HAPPENINGS

May 17–18 The Columbia Gorge Wine & Pear Fest kicks into gear with entertainment, live music, wine tasting, great food, fruit exhibits with samples, and local artisans. Details: wineandpearfest.com

May 24–26 This Memorial Day weekend, drive south to wine country for a fun-filled summer kick-off weekend in the valley. We've got your itinerary. 

May 24 Southeast Wine Collective is kicking off Oregon Wine Month with an open house party dubbed Vinlandia. All ten winemakers will be pouring wines alongside a special Memorial Day menu. Details: sewinecollective.com

May 30 Portland’s 30th annual Festival of Flowers lands in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Titled “A-MAZE-ING” and created by Dao Architecture, the two-week installation will feature an interactive maze of nearly 20,000 begonia, marigolds, impatiens, and more. Details: thesquarepdx.org

June 7 Head down to Sasquatch Brew Fest in Eugene, where plenty of beer and Bigfoot sightings are guaranteed.

DEALS

Run with the GM at the Heathman On National Running Day (Wednesday, June 4), the Heathman will launch its second annual “Run with the GM,” wherein guests can take a morning run with general manager (and marathon runner) Chris Erickson each Wednesday in June. The running-themed package, which also includes overnight accommodations, unlimited bottled water, and a health, in-room breakfast, starts at $259. Details: portland.heathmanhotel.com

Take a Helicopter to Cape Kiwanda! For Memorial Day Weekend, the Inn at Cape Kiwanda has partnered with Peninsula Helicopters for a high-flying package: a round-trip helicopter flight from Portland or McMinnville, two nights in an ocean view room, wine tasting, and a tour of the Pelican Pub & Brewery, all for $850–1,210. Details: yourlittlebeachtown.com/inn

COOL NEW STUFF

Salt & Straw Expands to Los Angeles! Portland’s artisan ice cream explorers are launching a shop in LA’s Larchmont Village. Read our update.

Storrs Smokehouse Brings Awesome BBQ to Wine Country The team behind Newberg's lauded fine dining destination the Painted Lady get casual with Texas-style barbecue and housemade ice cream.

9th Annual “Why I Love Pinot Noir” Contest Willamette Valley Vineyards has kicked off their annual contest, asking wine lovers from around the country to tell them why, when, or where they fell in love with Oregon pinot noir. The most creative entry wins an Oregon wine country getaway for two, valued at $4,000.

Summer Festivals Check out our guide to Northwest summer festivals over on On the Town, and book your tickets now!

It’s Wildflower Season! Celebrate with some of our favorite floral displays in the region.