Special Needs

Veggie/Vegan Goths

According to PETA, Portland is #4 in a top ten list of Vegetarian-Vegan friendly cities in the America. PETA says: ”Every neighborhood in this funky little corner of the Pacific Northwest offers an abundance of options for the adventurous eater. In Portland, a place described more like a large town than a small city, veggie and vegan living is as common as rainfall. Best of all, a healthy meal won't leave you penniless. Portland is quickly becoming America's darling, and the young hipsters who inhabit this city are also super-sweet to animals. Vegetarians in Portland are as plentiful as celebrities in Beverly Hills-and they're happy and well-fed, thanks to the city's many vegetarian and veg-friendly restaurants.”

For the whole article, click here.

Portland’s C13 committee is planning a special list of restaurants and grocery stores that are veg-friendly. In addition, depending on interest, we’re open to setting up dinners or picnics or other activities that our vegetarian and vegan friends will enjoy.

Pride Goths

As Portland’s 25-year vision plan notes, “vibrant, diverse neighborhoods are home to all manner of people, but it’s the other things that give a place its soul – the cafes and markets, the art, parks, plazas, vistas and sanctuaries.” But it’s Portland’s people who contribute to its reputation as a friendly, progressive city.

Southwest Stark Street is Portland’s most visibly gay thoroughfare and is the backbone of an area that comprises a triangular set of city blocks known by some as the Burnside Triangle. Bounded by Southwest Alder, S.W. 14th Ave., West Burnside Street and Southwest Broadway Street, the district contains a combination of entertainment, independent retail, restaurants, housing and social services. It has been a meeting place for Portland’s GLBT community since the turn of the 20th century.

Wheel Chair Goths

We don’t want anyone to feel excluded from any activities or events, so we’ve been mindful of wheelchair accessibility needs during our planning. Both of the hotels we’ve selected are wheelchair friendly, as is the venue – our wheelchair guests can access any floor of the Crystal Ballroom via the elevator. You’ll find Portland’s transportation system is very wheelchair friendly, too.

Parent Goths

We want to welcome attendees with children, and let you know that some of our committee have children of our own!

The Hilton Portland Executive Suites is child friendly; children with their parents stay free. The hotel also offers a variety of other services for people traveling with children, from crib setup to helping you find a sitter service for the night (the concierge will help with this!)

Also, most of the daytime activities we’ve planned can also be enjoyed by children with their parents – shopping, picnic at the Pittock, the Library, and garden tours are all family friendly. At the International Rose Test Garden, there are three different trains that make the 1 ½ mile run to and from the Portland Zoo. We’ll work on putting together a comprehensive list of things for Parent Goths to do with their children, and make it available on our website so you can plan your activities before you get here.

Overseas & Thrifty Goths

Anyone traveling from abroad is painfully aware of how quickly their expenses can add up. We want everyone to have a great time, and get the most “bang” for your buck. That’s why we’ve planned many free or inexpensive daytime activities, and kept our overall hotel and ticket pricing extremely low. In addition, wherever you’re traveling from, we’ll help you find your way around, the best deal on phone cards, the best brewpubs and wine-bars, and help you learn how to deal with our strange currency. If you need an inexpensive place to stay (from $20 per day), there are convenient hostel facilities within 3-blocks of fareless square - just contact us for more information.