Black Portland’s community has a history rooted in migration, resilience, and cultural expression. The community’s early foundations date back more than a century, when the promise of labor opportunities during wartime attracted Black migrants to the city. However, the growth of Black Portland was also influenced by restrictive housing
Local art is receiving renewed attention across Portland as city agencies, nonprofits, and grassroots organizers expand support for creative talent. From murals and dance performances to multidisciplinary festivals and artist residencies, Portland is investing in cultural infrastructure that reflects the region’s values: accessibility, equity, and community expression. This support
Hillsboro, Oregon, is marking its 150th anniversary with the introduction of a new city flag, chosen through a public vote and officially adopted by the City Council in January 2026. The unveiling of this flag is not only part of the sesquicentennial celebrations but also a symbol of unity
Portland has long been recognized for its commitment to sustainable transportation, and its public bike routes are a significant part of this effort. Starting this spring, the city’s network of bike lanes, multi-use paths, and greenways offers a practical, engaging way to navigate Portland. These routes provide an alternative
Portland Zoo has introduced a new resident, Kallik, a three-year-old polar bear who recently arrived from the Saint Louis Zoo. Kallik is now settling into the zoo’s state-of-the-art Polar Passage exhibit, which is designed to simulate Arctic conditions and provide a dynamic environment for its polar bear residents. His
Therapy llamas at PDX and the evolution of traveler wellness The holiday travel season often brings a spike in passenger anxiety, but Portland International Airport has found a unique way to lower the tension through its partnership with therapy llamas. In December 2025, the airport expanded its animal-assisted interaction
By: Izzy Grace Los Angeles–based Chinese filmmaker Yihui Hu has been selected for the 2025 BendFilm Festival Basecamp Project with her original feature screenplay The Proof of Your Existence, a haunting exploration of immortality, faith, and human connection. A Rising Voice in Independent Cinema Hosted by the acclaimed BendFilm
By: Symba Marketing BEND, Ore. – After more than fifteen years performing in one of the most competitive entertainment markets in the country, professional DJ and MC Ethan Svoboda, known professionally as DJ WHIPLSH, has relocated from Los Angeles to Bend, bringing his extensive experience from major-market nightlife and
The film world is entering one of its most dynamic eras yet — shaped by digital platforms, independent voices, and a growing hunger for honest, emotionally rich narratives. In the midst of this transformation, a new generation of creators is stepping forward, and among them is a rising name
Portland has officially joined the ranks of cities with its own customized Monopoly edition, bringing a local flavor to one of the world’s most iconic board games. Released in November 2025, Monopoly: Portland Edition replaces traditional properties like Boardwalk and Park Place with landmarks and businesses that Portlanders know
As evening settles over Portland on November 11, residents are stepping outside, scanning the skies, and hoping the clouds will break just enough to reveal the Northern Lights. NOAA’s forecast of a G4 “severe” geomagnetic storm has turned into a live community event, with neighbors gathering in parks, rooftop
The Portland Book Festival returns November 3–9, 2025, with a week-long celebration of literature, Oregon authors, and community storytelling. Hosted by Literary Arts, the festival spans six downtown venues and ten stages, offering readings, panels, workshops, and a citywide book fair. The main festival day, Saturday, November 8, anchors
From Garage Demos to a Cinematic Debut Dystoria is a Portland-based rock group carving a patient, craft-first path from high-school practice rooms to respected stages in the Pacific Northwest. Formed by multi-instrumentalists Miles and Chase at sixteen, Dystoria came together after years of parallel musical upbringings that primed them
Pumpkin patches are back in full swing across Portland, and this season’s lineup is packed with hayrides, cider stands, and photo ops that capture everything locals love about fall in Oregon. Whether residents are chasing the perfect gourd, planning a weekend outing with the kids, or simply looking for
By: Elena Mart On a dark and gloomy night in Portland, OR, I found my way to the Coffin Club. The Coffin Club is a goth, industrial, and horror-themed bar and music venue located at 421 SE Grand Ave in Portland. It is an LGBTQ-friendly establishment that formerly operated
Portland dance culture is a living expression of the city’s creative pulse. It reflects the values of experimentation, inclusivity, and community engagement that define Portland’s broader artistic identity. From contemporary studios in the Pearl District to spontaneous street performances in Alberta, dance in Portland is both a personal and
In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, mini-dramas have emerged as a key influence on creative content production. With their ability to deliver powerful, condensed narratives in short time frames, mini-dramas have redefined how stories are told, consumed, and produced. These smaller-scale productions not only cater to the modern viewer’s
Portland’s fashion scene has always been a reflection of its community, expressive, sustainable, and proudly unconventional. Now, a new wave of nostalgia is sweeping through the city’s streets, thrift shops, and design studios: Y2K fashion. From rhinestone-studded denim and butterfly clips to baby tees and cargo pants, Portlanders are
Streaming services have fundamentally changed the way people consume entertainment, offering convenience and access to a wide variety of content. Initially seen as a cost-effective alternative to traditional cable TV, these platforms have gradually become a significant part of many households’ monthly expenses. As consumers subscribe to more services
Downtown Portland is experiencing a long-awaited resurgence, with foot traffic returning to pre-pandemic levels and signaling a renewed sense of energy across the city’s core. After years of uncertainty, closures, and shifting work habits, the sidewalks of downtown Portland are once again bustling with locals, tourists, and remote workers
Portland’s Back Cove Festival stands as a true testament to the vibrant cultural scene that defines this coastal city. Each year, residents and visitors alike gather by the water for a day filled with music, art, food, and celebration. This event not only showcases the region’s artistic talents but
The Portland Coffee Festival 2025 is set to return this fall, bringing together roasters, baristas, café owners, and coffee lovers from across the Pacific Northwest. Known for its vibrant café culture and artisanal brews, Portland has long been a haven for coffee enthusiasts. This year’s coffee festival promises to
A staycation in Portland provides an occasion to step away from usual routines while remaining within an urban environment. The city’s combination of accessible green spaces, walkable neighborhoods, and community-oriented culture can support a slower, more deliberate pace. When approached with intention, this setting allows individuals to reduce reliance
Each year, Lincoln City, a coastal community in Oregon, hosts its Summer Kite Festival, drawing a range of visitors to its shores for a weekend filled with vibrant kite displays and outdoor activities. In 2025, the festival marks its 40th anniversary, offering an opportunity to reflect on the event’s
