Bike Carnival & Potluck
Here at the Mercury fun desk, two curious bicycle-related events have appeared on our sarcastic, intoxicated, but surprisingly well-functioning radar. The first is an event no self-respecting fun-haver should miss, called Cyclecide! This bizarre and amazing event will be held at the wonderful Acme Bar, and features amusement park rides constructed from metal and bicycles--all of which are completely human-powered! Check out the pedal-powered ferris wheel, the ominous sounding "Cyclofuge," and the brain-splattering Dizzy Toy. It's like a beer-friendly carnival! Rides will be up and running on Saturday by 3 pm--but don't blow your load too early. At around 9 pm, the Cyclecide troupe (hailing from San Francisco) will perform a mind-blowing mutant bicycle stunt show rock opera that will leave you in awe!
Once you've had a few days to recover from your dizziness, get back on your cycle and head over to the Hawthorne Hostel. Tuesday nights at 6:30 they host a Pedal Potluck, wherein you head out for a ride, then return to the hostel to chow down. Bring food and drinks (preferably vegan/vegetarian--this event just lost points), and get ready to mingle with other bike-minded outdoorsmen. Just please, don't wear those padded bike shorts that look like diapers, or I swear, no one will talk to you. Or at least I won't. KATIE SHIMER
Cyclecide Bike Rodeo, Acme Bar, Sat Aug 6, 3 pm onward, donations appreciated; Pedal Potluck Picnic, Hawthorne Hostel, 3031 SE Hawthorne, Tuesdays 6 pm (through Aug. 16), free
Putting the "Fun" In Fundraiser
Tonight, on friday the 5th, you'll have to choose between two fine causes and two great parties. Poor you!
First up is an event benefiting p:ear, the downtown organization that helps street youth get back on their feet by hosting daily art classes (and free meals) for the city's most needy. But if altruism doesn't work out for the three women who run p:ear, they should consider a new career as event managers--because p:ear throws some of the best fundraisers in town, from a carnival last year (where they gave away a chopper motorcycle) to tonight's silent auction and casino night. There'll be a full casino set up (with Texas hold-'em, blackjack, and roulette--with prizes for the winners), plus background rocking from the Verbtones and the Stood Ups. Oh, and dress snazzy--this is a casino night, after all. Studio Concepts, 2448 NW 28th, doors at 7 pm, $20 general; $30 entry for casino games.
And across the river, Basic Rights Oregon--the legislative crusaders for gay and lesbian rights--are hosting a luscious, noisy, and get-down fun fashion show with 25 stone cold serious and sexy models. The night is jammed full of DJs and music, from Cathole to the high-spirited, all-girl garage rock trio Del Toros. So whether it's for the homeless, or the homos, it's time to get involved!
