Care to get a little Halloweeny this week? We’ve got options, starting with a psychotronic film mash-up at Hollywood Theatre and continuing through Sunday with a horror-fueled drive-in, candy and wine pairings, and a weekend show of handcrafted miniature exhibits with titles like “Calico Critter Murder Mystery.” Plus, the Portland Zine Symposium returns to flex its DIY chops, and West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta paddlers will try not to topple their hollowed-out, 1,000-pound pumpkins. Game on.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12
Psychotronic Halloween Special in 16mm
Local film archivist and programmer Greg Hamilton curates mind-melty 16mm specials. His Psychotronic Halloween Special is one of the best, offering a freaky mash-up of skeleton-laden animations, commercials, and creepy oddities. Expect to peek over your shoulder on the long walk back to your car after this screening. (Also, if you have psychotronic proclivities, check out The Stranger‘s staff film recommendations here.) (Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy, 7:30 pm, SOLD OUT, more info) LINDSAY COSTELLO
Also worth it:
Malpertuis, Clinton Street Theater, more info
Just because you like Harry Kümel’s Daughters of Darkness (1971) doesn’t mean that you’ll automatically like his Malpertuis (1971). It’s a good deal slower and makes about 25 percent less sense, but the shots and color work are gorgeous and Orson Welles appears as a bedridden occultist uncle, so this will appeal to a certain set of film lovers.
Billy Wayne Davis presents Y’all Asked!?!, Siren Theater, more info
More of a loose 60 than a tight five, Y’all Asked!?! is a monthly Q&A riff session with muse master Billy Wayne Davis, who has lived A LIFE and probably has a story about that. No one said this was advice.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13
Andrew Barton, Ali Francis, and Lola Milholland in Conversation
Visit any Portland farmers market—or simply take a stroll and check out the neighborhood gardens—and this city’s affinity for edible plants is apparent. Journalist Ali Francis just released her book The Curious Lives of Vegetables, which explores human relationships with heirloom, rare, and underappreciated vegetables over time. She’ll be in conversation with local food writers Lola Milholland (Group Living and Other Recipes) and Andrew Barton (Free Food: Earth Eating, The Long Loaf, The Myrtlewood Cookbook) to talk about everything from biodiversity to communal dining, moderated by environmental journalist Devon Fredericksen (How to Camp in the Woods). (Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand, 6:30 pm, FREE, more info, all ages) KATHERINE CHEW HAMILTON
The Seven Brothers Meet Dracula in 35mm
A few years back I started an (odd, admittedly) bedtime practice of watching a Hammer Film Productions horror film. If you’re not familiar with Hammer, picture the Gothic flicks that were popular from the mid-’50s through the ’70s—vague Satanic rites, glamorous nightgowned women with candelabras, crucifixes and strange potions, Christopher Lee as a weird, smoldering Dracula. They’re usually tame, and a lot of fun. In The Seven Brothers Meet Dracula (1974), Hammer hooked up with martial arts masters the Shaw Brothers to tell the tale of a vampire hunter (Peter Cushing) in search of the legendary seven golden vampires, who are as susceptible to fists as they are wooden stakes. (Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy, 7:30 pm, $12, more info, not rated) LC
Also worth it:
David Naimon in Conversation With Lidia Yuknavitch, Powell’s Books, more info
Ursula K. Le Guin: Conversations on Writing compiles a series of conversations between the sci-fi guiding light and David Naimon, host of podcast Between the Covers. He’ll chat about the book with Lidia Yuknavitch (The Chronology of Water, Reading the Waves).
Gus Heagerty, Helium Comedy Club, more info
Noted social media consultant potato Gus Heagerty drops by Portland with a question: “Is this the new me?”
Local Love Letter #29: Half Shadow, Mississippi Studios, more info
Advance tickets to Mississippi Studios’ latest Local Love Letter show are only $5; where can you find that kinda deal anymore? Portland’s Jesse Carsten, AKA Half Shadow, brings dreamy folk-pop experiments to the stage alongside Swinging and Tispur.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14
Cinema of Horrors Drive-In
When I’m in the driver’s seat of my 30-year-old Volvo, which feels as solidly constructed as a military tank, I am rarely frightened. But I am not often parked at the Clark County Fairgrounds, surrounded by strobe lights and actors trying to freak me out. The Cinema of Horrors Drive-In offers such an opportunity. All month, the event screens horror blockbusters (complete with in-car audio) while something sinister lurks just beyond your windshield. It’s kind of like a haunted house, if you just sat in a haunted house for two hours with snacks and waited for something scary to happen to you. Pick your poison: flicks on the schedule range from tame (Beetlejuice) to objectively terrifying (Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Talk to Me). (Clark County Fairgrounds, 17402 NE Delfel, Ridgefield, various dates and times through Oct 31, $67.14+, more info, ratings vary) LC
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15
The Devils in 35 mm
There’s nunsploitation, and then there’s The Devils. Notoriously rated X upon release, Ken Russell’s 1971 smorgasbord of blissed-out blasphemy has long been consumed in censored form. That makes sense, given that it’s about the hottest priest in 17th-century France, Father Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed), sparking unclean thoughts in a convent of nuns. An abbess with a hunched back, Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave), becomes so obsessed with this very hot priest that she inadvertently exposes her convent to the country’s rash of witch trials. It’s difficult to overstate how much of a miracle it is that Russell’s director’s cut is finally available to the filthy masses. For some of us freaks, this is our Avengers: Doomsday—a gorgeously restored 4K culmination of cinematic genre that’s transcended its origins, a reliquary of the best horror and erotica and sacred iconography the ’70s had to offer. And the Hollywood is showing it on 35 mm. 🙏 (Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy, through Oct 22, various times, more info, unrated) DOMINIC SINACOLA
Demon Pond
Adapted from a 1913 Kabuki play, Japanese New Wave innovator Masahiro Shinoda’s 1979 film Demon Pond combines folklore with theatrical staging, and the whole thing hangs together with a distinct ’70s sensibility. When a wandering schoolteacher (Tsutomu Yamazaki) meets Yuri, her learns that she’s tasked with appeasing a pond goddess to prevent catastrophic floods. But when the events of this film take place, a drought has complicated matters. You’ll spot notes of House’s technicolor chaos, Onibaba’s atmospheric eeriness, and even Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal here—an extended scene of an anthropomorphized crab and carp chatting with a catfish veers toward surreal comedy. Read more in Second Run. (Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton, 7 pm, more info, not rated) LC
Deep Listening: The Story of Pauline Oliveros
If you’re not familiar with the pioneering work of composer, philosopher, and electronic musician Pauline Oliveros, it’s past time to remedy that. When Oliveros died in 2016, her late-’60s sonic meditations still felt prescient, even futuristic. Hundreds flocked to social media to share excerpts of her work. (“Take a walk at night. Walk so silently that the bottoms of your feet become ears.”) Oliveros was an innovator in all senses, creating everything from musical tools and software to the Deep Listening modality for which she would become best known. Dip your toes into her oeuvre with Deep Listening: The Story Of Pauline Oliveros—co-presented by the Portland Synth Library, this screening of the documentary will be followed by an audiovisual performance by local experimenters !mindparade, and offers attendees an opportunity to tinker with a modular synth. (Tomorrow Theater, 3530 SE Division, 7 pm, $15, more info, all ages who listen deeply) LC
Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
Wait, that guy? Yes, Jeff Goldblum, his tinted lenses, and his tailored suit will slide on stage with his band, the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra (named after his close family friend, if you’re curious), to deliver “contemporary arrangements of classic jazz and American Songbook standards.” The world is a warmer, more charismatic place with Goldblum in it, so this show—which will include tunes from the group’s brand-new LP, Night Blooms—is sure to be a little goofy and uplifting. Take your parents. (Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, 7:30 pm, $42+, more info, all ages) LC
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
Sitka Art Invitational
Bringing together over 100 artists inspired by Pacific Northwest nature, the Sitka Art Invitational offers a scenic forest of works across mediums, with sales split evenly between the artist and the Sitka Center for Art & Ecology’s nonprofit programming. Plan for a crowd—thousands of local art lovers attend the show each year—and carve out some extra time to explore the independent businesses in the Kenton neighborhood before heading to Oregon Contemporary (we recommend Speck’s and Posies). (Oregon Contemporary, 8371 N Interstate, 11 am-5 pm through Oct 18, FREE, more info, all ages) LC
PNW Miniature Show
There’s only one thing better than regular-sized cool stuff, and that’s cool stuff that is also tiny. The PNW Miniature Show agrees, clearly. They’ll set up a slew of detailed handcrafted miniatures (a tiny dorm room, a tiny surf shack, a tiny fruit shop… you get the picture) at the Sheraton for a who’s-who of makers on the mini scene—the show mentions artists and “influencers” on site. Workshops will build your skills; plus, you can buy a dollhouse, if that’s your thing. Find a preview of the show’s exhibits online, like the curious “Calico Critter Murder Mystery” and “Jack the Ripper’s desk.” (Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel, 8235 NE Airport, through Oct 18, general admission passes $6+, more info, all ages) LC
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
Portland Zine Symposium
Zinesters from all over the world descend on Portland for this two-day zine symposium, which has been going strong since 2001. Around 150 DIY artists and self-publishers will peddle their wares, so bring a tote bag to carry your haul. In true zinester spirit, the event is all ages and totally free to attend, and though the schedule hasn’t been released as of this writing, expect plenty of workshops, panels, and discussions throughout the weekend. (Portland State University Smith Ballroom, 1825 SW Broadway, 11 am-5 pm, FREE, more info, all ages) KCH
Femmes to the Frrront
It’s nice when you can do the right thing, and all you did was go to a free all ages show with a bangin’ bill. Monumental rhyme queen Karma Rivera and mistress of synth pop Bijoux Cone top this lineup that [checks notes] ALSO INCLUDES Nonbinary Girlfriend, Angel Marie, Privateer, and DJ Lapaushi? Dang. If you are young and/or broke, just have a blast in the name of femmes. If you have some means, door donation proceeds go to nonprofits Brown Girl Rise, Adelante Mujeres, and Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW Washington. (The Off Beat, 8440 N Interstate, 4 pm, FREE, more info, all ages) SUZETTE SMITH
Also worth it:
No Kings: Vote Early, various locations, more info
You know the drill! Get on your full-body Trump adult baby costume because we’re gettin’ in the streets! This particular day of No Kings national action encourages folks to get together, be loud, and make a plan to vote early.
Portland Open Studios, various locations, more info
The second and final weekend of Portland Open Studios showcases over 100 local artists, who’ll open their doors for a look at their work and workspaces.
Video Store Day, Music Millennium, more info
This celebration of physical media includes $4 pints from 10 am-6 pm, plus specials on Criterion Collection films, thousands of used titles, and even a special LaserDisc drop.
Halloween Candy and Wine Pairing, Hip Chicks Do Wine, more info
Portland’s oldest urban winery pairs six wines with five Halloween candies. If you can’t catch this weekend’s tasting, never fear—they’re offering the “sips and sweets” Friday-Sunday through November 1.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
A giant pumpkin isn’t the most seaworthy vessel out there, but that’s what makes this regatta all the more fun—watch costumed paddlers bob up and down in a hollowed-out 1,000-pound pumpkin, narrowly avoiding capsizing (or not). Established in 2004 by a cadre of giant vegetable growers, the event now typically draws over 20,000 attendees, with some paddlers coming from as far away as France. The question is, what costume do you most want to see a pumpkin paddler wearing? I’m hoping for a Charlie Brown appearance. (Lake of the Commons, 8325 SW Nyberg, Tualatin, 10 am-4 pm, FREE, more info, all ages) KCH
Bread Fest
Get in losers, we’re carb loading. Bread Fest is back for its fourth year, and with goods from some of Portland’s finest bakers, it’s sure to be the best-smelling event in town. Aside from a mountain of bread and pastries, expect accoutrements like spreads and oils, plus coffee to wash it all down. I’ll be making a beeline for these absolutely adorable mini pumpkin-shaped loaves from Indian-inspired microbakery the Spiced Oven. Breadheads can spring for a $30 VIP ticket (available presale only), which gets you early access, a limited-edition tote, and five raffle tickets. (Avenue Portland, 631 NE Grand, 10 am-2 pm, $5+, more info, all ages) JANEY WONG
Quince Fest
If your quince-eating experience has been limited to that pinkish fruit pâte you occasionally see on a nice cheese plate, get ready to expand your horizons at this festival. The celebration of the hard, yellow, pear-like fruit, now in its third year, invites guests to sample various quince varieties, try quince ciders and small bites made with quince, and partake in activities like screen printing. Tickets are only available via presale and include a commemorative glass, plus tastings—bonus points for dressing up in quince colors. (Bauman’s on Oak, 930 SE Oak, 1-5 pm, $22, more info, all ages) KCH
Imperial Teen and Kids On a Crime Spree
It’s been 30 years since San Francisco punk poppers Imperial Teen dropped the seminal Seasick, a liberating record that announced songwriter and queer icon Roddy Bottum as a megaphone for the disillusioned. On their seventh LP, All Over You, the band picks up the thread of its buoyant, dirty rock oeuvre, wedging their trademark boy-girl harmonies into dreamy sonic alcoves on songs like “Get You Home” and the dance-y “A Single Chair.” The four-piece’s sardonic pop takes still sizzle, so consider yourself a lucky duck they’ll be scorching through the intimate confines of Swan Dive this week, along with Kids On a Crime Spree. (Swan Dive, 727 SE Grand, 8 pm, $27.11, more info, 21+) RYAN J. PRADO
Also worth it:
The Brood, Hollywood Theatre, more info
David Cronenberg’s 1979 film preserves his signature body horror, but gets surprisingly personal. A horde of murderous, parthenogenetically born, psychic rage-children emerge from the director’s mid-divorce anguish.
Looking for even more events happening this week? Head on over to EverOut!
