News & City Life

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

Blades of Glory

Portland’s Downtown Ice Rink Is Back

Get ready to glide.

11/08/2024 By Margaret Seiler

One-Sentence Stories

Portland News in Small Packages | 2024

Our favorite ballot box, the dystopian future as the present day, and a farewell to the Pac-12.

11/07/2024 By Margaret Seiler

Parenthood

Portland’s New Parenting Groups Are Doing Something Radical

They're focusing on the mom.

10/31/2024 By Miranda Rake Illustrations by Johanna Goodman

Getting Steamy

Portland’s Gay Bathhouse Scene Hasn’t Dried Up Yet

The city has lost almost all of its gay bathhouses, but the LGBTQ+ community still finds solace in the sauna.

10/28/2024 By Byron Beck Illustrations by Derek Abella

Au Musée

Getting Handsy with Monet’s Water Lilies at PAM

Stripping unwanted varnish gives the Impressionist masterpiece new life, and peels back some of the painting’s intimidating context.

10/14/2024 By Matthew Trueherz Photography by Jason Hill

Portland Monthly