Saturday

10-18-2025 Vol 2117

Portland’s Exciting Weekend Events: Retro Gaming, Dance, and More

This weekend in Portland offers a diverse array of entertainment options, from vibrant cultural festivals to community events that celebrate local art and music.

The Portland Retro Gaming Expo is set to capture the hearts of gaming enthusiasts. Taking place from October 17-19 at the Oregon Convention Center, this expo is a nostalgia trip for fans of 80s and 90s gaming, featuring everything from classic Atari games to Super Mario favorites. The expo runs from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, with tickets starting at $42.

For golf aficionados, the Portland Golf Show is taking place at the Riverside Golf Club. Open Friday through Sunday, October 17-19, attendees can indulge in shopping for modern, vintage, and antique golf equipment, with free admission.

Fans of cultural festivities can immerse themselves in the Portland Argentinian Festival this Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. at JaJa PDX. For a $5-$10 admission fee, attendees can enjoy live music, folk and tango dancing, and a vibrant marketplace filled with traditional Argentine food, including empanadas.

To celebrate Dia de los Muertos, Milagro presents “Alebrijes,” a whimsical play written by Georgina Escobar. Debuting on Friday, October 17, this production pays homage to Mexico City’s Pedro Linares and continues at El Centro Milagro every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through November 9. Tickets start at $24.

Art lovers won’t want to miss the Washington County Open Studios Tour, which opens the doors to as many as 50 artists’ studios. Running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, this free event allows visitors to watch artists at work and learn about their creative processes, perfect for holiday gift shopping.

For a comedic twist, Australian comedian and internet sensation Celeste Barber is bringing her “Backup Dancer” tour to Portland. On Saturday, October 18, at 7 p.m. at Newmark Theatre, Barber’s show, which humorously critiques celebrity culture, promises a night filled with laughter, with tickets starting at $52.

Musical enthusiasts are treated to three distinct performances this weekend. The Cascadia Composers present “Three Rivers” featuring the Metolius Trio on Saturday, October 18, at Lincoln Recital Hall. This concert showcases new works by contemporary Oregon composers, with tickets priced at $27 in advance and $30 at the door.

Later that evening, Samba Carnaval featuring Bloco Alegria offers an exciting night of Brazilian percussion and dance. Taking place at the Barrel Room, attendees can participate in a Samba lesson and dance to DJ Brother Charlie’s beats, with tickets available for $18 in advance.

On Sunday, the prestigious Philippine Ballet Theatre performs “Sarimanok” at The Reser. The ballet showcases stunning choreography and costumes inspired by Filipino culture. The show starts at 6 p.m., complemented by a craft exhibit and fashion show at 4 p.m., with tickets beginning at $83.

For chamber music aficionados, the Esme Quartet will be performing a series of concerts at Lincoln Performance Hall from October 20-21. This internationally recognized quartet will perform works by a varied selection of composers, with tickets ranging from $32 to $63.

St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church will host an evening of Romantic and Modern music featuring soprano Kayla Ray on Tuesday, October 21, at 7 p.m. This event, which is free with donations welcomed, promises an enriching musical experience with works by renowned composers.

Finally, the Limón Dance Company will showcase its contemporary prowess at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on Wednesday, October 22. With ticket prices ranging from $40 to $177, attendees can expect an evening centered on expressive movement and intricate choreography, highlighting works by stalwart figures in modern dance.

Additional programming includes Lane Moore’s “Tinder Live,” an improv comedy show returning to Portland on Thursday, October 23. Scheduled for 7 p.m. at Tomorrow Theater, this unique show invites the audience to engage with Tinder profiles in a fun and hilarious format.

With a variety of artistic expressions ranging from dance and theater to comedy and music, Portland’s weekend lineup is sure to provide entertainment and cultural enrichment for all.

image source from:oregonlive

Abigail Harper