🧠 Things to know

• Standard, three-day badges are $90, and there are also single-day passes ($48-$62).
• Using the mobile app will keep you up to date on information about guests, schedules, exhibitors, artists, panels, and family activities — especially since there won’t be a physical program to reference.
• The convention breaks experiences into different fan guides, which can help you narrow your focus to get the most out of your time.
• When it comes to accessibility, a limited number of wheelchairs and electric convenience vehicles are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Anyone who needs a quiet space away from the hustle and bustle can find it in Room E147-148.

⭐ Can’t miss events

• Creator-Owned Comics: From Start to Finish | Friday at 7 p.m.; Room E141-144
• Critical Role Spotlight (Reservation required) | Saturday at 10:15 a.m.; Main Stage - Portland Ballroom
• Drink and Draw with Mike Lowery | Saturday at 3:15 p.m.; Weird Stage - Oregon Ballroom 203 + 204
• RCCC Cosplay Competition | Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Main Stage - Portland Ballroom
• Autographs and photo ops with Zoe Saldaña | Times vary on Saturday and Sunday; Various locations
• The Crew: The Power of Found Family Signing | Sunday at 12 p.m.; RCCC Bookstore powered by Powell’s - Booth #1007
• Wonder Woman Historia: Creator Spotlight | Sunday at 3 p.m.; Main Stage - Portland Ballroom

• Annual Dahlia Festival | Wednesday, Sept. 20-Saturday, Sept. 30 | 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Swan Island Dahlias, 995 NW 22nd Ave., Canby | Free | Don’t miss the last 10 days of this festival with nearly 50 acres of rainbow blooms and more than 375 dahlia varieties.

• Cool Kids Patio Show | Thursday, Sept. 21 | 6-8 p.m. | Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E. Burnside St., Portland | Free | Hang outside and catch this comedy show that will leave you cackling.
• “Grease 2" | Thursday, Sept. 21-Saturday, Oct. 14 | Times vary | Funhouse Lounge, 2432 SE 11th Ave., Portland | $25-$185 | Support this local theatrical rendition of the sequel set at Rydell High School, with musical numbers starring the Pink Ladies and T-Birds.

• Harp Circle | Friday, Sept. 22 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver | Free | Meet other harpists to share music, learn new skills, and gain experience performing publicly in a relaxed setting.
• Portland Oktoberfest | Friday, Sept. 22-Saturday, Sept. 23 | Times vary | Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW Sixth Ave., Portland | $10-$35 | Experience the fusion of German heritage and Oregonian flair while indulging in authentic Bavarian delights.

• Portland’s own Comedor Lilia and Cafe Olli were featured on The New York Times’ ”The Restaurant List 2023” as establishments that the publication is “most excited about right now.” Lilia was lauded for its weekly menu that utilizes “fleeting ingredients” and Cafe Olli was praised for being employee-owned. (The New York Times)

• Earlier this week, we let you know that The Pied Cow is closing. But it’s not the only long-standing Portland business to shutter its doors. JaCiva’s Bakery plans to close later this year and Pono Brewing announced that it ceased all operations on Thursday, Sept. 14. (KATU)

• Thorns FC defender Reyna Reyes signed a contract extension to stay with the team through 2026. The 2023 season has been her first with the Thorns (and in the NWSL). She has appeared in 21 games and scored two goals.

• TAO University, a program designed by the Technology Association of Oregon to cultivate leaders in the local tech industry, launches its first 10-week course on Tuesday, Oct. 10. The program’s inaugrual cohort consists of 15 individuals who will learn leadership skills such as hiring best practices and effective coaching skills. (Portland Business Journal)

• Take I-5 down to St. Josef’s Winery for its annual Grapestomping Festival this Saturday, Sept. 23, and Sunday, Sept. 24, from 12-5 p.m. Enjoy live music, food, plenty of wine, and of course, the chance to grapestomp to your heart’s content. Tickets start at $15.

• Nicole De Lagrave, a fifth grade teacher at Jason Lee Elementary, was named Multnomah Regional Teacher of the Year and is a finalist for the 2023-24 Oregon Teacher of the Year. A full list of the state’s regional winners will be available at the end of the week. (KOIN)

• Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

• Menopausal symptoms can show up as early as your mid-30s. Test your hormones + walk through your results with a specialist with Wellcore’s $99 At-Home Assessment Kit.*

• Hello fall, we’re glad you’re here. Six & Main has everything you need this season from refreshing cocktails to cozy candles. Shop fall essentials.

• Last week, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch 9 — which means you can get a great deal on the Apple Watch 8. Snag it for Amazon’s lowest price in 30 days.

• It doesn’t get more luxurious than the Drowsy sleep mask, which is silky smooth on skin and completely light-blocking for the deepest sleep.

• The Bentgo stackable lunch box includes two stackable containers, built-in silverware, and dividers to snugly fit food portions into individual compartments.