DANCE / 'Red Velvet'

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, Gavin Shettler Gallery

In the midst of the paintings and sculptures on display for First Thursday will be a living, breathing study in human movement. Choreographer Sierra Woods has created a dance piece that will be performed within the framework of a red velvet box. The 10-minute piece features four dancers and will be repeated six times throughout the evening.

625 N.W. Everett St., No. 106, 503-224-0252, free

FILM / 'Ace in the Hole'

7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, Guild Theatre

The Northwest Film Center screens one of director Billy Wilder's least known films. 'Ace in the Hole' stars Kirk Douglas as an ambitious newspaper reporter with a sketchy past and a chilling dark side.

829 S.W. Ninth Ave., 503-221-1156, $5.50-$6.50

FESTIVAL / Holiday Ale Festival

Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, Pioneer Courthouse Square

Certain things are surefire signs of the season in Portland: the giant holiday tree, a surge in downtown shoppers, and jolly patrons swilling fancy beers in Pioneer Courthouse Square. The annual Holiday Ale Festival features more than 25 brews, food carts, crafts vendors and a PA system ready to rip the holiday classics.

701 S.W. Sixth Ave., 503-274-0019, free admission ($3 for required tasting mug; $3 per mug of beer, $1 for taster serving)