Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Nostalgia can only get you so far, even when wookiees are involved. While 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens succeeded in its designated task of rescuing the venerable franchise from the doldrums of its prequels, it also practiced a frustrating form of risk aversion, putting the next generation of characters through some very familiar paces. (Now coming up on your left: another Death Star!) Thankfully, The Force Awakens’ thunderously hyped sequel, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, takes a much more proactive tack, fully honoring the touchstones of the series while zigging and zagging in satisfying, provocative ways. If the previous entry presented a respectably staid melding of old and new, this one wires everything up, cranks the juice, and lets her rip. It’s escapism on a grand scale—the kind of experience that reminds you why you fell in love with movies in the first place. Believe the hype, and then some. ANDREW WRIGHT
Various Theaters, see Movie Times for showtimes and locations.
The Siren Theater’s BRAND NEW Best Christmas Ever
Somebody has to say it: Holiday spectaculars are reliably unspectacular. But not when they star the gut-busting geniuses at the Siren Theater. That’s right! Charming goofballs Jed Arkley, Janet Scanlon, and my boss, Wm. Steven Humphrey (to name just a few!) are back with an all-new sketch comedy holiday treat. Turn off Netflix’s Yule Log and get out there! MEGAN BURBANK
8 pm, Siren Theater, $10-18
The Barr Brothers, Angelo de Augustine
Canadian/American group the Barr Brothers use elements of folk and rock as jumping-off points for immersive, atmospheric songs that don’t quite sound like anything else. The inventiveness of the brothers—who also boast a non-brother, harpist Sarah Pagé, among their ranks—is evidenced on the Barrs’ impressive third album, Queens of the Breakers, and as a live act, they’re practically peerless. NED LANNAMANN
9 pm, Wonder Ballroom, $17-20
BadBadNotGood, 1939 Ensemble
Badbadnotgood is technically a jazz group, but the Toronto outfit’s music leans more toward post-bop, trip-hop, and instrumental hip-hop. With cool confidence and mellow precision, the foursome builds off of each other’s energy in wild live shows—it’s no wonder they’ve collaborated with hip-hop giants like Kendrick Lamar, Ghostface Killah, and Danny Brown. Also unsurprising? Their Portland show is completely sold out. CERVANTE POPE
8pm, Revolution Hall, $25
John Mulaney
With the Broadway run of his Oh, Hello show with Nick Kroll in the rearview, writer and comedian John Mulaney has wasted no time in getting back to his stand-up roots. There are few greater joys in life than watching Mulaney’s childlike sense of wonder fuel his vivid storytelling and absurd observational comedy, and if his first three specials are any indication, the “Kid Gorgeous” tour could be the funniest thing you’ll see all year. CHIPP TERWILLIGER
7 pm, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, $25-35, all ages
I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch in the House, The Angry Lisas, Chris Margolian, Bomf
It’s strange to think it’s been 15 years since the release of I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch in the House’s Creepy Little Noises, but, as Stephen King writes, time is a face on the water, and we’re all tumbling toward our mortal coils one way or another. Creepy Little Noises was the Portland juggernaut’s ferocious country-punk debut, anointing frontman Michael Dean Damron as one of the city’s most fearless outlaw songwriters. The group practically lives at Dante’s when they’re in town, and even released a live album recorded at the venue in 2006, so it’s a fitting setting to celebrate the anniversary of their debut. The band’s last studio album, 2013’s Mayberry, was perhaps their finest yet, merging Mike D’s matter-of-fact political screeds with nostalgia for America of yesteryear. Expect a raucous sing-along with plenty of raised tallboys. RYAN J. PRADO
9 pm, Dante’s, $10
The Toads, Fire Nuns, Cry Babe
An EP release party for the Toads’ latest, It’s For You, full of sunshiny-yet-somehow-still-grungy hooks you know and love from ’90s alternative radio.
8 pm, Clinton Street Theater, $7
La Noche Latin Party
Star Theater hosts this Latin dance party featuring live music from local salsa and tropical music ensemble Pura Vida, along with DJ sets from DJ CJ and DJ Blas.
8 pm, Star Theater, $10
Cabaret with a Q: Holiday Edition
The annual holiday cabaret-styled celebration benefitting Q Center—a showtune-focused party built around the joys of the sing-a-long, with a holiday twist. David’s on piano, Jason’s holding down the emcee duties.
7 pm, Q Center, $5-10
The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights
The Grotto’s annual Festival of Lights celebration returns for its 30th year, transforming the serene grounds into one of the largest Christmas choral festivals in the world. Walk a one-quarter mile long light trail, enjoy outdoor caroling, puppet shows, and a live petting zoo, and then take in one of over 170 concerts taking place in the Grotto’s chapel.
5 pm, The Grotto (the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother), $6-11, all ages
Don’t forget to check out our Things To Do calendar for even more things to do!