Portland 5 Things to do This Weekend

1. From livestock competitions to the best flowers to the best pie and on and on and on. Few things capture Oregon like the state fair. And it is still going strong this weekend, running through Labor Day. You hear the phrase - there's something for everyone - a lot these days. But with the state fair, it's probably true. For all the details - when are Tommy James and the Shondells playing? What about Melissa Etheridge? Foreigner? Where can i find the Future Farmers of America? A good adult beverage? - head to www.oregonstatefair.org for the lowdown.

2. Looking for dahlias? It may still be raining but that's no reason not to head to the annual Dahlia Festival by Swann Island Dahlias. It's not just dahlias. Kettle corn. Wineries. Live music. It's not quite the state fair but there's a lot of things for a lot of people. Head here for more information.

3. Art in the Pearl is celebrating its 20th anniversary celebrating the arts and crafts created by the numerous artists who live, work, or show in the area. It's free and, according to Art Fair Source Book, one of the top ten arts and crafts festivals in the country. Go to www.artinthepearl.com for all the information.

4. Since rain is still on the books for part of the weekend you might want to consider the Portland Film Festival. Great films, premieres, interviews, industry talk, and more. Check out www.portlandfilmfestival.com for the complete schedule.

5. This one is more for adults who want to act like kids than for kids themselves. In fact, if you are not at least 18-years-old, you can't go. It's the annual Tortuga Pirate Festival at Cheadle Lake Park in Lebanon. Arts. Crafts. Music. Food. And, of course, the pirate olympics. www.piratesoftortuga.net forrrr all you want learrrrrn. (Sorry).