Sweet 16

• 1-seed Texas vs. 4-seed Gonzaga (4:30 p.m.)
• 3-seed NC State vs. 2-seed Stanford (7 p.m.)

• 1-seed Southern California vs. 5-seed Baylor (2:30 p.m.)
• 3-seed UCONN vs. 7-seed Duke (5 p.m.)

Elite 8

Down the road

• “Yohen” | Wednesday, March 27-Sunday, April 21 | Times vary | Brunish Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland | $27-$30 | See this play about the challenges of repairing a 30-year marriage in the face of racism, cultural misunderstandings, and the cruel touch of time.
• Eddie Pepitone | Wednesday, March 27 | 8 p.m. | Helium Comedy Club, 1510 SE Ninth Ave., Portland | $10-$35 | Does dark comedy tickle your funny bone? Spend an evening laughing alongside this stand-up and actor, whose material ranges from social rage to self-doubt and everything in between.
• Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival | Wednesday, March 27-Sunday, May 5 | Times vary | Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, 33814 S. Meridian Rd., Woodburn | $15-$65 | One of the region’s most anticipated spring events has burst into bloom with over 1 million tulips transforming 40 acres of farmland into a sea of color.

• Authentic Asian Dumplings | Thursday, March 28 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Zoiglhaus Brewing Company, 5716 SE 92nd Ave., Portland | $69 | Learn the arts of making your own filling and wrapping these tasty morsels, all while you sip on German beer.

• Gem Faire in Hillsboro | Friday, March 29-Sunday, March 31 | Times vary | Westside Commons, 801 NE 34th Ave., Hillsboro | $0-$7 | Explore a large selection of crystals, gemstones, beads, and more, see educational demonstrations, and bring your jewelry in need of repairs and cleaning.

• Hop into Spring | Saturday, March 30 | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland | $19-$24 | Bring the kiddos for a spring-themed seek-and-find game throughout the zoo to explore all the new animal life and outdoor activities.
• Spring Plant Sale & Mimsosas | Saturday, March 30 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Side Yard Farm & Kitchen, 4800 NE Simpson St., Portland | Price of purchase | Indulge your green thumb as your shop for greens, herbs, brassicas, and more; there will also be coffee and pastries.

• Portland is No. 4 on Booking.com’s “trending destinations for 2024,” landing behind a hot springs resort town in Japan, an Albanian seaside paradise, and Merida, the capital of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. “Regenerative experiences” appeal to the 60% of travelers who want to see sustainability in action. (Booking.com)

• Portland architect Roscoe Hemenway designed approx. 300 houses during his prolific, early-to-mid-20th century career — and you could live in one. This 1937 Colonial Revival home in Eastmoreland retains many of the original features (rounded corners, a brick fireplace, art deco adornments) with enough updates to feel modern. (Portland Monthly)

• “Take me to your teacher,” the alien, probably. Portland Community College will offer a new, out-of-this-world class this spring called “From Film to Real Life? UFOs, UAPs, Government and the Media.” Local television news producer Brian Anslinger will teach the non-credit class drawing on past interviews, government testimony, and media literacy. (Willamette Week)

• Work to remove fallen trees from Mt. Tabor Park is ongoing this week, causing closures and limitations to several areas, including a portion of the road beyond the playground. The damage occurred during the winter storm in January.

• Echo, echo, echo. That’s the sound of empty buildings in downtown Portland, which led the nation in office vacancy rates last year at 30.2%. There were 1.4 million sqft available as 2023 closed — with more expected as leases expire. Old Town and the Pearl District were also included in the report. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

• Michigan. Ohio State. The heavy-hitters of the Oregon Ducks’ upcoming Big Ten football schedule are obvious, but what other schools should fans keep an eye on in the coming years? Spencer McLaughlin, host of Locked On Ducks, discusses the contenders.

• So, you’re planning an event. With our self-service advertising options, you can create some buzz in Portland + make sure people show up. Psst… Your listing could be featured in this newsletter in as little as two days. Rack in the RSVPs.

• You’re invited to an intimate evening with beloved Americana singer-songwriter Sera Cahoone live in Seabrook on Saturday, May 5. Seabrook Town Hall will host the show, followed by a special meet and greet. Tickets are $25. Pro tip: Use the code “Sera10” to book a weekend stay and enjoy 10% off plus two tickets to the show.*