Five Fun Things To Do This Weekend: Oct. 31-Nov. 2

Friday, October 31, 2014

David Cath, GoLocalPDX Contributor

It's that one time of year when you can either let your inner freak (or ghoul, goblin, or sexy nurse) out of the closet. Or maybe you're looking forward to a nice evening chaperoning your kids around and waiting till they crash from their sugar high so you can snag some of their candy. Either way, fun times await you this Halloween weekend.

Here's GoLocalPDX's Five Fun Things To Do This Weekend: Oct. 31-Nov. 1:

NIGHT and DAY of the Living Ales

Night AND Day of the Living Ales. Photo Credit: Burnside Brewing Co.

What do a juggler, contortionist, belly-dancer, cowboy clown, and hand balancer all have in common? Wait, what's a "hand balancer"?

Well, anyways, they are all sharing the spotlight at 2014's Night and Day of the Living Ales brought to you by Burnside Brewing Co.

The event kicks off the night of the 31st for an adult only party, during which you can enjoy a rare craft beer selection and a full liquor bar as musical artists Wanderlust Circus and DJ Pippin bring the beats. Be sure to dress in style for the multiple Costume Contests.

Continuing the party on Nov. 1 but in a family-friendly fashion, quench your thirst for pumpkin beer from Burnside Brewing's extensive list of pumpkin beers. While getting your pumpkin fix, be sure to join in on some family fun activities like face painting and the coloring contest.

701 E. Burnside St., 503-208-3476. 6 pm-midnight, Fri.-Sat., Oct. 31-Nov. 1. Click HERE for more information.

Oregon Symphony's Jeffrey Kahane Plays Gershwin

In a follow-up to Rhapsody in Blue, one of Oregon's favorite pianists comes to Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall to perform George Gershwin's Concerto in F.

Written in the early 20th century, Gershwin described this piece as "quick and pulsating, representing the young, enthusiastic spirit of American life," with an ending that features "an orgy of rhythms."

Though the piece originally received mixed reviews, Concerto in F remains as the popular and most frequently performed piano concerto by an American composer.

1037 SW Broadway, 503-248-4335. 7:30 pm, Sat.-Sun., Nov. 1-2. Click HERE for ticket information.

Elephant Revival

If you've ever thought to yourself, "I feel like headbanging to a band with a washboard front and center," the Colorado-based band, Elephant Revival, has got you covered.

An original blend of bluegrass instrumentation with Irish/Scottish influences, covered in an indie vibe is the best way to describe this band. The unpredictable mandolin and banjo rhythms mix fluently with an upbeat bass beat. The real treasure of the show is the washboard player and vocalist, who's vibrato voice lays on top of the violin melody like cream cheese icing on a carrot cake.

3017 SE Milwaukie Ave., 234-9694. 9 pm Fri.-Sat., Oct. 31-Nov. 1. Click HERE for ticket information.

Portland Erotic Ball at the Crystal Ballroom

Portland Erotic Ball 2014. Photo Credit: thatguygil via Compfight cc

I wish I could fill this whole post with pictures from last year's Erotic Ball, but since my mom is my biggest fan, I don't want to lose half of my readership.

Remember when you wanted to dress up like a Victoria's Secret Angel, but you decided not to because you were unsure what you're friends would say about you the next day behind your back?

Well Portland's Erotic Ball is your once-in-a-year excuse to show those basic chicks that having fun and dressing like a stripper can have no drawbacks.

Win cash prizes for the costume contest, or get your freak on to Pepe & the Bottle Blondes, Wanderlust Circus, Burlesque Superstars, and the Diva Den Dancers.

1332 W Burnside St., 503 225-0047. 8 pm Sat., Nov. 1. Click HERE for ticket information.

2014 Portland Funk & Soul Halloween

Get your freak on to some funky jams and crunchy grooves this Halloween at Swift Lounge.

Enjoy the soul and funk hits in your craziest holiday costume while sipping out of mason jars and feeding on tasty snacks (No, Dracula! I said "only hickies!").

1932 NE Broadway St., 503-288-3333. 4 pm Fri., Oct. 31. Click HERE for more information.

Banner Photo of Erotic Ball 2013: Photo by Byron Beck