What to do in Portland in August
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A handful of hitmakers will headline the Oregon State Fair this year, including Wynonna Judd and the All-American Rejects. Photo: Courtesy of Oregon State Fair
August marks the last month of summer — if you use Labor Day as your barometer and not the outside temperature — so there's no use staying at home.
Here are nine events you shouldn't miss this month.
"Belonging" at Dolores Winningstad Theatre
Saturday
Thủy Trần is a lawmaker in the Oregon House of Representatives and a playwright debuting her new stage play, which traces her journey from being the daughter of Vietnamese refugees to being a public servant.
Ken Jennings at Powell's Books
Aug. 4
The "Jeopardy" champ and host will be in town to showcase his favorite brain ticklers — puzzles, trivia games and "Kennections" — in a new book that is sure to be a head scratcher.
"Summer of '99" series at Tomorrow Theater
Select dates through August
This monthlong festival features films from 1999 — described as the year that changed cinema — like "Notting Hill," "Girl, Interrupted," "Office Space," "The Iron Giant" and more.
Bridge Pedal
Aug. 10
The only day you can bike across up to nine of our most iconic bridges without dodging oncoming traffic.
Hozier at Moda
Aug. 12
Get in your feelings and belt out hit indie-rock ballads like "From Eden" and "Too Sweet" alongside fans who also know every word. Tickets are sold out, but you can still nab some resales.
Portland Adult Soapbox Derby
Aug. 16
A Portland tradition returns: Impassioned residents build their own derby cars, decorate them wildly, then barrel down Mount Tabor in a race where the real winner is declared based on the crowd's laughter.
Hood to Coast
Aug. 22-23
This is a relay race like no other. Participating teams make a 196-mile trek from Timberline Lodge to Seaside, taking shifts throughout a nonstop, two-day journey.
Oregon State Fair
Aug. 22 to Sept. 1
Carnival season ain't over yet. Indulge in fried foods you never knew existed and then take a ride on something spinny. The All-American Rejects, Sean Paul, Wynonna Judd and more headline 11 nights of fun and music.
Lee Kelly at Elizabeth Leach Gallery
Through Aug. 28
Lee Kelly was known for his public art sculptures around Oregon. This retrospective brings together a selection of works made with the late sculptor's favored material: Cor-Ten steel.