Portland and communities across Oregon are beginning a busy July festival season, with events focused on music, art, food, wildlife, agriculture, rodeo traditions, and outdoor recreation. The statewide calendar includes free concerts, coastal gatherings, community fairs, lavender festivals, and heritage events organized by local groups, nonprofits, municipalities, volunteers,
By: Conor Murray The Pacific Northwest has never needed the spotlight to do its most important work. It has always built its most enduring music in the gray spaces, in the perpetual drizzle, the dense evergreen canopy, and the particular kind of introspection that forms when a city turns
Portland arts tax revisions moved forward Wednesday after city officials approved a new structure that lowers the number of residents required to pay the fee while increasing the annual amount charged to qualifying taxpayers. The decision came during a Portland City Council session focused on revenue measures tied to
Portland Opera 2026-27 season programming was announced this week as the company introduced a slate of productions and events organized around the theme “Driven by Vision.” The organization outlined a schedule that includes mainstage operas, concerts, community programming, and artist development initiatives planned for audiences in Portland during the
By Alex Diaz Author Tejas Desai is continuing to push the boundaries of modern literary storytelling with the release of Bad Americans: Part II, the latest installment in his evolving The Human Tragedy series. Drawing inspiration from classic frame narratives while exploring deeply contemporary themes, the novel combines layered
By: Vicent Morris A surprising number of contemporary romances are built around people falling in love while barely speaking honestly to each other. Twinkle of Doubt goes in the opposite direction. Patricia Leavy is much more interested in what happens after two people already know each other deeply and
A long-running tavern established in 1946 continues to operate in Washington County as the Helvetia Tavern remains open to diners. The tavern, located in the rural Helvetia community near Hillsboro, maintains regular service and continues to receive customers throughout the week. Its operations are centered on dine-in service, with
By Mark Wilson In Seth Panitch’s novel Antique, objects are never just objects. A necklace is not merely jewelry. A family heirloom is not simply an item passed down through generations. Every antique in the novel carries emotional weight, buried history, and the possibility of revelation. That idea gives
Glenn Ross packed his camera gear and relocated to Portland for two months. The trip was not a vacation. He came to document local musicians, study venues, and learn how Portland’s sound differs from what he captures across Colorado. Ross has spent years covering the Rocky Mountain scene as
A plant-based burger brand from Portland has been included in a national Food & Wine selection highlighting some of the best burgers available in the United States, drawing attention to its meat-free approach within a traditionally meat-centered category. The inclusion places the Portland brand among a curated group of
PORTLAND, OR (April 22, 2026). At a time when healthcare systems nationwide face workforce shortages, financial strain, and evolving regulatory pressures, the documentary Suck It Up, Buttercup: Trust & Betrayal – Healthcare in America will screen in Portland on May 31, at 1 p.m. (doors 12:30 p.m.) at the
By: Cat Maya Jim Boland’s juvenile-grade novel The Black Egg Children is a journey into courage, imagination, and self-discovery, one that powerfully highlights the importance of empowering young people, especially young women, to recognize their worth and potential. At its heart is Rachel, a young girl who learns to
In an era where the line between history and headline feels increasingly blurred, Jack Cashman has carved out a literary voice that refuses to look away. His work exists at the intersection of storytelling and civic reflection, where personal narrative meets national reckoning. Over the course of his career,
The Oregon Zoo announced on April 2, 2026, the passing of Zawadi Mungu, a cherished African lion who had led the zoo’s pride for more than a decade. At the age of 18, Zawadi was among the oldest male lions in North America, a symbol of resilience and longevity
The Oregon Ghost Conference, an annual paranormal event held in Seaside, Oregon, is set to return from March 27–29, 2026. The conference has become a staple in the region’s cultural and tourism calendar, attracting ghost enthusiasts, investigators, and curious travelers from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The event
Portland’s cherry blossoms, a hallmark of the city’s spring season, have made an early appearance this year, transforming public parks and the waterfront into vibrant displays of color. This unseasonal bloom, observed weeks ahead of the typical April peak, underscores the effects of warmer winters and shifting environmental patterns
Oregon will introduce new parking fees at 22 state parks and trailheads starting March 30, 2026. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) confirmed the changes, citing a need to address rising maintenance costs as outdoor recreation continues to increase in popularity. The fees will apply to both daily
Economic strain is shaping Portland’s bar and bistro landscape in 2026, with a series of recent closures across multiple neighborhoods reflecting ongoing financial pressures on independent operators. The trend spans longtime neighborhood establishments and newer concepts, signaling a broad set of challenges for Portland’s hospitality sector. Portland Sees Continued
Portland’s reputation as one of the country’s leading cities for vegan food continues to grow in 2026. The city’s commitment to plant‑based dining is reflected in its ever‑expanding range of vegan options, particularly within bakeries and food carts. These establishments serve as the epicenter of Portland’s culinary innovation, showcasing
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
Portland, Oregon, is known for its vibrant arts scene, attracting filmmakers and musicians alike. However, the city’s unique weather patterns can have a significant impact on film and music production. This article explores how Portland weather affects film and music production, offering insights and tips for artists working in
The James Beard Foundation has released its 2026 semifinalists for the Restaurant and Chef Awards, showcasing Oregon’s culinary talent. This year, ten chefs, restaurants, and beverage professionals from across the state earned recognition, solidifying Oregon’s place as a key player in the national food scene. Portland leads the charge
Portland’s outdoor scene is more than just a weekend escape, it’s a way of life. In 2025, the city’s trails, parks, and bike paths are seeing record use as residents lean into nature for fitness, mental health, and community connection. Whether it’s sunrise hikes in Forest Park or gravel
Starting January 1, 2026, Oregon residents will face higher fees for park access as the state increases its park pass prices. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has announced these changes to help address a significant budget shortfall, primarily caused by a reduction in state lottery funding. This
