the trend in the early 1980s. Since then, several non-steam-powered sternwheel riverboats have been built and operated on major waterways in the state, primarily on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers in Marion County. Each is a fun ride for visitors and locals alike as they seemingly tug along and transport them to yesteryear. HIGH LIFE ADVENTURESYear RoundEnjoy a tour of 8 zip lines in a beautiful setting. Join two tour guides on an exhilarating zip line experience around and over a seven-acre lake. A mile of zipping, sure to create lasting memories for the whole family. Take your team to the next level: High Life Adventures also offers customized Team Building Programs to challenge your group while bringing them together as a team. PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKETMar. 9–Dec. 15Combining the vibes of an art show, a live street concert and an open-air bazaar, the Portland Saturday Market has been a beloved Rose City tradition since 1974. In fact, the market is considered the largest continually operating arts-and-crafts fair in the United States, drawing up to one million visitors during its annual season. ST JOHN'S FARMERS MARKETMay 4–Dec. 14The St. Johns Farmers Market will be open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday May 4 through November 23, the weekend before Thanksgiving. There will also be a Holiday Market on Saturday, December 14, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The market is held at the corner of N. Charleston Ave. and N Central St, next to the St. Johns Bachelor Club. The 2024 season has a full vendor roster, including new and returning small businesses spanning local, sustainably-grown agriculture, artisan food, and handmade arts and crafts, Some exciting new products at the market this year include organically grown vegetables and quail eggs from Tiny Acre, a St. Johns-based small scale organic farm; breakfast burritos from Poblano Pepper Mexican Food; and plant-based, farmer-forward pastries and treats from Poppy Shop. To see which vendors are scheduled for each week, check out the interactive market map: https://maps.managemymarket.com/6336 PORTLAND INDIGENOUS MARKETPLACEOngoingPortland Indigenous Marketplace will host the Indigenous Marketplace. Over 30 vendors, food, art exhibits, and more will be present. A marketplace specifically for Indigenous/Black vendors, all the artists/entrepreneurs featured on Indigenous Marketplace have Indigenous/Black ancestry. Vendors sell their hand made and original designs.