Arts & Culture

Things to Do

Watching Weird Films in a Former Fireboat Station on the Willamette

Also: a new novel from Karen Russell, and other things to do in Portland this week.

03/06/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

On and Off Broadway

The Theater Designer Who Designed a Theater

After The Lion King on Broadway, Olympic ceremonies, Taylor Swift stages, and Super Bowl halftime shows, Michael Curry wants a bigger stage.

03/03/2025 By Matthew Trueherz Photography by Jason Hill Illustrations by Michael Byers

things to do

We’re All Still Afraid of Virginia Woolf

Also: The Office’s Craig Robinson, and other things to do in Portland this week.

02/27/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

Festival Preview

Who’s Coming to Project Pabst This Summer?

Japanese Breakfast, Death Cab for Cutie, Devo, and Iggy Pop headline the waterfront festival in 2025.

02/25/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

keeping time

Revisiting Yo La Tengo’s Oh So Portland Old Joy Score

Kelly Reichardt’s deft portrait of the city from 2006 stands outside of time—so do its songs.

02/25/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

things to do

Cymande, Your Favorite Rapper’s Favorite British Funk Band

Also: a new book from Omar El Akkad, and other things to do in Portland this week.

02/20/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

Book Review

Omar El Akkad Returns to Nonfiction to Undress American Mythology

Spurred by the war in Gaza, the celebrated American War novelist tests propaganda against the sanctity of human life.

02/19/2025 By Diana Abu-Jaber

things to do

Dance Till You’re Dead: Oregon Ballet Theatre’s Giselle

Also: Hump! is 20, and other things to do in Portland this week.

02/13/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

arts preview

5 Art Gallery and Museum Shows to See in Portland This Spring

More Monet at PAM, Dinh Q. Lê’s anti-propaganda, and the Holocaust’s long shadow.

02/11/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

all that jazz

What to See at the 2025 Biamp Portland Jazz Festival

Erykah Badu headlines 10 days of jazz concerts across the city.

02/10/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

things to do

Russo Lee Reopens on a Painting-Filled First Thursday

Also: the Trocks’ drag ballet, and other things to do in Portland this week.

02/06/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

Long Story Short

Lidia Yuknavitch, Kristen Stewart, and an Ocean Outside of Time

As The Chronology of Water becomes a movie, its author revisits her past in a new memoir, Reading the Waves.

02/04/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

at the museum

Please, Play with the Art

A new show at PSU’s Schnitzer museum celebrates play as a critical life force, and a means of political resistance.

01/30/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

things to do

It’s Nan Goldin Night at the Tomorrow Theater

Also: a sultry Spanish matador play, and other things to do in Portland this week.

01/30/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

things to do

At Open Space, Dance So Close You Can Almost Touch It

Also: Tim Heidecker’s serious tunes, and other things to do in Portland this week.

01/23/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson and Matthew Trueherz

year of the Snake

Where to Celebrate the 2025 Lunar New Year in Portland

The Chinese dragon parade, lion dances, New Year’s tea, Vietnamese Tết feasts, and an epic showcase at the Keller.

01/22/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

Vibe Check

Portland’s Seasonally Affected, Politically Depressed Mood

Photographer Jordan Gale attempts to capture the city’s wilted spirit as inauguration looms and seasonal depression lingers.

01/17/2025 By Matthew Trueherz Photography by Jordan Gale

things to do

Elliott Smith’s Kind and Gentle World at the Clinton Street Theater

Also: the poetics of politics with Anis Mojgani, and other things to do in Portland this week.

01/16/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

fit to print

A Magazine Shop Brings Portlanders Offline and Into Chinatown

Focused on global art and design publications, Chess Club fills a hole in Portland’s print-loving heart.

01/14/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

All of the Lights

For the 10th Portland Winter Light Festival, Artists Look Forward

Since 2016, the Portland Winter Light Festival has illuminated the city with dramatic sculptures and interactive installations. This year, it imagines the future.

01/13/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden