News & City Life

talking trash

Artist-in-Residence, at the Dump

In the annual Glean program, artists rehash the city’s refuse. “Maybe this trash isn’t trash,” says the program manager.

04/16/2025 By Jaydra Johnson

Editor's Note

Portland’s West Side Is Cooler Than You Think

With its blend of unique shops, ambitious restaurants, and beautiful architecture, the west side deserves a second look.

04/09/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Wheelie Good

These Are Portland's 15 Essential Annual Bike Rides

Bike proms, bike plays, and naked rides—few cities have livelier bike calendars than ours. Here are the can't-miss events.

04/07/2025 By Katherine Chew Hamilton and Rebecca Jacobson

History

To Know Old Town's Past Is to Hope for Its Future

My grandmother’s Old Town was a vibrant, bustling place for all. Despite what handwringers say, it still is.

04/07/2025 By Lauren Yoshiko

Teen Spirit

In a Former Strip Club, Portland’s All-Ages Music Scene Finds New Life

With the Off Beat, nonprofit Friends of Noise is set to open the city’s first dedicated underage concert venue in over a decade.

03/31/2025 By Shannon Daehnke Illustrations by Amanda Lanzone

Index

The New Portland Airport Terminal, by the Numbers

After nearly four years of renovations, the new PDX terminal is now open to the public, with millions of feet of Oregon lumber.

03/24/2025 By Alex Frane

Long Story Short

At Oregon Ballet Theatre, Dani Rowe Takes on Marilyn Monroe

Rowe, the first woman to serve as the company's artistic director, has wanted to tell Monroe's story since Kim Kardashian wore the actor’s dress to the Met Gala.

03/24/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson Photography by Jason Hill

Public Health

Portland’s Fraught Fluoride History, Explained

The city has voted down fluoridation four times. How did we get here?

03/19/2025 By Erin Ross

Q&A

Shari Dunn Says Now Is Not the Time to Give Up on DEI

The equity consultant’s new book, Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work, argues that we need to rethink how we hire, evaluate, and train employees.

03/18/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Weed Whackers

Goats Are an Eco-Friendly, Adorable Form of Yard Care

Overgrown lawn? Rent a herd of hungry ruminants.

03/12/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson Photography by Michael Raines

Pretty in Pink

A Complete Guide to Viewing Cherry Blossoms in Portland

Peak bloom is nigh.

03/11/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Q&A

Ripping the City with Zyah Belle, Portland’s Rihanna-Approved R&B Vocalist

The singer dishes on spring, simplicity, and Akadi’s suya wings.

03/10/2025 By Dalila Brent Illustrations by Betty Turbo

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