Skip to main content
DRINK: Oregon Beer Awards
Nicknamed the “Academy Awards of Beer,” the Oregon Beer Awards event is a hoppy happening featuring a bevy of brewers and beer lovers celebrating outstanding Oregon beers and breweries. Since 2015, the Oregon Beer Awards has grown to be the state’s most reputable competition—with more than 80 diverse, expert judges awarding great beer in over 29 categories. Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark St., oregonbeerawards.com. 6 pm Thursday, April 2. $33. 21+.
GO: KinkFest
Portland Leather Alliance presents KinkFest, an annual, three-day event celebrating all manner of consensual sexual diversity. With more than 50 educational classes, afternoon and evening play parties, and a huge vendor mall filled with products and services from local and national leather, fetish, and kink businesses, this is one of the kinkiest fests to ever fest, so plan accordingly. Portland Expo Center, 2025 N Expo Road, kinkfest.org. 7 am–3:30 pm Friday and Saturday, 10 am–12:30 pm Sunday, April 3–5. $25–$300, registration required. 18+.
GO: Trillium Festival
Welcome back spring with the annual Trillium Festival at Tryon Creek State Natural Area, an educational event for the whole community that celebrates the season of renewal in the forest and beyond. The event features a native plant sale by Bosky Dell Natives plant nursery in the Education Pavilion, habitat-friendly gardening resources fair at the Friends Circle, and interactive nature stations for all ages in the classroom and on the trails. Tryon Creek State Natural Area, 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd., tryonfriends.org. 9 am Saturday, April 4. Free.
GO: Holi Festival of Colors
Come dressed in white and play with color at Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, celebrating the coming of spring, the joy of friendship, and equality for all. Portlanders of all makes and models are encouraged to participate in this second annual historic Indian celebration of spring. Come kick off the color play portion of the event with a “unifying color throw” symbolizing unity and diversity. Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Ave., portlandholi.com. Noon–4 pm Saturday and Sunday, April 4 and 5. Free. All ages.
HEAR: Lacuna Coil w/ Escape the Fate and Vowws
Lacuna Coil’s storied career is more than just sound; they create richly textured soundtracks to a specific time and a place. And with their new release, Sleepless Empire, that place is dark, cinematic, and unmistakably true to the unique characteristics that have given Lacuna Coil such a celebrated entry in the annals of heavy music. Old heads and new fans alike should come through to see Lacuna Coil as they take their first steps into the fourth decade of their remarkable career. Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside St., crystalballroompdx.com. 7:30 pm Sunday, April 5. $40. All ages.
GO: Consider This: What Democracy Needs with Hélène Landemore
Join Oregon Humanities for a conversation with Hélène Landemore, author of Politics Without Politicians, on what democracy must become to meet the complexity, speed, and scale of today’s world. Joined in conversation by Adam Davis of Oregon Humanities, Landemore will discuss democratic institutions under increasing strain, and what it would take to realize a government that’s truly by, of and for the people. Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta St., oregonhumanities.org. 7 pm Tuesday, April 7. $15.
