Once a year, Portland puts Seattle to shame with its TBA (that's "Time-Based Art") Festival. Firstly, a festival devoted to all time-based arts—music, performance art, theater, dance—is a fantastic idea. Secondly, the programming is aces. Here is some of what's happening this year: modern dance with Mikhail Baryshnikov, hiphop by Lifesavas, indie-pop by Mirah, a six-hour word-for-word performance of The Great Gatsby by NYC's Elevator Repair Service, comedy by Reggie Watts, a new concert-play by "Awesome," a sweet, weird film-play about melancholy by the Dutch company Kassys, and tons—probably literally tons—more performers. It's going to be great.

To get to Portland, drive onto I-5 and head south. The most expensive events are $30; the cheapest events are free. For more details, see www.pica.org/tba.