Portland News

Portland Kicks Off July Arts and Outdoor Festival Season

Portland Kicks Off July Arts and Outdoor Festival Season

  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,

Portland Council Approves Changes to Arts Tax System

Portland Council Approves Changes to Arts Tax System

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 Reveals 2026-27 Performance Season

Portland Opera Reveals 2026-27 Performance Season

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

Tejas Desai Expands His Ambitious Literary Vision in Bad Americans: Part II

Tejas Desai Expands His Ambitious Literary Vision in Bad Americans: Part II

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

Oregon Tavern Open Since 1946 Still Serving Customers

Oregon Tavern Open Since 1946 Still Serving Customers

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

Denver vs Portland: Two Music Cities, One Independent Spirit

Denver vs Portland: Two Music Cities, One Independent Spirit

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

Portland Plant-Based Burger Spot Lands Food & Wine List Spot

Portland Plant-Based Burger Spot Lands Food & Wine List Spot

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

Suck It Up, Buttercup, Timely Feature Comes to Portland, Sunday May 31

Suck It Up, Buttercup, Timely Feature Comes to Portland, Sunday May 31

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

Discovering Strength and Magic with Jim Boland and The Black Egg Children

Discovering Strength and Magic with Jim Boland and The Black Egg Children

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

Jack Cashman, Storytelling and the Urgency of a Nation in Reflection

Jack Cashman, Storytelling and the Urgency of a Nation in Reflection

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,

Portland’s Oregon Zoo Says Farewell to Beloved Lion Zawadi Mungu

Portland’s Oregon Zoo Says Farewell to Beloved Lion Zawadi Mungu

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

Portland Metro to Seaside Oregon’s Ghost Conference Draws Spooky Fans

Portland Metro to Seaside: Oregon’s Ghost Conference Draws Spooky Fans

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 Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early Along Waterfront and Gardens

Portland Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early Along Waterfront and Gardens

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 Adds New Parking Fees at 22 State Parks and Trails

Oregon Adds New Parking Fees at 22 State Parks and Trails

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

Portland’s Bar & Bistro Closures Reflect Economic Strain in PDX

Portland’s Bar & Bistro Closures Reflect Economic Strain in PDX

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

From Vegan Bakeries to Food Pods What’s Trending in Portland’s Food Culture

From Vegan Bakeries to Food Pods: What’s Trending in Portland’s Food Culture

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

Exploring Black Portland’s Rich Cultural Legacy and Contemporary Community

Exploring Black Portland’s Rich Cultural Legacy and Contemporary Community

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

How Weather in Portland Affects Film and Music Production

How Weather in Portland Affects Film and Music Production

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

Oregon’s Culinary Stars Highlighted in 2026 James Beard Semifinals

Oregon’s Culinary Stars Highlighted in 2026 James Beard Awards Semifinals

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 Hikes, Bikes, and Beyond the Trails

Portland’s Outdoor Scene: Hikes, Bikes, and Beyond the Trails

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

Oregon Residents Face Higher Park Pass Prices in 2026



Oregon Residents Face Higher Park Pass Prices in 2026



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