This weekend is gonna get extravagant. There’s no other way to put it when the best and brightest of the country’s comedic talents descend upon the city for 72 hours, at the same time Cinco de Mayo turns the waterfront into a full-on fiesta, at the same time the city uses a horse race down South as an excuse to get day-schnockered in seersucker suits & sun dresses! That’s not even counting the rock royalty blessing us with her presence, the milquetoast king of comedy reigning over the Schnitz, a pair of cinematic classics taking over theater screens (if you’re not enamored with the idea of watching Chris Pratt and an overgrown rat pew-pew stuff for a couple hours, that is), or our amazing collection of comics shops just giving free comics away. If ever there was a weekend to indulge your sense of decadence, this is it. Hit the links below and gorge yourself accordingly.
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Friday, May 5
33rd Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
A four-day party with all the food, drink, rides, and dance the city can squeeze into Waterfront Park. Events include face-painting, an artisan village, amateur boxing, a Day of the Dead art exhibit, and more.
May 5-7, 11 am, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, $6-10, all ages
3 Kings: Prince, Michael Jackson, and Stevie Wonder
Tribute Night pays homage to a trio of all-time legends with an evening full of hits, b-sides, and remixes from a pair of Motown kings and, of course, a Prince of everything he ever surveyed.
9 pm, Holocene, $10
Bridgetown Comedy Festival
Every year, I anticipate the Bridgetown Comedy Festival with the hopped-up excitement of a sugar-deprived five-year-old allowed a bowl of Froot Loops at a friend’s house. For a few glorious days, Portland stand-ups hobnob with out-of-town comedy heroes in a mildly drunk joke paradise, and this year’s lineup—Janeane Garofalo, Karen Kilgariff, Baron Vaughn, Guy Branum and tons more—is essential. MEGAN BURBANK
May 4-7, Various Locations, see our Bridgetown calendar for more info
Point Break Live!
Swayze! Busey! Reeves! These three great talents assembled in 1991 to star in one of the best films in cinematic history, Point Break. And now there’s another way of experiencing this classic: live on stage, and with a very funny twist. In Point Break LIVE!, an audience member will be chosen to join the cast and play Keanu Reeves’ Johnny Utah with the help of cue cards, a stunt double, and maybe a little alcohol? And that’s why this long-running production is so hilarious: Who else could capture the obliviousness of Johnny Utah except someone who has no idea what they’re doing? Don’t miss the fun! WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
7:30 pm, Crystal Ballroom, $20-25
Gigantic 5th Anniversary Celebration
Gigantic Brewing—the local brewery that claims to make “the best damn IPA in Portland”—is celebrating its fifth birthday with a blowout party at the Star Theater. There’ll be lots of beer (naturally) and live music from some major players in the Portland music scene, like Y La Bamba and Wooden Indian Burial Ground. All of the bands on the bill have or will participate in the brewery’s seasonal release series, where they pair a new beer with a song. CIARA DOLAN
8 pm, Star Theater, $15
Son Volt, Anders Parker
Jay Farrar is an old soul. He has been since at least 1992, when he stripped most of the punk power and fury from his band Uncle Tupelo and recorded an album of prewar traditionals and acoustic originals called March 16-20, 1992. His longtime project Son Volt has always had an anachronistic feel, whether tackling road-weary roots-rock (as on the band’s classic 1995 debut Trace) or classic country (see 2013’s Honky Tonk). Son Volt’s newest album, Notes of Blue, continues this theme, exploring a frenetic, electric strain of the blues inspired by 20th-century legends like Mississippi Fred McDowell and Skip James. Present as always is Farrar’s voice, one of the most distinctive in roots music, and his reliable cache of cozy melodies. Listening to the guy sing is like opening an old leather book. The appeal never wears off, no matter how many times you do it. BEN SALMON
8 pm, Aladdin Theater, $25-30
Sleepwalkers RIP, Defect Defect, Piss Test, Mr. Wrong
A barrage of local garage punk and rock acts take the Know stage for a good cause, with the show doubling as a record release for Piss Test’s new DirtCult-issued full-length.
8 pm, The Know, $10
Global Based: Cinco de Mayo
The Cinco de Mayo edition of the underground music and art showcase brings in a set from Los Angeles-hailing producer and Moombahton pioneer, Dave Nada.
9 pm, The Whiskey Bar, $10
Moon Duo, Heron Oblivion
Guitarist/vocalist Ripley Johnson and keyboardist/vocalist Sanae Yamada bring their mesmerizing synth-driven psych-rock to Kelly’s for a pair of intimate hometown shows supporting their brand new album, Occult Architecture, Vol. 2.
9 pm, Kelly’s Olympian, $20
Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2
Don’t get it twisted—there’s still action aplenty, and legitimately clever gags (usually involving the self-involvement of outer-space people). But if the first Guardians was about characters who hide their emotions, this one allows everyone’s inner demons and insecurities to be exposed for the entire galaxy to see—in between fierce, frenetic battles with gold-faced supremacists and universe-destroying megalomaniacs, of course. WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
Various Theaters, see Movie Times for showtimes and locations
Okkervil River, Bird of Youth
Will Sheff and Okkervil River return to Portland as a stripped-down acoustic trio for a performance of rarities and requests pulled from throughout the band’s deep and beloved catalogs of songs.
9 pm, Mississippi Studios, $20-25
Holcombe Waller
Waller’s latest ambitous, sprawling musical project, “Notes from the Riverkeepers,” gets a three-day test-run at the Headwaters, created in response to Waller’s three-month residency with the Columbia Riverkeeper organization.
May 4-6, 8 pm, The Headwaters Theatre, $10-26
Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish
Conductor Norman Huynh leads the Oregon Symphony through a selection of pieces from The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Frozen, Aladdin, Pocahontas, and more, all while original film footage plays out on the big screen behind them.
7:30 pm, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, $23-125, all ages
Flogging Molly, The White Buffalo
Anchored by Irish expatriate Dave King, this Southern California–based band is a somewhat motley crew of heavy-metal devotees, skaters, and traditional instrumentalists. Fans of Irish rockers the Pogues—or any one up for a good, rousing party—will appreciate Flogging Molly’s unique blend of traditional Celtic arrangements and bruised-up punk.
8 pm, Roseland, $28-38
Filmed by Bike
Featuring 80 short films from 75 filmmakers, Portland’s Filmed by Bike film festival hits the Hollywood Theatre this weekend. The fest features high-octane adventure films, documentaries, animation, love stories, and more, all with one common thread: bikes. As festivals go, Filmed by Bike is a cheap one—full passes are $60. Even cheaper: The fest kicks off with a free street party in the back lot of Velo Cult (Fri May 5). It’s all ages, so if you’ve got kids, stick ’em in a Burley and bike on over. There’ll be plenty of bike parking, of course. CLAIRE HOLLEY
May 5-7, Hollywood Theatre, see hollywoodtheatre.org for titles and showtimes
Saturday, May 6
Jerry Seinfeld
One of the greatest comics of all time and the star of the single best sitcom ever is coming to Portland for two Saturday evening shows. I repeat: Jerry Seinfeld is coming to Portland. Jerry Seinfeld! The Seinfeld. He’s brought so much joy into my life via a TV screen, it’s hard to believe that he’s a living, breathing person and that I’ll be in the same theater with him. I can’t wait. DOUG BROWN
7 pm, 9:30 pm, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, $50-150
Open Signal: Open House
With classes, training, and equipment, Open Signal gives the people of Portland access to video production and the ability to host cable TV shows. This weekend, its organizers are hosting an open house at their community center featuring performances from local singers and hip-hop artists: Blossom, Alexis Cannard (Ascxnsion), and Neka Perini. It’s free, plus free pizza and booze if you RSVP. CIARA DOLAN
4 pm, Open Signal, free
High School Records Prom 2017
Local upstart label High School Records hold their first annual prom, featuring sets from Hollow Sidewalks, Sweeping Exits, Volturz, and DJ Joe Hopper. All proceeds go to benefit Outside In, a local youth social services organization who have been providing healthcare to the LGBTQ community since 1968.
8 pm, Republic Café & Ming Lounge, $15
Sugar Town: Queer Soul Shindig
One of the hottest queer dance nights in Portland is also the hottest soul dance night in Portland. It’s Sugar Town; an evening devoted to classic ass-shaking soul music, featuring the deep crates of DJ Action Slacks. WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
9 pm, The Spare Room, $5
Oregon Backstage: Portugal The Man, Pete Krebs, Ural Thomas
A fundraising concert for the Oregon Music Hall of Fame, providing opportunities to hang out with local luminaries and support the OMHOF’s scholarship and music education programs.
6 pm, The Secret Society, $85-100, all ages
Casablanca
Yes, Casablanca is a bonafide classic. The name conjures up notions of prestige and film nobility. It’s the worst possible thing that could have happened to Casablanca. The movie is a classic because it’s not a stuffy, high-minded piece of cinema with a capital “C.” It’s low-budget, tossed-off studio leftovers, and that’s why its genius is so remarkable. Don’t think of it as attending movie church. Leave your reverence in the lobby. Casablanca sure as hell doesn’t have any time for that shit. Instead, think of it as the half-improvised, made-up-as-they-went, seat-of-the-pants production that took studio spare parts and made some potent movie magic. BOBBY ROBERTS
2 pm, Hollywood Theatre, $9
Dana Buoy, Silver Ships, Arthur & the Antics
Dana Buoy’s life in Portland has seemed a little quiet for someone whose credentials include being a member of avant-pop group Akron/Family. Despite the little splashes, Buoy’s made good on his promise as an artist, making fantastic whirlpools of bubbling pop perfect for the dog days of August and September, but pretty great for any other time, too. RYAN J. PRADO
8:30 pm, Alberta Street Pub, $7
Free Comic Book Day
One of the best things about Portland? We’ve got the country’s greatest lineup of independent, well-curated comic book shops. And there’s no better time to check them out than on Free Comic Book Day, when (you guessed it, genius) they’ll be giving out free comics. Snag exclusive books from some of comics’ most talented creators and publishers—including locally based Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and Oni Press. From Wonder Woman to Moebuis, and from Archie to Guardians of the Galaxy, you’re guaranteed to score something you like—and some shops will also have sales, creator signings, and more! ERIK HENRIKSEN
Various Locations, see our calendar for a list of shops and special guests
Stammtisch’s 3rd Annual Maifest
You don’t have to wait until fall to celebrate German cuisine. Stammtisch throws itself a third birthday party in fine German style, with live music, food specials from Chef Graham Chaney, special beers on draft, and more. Visit stammtisch.com for more information.
11 am, Stammtisch
Vivaldi’s World
No one knows the 17th and 18th centuries quite like Monica Huggett. This London-born, Portland-based violinist has devoted her entire life to the Baroque era by performing, educating, establishing festivals, and founding orchestras all over the world dedicated to the music of that time—a passion that’s included expertly leading the Portland Baroque Orchestra for the past two decades. Tonight through Sunday, Huggett and the band wrap up their 2016/2017 season by exploring the sonic world of Antonio Vivaldi and his contemporaries, with a set list chock full of showpieces for the cello, violin, lute, and the always kickass bassoon. Each brilliant composition will be performed on period instruments for that old-school sound. Heads up: The final concert on Sunday takes place in Kaul Auditorium at Reed College, one of the finest venues for chamber music in town. BRIAN HORAY
7:30 pm, First Baptist Church, $29
Experiences in an American Concentration Camp
In honor of Asian American Pacific Island Heritage Month, George Nakata has been invited to speak about the time he spent during his youth in a Japanese internment camp. At the age of nine, Nakata and his family were forced from their Portland home to a camp in Idaho during World War II. EMILLY PRADO
5 pm, Cerimon House, $20
Lil Peep
A complex understanding of cultural references (specifically of the “sub-” and “pop” varieties) is required to explain both the punchline of a meme and Lil Peep. The 20-year-old, face covered in tattoos and hair dyed an ever-changing highlighter hue, specializes in slow, emo-infused rap. He tends to combine tropes from both genres, often in the same lyric: “I used to wanna kill myself/Came up, still wanna kill myself.” This makes me think Lil Peep’s musical point of reference is cultural panic. He glorifies sex, drugs, suicide, and anime—taken together, it’s an incredible tableau of the media that has scared parents shitless for the past 30 years. Lil Peep raps over the Microphones, samples old cartoons, tweets incessantly, and has a faithful crew of equally sad boys who operate under the name GothBoiClique. I think his emo revival/rap/internet-core hybrid is entertaining, but I can feel myself understanding less of Lil Peep’s art with each passing second. EMMA BURKE
9 pm, Hawthorne Theatre, $15, all ages
Kentucky Derby Crawfish Boil
Other places are celebrating this high-falutin’ horse race in ridiculous fashion (as it should be), but EaT is making it simple. Show up. Partake of the crawfish. Wear a funky hat. Eat more seafood. Drink a julep. Eat more seafood.
12:30 pm, EaT: An Oyster Bar
Sunday, May 7
PJ Harvey
Every single one of PJ Harvey’s albums is excellent, if not a flat-out masterpiece, which—now that she’s a quarter-century into a miraculous career—just might give the English songwriter one of the greatest runs in popular music history, ranging from thunderous blues-rock to spooky goth-folk. Polly Jean hasn’t played Portland since 2009, making it no surprise that tickets are sold out, so beg, borrow, or do what you have to. NED LANNAMANN
8:30 pm, Crystal Ballroom, $69.50-75
Louder Than Words: A Benefit for DJ O.G. One
Holocene and XRAY.FM presents a benefit show for David “DJ O.G. One” Jackson in his fight with cancer and post surgery recovery. Many of O.G. One’s friends will be on hand to lend their support, with performances by Saeeda Wright, Mike Phillips, Farnell Newton & The Othership Connection, Vursatyl, Mic Capes, Jon Belz, and DJ Juggernaut. Hosted by StarChile.
8 pm, Holocene, $8-10
History: A Story of Hip-Hop
A performance by the Love 4 Urban Art Dance Company, going through the troubled-yet-rewarding history of the genre’s music and dance.
3 pm, BodyVox Dance Center, $12
Stand by Me
I never understood why Oregonians built an entire cottage industry around worshipping the annoyingly shrill and hyperactive ’80s “classic” The Goonies when just one year after that thin, cloying mess of a film opened, Stand by Me was released—a smaller-scale Oregon adventure with a much better story, starring much better actors, breathing life into much deeper characters, stirring emotional notes much more varied than Goonies’ two-note dirge of “AAAAAH” and “EWWWWW!” But if I had to guess why Stand by Me—despite being a better film than The Goonies in every measurable aspect—doesn’t have annual festivals in its name, it’s probably because Lard-Ass hosting tours of the barf-o-rama tent and/or the watering hole where Wil Wheaton had leeches stuck to his balls doesn’t sound very enticing in a tourism pamphlet. BOBBY ROBERTS
4:15 pm, 9:10 pm, Laurelhurst Theater
The Toxic Avenger Musical
Stumptown Stages presents their staging of the award-winning adaptation of Lloyd Kaufman’s Troma classic, The Toxic Avenger.
2 pm, Brunish Hall, $25-40
Don’t forget to check out our Things To Do calendar for even more things to do!