We’re in the heat of summer events with plenty of cool ways to enjoy the season. Check out the 10th anniversary of the Mermaid Parade with an expanded festival offering three days of fun. There’s also aerial dance in a local forest, vintage farm equipment displays in Salem, and two chances to enjoy free opera in area parks.
ART in the Dark: “10 Laws”
A-WOL Dance Collective’s signature summer event highlights the talents of local aerial artists outdoors, in a canopy of old growth trees in Mary S. Young Park. Tickets are sold in pods of 2-8 people. This year’s event offers one daytime show at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 26. All ages welcome.
Seating at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, July 24-26 and July 31-Aug. 2, show starts at dusk, at the park, 19900 Willamette Drive, West Linn, three miles southeast of Lake Oswego; tickets $40-$45; awoldance.org/events and 503-351-5182 for questions or handicap seating reservations.
Portlandia Mermaid Parade & Festival
This three-day festival includes a kickoff Siren’s Ball. And of course, there’s the Saturday parade that’s free and open to all ages. The weekend will end with a one-day mermaid convention at an aquatic center with open swims (in tails), workshops, training, vendors, and panels on Sunday. Check the website for a complete schedule.
Various times (parade at noon Saturday) Friday-Sunday, July 25-27, parade at Japanese Historical Plaza along Tom McCall Waterfront Park, between Northwest Davis and Burnside streets; portlandiamermaidparade.com.
Lucy Darling
Lucy Darling is known the world over for her wit, charm, and gravity defying hairdos, Lucy combines playful banter with her audiences, improv comedy, and a touch of magic into a night of laughter. She’s in the Guinness Book of World Records for torch teething – a fire eating stunt. If her fans are lucky, she might include some fire tricks in her current tour.
8 p.m. Friday, July 25, Keller Auditorium, 222 S.W. Clay St.; tickets start at $59; portland5.com/keller-auditorium/events.
The Great Oregon Steam-Up (Brooks)
This long-time family favorite event is just a short drive down Interstate 5 at the Brooks exit, north of Salem. This year’s theme is “Logging and Engines of the Pacific Northwest.” See steam engines at work, antique farm equipment, cars, trucks, trains, threshing machines and a working sawmill. Trolley rides start at 10 a.m. each day (additional fee). There will also be a parade, swap meet, craft show, and several food vendors. Make a day of it!
7 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, July 26-27 and Aug. 2-3, Powerland Museum grounds, Heritage Park, Brooks exit, 3995 Brooklake Road, N.E. Salem; $17 adults, $12 ages 13-17, 12 and younger free, parking $5; antiquepowerland.com/steam-up.
Fort Vancouver Family Fun Day
Families will gather on the Grant House lawn for stage entertainment (schedule includes Angel Ocasio, Red Yarn, and Mo Phillips), yard games, face painting, and food trucks. Bring along a picnic blanket and stretch out in the shade.
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 26, Grant House, 1101 Officers Row, Vancouver; free; thehistorictrust.org/calendar/family-series.
Rooftop screening of “The Sound of Music”
The Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education invites families, friends, and film lovers of all ages to a screening of one of the most beloved musicals of all time – “The Sound of Music.” Sing along to favorite songs from this five-time Academy Award winner. Free to attend, but RSVP is required online as space is limited. Note: This film is 174 minutes long.
7 p.m. Saturday, July 26, on the roof of the museum, 724 N.W. Davis St.; RSVP at this link: ojmche.org/events/family-movie-nights.
“The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical”
Northwest Children’s Theater’s summer musical welcomes back alumni of their various theater programs to be part of a special production. Expect Greek Gods, teen heroes, and epic quests along with catchy tunes. Music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki. Aimed at ages 6 and older.
11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Aug. 3, Schnitzer Mainstage, The Judy, 1000 S.W. Broadway, Suite T-100; tickets $20-$25; nwct.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket.
“Puccini to Porter”: An Evening of Passion (with No Regrets in the Morning)
Walters Cultural Arts Center welcomes Portland Opera for a concert on the lawn offering selections from musical theater, the great American songbook, and of course, opera works. Free for everyone and a great way to introduce the littles to live music. Note: if the day looks to be especially hot, the performance will be moved inside to the Walters Theatre.
7 p.m. Sunday, July 27, Walters Cultural Arts Center, 527 E. Main St., Hillsboro; free; hillsboro-oregon.gov.
Portland Opera a la Cart in Pioneer Courthouse Square
Not enough opera for you in one week? Head to Pioneer Courthouse Square Thursday for a lunch hour of opera from Portland Opera.
Noon Wednesday, July 30, 701 S.W. Sixth Ave.; free.
Josh Blue: The Beserker Tour
He does stand-up comedy, and happens to have cerebral palsy (“No, I’m not drunk”). He won “Last Comic Standing” during its fourth season in 2006 and came in third on America’s Got Talent. If you need a laugh, this is your man.
7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 31-Aug. 2, Helium Comedy Club, 1510 S.E. Ninth Ave.; tickets start at $34; portland.heliumcomedy.com/events.
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