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DANCE: Marta Gálvez
Marta Gálvez is a dancer and choreographer whose acclaimed work is couched in both heritage and exploration of transformation. Her new work, La Velada (“The Evening”), is a traditional flamenco performance, albeit delivered through a contemporary lens. Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta St., albertarosetheatre.com. 6:30 pm Wednesday, Oct. 28. $42–$63.
GO: Tricks and Treats
Hear me out: Halloween is for everybody, but it’s mostly for children. If that statement resonated with you, perhaps Echo Theater’s all-ages Tricks and Treats Halloween Party is your vibe. This gala funhouse comes with “ghastly games, spooky snacks, a marvelous maze, roaming characters, including the world-famous ButtEyes,” and more. Costumes encouraged. Echo Theater Company, 1515 SE 37th Ave., echotheaterpdx.org. 5:30 pm Thursday, Oct. 29. $10.
LAUGH: Marlon Wayans
If you need me to explain why Marlon Wayans being at Helium is a big deal and we should all pack that place out, then you probably don’t really have Black friends. I won’t elaborate, but I will encourage you to snatch tickets before they sell out because Wayans is a standout talent in a family of intergenerational talents. Thank you, Mrs. Wayans, for your gifts to the world. Helium Comedy Club, 1510 SE 9th Ave., portland.heliumcomedy.com. 7:30 pm Thursday, 7 and 9:15 pm Friday and 7 and 9:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 29–31. $62+. 21+.
DANCE: Thriller Flash Mob
Please don’t act like being in a Thriller flash mob is anything but an elite life experience. Though the choreography is known by millions, it is cherished by billions, and learning it puts you in a special club of folks rhythmically adept enough to dance behind Michael Jackson’s ghost. If you’ve not learned it but yearn to just the same, make this the year you finally realize your Thriller Night. 1847 Food Park, 1925 SE Scott St., Milwaukie, 1847foodpark.com. 4 pm Friday, Oct. 30. Free.
RIDE: Milagro’s Altares y Muertos Tour
The Altares y Muertos Tour is an easy-paced bike tour that visits a host of Día de los Muertos altars throughout the eastside. Decorate your bike with marigold garlands (but rest assured, garlands will also be provided by Milagro), and get ready to roll with your homies, your ancestors, and the spirits of Portland on this iconic seasonal ride. El Zócalo, 537 SE Stark St., milagro.org. 11:30 am Saturday, Oct. 31. Free or pay what you wish.
DRAG: Bosco’s Haus of Whorrors
In this “Halloween Night Direct from TRANSylvania,” RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Star and “God’s favorite transsexual” Bosco returns to Portland for a Halloween cabaret fandango at the Star Theater. The show will feature not only the drag racing burlesque icon, but also local drag headliners Kharisma, Boujee Cherry, Harlow Quinzel, Diva Dott and Hotboxx. Come for the drag, stay to question gender altogether. Star Theater, 13 NW 6th Ave., startheaterportland.com. 7 pm Saturday, Oct. 31. $31+. 21+.
SEE: The Nitemare B4 Xmas
This unauthorized annual staged production of The Nitemare B4 Xmas brings Jack, Sally, Oogie Boogie, and Sandy Claws to life via Portland performance troupe The Saloon Ensemble. The all-ages show will feature the original movie’s score, with interactive sing-alongs, a costume contest, a screaming contest, and “many other ‘horrible’ surprises.” Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta St., albertarosetheatre.com. 8 pm Friday and 3 pm Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 30–Nov. 1. $26+.
GO: Living in a Metaphysical World: Bringing the Metaphysical to Everyday Life
Psychic medium, spiritual guide and teacher William Becket conducts a beginner workshop for those still peering through the thin veil of Halloween/Día de los Muertos to find their soul guides, tap into the cosmos and connect to their innermost selves in the metaphysical realm. This event, at Portland’s favorite late-night coffee parlor, also features guided meditations. Rimsky-Korsakoffee House, 707 SE 12th Ave., rimskykorsakoffeehouse.shop. 6:30 pm Monday, Nov. 2. $45.
