How it started

How to partake

• Swift Watch | Thursday, Sept. 14-Saturday, Sept. 30 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Chapman Elementary School, 1445 NW 26th Ave., Portland | Free | Bring a blanket and find a spot on the lawn to watch a seasonal spectacle as thousands of migrating Vaux’s swifts circle the skies above the school’s chimney before settling in to roost for the night.
• Pentatonix - The World Tour with special guest Lauren Alaina | Thursday, Sept. 14 | 8 p.m. | RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater, 17200 NE Delfel Rd., Ridgefield | $29.50-$62 | Hear the crystalline, pitch-perfect voices of this American a cappella group in person.

• “Tesla City Stories” - Season 8 Premiere | Friday, Sept. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | The Old Church Concert Hall, 1422 SW 11th Ave., Portland | $22-$50 | Cast members will perform live radio theater — “pop archaeology,” if you will — with original tales from the 1940s ranging from sitcom to mystery.

• PSU Farmers Market | Saturday, Sept. 16-Saturday, Oct. 28 | 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | South Park Blocks between Southwest College and Montgomery streets, Portland | Free | Shop from dozens of vendors selling handmade wares, produce, and other items beneath the canopy of giant elm trees.
• Science Extravaganza | Saturday, Sept. 16-Sunday, Sept. 17 | 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland | $13-$18 | Bring the whole family for workshops, tours, performances, lectures, and more at this inaugural event celebrating local scientists, engineers, and innovators.
• Open Air Train Rides | Saturday, Sept. 16-Saturday, Oct. 14 | 1-5 p.m. | Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave., Portland | $10-$14 | Journey through the Springwater Corridor on the east bank of the Willamette River while riding in an open-air car with a shade cover, pulled by the historic UP96 diesel locomotive.
• The Spirit of Halloweentown 2023 | Saturday, Sept. 16-Tuesday, Oct. 31 | Times vary | Locations vary, St. Helens | Free | The town where cult-favorite flicks “Halloweentown” and “Twilight” were filmed revives the magic of the season each year with decorations, haunted history, and special ticketed attractions.

• Tony Starlight Show Turns 30 | Sunday, Sept. 17 | 7 p.m. | Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta St., Portland | $30-$45 | Join the producer, entertainer, musician, and comedian and his band as they celebrate 30 years in show business.

• Meet Oregon’s new election mascot, Blobby. The cartoon character made its debut on social media this week and, according to the Oregon Secretary of State’s office, is part of a push to increase voter participation using “humor and meme content to reach a broader audience with our office’s accurate election information.” (KOIN)

• No Fred Meyer stores are expected to be sold amid the pending Kroger-Albertsons merger. The two companies recently announced plans to sell 413 stores across the country to C&S Wholesale Grocers in an effort to clinch federal regulatory approval, but a Kroger spokesperson said Fred Meyer chains will remain intact. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

• Ex Novo has a buyer for its Portland brewery and Beaverton restaurant, which were listed for a combined $1.2 million last spring when founder Joel Gregory announced intentions to relocate. The deal is expected to maintain ties with Ex Novo, allowing the brand to contract brew at the Portland facility. (Portland Business Journal)

• NBA rookie Scoot Henderson recently hosted his first charity event, “Scoot’s Suits,” since being drafted by the Trail Blazers. The 19-year-old guard provided local teens and young adults with custom suits, saying, “Sometimes you just need a little help, a little push… That’s what I’m programmed to do.” (KGW)

• Take a tour that’s to die for. Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery will host its annual “Tour of Untimely Departures” on Saturday, Oct. 28. Ghostly guides will escort guests by candlelight past the graves of people who met… unusual… ends. Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 15, at 12 a.m.

• A Portland-based coming-of-age short film project that “takes a unique, positive look at the intersection of queerness and faith” is raising funds to begin production. The film, titled “Petrichor,” received a grant from the Regional Arts & Culture Council and had reached over 75% of its remaining $8,500 goal by Tuesday.

• Massachusetts-based company Divert plans to build a 66,000-sqft facility in Longview that will convert surplus food from grocers, restaurants, and other regional stores into renewable natural gas. The company plans to process 100,000 tons of food waste each year — offsetting 23,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide. (The Columbian)

• Olivia Rodrigo has the “Guts” to tour the world. The pop star will play 57 shows next year — including one at Portland’s Moda Center on Aug. 10. Register to be the first to know when tickets are released. The Breeders, PinkPantheress, Chappell Roan, and Remi Wolf will open on select dates.

• Top track and field athletes from around the world will compete at Eugene’s Hayward Field this weekend for the elite Prefontaine Classic. Olympian, shot put world record holder, and Sam Barlow High School graduate Ryan Crouser will demonstrate his signature slide on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 17. (KGW)

• Washington County is the best county to raise a family in the Portland area, according to a new list from Stacker. The ranking — which put Hood River County at No. 1 in the state — analyzed cost of living, schools, health care, things to do, and weather. (KOIN)

• Sunday, Sept. 17 is the last day to dive into the incredible world of cinematic animation at the “Guillermo del Toro: Crafting Pinocchio” exhibition at the Portland Art Museum. Pro tip: Use code PAMBOGO917 to score buy-one-get-one-free tickets.*