Get Lit

11 Must-See Holiday Light Displays in Portland and Beyond

It's twinkle time. From Peacock Lane to Zoo Lights to dazzling shows across the state, here’s how to make the season extra bright.

11/25/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

Pinball Wizard

Next Level Pinball Museum Is Oregon’s Finest Arcade

It's not just about the games—Next Level is a temple of pop culture and a nerdy parent's dream.

11/07/2025 By Jordan Michelman Photography by Michael Novak

Long Story Short

Vera Mysteria’s Spandex-Clad Sunday Service

Meet the Lloyd Center’s lively, colorful, and unapologetically ridiculous mall walker, host of the Food Court 5000.

11/04/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden Photography by Michael Raines

Squash Season

13 Great Pumpkin Patches to Visit near Portland This Fall

Pumpkins? Check. Also: hayrides, corn mazes, farm animals, apple cider doughnuts, and so much more.

09/29/2025 By Cami Hughes and Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Spooky Scary

Inside Oregon’s Largest Haunted Attraction

Oaks Park’s ScareGrounds began as a COVID-safe drive-thru fright fest. Now, it’s a Halloween season destination.

09/29/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

We All Scream

Why Ice Cream Is the Perfect Portland Pizza Pairing

Portland finest pizzerias are some of the city’s best ice cream shops.

09/26/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden Photography by Michael Novak

Big Brains

Your Ultimate Portland Bar Trivia Guide

Where to get your brain workout (almost) every night of the week.

09/09/2025 By Margaret Seiler

Swimming

Portland Hotels with Outdoor Pools for Summer Splashing

Why should tourists have all the fun? Avoid the city's overcrowded public pools by treating yourself to a lil' staycation.

08/26/2025 By Margaret Seiler and Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Summer Weekends

A Casually Luxurious Seattle Weekend with the Kids

Biscuit carts, dive-bombing seagulls, Canlis cocktails, and a dreamy hotel pool.

08/04/2025 By Jordan Michelman

Month Ahead

What to Do in Oregon in August

Beach volleyball in Seaside, watermelon seed spitting in Hermiston, and Pig-N-Ford races in Tillamook.

07/29/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson and Portland Monthly Staff

Summer Weekends

Refreshing, Sand-Free Ways to Cool Off This Weekend

Pools, splash pads, and waterslides any kid would love.

07/09/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Cinematastic

Portland Outdoor Movie Guide

Open-air showings in and around Portland this summer include The Goonies at Sewallcrest Park and The Sandlot at Overlook Park.

06/26/2025 By Margaret Seiler and Portland Monthly Staff

Fourth of July

Fourth of July Fireworks in Portland and Beyond

Leave the explosives to the pros. From the waterfront to Oaks Park, Astoria to Hood River, here’s where to enjoy some spectacular displays.

06/24/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

LGBTQ+

Portland Pride Guide 2025

Our annual roundup of LGBTQ+ parades, pageants, concerts, drag shows, and festivals.

06/11/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

Maximum Fun

The 22 Best Summer Events in Oregon

When it comes to festivals and fairs, our state doesn't mess around.

05/30/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson Illustrations by Davide Comai

Gimme Five

Portland’s Best Free Concert Venues

Parks, pubs, and street corners with live music that don’t cost a thing.

05/27/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

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

Snow!

Best Not-Too-Exciting Sledding Hills Around Portland

Portland is not a sledder's paradise, and we’re OK with that.

02/03/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

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

Oregon Trails

Step Inside the Oregon Coast’s Historic Bowling Alleys

Life’s a beach. Then you bowl.

01/07/2025 By Margaret Seiler Illustrations by Jordan Kay