Top 9 Portland events to catch this May
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Get ethereal with the queen herself. Photo: Lillie Eiger/ HFG Management via Getty Images
Warmer weather and later sunsets mean friends and family are more willing to make plans past 6pm these days.
So take advantage of all that May has to offer — festivals, live music, art shows and plenty of reasons to leave the house — with these nine can't-miss events.
One Moto
May 1-3
Gear heads go all out at this three-day event at Zidell Yards showing off custom-built, one-of-a-kind bikes.
Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
May 1-5
This five-day celebration of Mexican culture down on the waterfront brings more than 40 food vendors, dozens of artisans selling handmade crafts, live music across several stages, low riders and a general sense of joviality.
Fire vs. Chicago Sky
May 9
Portland's very own WNBA team steps onto home court at Moda Center for the season opener. Be there or be square.
Florence + the Machine
May 13
The dog days are officially over because the popular indie rock band makes their return to Portland after four years as part of their "Everybody Scream Tour."
McMenamins UFO Fest
May 14-16
McMinnville celebrates its infamous UFO sighting with an annual costume contest (humanoids and pets), street fair and dance party.
"Heritage" presented by Ethereal Reflections
May 16
The city's favorite pop-up art gallery is back with a group exhibition at Design Portland that features works inspired by "what we inherit, what we keep, and what we choose to redefine."
Portland Rose Festival
May 22-June 28
Downtown's classic, monthlong fair and carnival returns. Don't miss the opening night fireworks show on the Willamette, which draws crowds from across the state. There's most certainly a parade for you, too.
Michelle Zauner at Tomorrow Theater
May 27
The creative force behind indie pop band Japanese Breakfast and author of "Crying at H Mart" will have a wide-ranging conversation about growing up in Eugene, her creative process and her latest album.
Criterion Mobile Closet at Portland Art Museum
May 29-31
Local film lovers will be lining up to make their own "Closet Picks" videos out of the specialty streaming service's roaming video store, which comes stocked with more than 1,700 of "the greatest films from around the world."