June 2011 enewsletter

It may not quite be summer, but spring is [almost!] as good as it heralds the return of Portland's farmers' markets, where Portlanders and visitors alike can peruse local, freshly-harvested bounty. The largest of the area's numerous markets is at Portland State University (PSU) in downtown Portland at S.W. Park & Montgomery streets each Saturday through Dec. 17th (8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. March through Oct.; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. & Dec.).

Don't miss the 20th anniversary celebration at the PSU Market on June 18th. And yes, there will be a dunk tank! The Thursday Northwest Market, the newest addition to the family, is located on the corner of N.W. 19th Ave. & N.W. Everett St. every Thursday through Sept. 29th from 3-7 p.m. And, the Pioneer Courthouse Square market will open June 20th each Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Sept. 26th. This location will also be introducing the Taste of Portland Farmers Market (hot food only) Tuesdays & Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 5-Aug. 18.

Check the Portland Farmers Market website for other locations, hours and special events.

If you're like us, just the mention of a farmers' market sets your stomach to growling! That's all the impetus I need to check out June's Dining Month. This month-long promotion features three-course dinners at top Portland restaurants for $25 every day of the week. The city's chef elite invite epicureans to explore the best of the best in Downtown, the Pearl District, the Eastside and beyond. And for every reservation made through OpenTable during Dining Month, a donation will be given to the Oregon Food Bank. Satisfy those cravings and support a good cause?! You can't go wrong with this deal!

Portland's annual Rose Festival is the perfect way to start your summer off with a bang! The event boasts the year's largest parade; a waterfront CityFair overflowing with food, rides and entertainment; and a fireworks display. Another crowd favorite is the Dragon Boat Race (June 11-12) with more than 80 teams paddling frenetically in beautifully-carved, multi-colored Chinese boats.

Portland Art Museum presents Allure of the Automobile, an extraordinary showcase of brilliantly conceived cars from the ‘30s to the ‘60s—including works of art by Bugatti, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo. Not to mention Steve McQueen’s ultra-hip 1957 Jaguar XK-SS Roadster (pictured). Book your timed entry tickets today.

McMenamins Historic Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn—the place to see your favorite band—has announced the 2011 summer concert line-up with standouts My Morning Jacket (June 28th), Modest Mouse (July 2nd), Fleet Foxes (July 24th) and Portland's own The Decemberists (August 25th). Check the concert website often—or sign up to receive McMenamins eblasts —as more acts are added to the schedule frequently.

It's an OMSI Summer Solstice celebration! Visit Rooster Rock or L.L. "Stub" Stewart State Park at dusk for a free Star Party. Beginners and experts will enjoy viewing the stars and other celestial objects up close and personal. Viewing highlights include the planets Jupiter, Mercury and Saturn; first quarter Moon; the Orion Nebula, Beehive star cluster and more.

There's no better way to tell dad you think he's cool than taking him to Cool Summer Sunday of Jazz in Portland's living room (that'd be Pioneer Courthouse Square, smack-dab in the middle of downtown). The event will feature top jazz artists like Kim Waters, Kenny Lattimore, Mel Brown, and Thara Memory and his Superband performing from noon to 10 p.m.

The Oregon Zoo Summer Concert series returns with a full line-up, including: Taj Mahal and Joan Osborne (June 23rd), Los Lobos with Los Lonely Boys (July 24th), Béla Fleck & the Flecktones with Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers (July 31st), Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (Aug. 3rd), The Go-Go's (Aug. 13th) and Huey Lewis and the News (Aug. 27th). Come early and check out some of the exhibits (included with your concert ticket!).

Two of Portland's beloved industries—organic beer and sustainability—come together during the North American Organic Brewers Festival, where you will be treated to organic beers and ciders from around the world, live music, organic food, and other sustainability-oriented vendors. The best part? Admission is free! The purchase of a $6 reusable, compostable cornstarch glass is required for tasting beer, as are tokens, which sell for $1 apiece.

The Albany Visitors Association (AVA) is thrilled to offer an opportunity to taste the wonderful world of Albany cuisine. Via Albany's Historic Trolley (departing from the AVA), the Nosh Tour takes participants backstage at several homegrown Albany restaurants; tasting food and drink samples, going behind-the-scenes, and speaking with the people who make it all happen. Available by reservation only, 2011 tickets are $45 each or $40 for two or more. Purchase tickets online or call 541-928-0911.

In China, outstanding people are compared to the dragon – a symbol of power, strength and good luck. Bring your outstanding self to Lan Su Chinese Garden in June to learn about all things dragons. Each Sunday offers a special treat with a dragon shadow puppet workshop.

More than 100,000 fans turn out for the Waterfront Blues Festival each year for a reason: It's a rite of summer, a time to kick back along the Willamette River and enjoy gorgeous waterfront views alongside some great music. And with more than 120 performances over the course of four days, there's plenty to hear. This year, five-time Grammy-winner Robert Cray makes his festival debut on opening night, fresh off his induction into the Blues Hall of Fame. Buddy Guy, Lucinda Williams and countless other musicians round out the long weekend of performances, which culminates in a 4th of July fireworks extravaganza.