Yes, the zoo is great.........it's called zoo tunes.....the Friday Oregonian has a section called the A&E (Arts and Entertainment) that list most of the best things going on in town. I regularly attend the Irish session at Biddy McGraws on Sunday evenings from 7:30 - whenever...........it's not loud. Alberta Street has an Irish Session on Friday nights that's for the 'experienced' to pro Irish musician if that fits your bill. It's great just to sit and listen....Alberta Street is smoke free and Biddy's does allow smoking. As for Breweries.......McMennamins is a must.....there are brew pubs, theater pubs and hotels owned by the McMennamin brothers that are all pretty good. You will have just missed the Portland Highland Games which is on the 17th of July but there's plenty more stuff going on. Enjoy your visit........the Willamette valley is beautiful!