If you've followed this site for the past few years, you'll know Halloween is considered THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! It's not that the other holidays aren't wonderful, or that many of us Northwest Horror/Sci Fi/Fantasy fans need an excuse to indulge our geeky tendencies. No, it's just that, for one marvelous moment, the rest of the world joins in and the party really gets riotous.
Let's get this party started!
Of course, we have to deal with the aftermath. People wondering why our Halloween decorations are still up (the correct answer is that's our normal decor, of course). Or if the reason for wearing pointed ears in December is that we really like elves, requiring a brief explanation of proper Starfleet attire and we do not support the force labor camps in the North Pole. Or relatives complaining that putting a Santa cap on a four foot high Godzilla figure is not decorating for the holidays.
Christmas tree Godzilla would disagree.
But Halloween makes it worth the minor inconveniences of the season that follows, as we reveal in past glories and anticipate the next time walking down the street dressed as a creature of the imagination isn't frowned upon, but celebrated with a hearty, "Happy Halloween!"
So, in honer of passing "hump day" on our yearly journey to October 31, I offer this Weekly Update, full of movies, cons, geeky burlesque and May the 4th pub crawls! This year, the Jedi holiday celebration includes a costume pub crawl here in Portland, so if you want to join in (you don't need a costume, just put on your favorite Star Wars apparel), check it out below.
You'll also find details on tonight's Weird Wednesday offering in Tigard, OR, The Twin Peaks Dance Party in St Johns, OR, Star Wars burlesque and The Fifth Element screening in Vancouver, BC, The Greater Seattle TOY SHOW, Neil Marshall attending a screening of The Descent in Vancouver, BC, Grindtopia 6 in Seattle, WA, and information on Crypticon in Seattle, WA, the West Coast Haunters Convention in Portland, OR and The 15th Annual Vampire's Masquerade Ball in Portland, OR. And, of course, you'll find a list of great movies screening in the Pacific Northwest, AND details on The Toxic Avenger Musical production in Portland, OR.
If you want to plan out the rest of the month, and beyond, check out the Horror Calendar for more great Horror/Sci Fi/Fantasy events and movies heading to the Pacific Northwest this summer!
If you have an event that might interest my readers, just email me at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll post it on the site. Listing on The Shadow Over Portland is FREE and reaches hundreds of readers across the Pacific Northwest. And yes, I am accepting listings for October!
Remember, should you attend any of these events, let the organizers know you read about it at The Shadow Over Portland!!
Ongoing
Don't miss your chance to watch Toxie take out the bad guys in Tromaville while bursting into song and romancing a blind librarian in the off-Broadway sensation, The Toxic Avenger Musical. It's the classic Troma film set to music, presented by Stumptown Stages at the Brunish Theatre at Antionette Hatfield Hall (1111 SW Broadway Ave in Portland, OR). Performances are at 7:30 pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with 2 pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays, through May 14th. Ticket prices range from $25 to $40 and can be purchased at the box office (which opens two hours before the event) or online at the Stumptown Stages website or the Portland'5 Centers for the Arts website.
-------------
Colossal, starring Anne Hathaway, who finds herself in control of a kaiju attacking South Korea, opens tonight at Cinema 21 (616 NW 21st Ave in Portland, OR). The film is scheduled to run through Thursday, May 11. Showtimes are now listed on the Cinema 21 website.
------------
The surprise horror hit, Get Out, continues to play the St. Johns Twin Cinema (8704 N Lombard St in Portland, OR). The final showtime is on the evening of Thursday, May 4. Visit the St. Johns Twin Cinema website for more details, including showtimes.
------------
Colossal, starring Anne Hathaway as a woman who finds herself in control of a kaiju attacking South Korea, continues at The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) through Thursday, May 11. For showtimes and a link to advance ticket sales, visit The Hollywood Theatre website.
------------
Also at Cinema 21 (616 NW 21st Ave in Portland, OR) is David Lynch: The Art of Life, a journey through his early life and career, guided by Lynch himself. This film will ends it's run on Thursday, May 4. Showtimes are listed on the Cinema 21 website.
-------------
The vampire drama The Transfiguration is playing at the Grand Illusion Cinema (1403 NE 50th St in Seattle, WA) through Thursday, May 4. For a list of showtimes, visit the Grand Illusion Cinema website.
-------------
Robocop will screen at at The Academy Theater (7818 SE Stark St in Portland, OR) through Thursday, May 4. Showtimes are daily at 4:35 and 9:40 pm. For more details, visit The Academy Theater website.
--------------
The 15th anniversary digitally restored original version of Donnie Darko continues at The Laurelhurst Theater and Pub (2735 East Burnside St in Portland, OR) at 9:30 pm. For more details, visit The Laurelhurst Theater website.
Haunted Attractions
Please visit the Haunted Attractions page for details on trap rooms and ghost tours in the Pacific Northwest, as well as an advance date for an October haunted attraction.
Open Film Submission
May, 2017
Wednesday, May 3
Weird Wednesday at The Joy Cinema and Pub (11959 SW Pacific Highway in Tigard, OR) takes you on a Voyage to the Prehistoric Planet tonight at 9:15 pm. Like Voyage to the Planet of Prehistoric Women, Roger Corman took footage from the Soviet sci fi film Planeta Bur and edited in scenes with American actors (in this case, Basil Rathbone and Faith Domergue. And, if their costumes look familiar, their scenes were shot at the same time as Queen of Blood, another film full of footage from another Soviet movie! Yep, it's a WEIRD one!! Admission is FREE, but you must be 21 or older to attend. Don't forget to stop by the concession stand and help support Weird Wednesday by picking up some tasty food and beverages before the film. Any outside food or drinks are not allowed, and might get you banned to the Prehistoric Planet (the one without Mamie Van Doren!)!! For more details, visit The Joy Cinema website.
-------------
Mikes Movie Riff Off presents Horror Express tonight at Acme Tavern (1310 Tacoma Ave S in Tacoma, WA). Use your phone to text your witty comments live on the screen! And you're likely to find plenty to comment on with this classic, as Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing square off against a resurrected cave man possessed by an alien entity and Telly Savalas as Cossack officer!! The show starts at 7:30pm and admission is free (I'm going to assume you must be 21 or older to attend). For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.
Thursday, May 4
The Portland Game Store and The Tardis Room are hosting a May the 4th Star Wars Pub Crawl tonight at 6 pm. Get into your Star Wars costume, or your favorite Star Wars apparel and accessories, and head to The Florida Room (435 N. Killingsworth in Portland, OR) for the pub crawl you are looking for! The event includes FREE raffle prizes, a costume contest and more. Admission is free, but you must be 21 or older to participate. For more details, including a list of participating locations, visit the Facebook Event Page.
Friday, May 5
Crypticon Seattle takes place this weekend at it's new grave, the Doubletree Hotel (18740 International Blvd in Seattle, WA). Details are still coming in, but the first guest announcement has been released! Guests include George Romero (Night of the Living Dead, and do I need to mention any more?), Pinhead himself, Doug Bradley, Jill Schoelen (The Stepfather, Popcorn), Thom Mathews (Friday the 13th Part 6: Jason Lives, The Return of the Living Dead) and John Amplas (Martin, Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, Creepshow), Mark Steger (Stranger Things, American Horror Story, The Last Witch Hunter, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse), Miguel A. Nunez Jr. (Return of the Living Dead, Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, Leprechaun 4: In Space), Suzanne Snyder (Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Return of the Living Dead II, Night of the Creeps), Judith O'Dea and Russ Streiner, Barbara and Jonny from the original Night of the Living Dead, Gaylen Ross, Scott Reiniger and Ken Foree from the original Dawn of the Dead, Judie Aronson (Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter), author Matt Shaw and FX makeup artist Ron Wooley.
Keep checking back here, or at the Crypticon Seattle Facebook Page, or the official website, for more details as the event draws near.
UPDATE: Crypticon just announced that scheduled guest Bonnie Aarons will be unable to attend this year.
UPDATE: Due to medical issues, George Romero will be unable to attend the con. Here's hoping he has a speedy recovery.
------------
The Fixin' To (8218 N Lombard St in Portland, OR) brings the Twin Peaks Dance Party to St Johns tonight at 8:30 pm. Celebrate the return of Twin Peaks with an evening of dancing, drag and burlesque performances, Lynchian music, a costume contest and much more. The event is hosted by Black Lodge Burlesque and their performances are terrific, especially with a slice of pie and some damn fine coffee. Of course, you'll find other libations to help you celebrate, so dress up as your favorite Twin Peaks character and remember, the owls are not what they seem! Tickets are $10, and you must be 21 or older to attend. For more details, and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.
-------------
Vancouver BC's "nerdlesque" troupe, the Geekenders, return to the Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC) with The Empire Strips Back: A Sci-Fi Burlesque Adventure tonight at 8 pm. It's a two-act reboot of a sci fi classic, with all your favorite characters on stage and, well, performing. This is a show for those 18 or older only. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door (door open an hour before showtime). For more details and advance ticket sales, visit the Rio Theatre website.
------------
Luc Besson's sci fi classic, The Fifth Element, screens at 11:55 pm tonight at the Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC). Don't miss the chance to see this on the big screen! Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door (doors open at 11:30 pm). For more details, including a link for advance ticket sales, visit the Rio Theatre website.
-------------
The French cannibal film Raw opens at The Laurelhurst Theater and Pub (2735 East Burnside St in Portland, OR) at 9:20 pm. For additional details, visit The Laurelhurst Theater website.
--------------
David Lynch: The Art of Life opens at The Laurelhurst Theater and Pub (2735 East Burnside St in Portland, OR). Showtimes are 7:15 pm, with a 4:30 pm showing Friday through Sunday. For additional details, visit The Laurelhurst Theater website.
Saturday, May 6
The Olympia Film Society presents a Kids Club screening of Spirited Away today at 11 am at the Capitol Theater (206 5th Ave SE in Olympia, WA) . Admission is free for kids 12 and under. For more details, visit the Olympia Film Society website.
-------------
The Greater Seattle TOY SHOW takes place from 10 am to 3 pm today at 525 4th Ave N in Kent, WA. This gathering of toy dealers and collectors from around the Northwest is a vintage show, with toys ranging from antiques to the 80s. Chances are good you'll find the toy you've missed since childhood! Admission is just $5, with children under 12 admitted free with adult supervision. If you just can't wait to get in, early bird admission is $10 and starts at 8 am. For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.
Sunday, May 7
Blood Diner, which started as a sequel to H. G. Lewis' cult classic Blood Feast, screens today at the Paris Theatre (6 SW 3rd Ave in Portland, OR). The film starts at noon, and is followed by an afterparty. For more details, and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.
UPDATE: Tickets have gone on sale. Director Jackie Kong will be present for a Q and A, and the event will include an Afterparty. Tickets are $16.
------------
The Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC) presents a screening of The Descent, with director Neil Marshall in attendance. The film follows a group of women exploring a cave in North Carolina. As you might guess, things go very, very wrong. Seriously, this is a masterpiece and should be seen on the big screen. Marshall with introduce the film and discuss it after the screening. Tickets are $12 in advance, $14 at the door (doors open at 6 pm). Minors are welcome in the balcony, but note the film is rated 18A. You must be 19 or older for bar service (bring your ID) and main floor seating. For more details, and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.
------------
The Caravan of Creeps, a collective of circus freakshow performers known as The Squidling Brothers, is headed to Dante's (350 W Burnside St in Portland, OR). at 8 pm. Tickets are $15, and doors open at 7 pm. For more details, including a list of performers, visit the Facebook Event Page.
------------
The horror comedy Another Evil screens today at the Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC) at 1:30 pm. The film deals with a couple attempting to rid their vacation home of a ghost, only to find it will be more difficult than expected. Tickets are $12 in advance, $14 at the door. For additional details, visit the Facebook Event Page.
Monday, May 8
Grindtopia 6: Fistful of Fate From Beyond! takes place tonight at 6 pm at Hattie's Hat Backroom (5231 Ballard Ave NW in Seattle, WA) The fun starts off around 6 pm with Stuart Gordon's classic take on Lovecraft's tale, From Beyond. Sergio Leone and Clint Eastwood channel Yojimbo in the next feature, A Fistful of Dollars, starting around 7:45 pm. The evening's final flick, the martial arts action flick The Fate of Lee Khan, at about 9:30 pm. Admission is FREE. Hattie's will provide a special drink menu inspired by the program, and will offer $2 all burgers! Of course, you'll find other tasty treats to keep you happy and full during the films. For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.
Wednesday, May 10
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) (1945 SE Water Ave in Portland, OR) presents a Reel Science screening of The Matrix tonight at The Empirical Theater on the OMSI campus. The event starts at 5:30 pm with a Virtual Reality Showcase, presenting local artists and studios demonstrating their VR equipment, followed by VR: Connecting to Computation, with Isaac L. Cohen, simulation artist and VR game designer. The screening of The Matrix follows at 7:45 pm. For additional details, and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.
Thursday, May 11
Central Cinema (1411 21st Ave in Seattle, WA) is celebrating the return of David Lynch's twisted television series with a screening of the prequel Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me tonight at 8 pm. For more details, and a link to advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.
Friday, May 12
Miss Pamela Voorhees Presents: Get Your Geek On Birthday Bash! takes place tonight at The Embers Avenue (110 NW Broadway in Portland, OR). Help Miss Pamela celebrate her birthday by bringing your party hats to this geek themed show featuring out-of-this-world drag, burlesque and much more! Doors open at 7 pm and the fun starts at 8 pm. There is a $5 door fee and you must be 21 or older to attend. For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.
------------
The West Coast Haunters Convention takes place today through Sunday, May 14, at the Doubletree Hilton Lloyd Center (1000 NE Multnomah St in Portland, OR). The convention is for everyone from professional haunters to Halloween enthusiasts. The con is pack full of events, so visit the Facebook Event Page, or the official West Coast Haunters Convention website, for more details and ticket sales.
------------
You just can't keep a bad clown down in the sewers for long. The Geekenders "nerdlesque" troupe presents an encore performance of We All Float Down Here: A Burlesque Tribute to Stephen King tonight at the Rio Theatre (1600 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC). Oh, this should be some wicked fun! Doors open at 7 pm, and the show starts at 8 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door. You must be 18 or older to attend, over 19 years old for bar service (bring your ID). For more details, including a list of performers and a link for advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.
-------------
The Capital Taproom (150 High St SE in Salem, OR) presents two tastes that go great together, an evening of Scary Movies and Beer, tonight starting at 7:30 pm. Check out the classic horror flicks showing at the main bar and take advantage of the $3 pint taps. Or buy a special select beer for access to the special select film screening in the bar's (ACTUALLY) haunted basement! How often can you watch a scary movie in a REAL HAUNTED BASEMENT!! Oh, and there will be free popcorn, as well. For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.
-------------
The Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway in Vancouver, BC) and the Rio Grind Film Festival screens The Silence of the Lambs tonight at 11 pm. You know you want to see this classic on the big screen. For more details, and a link for advance ticket sales, visit the Facebook Event Page.
Saturday, May 13
The 15th Annual Vampire's Masquerade Ball takes place tonight at the Melody Ballroom (615 SE Alder St in Portland, OR) at 9 pm. This is a formal event, with no street clothes allowed. Costumes can be Victorian, Steam Punk, Genderfluid, Lolita, Fantasy or Fetish, but must be Gothic in nature (no zombies or gore themed costumes, please). Ticket are $45 in advance, $50 at the door (cash only). Visit the VMB website, or the Facebook Event Page, for additional details and advance ticket sales, as well as photos for costume inspirations. Please note, you must be 21 or older to attend.
------------
Fantastic Worlds: Sci Fi and Fantasy, a collection of short film about interplanetary travel, comes to The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) today at 3:30 pm. The festival included 5 shorts, and one hour-long adventure, in an afternoon packed with travels to strange worlds beyond our solar system. For more details, and a link for advance ticket sales, visit The Hollywood Theatre website.
------------
The 1988 fantasy Willow comes to McMenamins Mission Theater and Pub (1624 NW Glisan in Portland, OR) through Saturday, May 20. Visit the Mission Theater and Pub website for showtimes and advance ticket sales.
------------
Rogue Toys Portland (10414 SE 82nd Ave in Portland, OR) is hosting May Trade Night starting at 5 pm. Bring toys you wish to trade and find something new to display in your space. Rogue Toys will provide snacks, drinks and a raffle every 15 minutes. For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.
Sunday, May 14
Celebrate the 35th anniversary of Conan the Barbarian, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, tonight at the Yelm Cinemas (201 Prairie Park St in Yelm, WA) at 6:30 pm. Remember what is best in life and the answer to the Riddle of Steel as this wonderfully pulpy feature returns to the big screen. For more details, and to purchase advance tickets, visit the Yelm Cinemas website.
------------
Get ready to buy your multipass, as The Fifth Element returns to theaters tonight! Fathom Events presents a special screening of Luc Besson's wild sci fi adventure. Besson has recored an exclusive introduction for the screening, and the presentation will feature a sneak peek at his latest film, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (which opens this summer). You can also catch a screening on Wednesday, May 17. For a list of theaters in your area hosting the event, visit the Fathom Events website.