Celebrating Halloween in Portland, Oregon: pirate party! Watch me on German TV, Pro Sieben Joko & Klaas.
The dream of the 90s is alive… in Portland! That’s where I’ll be for Halloween 2013, with First Mate Naomi (left) and my fabulous film team.
The tourism board is shipping us to Portlandia to party and prance around in costumes (er, I mean, do travel journalism). Want to join us for Halloween festivities? Read on… and if you’re in Germany, I’ll be on your TV screens this Saturday. Full details at the end of this post.
All Hallow’s Eve is my favorite holiday, and I always try to celebrate in the biggest possible way. Last time, I nightcrawled in Los Angeles. The previous year involved Dia de los Muertos in Mexico. And before that: dark Tokyo festivities.
Can’t wait to show you my costumes for this year. I’ll be wearing something skimpy from J Valentine (remember their monster costume, which I modeled with Josie Stevens?).
This is my first time in Oregon, even though it’s geographically close to Vancouver. When I was growing up, few people went out of their way to see small and sleepy PDX. That’s changed in the past 5-10 years, with Portland becoming a mecca for comic artists, hipsters, food trucks, pickling, putting birds on things, and generally “keeping it weird.”
I can’t think of a better place to celebrate Halloween! We invite you to join us, and be in the travel video.
– On Oct 31, my crew and I will be shooting the underground party at Steep and Thorny Way to Heaven (RSVP on their page).
– Nov 1st afternoon, we’ll be at the Day of the Dead parade (see previous link).
– Nov 1st evening, we’ll hit the HP Lovecraft bar for Brickbat Goth night.
First Mate Naomi, who resides in the dark canals of PDX, has told me about the incredible alternative events here. She brings us a missive about some upcoming shanties:
Yoho! If ye dock ship in Portland, Oregon you’ll find that many a varied theme has a dedicated subculture here. Those with a seafaring spirit will be right at home with PDX Yar, Portland’s local pirate community.
I first ran into PDX Yar at Dr. Sketchy’s Portland, where a fully rigged 5 person pirate crew appeared for a three hour life-drawing session.
In addition to participating in local art and pirate fests (yes there is more than one pirate festival) Captain Redgoat McHaggis and the crew of the Yar put together their own annual bash, the Swashbuckler’s Ball.
This massive party is attended by all manner of properly dressed rapscallions. Even the dead and deep sea creatures turn out for the fun.
Folk fusion band Tempest rocked the main stage last year, while local troupe Critical Hit burlesque brought a lineup of themed performances (photo: Russell Bruner of SwingTime).
The ball happens again this November and will be headlined by steampunk band Abney Park!
But once a year is certainly not enough. This week PDX Yar has announced a new monthly event, “Shanty-aoke.” The singalong is exactly what it sounds like: belt out Sea Shanties with a full Pirate crew at your back. So if ye be at port, RSVP and get all the info here. (Captain Carmina’s note: Naomi made the scurvy illustration above.)
Finally, a head’s up for those of you in Germany: watch me Pro Sieben TV! This Saturday, Oct 19 at 8:15pm, I’m hosting a body modification segment on the hit program, Joko und Klaas “Duell um die Welt.”
Don’t worry, non-Deutsch readers, I’ll soon post a video clip and bloody insane photos from the filming.
Do you know what you’ll be wearing this Halloween? Got any outfit suggestions for Basil Farrow?
And if you have Portland, Oregon travel tips, please let me know in the comments. I’m already getting inspired by the IFC show Portlandia…
Coming up next: Bangkok, Thailand posts, and announcements about my November travels to far-off lands!
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LA CARMINA
46 Comments
fun! Thanks for sharing- can’t wait to see ur Halloween pics this year :)
:)
It feels like you’re never standing still! I hope you have an great time in Portland for Halloween. It’s a really fun city!
Yayyy!
Cool!
Enjoy! xox
XO
Woo hoo! La Carmina takes over Portlandia!
Arrrr pirate takeover!
very cool
Portland is one of my all time favorite cities!!! *figures out plots to join the Spook Squad this Halloween*
mauaha
Super duper psyched for this one
perfect
While you are in PDX, check out the Steampunk Neo-Victorian shop : http://wellsandverne.com
it’s on the list!! so excited
I would love to see you at Wells & Verne, 3 Monkeys, Lovecraft, Shadowplay, Brickbat Mansion, Hive…there’s so much for you to check out. Let us know if you need a tour guide
Oohhhh… all sound great! We definitely have plans for those :)
happy Halloween and big hugs
you too!
the Swashbuckler’s Ball will be a grand ol’ time, and Abney Park are absolutely phenomenal. As for suggestions, depending on how long they’re in town (which doesn’t sound like long) I think decent ground is covered, but going with the flow and exploring as they go is best for the experience. Hawthorne boutique and Sellwood antique shopping can be great with proper funds. Good food everywhere.
Powell’s downtown City of Books is a glorious place. the Avalon Theater nickle arcade, and Ground Kontrol for gamers. Doug Fir, or EastBurn for eats, drinks and atmosphere. the Barmuda Triangle (upper Hawthorne @ 49th) for drinks at the Space Room, or more hipster but great spot Tanker, or BoG (Bar of the Gods) or even Hawthorne Theatre for divey drinks.
Thanks for these great tips!
fab!!
Mississippi district is pretty trendy right now, lots of bars and foodie ground to cover. Also, I here Bossanova Ballroom is throwing a big Halloween event
beautiful*_*
love Basil Farrow!!!!!!!
hehehe
omg you big fluffy bear of a cat, i could cuddle you all day!
xixi
very good
cuddle hug
Dude, I am going.
Since it is halloween, check out Skyline Cemetary… it is HUUUUUUUGE.
ooooooooo
You must look bad, reaaal baaad^^
Glad to have you in our wonderful city! For Halloween night are you going to be hopping around the city or just covering one event? There’s a shadowplay event that’s going on, but the parties go on all through out October.https://www.facebook.com/events/1419834338231410/
will try to make it!
will try to go!
What a cute nun!
If you would like go to europe someday, visit Switzerland. if you’re interested just ask for some switzerland travel tips Cheers
I went years ago, love!!
me encantaria que vengas a Lima, Perú en Southamerica <3
I really hope to soon! xoxoxo
I can recognize that mustache anywhere. Isn’t Russell Bruner a riot? (I had the pleasure of seeing him perform at the Dallas Burlesque Festival.)
Ahh that’s so awesome! We just saw him do a live Nightmare before Xmas performance in Portland – video and pics to come, you would LOVE it!!