THURSDAY, JULY 19
Art & Power: Activating Social Change
Art and activism have been intrinsically tied since forever, but what does this relationship mean for artists today? Hear from Portland-based creatives Tazha Williams, HeldĂĄy de la Cruz, and Donovan Smith as they expand on their works which each uniquely explore multiple identities, undocumented immigration, gentrification, and much more. Unite Oregon, 700 N Killingsworth, 6-8 pm, FREE
Boards, Bags, and Brews
Wash down food from Whole Bowl and Olympia Provisions with an ice-cold beer from Migration Brewing Company at this cornhole tournament and fundraiser benefitting Girls Build. Established in 2016, Girls Build hosts construction summer camps throughout the Pacific Northwest with the hopes of fostering confidence and curiosity in carpentry, electricity, plumbing, and more. By purchasing $5 raffle tickets you get the chance to win rad prizes, but more importantly, the chance to help! Sellwood Park, 7900 SE 7th, 4-7:30 pm, $35
FRIDAY, JULY 20
Protest Trumpâs Supreme Court Nomination #NoBrettKavanaugh
Portlandâs Resistance invites community members to rally and speak out against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh by joining in a protest and mass letter-writing campaign urging Democrats and Republicans to vote against him. Chapman Square, 210 SW Main, 6-8 pm, FREE
Zodiac Kiki Ball
The incredibly talented Portland Ballroom organizers are hosting a zodiac-themed kiki ball at the Portland Art Museum in honor of all things astrological. A portion of all sales will benefit Pueblo Unido PDX and SMYRC. Be sure to bring unopened menstrual products for the Portland Menstrual Society (and PSU Queer Resource Center) and arrive early to check out the exhibits. Arenât familiar with the rich, significant history of ball yet? Come prepared by reading my December 2017 Mercury feature on the scene and checking out the Facebook event page. Portland Art Museum, 1219 SW Park, 8 pm-1:30 am, $25-50
Third Annual Cat Shirt Friday Bonanza
Suit up in your best cat shirt for the third annual cat shirt contest and raffle supporting the Cat Adoption Team. Raffle includes sweet prizes like pet portraits, local wine, and a vet exam. NWIPA, 6350 SE Foster, 6-9 pm, FREE
SATURDAY, JULY 21
Anatomy Tattoo Fundraiser and Customer Appreciation Party
Anatomy Tattoo is a women-owned shop boasting eight tattoo artists and âmore than 100 years of combined tattooing experience.â To celebrate big changes in the shop, theyâre throwing a party and raising money for Immigrant Refugee and Community Organization (IRCO) with a silent auction and raffle. Anatomy Tattoo, 2820 NE Sandy, 3-10 pm, FREE
Sons of Haiti Work Party
Since 1954, the Sons of Haiti Lodge has operated on North Mississippi Avenue in North Portland. Itâs now the longest standing Black-owned building in the historical African American neighborhood. New nonprofit Brown Hope is hosting a work party to help the lodge restore an upstairs space with the intent of creating an affordable events center. Roll up your sleeves and help lay carpet squares, apply a shiny new coat of paint, and revitalize the space. Sons of Haiti MW St. Joseph Grand Lodge, 3503 N Mississippi, noon-5 pm, FREE
Sleeping Pod Buildout
Join volunteers for the last in a series of summer buildouts for community-run shelter Right 2 Dream Too (R2D2). Though everything is provided, you can help by bringing your own hammer, pencil, measuring tape, and work gloves. Visit ecolloyd.org/sleeping-pod-volunteer-sign-up/ to sign up for a three-hour shift. Right 2 Dream Too, 999 N Thunderbird, Sat & Sun 8 am- 5 pm, FREE
Juicy Buti Yoga: A Benefit for Om Thrive
Join this session of buti yoga and support Om Thrive, a new organization offering yoga practice to domestic violence and abuse survivors in the Portland metro area. Buti is a blend of vinyasa-style yoga, tribal dance, primal movement, and plyometrics. Studio PDX, 2937 E Burnside, 9:30-10:30 am, $10-20 suggested donation
SUNDAY, JULY 22
Sit, Stay, Slay: a Fundraiser Drag Show with Dogs!
Treat yourself to a drag show extravaganza benefiting Family Dogs New Life, a no-kill dog shelter thatâs also produced an incredibly sweet pitbull video series called Piteo. Bring cash to tip the wonderful performers and stock up on plenty of raffle tickets. White Owl Social Club, 1305 SE 8th, 6-8 pm, FREE
MONDAY, JULY 23
SCRAP PDX Craft + Drink
One personâs trash is another personâs craft project, or so goes the unofficial adage of SCRAP PDX. Help keep their doors open and craft bins full by eating a meal and immersing yourself in craft day at Oregon Public House. Other perks include a photobooth, chilled brews, and good company. Village Ballroom, 704 NE Dekum, 5-9 pm, $5-15 suggested donation
Inside the West Virginia Teachersâ Strike
Earlier this year, teachers across the state of West Virginia united in a bold statement of resistance by striking for better wages. Together they shut down all public schools in the state and won a significant raise, eventually inspiring similar strikes in other states. Hear directly from Nicole McCormick, one of the leaders and teachers behind the movement at this discussion hosted by Portland Rising. Donations accepted. Portland Association of Teachers, 345 NE 8th, 7-8:30 pm, FREE
TUESDAY, JULY 24
Angelâs Rest Trail Work Party
Support the continuing restoration of the Columbia River Gorgeâfollowing 2017âs devastating Eagle Creek Fireâby registering to volunteer with the Trailkeepers of Oregon. Although this particular trail restoration work party is already filled up, the nonprofit supports hundreds of other trails in Oregon and always need help. Visit trailkeepersoforegon.org for more information. Angels Rest Trailhead, Historic Columbia River, 8:30 am-3:30 pm, FREE
