FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4
IMPROV—The perma-hilarious Shelley McLendon’s brand-new Siren Theater’s been a game-changer for Portland comedy, and tonight’s installment of the new improv show Leviathan is too, pairing words from guest monologist Stephanie Schneiderman with off-the-cuff merriment from a goddamn dream team of improvisers. If you’re allergic to college-basement improv, McLendon & Co. will restore your faith. MEGAN BURBANK
Siren Theater, 315 NW Davis, 8 pm, $12-15
MUSIC—Every year the Portland Cello Project hosts a holiday concert filled with carols, cheer, Christmas sweaters of questionable fashion merit, and—of course—cellos. This year’s Americana-themed extravaganza is already sold out, but you should try to wheedle your way in, because it’ll feature special guests from Black Prairie. NED LANNAMANN
Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark, 8 pm, $15 (sold out), all ages
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5
DANCE—We adore the semi-regular queer dance night, Sugar Town, which spins the most foot-stompingest classic soul. What could be better? The Sugar Town Sno-Ball: a semi-formal (or dress-to-impress) holiday party crammed with ’50s and ’60s R&B and ’70s soul, all spun by special guest DJ Larsupreme! Ho-ho hit the floor! WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
The Spare Room, 4830 NE 42nd, 9 pm, $5
SCANDINAVIAN—When it comes to holidays, the Scandinavians don’t screw around. Check out ScanFair, a Nordic Christmas fair that includes dance and entertainment, arts and crafts, delish Scandinavian food (lefse and krumkake), a Pippi Longstocking kids’ area, pickled herring and meatball eating contests (!!), and even a visit from jolly old Joulupukki (the Finnish Santa Claus). WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
Memorial Coliseum, 300 N Winning Way, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, $7
MUSIC—Fred and Toody Cole of Dead Moon and Pierced Arrows are no strangers to high volume, but tonight these veterans of rock ‘n’ roll go unplugged for an intimate show at the Old Church. This’ll be a breathtaking concert from two Oregon legends in a remarkable venue—in other words, not to be missed. NED LANNAMANN
The Old Church, 1422 SW 11th,
9 pm, $13-15, all ages
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
COMEDY—Do you love movies? Hey, so does Doug! Comedian Doug Benson’s podcast Doug Loves Movies is doing a live taping of his hilarious cinema game show at Helium tonight. Might I suggest getting high for this? Meet renowned pothead Benson halfway in his quest for super stonedom and movie-knowledge supremacy. COURTNEY FERGUSON
Helium Comedy Club, 1510 SE 9th, 8 pm, $20
TV—Bill Murray teams up with his Lost in Translation director, Sofia Coppola, for A Very Murray Christmas—a holiday TV special that also features the likes of George Clooney, Amy Poehler, and Jenny Lewis. Dig a Pony is screening it to celebrate “the man and the season,” offering Bill Murray-inspired food and drinks, like “White Russianmores” and “Peter Venkmanhattans.” ERIK HENRIKSEN
Dig a Pony, 736 SE Grand, 7:30 pm, FREE