Senior editor Rebecca Jacobson steers Portland Monthly’s travel and outdoors coverage and writes about the more-than-human world, history, and arts and culture. She previously served as the magazine’s arts editor and digital editor. A former editor at Willamette Week and The Berliner as well as a contributor to several Wildsam field guides, she has an MFA in creative writing from the University of Montana.

Playlist

January 2017: A Month of Portland Concerts in 20 Songs

If you haven’t settled on a resolution (or already broken it), you might find inspiration listening to some of the musical maestros coming through town this month. From Dar Williams to DeVotchKa, check out our playlist for January.

01/04/2017 By Jason Buehrer, Ko Ricker, and Rebecca Jacobson

Performance

Bri Pruett on Dating, Small-Batch Granola, and Why She's Leaving Portland

The longtime local comedian brings back her solo show, Stellar, before she abandons us for Los Angeles.

01/04/2017 By Rebecca Jacobson

PoMo Picks

Top Things to Do This Weekend: Dec 29–Jan 1

Good riddance, 2016. Here are some guaranteed good ways to spend the last weekend of the year, from comedy extravaganzas to kung fu movie marathons to a last-chance visit to the Portland Art Museum's Andy Warhol blowout.

12/28/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson and Jason Buehrer

PoMo Picks

Top Things to Do This Weekend: Dec 22–25

Portland is in full-blown Christmas mode, from holiday light shows to sing-alongs to gingerbread acrobats. Embrace it—as they say, it only comes once a year.

12/22/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson, Ko Ricker, and Webb Wright

Dance

In Tahni Holt’s New Work, Dancers of Many Ages Collide

The highly conceptual Portland choreographer unveils a new, intimate piece for six women.

12/20/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson

Winter Relaxation: Survival Guide

13 Secrets of Winter Relaxation Every Portlander Must Know

From cheap massages to board games to cuddly kitties, here’s how to survive the season.

12/20/2016 By Eden Dawn, Fiona McCann, Rebecca Jacobson, Tuck Woodstock, Amy Martin, and Kelly Clarke

PoMo Picks

Top Things to Do This Weekend: Dec 15–18

David Bazan remixes Christmas classics into melancholy ditties, Tig Notaro hits Revolution Hall, retired superheroes take to the trapeze, and the Siren Theater puts on some festive comedy.

12/15/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson and Ko Ricker

Happy Holidays!

13 Portland Holiday Events to End the Year on a High Note

Be ye Santa or Scrooge, there’s something for you this holiday season.

12/13/2016 By Webb Wright, Rebecca Jacobson, and Fiona McCann

PoMo Picks

Top Things to Do This Weekend: Dec 8–11

Hundreds of tubas, pirouetting sugarplum fairies, competitive carolers, aliens and vampires, and tiny Texas towns. Prepare to get weird this weekend.

12/08/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson and Ko Ricker

Theater

Imago Theatre Unveils a Steampunk Fairy Tale Filled with Puppets

Inspired by Beauty and the Beast, La Belle was three years in the making. The result? Elaborate automata, shadow play, and trip-hop tunes.

12/05/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson

PoMo Picks

Top Things to Do This Weekend: Dec 1–4

Amy Schumer packs the Moda Center, Michael Chabon hits Powell's, John Waters is at the Aladdin, and Japanese cinema takes over the Whitsell. Welcome to December.

12/01/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson and Ko Ricker

Playlist

December: A Month of Portland Concerts in 20 Songs

The Handsome Family, Pere Ubu, Justin Townes Earle, and more prove that Portland music hasn’t been completely taken over by sugarplum fairies, singing Christmas trees, and surly elves.

11/29/2016 By Jason Buehrer and Rebecca Jacobson

PoMo Picks

Top Things to Do This Weekend: Nov 24–27

Comedian Amy Miller celebrates her debut album, Radiation City plays Revolution Hall, the Portland Cello Project turns 10, and Crumpet the Elf returns to the stage. Seize the long weekend, Portland.

11/23/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson and Fiona McCann

PoMo Picks

Top Things to Do This Weekend: Nov 17–20

Poetry meets burlesque set to the music of Prince. A new album from Portland prog-rockers Aan. "Post-African/Neo-hoodoo" dance. A sci-fi convention. It's the weekend, everybody.

11/17/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson and Jason Buehrer

Park Life

A Pop-Up Park Encourages Portlanders to Celebrate Hard Feelings

A three-day project at Pioneer Courthouse Square involves bright lights, yoga, life coaching, and puppy playtime.

11/17/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson

Nature Calling

Oregon Parks Waive Fees for Friday after Thanksgiving

Too many holiday sweet potatoes? Gather up the clan—or go refreshingly solo—for free outdoor therapy on "Green" Friday.

11/15/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson and Ramona DeNies

Education

Wise Up! A Guide to Portland’s Best, Weirdest, and Most Enlightening Educational Opportunities

Get smart, get crafty, or get cooking with the city’s coolest classes for grown-ups.

11/14/2016 Edited by Rebecca Jacobson

Education

Wise Up! A Guide to Portland’s Best, Weirdest, and Most Enlightening Educational Opportunities

Get smart, get crafty, or get cooking with the city’s coolest classes for grown-ups.

11/14/2016 Edited by Rebecca Jacobson

Wise Up: Learn Something New

Yes, You Can Study That: 29 Portland Classes You Didn’t Know Existed

Tuvan throat singing to hula dance to beekeeping, it’s time to get enlightened.

11/14/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson

Wise Up: Get Crafty

Basket Weaving to Spoon Carving, WildCraft Offers Arts & Crafts for Grown-Ups

It’s like summer camp forever.

11/14/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson