November 30, 2023

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Today’s Forecast

49º | Showers | 84% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:50 a.m. | Sunset 4:40 p.m.

🏓 Get your head in the game

A close up shows two mini golf putters close to a hole.

Next date night plans? Check. | Photo by Birdie Time Pub

There’s nothing wrong with a little friendly competition. Whether you’re simply in it for a good time or your desire to be the best burns like the sun — even when it’s rainy — these indoor games are the perfect way to hang out and have fun.

If you...

Never leave a pin standing: Striiike! Sounds like it’s time to head to Grand Central Bowl, where you pay by the game so you have plenty of time to enjoy the retro vibes.

Tap, tap, tap it in: Test your mini golf skills on Glowing Greens and its blacklit course. Birdie Time Pub has Portland-inspired holes (props to you if you make it over the Fremont Bridge traffic in one stroke).

Prefer to battle with a paddle: Ping pong is certainly on the table at Pips & Bounce — and when the balls ricochet away, the staff has you covered. Pickleball may be the main draw to The People’s Courts, but don’t miss out on the bocce, cornhole, disc golf, and more.

A couple poses in front of a wooden target with raised axes in hand at Celtic Axe Throwers. — Throwing axes is more satisfying than you might think (once you get the hang of it).
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Photo by PDXtoday

Want to huck sharp objects at wood: Slabtown’s Blade & Timber has 12 axe throwing lanes and knowledgeable staff who will train you on how to hit the bullseye safely. Celtic Axe Throwers has various locations in the area and hosts leagues.

Have spring in your step: Hop over the river to visit Sky Zone Trampoline Park, which also has “Ninja Warrior” obstacles, basketball hoops, and dodgeball. DEFY Beaverton is another jump-worthy local option.

Can run the table: McMenamins pubs are great places to play pool — our favorite is Backstage Bar at the Bagdad Theater. Sam’s Billiards in the Hollywood District also hosts tournaments.

Events

Thursday, Nov. 30

National Mate Day/Día Nacional del Mate | Thursday, Nov. 30 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Centro Educativo y Cultural de Educate Ya, 3225 SW Barbur Blvd., Portland | $15 | Learn about the caffeine-rich drink beloved in Argentina, plus enjoy snacks, works of art, and a raffle; all nationalities are welcome.
University of Portland Women’s Basketball vs. University of Oregon | Thursday, Nov. 30 | 6-8 p.m. | Chiles Center, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland | $7-$20 | Catch an in-state clash between some of the best lady hoopers around.
Winter Ball | Thursday, Nov. 30 | 6-11 p.m. | Arium Ballroom, 900 E. Burnside St., Portland | $20-$100 | Put on your best silver and chrome disco looks to dance along to five DJs, sip drinks, and enjoy small bites, all to benefit local nonprofit Next Up.
Portland Latin American Film Festival | Thursday, Nov. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | The Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland | $10-$12 | Catch a showing of “The Settlers/Los Colonos,” a harrowing tale set in 20th century Chile.

Friday, Dec. 1

“It’s a Wonderful Life” | Friday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland | $35+ | Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings in this classic Christmas story.
Leave Your Troubles at The Door | Friday, Dec. 1 | 10 p.m. | Funhouse Lounge, 2432 SE 11th Ave., Portland | $8-$10 | Step one: Write down your problems and put them in a box. Step two: Have a comedian make jokes about your woes. Step three: Laugh a lot and feel better.

Saturday, Dec. 2

Forest Park Wildfire Risk Reduction Volunteer Event | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Portland | Free | Get outside and enjoy nature while helping keep Forest Park healthy and beautiful — dress for the weather.
Portland Holiday Brew Fest | Saturday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Dec. 3 | Times vary | Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW Sixth Ave., Portland | $10-$30 | Enjoy stouts, ales, and holiday cheer under the cover of heated tents.

Events calendar here

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Shop

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Every Upway e-bike is eligible for a 14-day return and backed by a one-year warranty. | Photos by Upway

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News Notes

Edu

The recent agreement between the PPS board and the teachers union is officially ratified, but frustrations remain for parents. The district has to make up the 11 days of school that students missed during the strike, and that means cutting into winter break. Classes will now be in session Dec. 18-22. (OPB + KGW)

The Word

“Pineapple Express.” No, not the stoner movie starring Seth Rogen — it’s a term that meteorologists use when tropical moisture from Hawaii takes direct aim at the PNW, and it could add even more weekend precipitation to the rainy system moving in today. (KOIN)

Real Estate

For five years, the Mt. Hood Skiway’s flying bus transported alpine enthusiasts from Government Camp to Timberline Lodge. Eventually it went bust, but today you can purchase a modern condo in the renovated building where it once picked up passengers. We’re sold on the sauna alone. (Oregon Historical Society + Portland Monthly)

Biz

Adidas Community Lab has distributed $75,000, in addition to other professional development opportunities, to eight Black and Latino entrepreneurs in Portland. Each founder works in the safety, sports, and outdoor recreation space, like Anibal Rocheta of Loco Por la Aventura and Brennan Scarlett of Big Yard Foundation. (Portland Inno)

Pets

Bella. That’s the most popular dog name in Oregon, according to U.S. News & World Reports. Does your dog have a Portland-inspired name? Let us know.

Sports

Forbes recently named Sophia Smith to its latest 30 under 30 list, which highlights individuals making a mark in their respective fields. It was certainly a big year for the Portland Thorns star, who led the NWSL with 11 goals and shined at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. (Forbes)

Wellness

Give yourself the gift of super-white, super-clean teeth for the holidays with The Gleamery, Portland’s new dental boutique. Book an appointment + save $99 with code PDXTODAY99. Snag the deal.^†*

Featured Deal

Last call for this exclusive deal: Score 50% off everything online at Harlestons — the Golf Digest/Golfweek/Golf Channel-featured premium men’s apparel brand — with code BF50. (We especially love their performance polos.) Bonus: Free shipping on $125+ and easy returns, always.*

^†Valid through Dec. 31, 2023. Excludes 30-minute cleanings and 30-minute whitenings.

Try This

🍷 ‘Tis the season for sippin’

Several people taste wine at a modern countertop with bottles and multicolored carafes in the background.

Erath’s Urban Tasting Room will host both days. | Photo via Dundee Hills Winegrowers Association

When you’re out in Oregon’s wine country, it’s less of a question of what to drink but where. The Dundee Hills are no exception, with countless wineries to visit — although for Portland residents, driving 45-ish minutes after imbibing isn’t always the most appealing prospect.

That journey is much shorter Saturday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Dec. 3, during the Deck the Hills pop-up event hosted at Erath’s Urban Tasting Room in the Pearl District. For $45, guests will get 14 pours — both days have seven different wineries and each is pouring two wines — as well as yummy appetizers.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Yamhill Community Action Partnership, a nonprofit that provides social services to low-income families.

The Buy

That thing for your bathroom you’ve always thought about but never actually gone for. Yeah, that one.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Ben

From the editor

Yesterday, the PDXtoday team attended a ribbon cutting at Mermosa PDX hosted by the Black Business Association of Oregon. The bar serves brunch and dinner with its own wine and delicious cocktails (and a side of live music) — check it out on Northwest 23rd Avenue.

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