Arts & Culture

At the Gallery

Christmas Special: The Gay Folk Art of Jeffry Mitchell

With a Tannenbaum and fireplace, the Portland artist leverages folk art’s autobiographical traces to celebrate queer home life.

12/11/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

seeing things

Things to Do in Portland This Week, December 2025

A holiday market of glossies and art books, and other events in town.

12/11/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

Bookshelf

Portland Monthly’s Best Books of 2025

Our favorite fiction and nonfiction, children’s books, cartoons, and comics of the year by Oregon authors.

12/08/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

seeing things

To Nutcracker or NOT-Cracker?

Two takes on the classic ballet, and other events in town.

12/04/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

at the gallery

At 50, Blue Sky Gallery Still Believes in Photography

Portland’s international photo gallery has been one of the art form’s biggest players since day one.

12/04/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

music preview

The Biggest Portland Concerts of Winter 2025–2026

Cardi B, Cat Power, Sudan Archives, Earl Sweatshirt, John Legend—and a Pink Martini New Year’s.

12/02/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

Gimme Five

5 Portland Activist and Community Choirs to Know

Instead of Christmas carols and religious hymns, these local groups sing to resist oppression and foster community.

12/01/2025 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen Illustrations by Dilek Baykara

Get Lit

11 Must-See Holiday Light Displays in Portland and Beyond

It's twinkle time. From Peacock Lane to Zoo Lights to dazzling shows across the state, here’s how to make the season extra bright.

11/25/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

Seeing Things

Lisa Jarrett Weaves Personal History with Beauty (Literally)

Also: a director screening of Pee-wee as Himself, and other events in town.

11/20/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

seeing things

Portland Authors Present Norwegian Film Dreams at the Tomorrow Theater

Plus the history of Portland concert posters at Mint Gallery Records, and more.

11/13/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

Profile

Ralph Pugay Is Troubling Paradise

The Portland artist’s collages capture the fractured beauty of his own queer, immigrant experience.

11/13/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

Institutions

10 Must-Visit Museums in Portland

Museum-hopping without leaving city limits, from OMSI to the Zymoglyphic Museum.

11/11/2025 By Conner Reed and Matthew Trueherz

Self-Care

6 Local Spas Where You Can Shake the Cold Weather Blues

A Hawaiian massage, a float tank, a wine-infused bath, and your choice of soaks and facials.

11/10/2025 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen and Portland Monthly Staff

Toe pick!

Where to Go Ice-Skating in Portland and Beyond

Total beginner? Wannabe Winterhawk? Aspiring Olympian? We have the rink for you.

11/10/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Pinball Wizard

Next Level Pinball Museum Is Oregon’s Finest Arcade

It's not just about the games—Next Level is a temple of pop culture and a nerdy parent's dream.

11/07/2025 By Jordan Michelman Photography by Michael Novak

Seeing Things

Craig Thompson at the Portland Book Festival

Also: the Decemberists with the symphony, and other events in town this week.

11/06/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

Hot Spots

The Best Saunas In and Around Portland

Bask in fir-scented steam, lounge near the hearth in a 200-degree cabin, or blast Mitski in your own private suite at one of these Portland spas.

11/05/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden, Isabel Lemus Kristensen, and Allecia Vermillion

Seeing Things

Ursula K. Le Guin’s Worlds at Oregon Contemporary

A biographical exhibition curated by the author’s son, and other events this week.

10/30/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

Arts and Letters

Mother Foucault’s, the Lifeblood of Portland Literary Bohemia

“Hey, this is a real way to live,” says owner Craig Florence, who’s formalizing the community around his bookshop as a nonprofit.

10/29/2025 By Jaydra Johnson Photography by Michael Novak

Best of PDX

Your Quintessential Portland Bucket List: 50 Things to Do in Town

These are our city's can't-miss activities, whether you’ve lived here all your life or are just passing through.

10/27/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff