PORTLAND, Ore. — With the countdown to Portland's Tree Lighting downtown officially on, there's no denying that the holiday spirit is in the air. This weekend the Oregon Zoo kicks off its ZooLights series with BrewLights. Other things going on include a queer film festival, two food and gift markets, a sneaker fest, a pop concert, a houseplant pop-up and lastly a wine tasting adventure.
Portland Queer Film Festival
When: Nov. 15-20
Where: Cinema 21, 616 Northwest 21st Avenue, Portland
What's going on: Listen up movie goers — the Portland Queer Film Festival returns in person after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival aims to educate, inspire, intrigue and bring people together. This year it brings a total of 11 film titles, ranging from trans stories to documentaries, narratives and drama.
Portland Holiday Market
When: Nov. 17-20
Where: Portland Expo Center, 2060 North Marine Drive, Portland
What's going on: Exactly what the event title says — a holiday market. It's a one-stop shop where you can get all your Christmas shopping done. Shoppers can expect 100,000 square-feet of display space filled with food, gifts, artwork, jewelry, home décor, clothing, spirits, crafts items, books, ornaments, leather goods, bath and body exhibitors. There's something for everybody here.
BrewLights
When: Nov. 18-19
Where: Oregon Zoo, 4001 Southwest Canyon Road, Portland
What's going on: Nothing like a good 'ole brew and some lights to watch ... without kids. This ZooLights festival is a 21-and-over only event with dozens of local beer vendors. Sample over 100 beer, seltzer and cider options while strolling through the zoo, which will have colorful-lit trees and dazzling 3-D light sculptures. Think you're festive enough for this?
My People's Market
When: Nov. 19-20
Where: Oregon Convention Center, 777 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Portland
What's going on: Join more than 120 vendors as My People's Market celebrates its 5th year running. The market is a celebration of business, culture and community aimed at advancing opportunities for business owners of color. If you're a fan of exciting food and beverage options, music and a good vibe, then My People's Market is where you want to be this weekend.
Rose City Sneakerfest
When: Nov. 19
Where: The Leftbank Annex, 101 North Weidler Street, Portland
What's going on: Sneakerheads enthusiasts this one is for you. Rose City Sneakerfest is back and powered by Portland Gear. This is your chance to sell or trade your unique sneakers with other sneakerheads alike. It's also a chance to build, establish and foster a community that can come together and interact about what they love — sneakers.
Plant Lovers Holiday Pop-up
When: Nov. 20
Where: Migration Brewing, 3947 North Williams Avenue, Portland
What's going on: Reclamation PDX is hosting a pop-up for plant lovers with local plant growers. You can expect to see common and collector houseplants, plant supplies, gifts, arts and snacks. Grab a brew while you admire plant babies. Also Reclamation will be hosting a raffle for a chance to win a Monstera Thai Constellation.
Wine Country Thanksgiving
When: Nov. 18-27
Where: Multiple wineries
What's going on: Nothing screams Thanksgiving like a little wine tasting. With more than 150 wineries opening their doors, Oregon's premier tasting and cellar-stocking event returns to the Portland-area. Wine connoisseur, this is your chance to taste, visit and meet winemakers at some of Oregon's top wineries. Call it wines-giving!
Let's Eat Grandma
When: Nov. 20
Where: Doug Fir Restaurant, Bar & Lounge, 830 East Burnside Street, Portland
What's going on: No one is eating grandma here, but the British pop group "Let's Eat Grandma" will be performing at Doug Fir as part of their U.K. and North American tour. The award-winning group is celebrating the release of their new album "Two Ribbons" that treads a fine line expressing the most intimate feelings of, whilst making space for, the different perspectives of two women. Alana Rich is set to join them Sunday night.