WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25
Ink & Drink: One-Year Anniversary
For an entire year, Ink & Drink has paired talented artists with live sketching every month for a good cause. Celebrate their work by showing up for their 12th installment and purchasing pieces by Mika Rane, Audrey Dessler, Anne Pommel, and more. Half of all proceeds will be donated to Dreaming Zebra, a nonprofit supporting arts access for youth. Dig A Pony, 736 SE Grand, 7-10 pm, FREE
THURSDAY, APRIL 26
Burgerville Workers Union (BVWU) Turns Two
Holy onion rings! BVWU just made history as the first fast-food union in the United States. Join them for their party where youâll eat cupcakes (rather than Burgerville), while holding it down on the picket line. The march will start at the Northeast 82nd MAX station at 5 pm and head to Burgerville location 41 by 5:15 pm. Burgerville, 3504 SE 92nd, 5-7:30 pm, FREE
What Is Cultural Appropriation?
Are you ready to understand cultural appropriation on a deeper level? Salem-based community member Surabhi Mahajan will lead a discussion on the ins and outs of cultural appropriation and specifically examine how it affects Oregonians of varying identities today. Friendly House, 1737 NW 26th, 6-7:30 pm, FREE
Verselandia 2018
Portlandâs youth poetry scene is poppinâ, and Literary Artsâ annual poetry slam Verselandia is here to prove it. Students from across the Portland metro area duke it out, serving up their best spoken word performances for prizes. This is one of several youth programs that help students get involved in the literary world. (Full disclosure: Iâm a Writers in the Schools instructor.) Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, 6-7:30 pm, FREE
FRIDAY, APRIL 27
NWAAF Benefit:w Macho Boys, Dying Wish, Wayside Ghost, Holy Fox Blood
Northwest Abortion Access Fund (NWAAF) is third in the nation for the National Abortion Accessâs Bowl-a-Thon, which raises money every year to make abortion an accessible option. Help them get to the top by attending this punk and metal all-ages show with several excellent bands. Black Water, 835 NE Broadway, 7-11 pm, $5 & up
Freedom Fruit Fundraiser for Mudbone Grown and Farmers
Mudbone Grown is a radical farm that advocates for food justice in multiple ways. In addition to actively helping cultivate farmers of color, theyâre also offering fruit-bearing trees for free as well as steep discounts ($35 per) to celebrate Arbor Day. Consider donating $35 if you donât need any trees. Unity Farm, 7900 NE 33rd, 3-7 pm, $35
Intro to the IWW â101â
Unions are not obsolete! The International Workers of the World (IWW) formed in 1905 in Chicago and have been helping groups organize ever since. See if theyâre the right union for you and learn what theyâre all about at this free informational session chockfull of snacks and knowledge-sharing. IWW, 2249 E Burnside, 6:30-8:30 pm, FREE
SATURDAY, APRIL 28
Meta Gala: A Fundraiser for PICA
The Portland Institute for Contemporary Art is a mainstay in the arts world, and they need your support! If youâre a baller or just want to feel like one, look no further than this fancy red carpet affair which benefits PICAâs crucial programming. Dress code is âavant-garde red-carpet realnessâ and entry grants you access to an open bar and a family-style dinner by several esteemed local chefs, as well as an auction and raffles. You also get into the after-party, curated by NXT LVL and PICA, with trans icon Amanda Lepore (tickets for this event only are also available). PICA, 15 NE Hancock, 5-9 pm, $250 & up
MONDAY, APRIL 30
National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
Itâs official: designer dogs are out, shelter dogs are in. If youâve been waiting for the right time to rescue a pup, consider visiting Fidoâs in Tigard on National Adopt a Shelter Pet day. Theyâre reportedly the worldâs first dog tap house and will have extra dogs in the vicinity for your perusing pleasure. Fidoâs, 7700 SW Dartmouth St, #100, Tigard, 11 am-11 pm, FREE
TUESDAY, MAY 1
Community Health & Wellness Fair (English y EspaĂąol)
If youâre in need of some health and wellness checks, an amazing and expansive group of local orgs have teamed up to offer free acupuncture, light massage, rapid HIV tests, OHP and SNAP assistance, raffles, and so much more. And if thatâs not enticing enough for some odd reason, there will also be food. The Rosewood Initiative, 16126 SE Stark, 3-7 pm, FREE
May Day 2018: Unite for Worker and Immigrant Rights
Itâs that time of the year againâthe day to celebrate the work accomplished to protect workersâ rights and the mark of another year of organizing. This family-friendly event will bring together grassroots groups, labor unions, and more to enjoy games, music, food, and speakers. Lents Park, 9000 SE Holgate, 3-8 pm, FREE
May Day Party
This evening-time International Workersâ Day celebration is a non-profit and grassroots expo, as well as a party! Learn about new organizations and listen to jams from DJs WolfyBB and Xian. Better yet, grab a pint of a red cider that will debut exclusively for this event! Cider Riot, 807 NE Couch, 4-11 pm, FREE