portland
wednesday 27
It is a safe bet that the woman who hiked the Pacific Crest Trail with no experience and told her incredible story in her book, Wild, which was made into a major motion picture last year, just might have a few more tales up her sleeve. Of course some of them are already published and have been translated into more than 30 languages around the world—not to mention, her essay collection Tiny Beautiful Things and her novel Torch. She is also the co-host of the WBUR podcast "Dear Sugar Radio." This exclusive interview will be a benefit for PlayWrite, an organization that empowers youth to write original plays based on their emotional experiences. 7:30 pm. Newmark Theatre. $31.75-$84.75.
friday 29 – tuesday 9
It is time to celebrate one of Portland's signature treats: doughnuts. And what better way to do that than a humongous art piece using only flowers and plant materials. Best viewed from the air, PLACE Studio will create a tribute to the tasty combo with 20,000 flowers dubbed "Doughnut Trip." Local entertainment will perform from noon - 1 pm on the following days as a part of the Festival: Friday, May 29, Buckman Marimba Ensemble; Wednesday, June 3, Montavilla Guitar Studio; Thursday, June 4, East/West Sylvan Middle School Band; Friday, June 5, The Beat Goes On Marching Band. Pioneer Courthouse Square.
cottage grove
sunday 31
The "Tour de Oregon" is a beautiful cycling route 117 miles long and includes some of the best scenic roads and hilltop views in our great state. "Gran Fondo" means "Big Ride" and the tradition of these long bicycle tours originated in Italy and France. As if completing the route isn't enough of a reward, the registration fee also includes food, beer, and festivities after the Big Ride. 8 am. Downtown Cottage Grove. $75.
seattle
monday 1 – sunday 7
Before weed goes legal in our state on July 1, Oregonians have a lot more to learn about hemp, which is actually a high-growing variety of the cannabis plant from which the fiber, oil, and seed can be refined into food, wax, rope, cloth, paper, pulp, and fuel. Current legislation across the country is discussing whether or not hemp should be legalized to industrially cultivate as a useful fiber. Sure, we've all had a splash of hemp milk in our morning coffee and worn those flowing hemp gaucho pants, but how about a house built completely out of hemp? This event will feature workshops on the uses of hemp, including how to make "hempcrete" building material, and a showing of the award-winning industrial hemp documentary Bringing it Home. See hemphistoryweek.com for a full schedule and details.
