La Dotta, “the learned one,” refers to its university, which was founded in 1088 and never ceased operations. La Rossa, “the red one,” is a reference to the terracotta rooftops of the historic district (and locals’ left-leaning politics). La Grassa translates to “the fat one,” highlighting the famously rich cuisine.
We can see some familial resemblance already.
Tagliatelle al ragù is made with flattened, fresh egg pasta.
When you visit Bologna, you had best prepare to eat. It’s the birthplace of tomato-and-meat-based Bolognese sauce, a key element of the city’s signature dish, tagliatelle al ragù. Just know, you won’t find the sauce on spaghetti here.
While strolling the colorful streets, you’ll notice the prevalence of porticoes, or covered walkways, built with wood or stone and varying degrees of ornamentation. These open-air spaces are a symbol of Bologna’s urban identity, offering a place for commerce and socializing, and are officially on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
As the capital of the centrally located Emiliana-Romagna region, it is a vital agricultural, industrial, financial, and transportation hub. Ducati is based there, and Ferrari was founded in nearby Maranello.
Traces of human habitation stretch back to the third millennium BCE — you can dig into this layered past at the Archaeological Museum of Bologna.
The Two Towers, or “Le Due Torri” — Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda — are Bologna’s best-known landmarks. They were built between 1109 and 1119 at the intersection of the ancient roads that lead to five gates in the outer wall; legend has it they were shows of status and power between rival families. Both lean significantly, but you can climb 498 steps to the top of Asinelli for an unrivaled vista.
Wee Wednesdays | Wed., Oct. 26 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Hoot-n-Annie, 7323 SW Barnes Rd., Portland | Free, donations encouraged | Bring infants and toddlers for some ecology-based children’s music and browse the store after the show.
Haru Nemuri | Wed., Oct. 26 | 8:45 p.m. | Hawthorne Theatre, 1507 SE 39th Ave., Portland | $20.00 | The Tokyo-based singer/songwriter and “poetry rapper” blends influences from J-pop, rap, hard rock, and electronica for a stunning performance.
Thursday, October 27
“The Thin Place” | Thurs., Oct. 27 - Sat., Oct. 29 | 7-8:30 p.m. | KEX Portland, 100 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland | $25.00 | The lines between play and seance get blurry in this intimate performance that grapples with loss and spirituality.
Friday, October 28
Howloween | Fri., Oct. 28 - Mon., Oct. 31 | 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland | $19.00 - $24.00 | Costumed trick-or-treaters will learn about healthy wildlife habitats on a fun scavenger hunt that ends with treat bags filled with items from companies using deforestation-free palm oil.
Light Opera of Portland Presents: “Ruddigore” | Fri., Oct. 28 - Sun., Oct. 30 | Times vary | Multnomah Arts Center Auditorium, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland | $10.00 - $18.00 | Evil aristocrats, virtuous maidens, honest heroes, ghosts, and curses take the stage in this comedic Gothic melodrama.
Sagra del Radicchio | Fri., Oct. 28 | 4-7 p.m. | The Redd on Salmon, 831 SE Salmon St., Portland | $50.00 | Inspired by the Italian festivals honoring regional cuisine, Chicory Week is a festive collaboration between local farms and the Pacific Northwest’s best chefs and restaurants.
Shelly Sings Sinatra! | Fri., Oct. 28 | 7-9 p.m. | Artichoke Music, 2007 SE Powell Blvd., Portland | $20.00 | You’ll certainly swoon to the tunes of this crooner.
Saturday, October 29
Booville | Sat., Oct. 29 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Vancouver Mall, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr. , Vancouver | Free | Bring your costumed kiddos to enjoy indoor trick-or-treating, a mini pumpkin decorating station, photo booth, free books, and retailer giveaways.
Masquerade Ball | Sat., Oct. 29 | 8 p.m. | Multnomah Whiskey Library, 1124 SW Alder St., Portland | $160.00 | Dress in your finery and most mysterious Venetian mask for a night of champagne and hand-crafted cocktails, tarot readings, and dancing.
Halloween Weekend | Fri., Oct. 28 - Mon., Oct. 31 | Times vary | McMenamins Kennedy School Hotel, 5736 NE 33rd Ave., Portland | Free | Lots of trick-or-treating, costume contests, scary-good cocktails, dancing to your favorite new wave + alternative 80s tunes, and pumpkin carving.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
“Wendell & Wild,” a Portland-produced stop-motion feature from “Coraline” director Henry Selick, will start streaming on Netflix on Fri., Oct. 28. If you prefer to take in the titular demon brothers’ animated quest to join the Land of the Living on the big screen, Hollywood Theatre has showings available now. (Portland Monthly)
Plan Ahead
Echo Theater, Portland’s energetic circus arts school that offers classes in dance, trapeze and aerial arts for thousands of students each year, was once a silent movie theater. As homage to its origins, the building will host a live-scored screening of Buster Keaton’s classic “The General” on Sat., Nov. 12. Tickets are $25. 🎞️
Eat
A new vegan restaurant with pan-Asian cuisine will open this December at 3801 SE Belmont St. Norah, from Kati and Mestizo’s Ketsuda Nan Chaison, will draw on Southern Thai influences. Expect tasty dishes like curry-spiced soy-curl-and-mushroom sliders and a version of nam khao tod with house-fermented mushrooms. 🍜 (Eater Portland)
Outdoors
Two tracts burned by the Eagle Creek Fire — the Nesmith Point and Wyeth trails — have reopened to hikers. Several agencies committed 2,000+ hours to rehabilitate the land. The Forest Service wants to remind people that traversing burn scars comes with risks of debris slides and tree falls, especially after storms. (Willamette Week)
Mt. Hood Meadows recently announced Fri., Nov. 25 as its opening date — but thanks to impressive October snowfalls, there could be the chance for preview days or weekends before then. ❄️ (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Coming Soon
Soon, it will be Tita’s Kitchentimes tres. Only two years after first opening in Portland Mercado, the restaurant that specializes in Peruvian food will open a third location in Happy Valley in November. We’re going to celebrate with some salchipapas.
Biz
Steeplejack Brewing continues to spread the beer gospel beyond its flagship church-turned-pub in Northeast Portland. With two additional locations already open in Beaverton and Hillsboro, the owners have set their sights on Manzanita, where they plan to expand with a taphouse, small hotel, ice cream shop, and more sometime in 2024. 🍻 (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Community
The number of events held in the historic Washington Park Amphitheater has dwindled over the last 17 years. A range of factors are to blame — like badly needed seating upgrades and insufficient funding, plus more attractive and affordable venues elsewhere. It remains unclear if renovations will be pursued. (KOIN)
Real Estate
The residences at the new Ritz-Carlton hotel downtown certainly offer incredible views — condos sit at the 21st floor and above. But you’ll need a chunk of change ($1 to $6 million) to move into this tower, which developers hope will be a catalyst for revitalizing the surrounding area. 🏙️ (KOIN)
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The Dude abides 🎳
Portland’s Grand Central Bowl & Arcade to host a “The Big Lebowski"-themed Halloween party
Show off your best costume and bowling skills. | Photo via Grand Central Bowl & Arcade
If dressing up in your softest bathrobe and sipping $5 White Russians is your idea of a good time, Grand Central Bowl & Arcade has an event that’s right up your alley.
This Fri., Oct. 28, the lanes at 808 SE Morrison Ave. will host a “The Big Lebowski"-themed Halloween bash for all ages from 7-11 p.m. Make sure to wear your costume — Lebowski related or not — because there will be prizes. Also, any kids who come in Friday through Monday will receive a $5 arcade card.
Now you can support the Trail Blazers from the comfort of several cozy bars. | Photo by PDXtoday
Today’s issue was written by Ben.
Editor’s pick: On Monday, I got to watch the Trail Blazers’ Anfernee Simonscatch fire — they’re calling it the “Anferno” — and score 6 consecutive three-pointers in the third quarter.
Just sayin’ — I’ve probably been to about 10 Trail Blazers games in person, and they’ve never lost... so I will do my best to get us to 82-0 this season.
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Editorial:Cambrie Juarez, Ben McBee, Trevor Peters, Britt Thorson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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