Upcoming Events
Throughout the year, the OTCA puts on a number of events to celebrate our cultural identity from Chinese New Year, Juneteenth, and Nuestro Camino to name a few. Our Markets, Exhibitions, Street Parties, and Festivals highlight the work and achievements of our diverse mix of cultures, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for the rich tapestry of traditions that make Old Town a truly vibrant and inclusive community.
Have a look through our calendar of events to discover what is going on in Old Town. If you would like to run an event in Old Town and are looking for sponsorship, please click the button below and fill out the OTCA Sponsorship form.
Scroll down to see a list view.
OTCA Land Use and Transportation Committee Meeting
Old Town Land Use & Transportation Meeting Notice
3:30-5:00 PM
In person location:
NWNW
434 NW 6th Suite 202
Portland, OR 97209
Join Via Zoom
https://zoom.us/j/95561214446?pwd=TjdUcXNQZlVrdUg5Q3FNK1VYUUg0Zz09
Meeting ID: 955 6121 4446
Passcode: 039932
Committee Chairs:
Mary-Rain O'Meara, mary-rain@pdxoldtown.org
Opening Reception for BONG WAI CHEN: Reframing Tradition
Portland Chinatown Museum opens BONG WAI CHEN: Reframing Tradition. Curated by Roberta May Wong, this exhibition highlights the remarkable career and legacy of Portland artist Bong Wai Chen. Please join us for the opening reception on Saturday, May 18 from 3:00–5:00 pm at the Portland Chinatown Museum. This event is free and open to everyone.
Old Town Arts, Culture, and Education Committee Meeting Notice
Arts, Culture and Education Committee
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Via Zoom (link below)
Committee Chairs:
Phil Lundberg, phil@pdxoldtown.org
Neil Lee, Neil.lee@leekainc.com
We will be meeting via Zoom this month.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84261972477?pwd=WVoyZllPTkUvZ00wcjBBY3VYa2ZEdz09
Meeting ID: 842 6197 2477
Passcode: 179373
The Future of Portland Summit Series "What does Portland want to be known for?"
Old Town Community Association (OTCA) in partnership with Portland is What We Make It (W+K): Present: The Future of Portland – A Community convening and conversation about where our beloved city is headed and how we can all contribute to its success. This event series provides an opportunity to engage in local thought leaders on a variety of topics impacting Portland’s growth.
Futurism & Industries, What does Portland want to be known for? May 9, 6:00pm–8:30pm Wieden + Kennedy Portland with experts: Elias Stahl, Hilos & Nilesh Ashra, Pragmatic Futurism and Facilitator: Michael Perman
Old Town Community Association: Arts, Culture, and Education Committee Meeting
Arts, Culture and Education Committee
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Via Zoom (link below)
Committee Chairs:
Phil Lundberg, phil@pdxoldtown.org
Neil Lee, Neil.lee@leekainc.com
TENTATIVE MEETING AGENDA
Welcome and introductions
Calendar
Review of recent neighborhood events
Upcoming events
Oregon Rises Above Hate
Other
Reports and Discussion
Lantern Project
Chinatown Gate
Festival Streets
NEA grant
Cultural District
OTCA board elections
Joint Event Calendar
Open Forum
We will be meeting via Zoom this month.
Join the meeting via Zoom
Topic: OTCA Arts, Culture and Education Committee Meeting
Time: Tuesday, April 2, 2024 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZAvceihqTkuHdObWmOWnZ0UeG0Lv2bxCB5l/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGsrD0rE9OXtB6ARpwIAI_od_PwtnpbgqdynijoLBddWFPDM8USHqQtEsDz
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84261972477?pwd=WVoyZllPTkUvZ00wcjBBY3VYa2ZEdz09
Meeting ID: 842 6197 2477
Passcode: 179373
Closing Reception for Re:Generation - Manifesting at the Peach Blossom Spring
The Portland Chinatown Museum invites our community to join us for the closing reception of our Artists-in-Residence show Re:Generation - Manifesting at the Peach Blossom Spring, which will also serve as an Oregon Contemporary Artists' Biennial program event. Admission is FREE and light refreshments will be provided.
ORAH Kick off Day
ORAH and our wonderful Old Town cultural institutions Portland Chinatown museum, JAMO and the Lan Su Garden open their doors for pay what you wish day celebrating AAPI heritage month.
The Future of Portland Summit Series "How should government be Leading the Way To A New Future"
Old Town Community Association (OTCA) in partnership with Portland is What We Make It (W+K): Present: The Future of Portland – A Community convening and conversation about where our beloved city is headed and how we can all contribute to its success. This event series provides an opportunity to engage in local thought leaders on a variety of topics impacting Portland’s growth.
Government & Civic Engagement How should government be Leading the Way To A New Future? Date: April 30, 6:00pm–8:30pm @ The Hoxton with Berk Nelson of Prosper Portland & Allison Tivnon, Beaverton City Council
The Future of Portland Summit Series "What does an economic recovery look like for Portland?"
The OTCA in collaboration with Portland Is What We Make It proudly present The Future of Portland Summit Series. Join un us in conversation with Ciara Pressler, coach and author, Matthew Claudel founder of Field States, hosted by Keith Sconiers coach and author, as they ask the question - What does and economic recovery look like for Portland? Come with your questions and ideas the Hoxton Hotel April 24, 6:30-8pm.
This is an inclusive and all ages event.
Taiji Teahouse Monday Blues (Copy)
Blues dancing was born in black slave culture. We recognize and honor the musicians and dancers who created this wonderful experience. DJ'd music will be of the "Slow dragging" style created in the 1940sCome and experience the easiest partnered close embrace dance there is. No basic step, just a basic movement. Similar to vertical cuddling or a long beautiful hug.
Introductory $5 entry fee. Tea and snacks for purchase.
Free street parking after 7pm
6:45p Doors
7:00p Beginners/FUNdamentals Lesson
8:00p - 11:00p Dancing
https://www.taijiteahouse.com/
Argentinian Tango Dance Social (Copy)
"Taiji Tango Milonga" is an alternative music, Argentinian Tango, social dance. It blends modern music with a traditional folk dance that evolved around 1880 in Buenos Aires. This event is your opportunity to taste this blend of worlds.
Have you ever played footsie with someone?
Have you ever experienced a long beautiful hug?
I'm sure you have taken a walk, hand in hand, with someone!
Argentinian Tango can feel like all of these!
When: 1st and 3rd Fridays
Where: Taiji Teahouse, 310 NW Davis St
Price: $13 (full price entry includes pint or pot of tea) $4 (with student ID)
Doors: 6:45
Lesson: 7pm
Dancing 8p-11p
Why Taiji? The goal of tai chi is relaxation and ease, in movement and mindset. Blending the concepts of tai chi and tango, changes the perception of tango from hard to easy, from complicated to simple, from stressful to ease!
To encourage empowered, caring, and communicative dancers, we have created some statements called, "Self and Community Care." Look for the posters when you arrive.
OTCA Communications & Fundraising Committee
Join us for the monthly Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/94919985990?pwd=eDFIQWF0TlJ6K0Faa2hqNHpxeUQzZz09
Agenda
Communications
Event plan and Good News release—Lanterns Lighting 5/10/24
Fundraising
Dues vs. Donations
Taiji Teahouse Monday Blues
Blues dancing was born in black slave culture. We recognize and honor the musicians and dancers who created this wonderful experience. DJ'd music will be of the "Slow dragging" style created in the 1940sCome and experience the easiest partnered close embrace dance there is. No basic step, just a basic movement. Similar to vertical cuddling or a long beautiful hug.
Introductory $5 entry fee. Tea and snacks for purchase.
Free street parking after 7pm
6:45p Doors
7:00p Beginners/FUNdamentals Lesson
8:00p - 11:00p Dancing
https://www.taijiteahouse.com/
Japanese American Museum of Oregon’s highly popular Cherry Blossom Bazaar
This special rummage sale of Japanese and Japanese-influenced vintage goodies happens only every other year and includes collectibles, clothing, kimonos, ceramics, ikebana supplies, lacquerware, books, dolls, toys, and more.
Cherry Blossom Bazaar Preview April 12 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Preview event for Jamo’s highly popular bi-annual Cherry Blossom Bazaar
Minoru Yasui Day
In 2016 Oregon’s legislature designated March 28 Minoru Yasui Day to honor the state’s only Presidential Medal of Freedom awardee’s tireless fight for equality, justice, democracy, and civil rights.
Argentinian Tango Dance Social
"Taiji Tango Milonga" is an alternative music, Argentinian Tango, social dance. It blends modern music with a traditional folk dance that evolved around 1880 in Buenos Aires. This event is your opportunity to taste this blend of worlds.
Have you ever played footsie with someone?
Have you ever experienced a long beautiful hug?
I'm sure you have taken a walk, hand in hand, with someone!
Argentinian Tango can feel like all of these!
When: 1st and 3rd Fridays
Where: Taiji Teahouse, 310 NW Davis St
Price: $13 (full price entry includes pint or pot of tea) $4 (with student ID)
Doors: 6:45
Lesson: 7pm
Dancing 8p-11p
Why Taiji? The goal of tai chi is relaxation and ease, in movement and mindset. Blending the concepts of tai chi and tango, changes the perception of tango from hard to easy, from complicated to simple, from stressful to ease!
To encourage empowered, caring, and communicative dancers, we have created some statements called, "Self and Community Care." Look for the posters when you arrive.
Taiji Teahouse Monday Blues
Blues dancing was born in black slave culture. We recognize and honor the musicians and dancers who created this wonderful experience. DJ'd music will be of the "Slow dragging" style created in the 1940sCome and experience the easiest partnered close embrace dance there is. No basic step, just a basic movement. Similar to vertical cuddling or a long beautiful hug.
Introductory $5 entry fee. Tea and snacks for purchase.
Free street parking after 7pm
6:45p Doors
7:00p Beginners/FUNdamentals Lesson
8:00p - 11:00p Dancing
https://www.taijiteahouse.com/
Shannon Amidon Artist Demo Meet and Greet
Artist Shannon Amidon will be will be sharing the tools, processes and materials she uses to create her encaustic paintings at Lan Su Garden.
Amidon is a local artist, beekeeper, environmental steward, wonder seeker, and lover of insects, books, and plants who has been featured in exhibitions around the world.
She is also the founder and director of The Verdancy Project in Troutdale, OR, a multidisciplinary community-oriented art experiment with a mission of fostering curiosity and inspiring environmental stewardship.
www.shannonamidon.com
www.instagram.com/shannonamidon
www.facebook.com/shannonamidonart
Taiji Teahouse Monday Blues Dance
Blues dancing was born in black slave culture. We recognize and honor the musicians and dancers who created this wonderful experience. DJ'd music will be of the "Slow dragging" style created in the 1940sCome and experience the easiest partnered close embrace dance there is. No basic step, just a basic movement. Similar to vertical cuddling or a long beautiful hug.
Introductory $5 entry fee. Tea and snacks for purchase.
Free street parking after 7pm
6:45p Doors
7:00p Beginners/FUNdamentals Lesson
8:00p - 11:00p Dancing
https://www.taijiteahouse.com/
CONTENT
CONTENT
You may remember CONTENT from a few years ago, 2015 to be exact. It was at the Ace Hotel from 2009-2015, a big site specific installation with lots of people and excitement for what Portland had to offer? Well it’s back and it’s now called CONTENT, pronounced like the happy feeling of ease, and with a new location, in old town @ The Society Hotel. The concept is each artist takes over an entire hotel room for the night and transforms it into a conceptual or multimedia installation, forgoing the "traditional" product display setups or pop up shops. The rooms stand as a collective testament to the outsized talent and vitality of Portland's art/design/creative culture scene.
Artists essentially do "room take overs”. For one night, an entire hotel becomes a collection of small worlds - each micro universe like stepping into the brain of an individual artist. It isn’t (necessarily) about commerce, it’s about art and the PORTLAND community. Patrons will travel from room to room, each with its own unique feel. Eventually the patrons end up in the lobby bar to party and discuss their favorite rooms.
CONTENT IS BACK. Portland needs healing. Portland needs LOVE. Portland needs a re-birth and it ain’t gonna happen on its own. Also we are keeping the name. CONTENT but evolving the meaning to Con-tent: peace of mind; mental or emotional satisfaction or being satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else Portland is what we make it, right? Old Town, where Society Hotel is located, is one of the most distressed and negatively impacted parts of our city and needs this the most.
Tickets — $20 - $25 in advance, $30 at the door
Website: https://www.wearecontentpdx.com/
Society Hotel: https://thesocietyhotel.com/portland/
Monthly OTCA General & Board Meeting
The OTCA General & Board meeting happens on the first Wednesday of every month from 11:30-13:30pm.
Land Use & Transportation Committee Meeting
The Land Use & Transportation Committee meets every third Wednesday of the month from 3:30-5pm in the Ground Floor Conference Room at 220 NW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97209
SUMMER/SETS: Rooftop Music Events at The Society Hotel
FREE. Come hang with a hip crowd of tastemakers, partygoers, travelers & entrepreneurs on the rooftop every Wednesday during the summer for great music, solid deals on food & drinks, pop-ups & the best vibes in Portland during this ongoing event series. Make this your midweek home, and come see what the hype is all about. ❤️
🆓 No Cover Charge
🍹 Drink Specials
🎵 Music, DJs & Bands
🎪 Pop-up vendors & more!
This week we've got a live DJ set with Jesus aka DJ Maddchill, some tasty cocktail specials with Freeland and King Burrito with the taco goodness.
Event Five
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.