Shonen Knife, Ichi Bichi, Thelma & The Sleaze
Formed by sisters Naoko and Atsuko Yamano and drummer Michie Nakatani, Shonen Knife has been making fuzzy pop songs about food (like cookies) and alternative rock groups (like Redd Kross and the Buzzcocks) for more than three decades. The band sounds like a cross between the Ramones (they have a Ramones tribute album), ’60s girl group the Pleasure Seekers, and Beat Happening (Calvin Johnson released a Shonen Knife compilation on his label K Records). Despite these similarities, Shonen Knife deconstructed early rock and punk and created a totally new sound. (9 pm, Dante's, $13-15) ISABEL LYNDON
Widmer Brothers Brewing Oktoberfest
For 13 straight years the Widmer Brothers have taken over Pioneer Courthouse Square with their Oktoberfest extravaganza, transforming the city's living room into a celebration not just of the season, but of beer itself, with their regular roster of delicious beers as well as a bunch of special small-batch beers only available at the fest. You'll also be treated to live music courtesy of Rare Monk, The Weather Machine, Jumblehead, and Dirty Heads, along with an array of games, activities, and food from local carts. (noon, Pioneer Courthouse Square)
OKTOBERFEST at the Zoo
The authentic(-ish) German experience, now with a whole host of wild animals added for good measure! Enjoy the genial decadence of drinking beer (lots of it) eating fried things (lots of 'em) and playing all sorts of games associated with the traditional Oktoberfest celebration at the Zoo. (11 am, Oregon Zoo, free w/ zoo admission)
McMenamins Oktoberfest
McMenamins is definitely getting in on this seasonal festival, providing their own spin on the party with a brew contest, brats and burgers, and live music from Gary Bennett and the Coattail Riders, Rick Layton and the Troublemakers, Pagan Jug Band, and Cedar Teeth. (noon, Kennedy School)
Dogtoberfest
This event is not like a regular Oktoberfest, but for dogs. Dogs don't drink beer. Or at least they shouldn't (if you give your dog beer you are a bad human, stop doing that). No, this Dogtoberfest is a fundraiser for DoveLewis, and if you want your doggo to look as awesome as they possibly can, you take them to Dogtoberfest, where they can partake of multiple dog wash and nail trim stations. While they're getting pampered, you can have some food, drink a beer, and even give blood to the American Red Cross. (11 am, Lucky Labrador Brew Pub)
Ural Thomas & The Pain, Sávila
Filling a void left by dearly departed revivalists Charles Bradley and Sharon Jones, Ural Thomas & The Pain are set to embark on a national campaign to put Portland's soul music on the map. (8:30 pm, Aladdin Theater, $17-20, all ages) BOBBY SMITH
Jessica Hopper, Laura Veirs
Chicago-based author, editor, and critic Jessica Hopper sits down for a signing, reading, and interview about Night Moves, her new music memoir. Hopper will be joined in conversation by Portland-hailing folksinger/songwriter Laura Veirs. (8 pm, Beacon Sound)
The Jesus Lizard, All Souls
After disbanding in 1999, legendary noise rockers the Jesus Lizard reunited in 2008, and since then they’ve been sporadically clawing through the anti-melodies of their influential catalog on several reunion tours. The band’s last studio record, 1998’s Blue, was put to tape a full 20 years ago, and bookended an irreverent underground oeuvre that saw David Yow & Co. flirt with the fringes of the alt-rock explosion of the 1990s, release a split single with Nirvana, and forge a sonics-defining relationship with lauded engineer Steve Albini. Count on Yow’s wails to reverberate maniacally in the cavernous Crystal Ballroom. (8 pm, Crystal Ballroom, $30) RYAN J. PRADO
Claptrap!
A "queered variety hour" showcasing Portland's LGBTQ talent as they take the stage to sing, dance, crack jokes and basically get their ya-yas out. For the sequel, they follow traditional sequel rules by going way bigger, filling the Siren Theater with Cockeye as their house band, helping provide live score for performances by Mr. E, Pepper Pepper, Ariella and the En Point Femmes, Katie Piatt, Ben Parisot, and more. Hosted by Danni Cannon and Mel Heywood. (7 pm, Siren Theater, $10)
Vertigo
For many film fans (aficionados, snobs, jerks, insert your descriptor of choice here,) Alfred Hitchcock ceased being a person decades ago, and instead became a cinematic religion, his silhouette as important as the shape of the cross or Superman’s emblem. Consensus on his best film is almost never reached among that zealous flock, but they can agree which film lays bare the man behind the icon: Vertigo, an icy, immaculate depiction of the fetishistic mess that was Hitchcock’s brain, which he might as well have just simply poured into a projector. (6:30 pm, Laurelhurst Theater, $6.50-9) BOBBY ROBERTS
Pallbearer, Tribulation
Over their past four albums, Tribulation has evolved from a fairly cut-and-dry death metal band to some kind of gothic, blackened, heavy metal-meets-rock ’n’ roll phenomenon. The exceptional Swedish band’s new album Down Below takes bleak darkness and makes it sound exquisitely beautiful. Most of the credit goes to guitarists Adam Zaars and Jonathan Hultén, who sew a rich tapestry of harmonies and solos that tinkle like a haunted music box and creep like ghostly apparitions. In a live setting, Zaars and Hultén slither, leap, and bound across the stage like they’re the stars of some wicked ballet. (8 pm, Hawthorne Theatre, $16-18, all ages) ARIS HUNTER WALES
Portland Fresh Hops Fest
Beer is a staple in Portland. Hoppy beer is also a staple in Portland. Fresh-hopped beer is an ephemeral thing, arriving only during hops harvest season, with its piney, citrusy taste and delicate fizz. Beer festivals abound in Oregon, but the Portland Fresh Hops Beer Fest is the only fresh hoppy one at Oaks Park, where you can get drunk and go on amusement park rides. Wheeeeee! (noon, Oaks Amusement Park, free admission, $20 a glass + 6 drink tickets) SHELBY R. KING
Portland Winterhawks vs. Seattle Thunderbirds
The Winterhawks welcome the Seattle Thunderbirds to the Moda Center for Portland's 2018 WHL season home opener. If you're kinda-sorta somewhat hockey-curious, but haven't made the leap to actually attending a Winterhawks game, tonight's home opener is a great hop-on point for any would-be fan. (6 pm, Moda Center, $16.50-33.50, all ages)
Don't forget to check out our Things To Do calendar for even more things to do!
