News & City Life

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

Crib Sheet

A Quick-and-Easy Guide to Portland’s New City Councilors

The skinny on the city’s new leadership.

02/24/2025 By Nathan Williams

Soccer City, USA

A Word from Timber Jim, the Man with the Chainsaw

Approaching the 50th anniversary of the Portland Timbers’ first game, its original hype man reflects on his legacy.

02/18/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Love Letters

An Illustrated Ode to Behind the Museum Café

In our new quarterly series, comics creator Shay Mirk profiles the Portland places and projects they love.

01/27/2025 Illustrations by Shay Mirk By Shay Mirk and Brooke Jackson-Glidden

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

City Soak

A Luxe Hotel and Thermal Spa Opens in NE Portland

Cascada brings thermal pools, fitness classes, and Portuguese-Japanese dining to the Alberta Arts district.

01/15/2025 By Alex Frane

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

Sketch Comedy

Hasaan Hates Portland Casts an Uncomfortably Funny Light

In the series of web shorts, a Black Portlander’s day-to-day experience unravels the stories the city tells about itself.

01/08/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

Deep Fake

We Took a Spin Around OMSI’s Plastic Ice Rink

The Swiss-made synthetic surface is Glice, Glice, baby.

12/17/2024 By Margaret Seiler

In Memoriam

Portlanders We Lost This Year: Naomi Pomeroy

The legendary Beast chef and restaurant industry advocate died earlier this year. With months to reflect, this is how her collaborators remember her.

12/16/2024 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Winter

Will It Sled?

An unscientific analysis of Portland’s best, worst, and most ridiculous toboggan alternatives.

12/16/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff

NYE 2025

Where to Party in Portland for New Year's

If the house party invite got lost in the mail, we’ve got you covered.

12/12/2024 By Matthew Trueherz

Making Merry

I Won't Be Home for Christmas: 3 Family-Free Ways to Spend the Holiday

Whether you're solo, boo'd up, or partying with pals, we've got a Portland itinerary for you.

12/11/2024 By Jamie Cattanach

Cold Hard Facts

Breaking Down Portland Winter Weather

Last January’s deadly cold snap closed roads, downed trees, and left thousands without power. How does it compare to past years?

12/10/2024 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Iced Out

Is Oregon Preparing Enough for Winter Weather?

The Oregon Department of Transportation is facing a financial crisis. That’s bad news for our roads.

12/04/2024 By Peter Laufer Illustrations by Martin Gee

Editor's Note

Oregon’s Nordic Roots Are Most Visible in the Winter

Oregon’s love for saunas and skiing can be tied to its Finnish and Scandinavian immigrants.

12/03/2024 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Q&A

Ripping the City with Ryan Daniel, Portland’s Viral Portrait Photographer

‘The people of Portland and the reaction to the project I’m doing has been amazing.’

12/03/2024 By Dalila Brent Illustrations by Betty Turbo

LGBTQ+

Correcting the Transgender History of Westward Expansion

An exhibit at the Oregon Historical Society places trans identity at the heart of the American mythos.

11/26/2024 By Matthew Trueherz

Portland Monthly