Our picks for the best events happening around the state this month
written by Lindsay McWilliams | featured photo courtesy of McMenamins 18th Annual UFO Festival
Filmed by Bike | May 5-7 | Portland
Two Portland staples, films and bikes, collide at the Filmed By Bike film festival at the Hollywood Theatre, May 5-7. Short films from around the world, centered on the theme of bicycling, are showcased and juried in hopes of winning one of four awards. The weekend of bike culture also includes a street party, brewery tour bike rides and more.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta | May 5-7 | Portland
One of the largest multicultural festivals in Oregon, Cinco de Mayo Fiesta will have authentic food and activities for the entire family, including a mariachi band and lucha libre wrestling. The celebration goes down at Tom McCall Waterfront Park from 11 a.m. to 11. p.m. each day.
Taste Dundee | May 6 | Dundee
Kick off Oregon Wine Month at Taste Dundee, a food, wine and music event celebrating the Willamette Valley’s success as Wine Region of the Year, named by Wine Enthusiast. Sip artisan wines from twenty-five wineries in the Willamette Valley paired with bites from local Dundee restaurants in Billick Park. Tickets are expected to sell out, so be sure to get them soon.
McMenamins UFO Festival | May 18-21 | McMinnville
Now in its eighteenth year, the UFO Festival at Hotel Oregon in McMinnville celebrates and explores the paranormal near the sites of several peculiar sightings throughout the years beginning with the Trent sighting in 1950. This year’s event will host UFO experts as guest speakers, screen a documentary about UFO sightings in the area and showcase a costume parade and an alien pet costume contest.
Race Through Hells Canyon | May 20 | Oxbow
Run through North America’s deepest river gorge at Race Through Hells Canyon in Oxbow. On May 20, choose from a 5K, 10K or half-marathon and finish with a picnic dinner, silent auction and live music. Proceeds from the race benefit Pine Eagle Community Preschool.
racethroughhellscanyon.weebly.com
Wildflower and Music Festival | May 21 | Eugene
Hundreds of wildflowers will be on display and for sale at this annual festival, free to the general public. Enjoy live music, food booths and an arts and crafts fair while taking in the scents of spring at scenic Mount Pisgah Arboretum in Eugene.
