What is PDXotica?
Shriners and American Tiki Culture are a kooky Venn diagram of overlapping fun, distilled beverages, and Americana. With the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Shriners) created in 1872 with the purpose of fun through a mid-eastern theme, and the birth of American Tiki Culture in the 1930’s based on the escapism and idealised island culture of the South Pacific, it was bound to happen these two groups would cross paths.
Nearly every Shriner owns a Hawaiian shirt or three for those perennial hospitality room moments after the formal convention sessions, meanwhile many if not most tiki bars have a formal Shriner’s fez tucked away or displayed prominently. Both groups love libations and a great time.
Between Shag’s commissioned artwork from El Bekal Shriners in Anaheim, Walt Disney’s connection to the Freemasons and Shriners, and many Shrine Veterans who returned home from their time in the Pacific Theatre of WWII, the Tiki Community and Shriners have overlapped, separated, and come back together again like a choreographed dance between Fred and Ginger.
PDXotica seeks to cement the on again off again relationship between these two groups to create a fun soaked, sun soaked, booze soaked weekend of color, mystery, pageantry, and fundraising to help the men who help the kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PDXotica an all-ages event?
Generally, no. The events scheduled at the Shrine Center are meant for those 21+. Alcohol will be served at many events, including the home bar tours, and the hosts will require a wristband for entry and to be served.
As with many tiki bars, this event is meant for adults. All guests who attend must have valid admission and be wearing their wristband at all times.
Is there a dress code?
PDXotica celebrates Hawaiian, Polynesian, and SE Asian cultures. There is no strict dress code, however, we encourage attendees to dress for the event and show off their festive tiki attire. Shirts and shoes are required at all participating venues.
Both evening events are casual and we encourage attendees to show off their best Hawaiian shirts or aloha dresses. Vintage attire is certainly not a requirement, rather, a challenge to celebrate these cultures and the specific textiles and prints easily recognizable as distinctly tiki.
PDXotica is expensive!
We appreciate you choosing to support our event with your entertainment dollars. The all-inclusive price and intention to provide as much value as possible was a resounding request from our seasoned board members. We specifically steered away from add-ons, outside of merchandise, to ensure everyone is included and will have access to all events and experiences.
If cost is still a concern, please consider volunteering. All volunteers will have their admission reduced.
Can I attend the home bar tours with the purchase of an event ticket?
Yes. We have specifically designed the weekend to include all events, including the home bar tours on both Friday and Saturday.
Can I self drive to home bar tour locations?
No. We will strictly enforce this for everybody’s safety, including the liability and responsibility of the gracious home bar hosts. Admission wristbands are required to board the bus and are required at each stop.
What is the refund policy?
Tickets are refundable if cancelled more than 14 days in advance of the event. A $40 administration fee will be deducted from the total and the remainder will be refunded in the form of the original payment.
Within 14 days of the event, you may sell your tickets at face value and transfer them to the new attendees.
Are hotel accommodations included with admission?
No. Arrangements with the Holiday Inn I-5 South allows you to reserve your room and take advantage of the discounted rates through the hotel directly. Find the link to our special group rate on the Hotel page of pdxotica.com.
Do you have a Waitlist for tickets?
Yes, we will make cancelled tickets available for waitlisted guests, in the order of the names added to the list. Click here (link to Google Form Waitlist) to add your name to the waitlist.
Will I have time to attend all shows and events?
Yes, unlike other events where many/most events are priced a la cart and overlap, PDXotica is an all inclusive cruise. Once you are introduced to your 49 other shipmates, your Land Yacht Captain, and their First Mate, you are along for the ride! It is an action packed weekend with limited down time, so don’t hit the Hospitality Rooms too hard the first night!
What is the parking situation?
The Shine Center offers a medium sized parking lot, including handicapped spots. There is also off street parking available within an easy 2-3 block radius around the Shine Center. All parking is free and first come, first served. If you will be drinking, we suggest taking the bus or utilizing a taxi/rideshare. No local transit is available. Private bus service is included in your event ticket to the home bar tours, and shuttle service will be provided to and from the host hotel and Shrine Center on a regular schedule. Moreover, our security officers for the event will not allow intoxicated drivers to leave the Shrine Center parking lot for liability reasons, so our best suggestion is to get a room at the Holiday Inn I-5 South and ride our shuttle buses for free.
Is food served at PDXotica?
Light snacks will be offered at the venue throughout the schedule and at the bars along the way. Both dinner banquets are included in your ticket. There are 7-10 restaurants located within walking distance of the Shrine Center, approx. 3 blocks away.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, we will be able to accommodate most dietary needs. Please specify your dietary needs when registering. If something changes or you need further assistance, please call or email us to notify us of your needs.
Which amenities are located nearby?
PDXotica will be held at the Al Kader Shrine Center in Wilsonville, OR. Within walking distance, there are many restaurants, Target, Costco, Best Buy, and a few charging stations.
Location
Al Kader Shrine Center
25100 SW Parkway Avenue
Wilsonville, OR 97070
The Shrine Center is conveniently located off I-5 at the Elligsen Road exit.
There are approximately 7–10 restaurants within walking distance, located about three blocks away.
