ashland

thursday 9 - monday 13

Ashland Independent Film Festival

From Oscar-winning selections to shorts by first-time filmmakers, the Ashland Independent Film Festival provides an eye-popping array of engaging flicks for their 2015 lineup. Local documentaries address everything from drought conditions in Oregon (The Well) to elephant poaching (When Giants Fall). Alternative looks at prominent figures past and present range from Marlon Brando (Listen to Me, Marlon) to Kurt Cobain (Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck) to Russell Brand (Brand: A Second Coming), and a special discussion panel will address sexual assault on college campuses alongside The Hunting Ground. See the full lineup and schedule at ashlandfilm.org. $5-$13.

hood river

friday 10 - sunday 12

Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour

Did you ever wonder where sculptors hone their messy craft? Or where an artist found the space to create a 10 foot by 10 foot masterpiece? This unique event allows the public to get a glimpse of the space where artists create. Thirty-eight juried artists are part of the tour, specializing in media including painting, drawing, jewelry, glass, sculpture, and fiber. Of course, how can one not make art in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area from Cascade Locks to The Dalles and Parkdale, Oregon to Trout Lake, Washington? 10 am-6 pm. Visit gorgeartists.org for a full listing and a handy map to find your way. Free.

saturday 11

Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest

Whether gluten-free or simply the taste of fermented apples appeals to you, the Hood River Hard-Pressed Cider Fest will provide a hard cider flavor for every palate. Some of the very best hard cider comes out of the Hood River area, and over 20 cideries will offer more than 30 ciders on tap. Food, produce, and craft vendors will add a farmers' market to the event, and bands of all different genres, from bluegrass to classic rock, will make it a party. 12-6 pm. 3315 Stadelman Drive. $5. Ages 14 and under are free. $5, branded cider glass and four drink tokens.

portland

monday 13

Oregon Book Awards

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey. Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary. Geek Love by Katherine Dunn. Just to name a few. Oregon is known to be home of good authors and good books—Powells, anyone? The highlight event for up-and-coming Oregon authors and poets is the Oregon Book Awards, hosted by Mitchell Jackson, author of The Residue Years, the Multnomah County Everybody Reads selection for 2015. The full list of the finalists is available at literary-arts.org. 7:30 pm. Gerding Theater at the Armory. $10-$65.