THURSDAY, AUGUST 29

Support Black-Owned Restaurants Week
You can patronize the many delicious, thriving Black-owned restaurants in Portland any day of the year, but dining for a cause during the annual Support Black-Owned Restaurants Week feels even better. Why? Their website states it best: “Food is culture. Food is love. Food is economy. Food is personal. Food is political.” Head to iloveblackfood.com for a map of participating restaurants. Various locations and times through Sun, Sept 1

Movie Night in the Parking Lot
Elevate your Last Thursday activities by showing up for this evening centering around Black-owned businesses and community. Snack, shop for goods, watch Priced Out: Gentrification in Portland, Oregon and The Numbers at sunset, and listen to the post-film panel and community discussion. Alberta Cooperative Grocery, 1500 NE Alberta, 6-10 pm, FREE


FRIDAY, AUGUST 30

Gay Day at Oaks Park
Join the Sweethearts of Portland for a spectacular day of sunshine and sweetness in support of youth-centered LGBTQ+ org SMYRC. All SMYRC youth get free-ride wristbands, with discounted wristbands available for former Sweethearts and folks in drag. Oaks Amusement Park, 7805 Oaks Park, 3-8 pm

Brown Sugar: Where We At
Ten Black artists explore the ties between brown sugar and Black womanhood at this group show curated by Christine Laurin. See works from Intisar Abioto, Salimatu Amabebe, Ruby White, and many more. Tips on Failing, 3903 N Michigan, 7-10 pm, FREE


SATURDAY, AUGUST 31

Pre-Portland Indigenous Marketplace
The amazing team behind Indigenous Come Up has just secured grant funding to organize a dozen Indigenous marketplaces in the next few years. Help kickstart their upcoming season of incredible work, get rad handmade goods, and connect with community. Cully Central, 4579 NE Cully, noon-5 pm, FREE


MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Food Not BombsçEnjoy free produce every Monday at Dawson Park, one of four Portland-based Food Not Bombs sites offering meals and food to anyone who’s hungry. Interested in volunteering? Stop by and introduce yourself. Dawson Park, 2926 N Williams, 6-6:30 pm, FREE


THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Free Community Self Defense
Learn the basics of self-defense at this workshop created with the LGBTQ+ community in mind. Wear comfy clothing without zippers, metal, or any other items that may scratch. All ages. Email questions to page [at] pdxqcenter [dot] org. Q Center, 4115 N Mississippi, 6:30-8 pm, FREE

Feminist Film Night: Breaking the Silence
Join Greater Portland NOW, a nonprofit which advocates for equality through the lens of intersectional feminism, for a screening of Lillian Smith: Breaking the Silence, a documentary exploring the life and career of an author lauded as one of the first white Southerners to prominently denounce racial segregation. A Q&A with the directors and Smith’s great-niece Sue Ellen Lovejoy follows the film. Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton, 7 pm, $7-10 suggested donation


FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Supporting Immigrant and Refugee Survivors
In this workshop led by Victim Assistance Specialist Gladys Boransing-Ismail, attendees will explore the intersections of cultural upbringing with domestic violence and the unique barriers faced by immigrants and refugees when attempting to access services. Multnomah County SE Multicultural Center, 4610 SE Belmont, 9 am-noon, $10-60

Close the Camps! A Benefit Show Series for Immigrant Rights
This is the third of four well-curated showcases for local music raising funds for four nonprofits—Pueblo Unido, PUENTA AZ, Al Otro Lado, and CHIRLA—that defend and support the migrant community. Enjoy the sounds of Sunbathe, Risley, and Plastic Cactus, and bring some cash for a chance at raffle prizes from Mississippi Records, Löyly, Revival Drum Shop, and more. Bunk Bar, 1028 SE Water, 9 pm, $10


SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Sit, Stay, Slay!
Dogs. Drag. Drinks. Need we say more? Celebrate the 15th birthday of no-kill shelter Family Dogs New Life by soaking up sunshine and enjoying very good entertainment for a very good cause. Bring cash and make it rain tips. White Owl Social Club, 1305 SE 8th, 3-6:30 pm, FREE

Whales of Fortune: Fundraiser for Whales of Guerrero
Worried about the fate of the humpback whales that frequent the waters near Barra de PotosĂ­ in Mexico, Katherina Audley launched Whales for Guerrero, a nonprofit aiming for community-driven marine conservation and responsible eco-tourism. Support their work at this terrific fundraiser that includes dinner and fun games like loterĂ­a. Lagunitas Community Room, 237 NE Broadway, 6-9 pm, $20


SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Slutwalk Portland Presents Voices in Action
Calling all sluts, survivors, and supporters of sexual freedom, reproductive freedom, and safe spaces. In addition to their annual march, Slutwalk Portland will host Voices in Action, a protest show benefiting Sexual Assault Resource Center Oregon. Enjoy comedy, storytelling, and dancing, as well as a raffle and art sale. Star Theater, 13 NW 6th, 4-6 pm, $5 suggested donation


TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Race Talks: The Color of Fear
Lee Mun Wah’s film The Color of Fear, a documentary about race in America as viewed through the perspectives of eight men from diverse backgrounds, debuted more than two decades ago and remains as relevant as ever. Join Race Talks for a discussion of the film, its significance now, and an examination of fear. McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33rd, 6-9 pm, $5 suggested donation


WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Portland Veterans Stand Down
The largest annual event of its kind in Oregon focuses on serving the needs of veterans and their families with everything from an employment fair to health and dental care. Last year’s Stand Down brought more than 400 vets to Memorial Coliseum, so there’s a need for volunteers to help it all run smoothly. If you’d like to help, you must register online and attend the mandatory 90-minute orientation on September 10 at 6 pm. Email emily.coleman [at] tprojects [dot] org with questions. Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 N Winning, 7:30 am–2 pm, FREE Submit your events to calendar@portlandmercury.com