This is one of the many articles in the Mercury’s 2026 Fall Arts Issue. Find a print copy here, subscribe to get a copy mailed to you here, and if you’re feeling generous and want to keep these types of articles coming, support us here.—eds.
The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art
THROUGH JANUARY 3, 2027
(VISUAL ART) Pulled from the collections of Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria, The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art’s 200+ works include pieces by some of Indigenous Australia’s most brilliant artists, including Emily Kam Kngwarray, Gulumbu Yunupiŋu, Brook Andrew, Destiny Deacon, and Betty Muffler. The exhibition offers an unusual opportunity to view multimedia works with both historical and contemporary weight, including ochre bark paintings, textural weavings, and audio and video art. Our eyes are glued to Pitjantjatjara artist Wingu Tingima’s synthetic polymer paintings and Alec Mingelmanganu’s earthy pigments. (Portland Art Museum, 1219 SW Park, Tues-Sun 10 am-5 pm, $27.50, discounts for seniors and students, FREE for members and children under 17, portlandartmuseum.org, all ages) LINDSAY COSTELLO
Stitchfest
SEPTEMBER 11
(COMMUNITY) Sewing is sew hot right now. Mingle with other sewists (or sewers, but that looks weird spelled out) at Wildcraft Studio School, show off your work, and take home some new skills at this annual event, now in its fourth year. Attendees will get to try out textile marbling, block printing, and leather tag monogramming, and check out chainstitch and embroidery demos. Beer and wine are provided with the purchase of a ticket, and there’s even a fashion show to show off your own creations. (Wildcraft Studio School, 1439 NW Marshall, 5-8 pm, $59-$69, wildcraftstudio.com, all ages (under 18 with guardian)) KATHERINE CHEW HAMILTON
Patti Smith
SEPTEMBER 15
(READINGS & TALKS) What is there to say? Patti Smith is the punk poet laureate, godmother of punk, a National Book Award-winning author, and overall national treasure. And despite her status as an American icon, I am constantly in awe of her down-to-earth personality and approachability. Back in 2015, during the release of her second memoir M Train, I caught Smith at a now-demolished Seattle cathedral for a reading. To my surprise, the evening was incredibly (and delightfully) unstructured, with acoustic songs, stories, and an unmoderated Q&A. Having now seen her on three different occasions, I’ve found that she brings that authentic, inviting energy to every show she plays. She’ll share a live performance and speak about her intimate 2025 memoir, Bread of Angels, for this one. (Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, 7:30 pm, $30-$75, literary-arts.org, all ages) AUDREY VANN
El Grito
SEPTEMBER 15-16
(COMMUNITY) Portland’s Mexican consulate hosts this massive two-day celebration of El Grito—the shout, in English—marking the day in 1810 when a priest called on his fellow Mexicans to fight for independence from Spain. It’s also a celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day, as well as Hispanic Heritage Month. The event is totally free and features entertainment like live mariachi music and folkloric dancing. There’s also a market with handmade artisan goods for sale, as well as community resource booths. (Moda Center, 1 Rose Center Court, 11 am-10 pm, FREE, elgritoportland.com, all ages) KCH
HUMP! Fall Film Festival
SEPTEMBER 17-19
(FILM) Calling all sexpots! The most exciting film festival in the world—HUMP!—is back with a brand new lineup of absolutely filthy short films this fall, directed by and starring your very own sexy friends and neighbors across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. As expected, this edition of HUMP! refuses to play it safe. Featuring something for every sexual taste and body type, HUMP! comes in hot with tiny dirty flicks featuring thoughtful explorations of desire, eye-popping experimentation, and hilarious depictions of Noah’s Ark, LEGOs, dim sum, Frankenstein, food that’s not food, doctor role play, and haunted glory holes. HUMP! is the film festival that never disappoints. (Cinema 21, 616 NW 21st, 6:30 pm and 9 pm, $25, humpfilmfest.com, 18+) WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
Josh Thomas
SEPTEMBER 18
(COMEDY) Comedy and TV fans (as well as the gays) are likely familiar with the bright, shining talent of Josh Thomas—the Australian comedian whose career skyrocketed in his teens, and who now at 39 years old has produced and starred in two fantastic television shows, Please Like Me and Everything’s Gonna Be Okay. The winner of multiple comedy awards and festivals, Thomas is also an accomplished actor and is known for his bubbly, awkward, and smart stand-up, where he talks about his neurodivergence and massive dating fails. He’ll take you on a rollercoaster ride of enthusiasm paired with emotional depth. Oh, and he’ll make you laugh… so there’s that, too. (Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, 7:30 pm, $51.50, portland5.com, all ages) WSH
Circle V
SEPTEMBER 20
(FOOD) One of Portland’s biggest food and drink festivals is also completely vegan. Twenty restaurants/pop-ups are participating in Circle V, from staple vegan restaurants like Jade Rabbit and Boxcar Pizza to rare pop-ups like Mama Dút and Alley Mezza. They’ll pair up to create 10 event-exclusive collaborative dishes, all of which are included in the ticket price. Your entry fee also includes small bites from vegan food producers, as well as wine, cider, beer, sake, and non-alcoholic bevvies. And for the line-averse, don’t worry—tastings are split up into two sessions to reduce crowds. (Castaway Portland, 1900 NW 18th, noon-2:30 pm and 3-5:30 pm, $110-$125, circlevportland.com, 18+) KCH
Hasan Hates Ronny | Ronny Hates Hasan
SEPTEMBER 25
(COMEDY) Finally, a cage match I want to watch—except that comedians Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng won’t be in a physical cage. They’ll be sweating and straining, hurling insults at one another from the respective prisons of their onstage personas. Casual comedy fans will recognize both from their Daily Show days as political satirists. Minhaj also hosted the award-winning Patriot Act Netflix show. Chieng and Minhaj have deftly played inside the prejudice of Asian stereotypes before, engaging in tongue-in-cheek arguments with one another about whether Indian and Chinese people can equally share Asian diaspora. This tour promises to touch on politics, economics, and family values, among other hot button issues. However, reviewers have called the show “heartwarming,” so it’s fair to anticipate moments of unmasked shared humanity. Natch. (Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay, 7 pm, $50.90+, portland5.com, 13+) SUZETTE SMITH
Pride and Prejudice
OCTOBER 2-25
(THEATER & PERFORMANCE) The only thing that comes close to the delight of reading Jane Austen’s 1813 novel is watching all of its different remakes, from the 1995 BBC miniseries with Colin Firth, to the 2005 edition with Keira Knightley, to barely similar reimaginings like Bridget Jones’s Diary. Despite the fact that Pride and Prejudice’s plot has probably led one woman too many to give an arrogant man another chance in the hopes that he could secretly be a Mr. Darcy, we can’t bring ourselves to look away. This stage version by Kate Hamill premiered in 2017, and Portland Center Stage promises that their rendition will employ playful theatrics, humorous double casting, and a “modern comedic spark.” (Portland Center Stage, 128 NW 11th, Wed-Sun 7:30 pm, weekend matinees 2 pm, $25-$100, pcs.org, all ages) KCH
Portland Poetry Confluence
OCTOBER 2-4
(READINGS & TALKS) How lucky is Portland to have a free poetry festival, thoughtfully organized by local literary types like multidisciplinary writer Dao Strom and Passages Bookshop’s David Abel?! The second edition of the lyrical event will flow with more words and wisdom from stacked talent, including poet and Suquamish Nation member Cedar Sigo, Inupiaq poet Joan Naviyuk Kane, and poet-psychotherapist Emily Kendal Frey, among many others. Portland Poetry Confluence’s curated book fair is worth browsing throughout the weekend for your new favorite experimental verse, too. (Atrium Movement and Events, 2305 SE 50th, FREE, portlandpoetryconfluence.org, all ages) LC
Portland Craft Chocolate Festival
OCTOBER 2-4
(FOOD) Hot chocolate season is upon us, as is chocolate chip cookie baking season—so the Portland Craft Chocolate Festival, a three-day celebration of all things chocolate, just makes sense. Exhibitors include artisan chocolate makers like the Meadow, Missionary Chocolates, Ranger Chocolate, Wildwood Chocolate, and Woodblock Chocolate, plus artisans creatively using chocolate in their products, like distillers and hot sauce makers. On October 3, there’s a chocolate chip cookie baking competition with a judging panel that includes professional bakers, a former Love Island star, and Mayor Keith Wilson. Competitors also get a free ticket for that day’s festival—sign up to enter by September 15. (Olympic Mills, 107 SE Washington, Oct 2 5-7 pm (VIP party), Oct 3-4 11 am-5 pm, $35+ (kids 8 and under FREE), pdxccf.com, all ages) KCH
Table 17
OCTOBER 3-NOVEMBER 1
(THEATER & PERFORMANCE) Portland Playhouse kicks off cuffing season with Douglas Lyons’ Table 17, a succinct, scintillating play about exes and love, history and honesty. It’s an immersive work, so audience members choose seats from tables and barstools surrounding the action. Take a date, and you’ll be able to suss out your prospective honey’s views as Jada (Tyharra Cozier) and Dallas (Marcus Lattimore) try to find closure… or just get in one last jab. (Portland Playhouse, 602 NE Prescott, Wed-Sun, $61.95-$71.95 w/ sliding scale options that include $5 Arts for All, portlandplayhouse.org, 12+) SS
In a Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild
OCTOBER 4
(MUSIC) Sure, you don’t typically hear the velvety twinklings of a Steinway concert grand piano from a mountaintop, an old-growth forest, or a meadow. But In a Landscape asks an interesting question: Why not? The concert series, which brings classical music to natural settings across the West Coast, will be set up in an easy to access, yet still scenic spot—Lewis & Clark College’s estate gardens, in front of the Frank Manor House—for a soothing recital by pianist (and In a Landscape founder) Hunter Noack on October 4. Wandering is encouraged; attendees can listen through wireless headphones as they explore the grounds. (Lewis & Clark College, 615 S Palatine Hill, 3 pm, $60-$80, lclark.edu, all ages) LC
Min Jin Lee in Conversation with Mitchell S. Jackson
OCTOBER 9
(READINGS & TALKS) If you read Min Jin Lee’s lauded multi-generational family tragedy Pachinko and thought it could use more characters and heavier exposition, then I have good news for you. That’s what we’re hearing in previews about Lee’s latest epic American Hagwon. It sounds like I’m poking fun, but I’m very interested to view Asia’s 1997-98 financial crisis through the eyes of the Koh family as they try to find financial security, moving from Seoul to Sydney and finally California. Migration is beautiful; so is Lee’s style of unpacking history via complex yet sympathetic characters. Lee will be joined in conversation by Mitchell S. Jackson (Survival Math)—pushing this talk from yes, please into must see. (The Reser, 12625 SW Crescent, Beaverton, 7:30 pm, $47-$61 w/ Arts for All tickets available, thereser.org, all ages) SS
Holst’s The Planets
OCTOBER 8-11
(MUSIC) Everybody loves to get baked and listen to Gustov Holst’s The Planets—no? Well, you should try it. But even if you don’t partake, Holst’s seven-part orchestral suite can put you into space through sound alone. The Oregon Symphony presents the entire series at these shows with the added treat of composer Kaija Saariaho’s four-minute Asteroid 4179: Toutatis and the West Coast premiere of Gabriela Lena Frank’s Picaflor: A future myth, which won the composer a Pulitzer Prize in 2024. Oregon Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Bravo! Vail Music Festival co-commissioned the 32-minute work, and now we enjoy. (Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, $40+, orsymphony.org, all ages) SS
White Bird Presents Circa
OCTOBER 14
(THEATER & PERFORMANCE) Blink and you’ll miss productions put on by White Bird, but they’re your best chance to see monumental figures of world dance here in Portland. For instance, Brisbane, Australia’s Circa—the name is a cool, classy shortening of circus—makes work with thrilling acrobatics and modern choreography. Their performance Wolf, in particular, has been called feral, physical, snarling, and sexy. If you think you would like to see a sensual human pyramid within the context of an artsy evening, do not miss ordering White Bird from your fall menu. (Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, 7:30 pm, $5-$130, whitebird.org, all ages) SS
Demon Pond
OCTOBER 15
(FILM) It’s simple. A film blends Japanese folk horror and psychedelia with Kabuki theater and fantasy elements and, well, I’m desperate to see it. I suspect many of us will feel the same level of intrigue about Japanese New Wave innovator Masahiro Shinoda’s Demon Pond (1979), in which a wandering schoolteacher meets a witchy woman whose job it is to appease the local dragon god, thus preventing catastrophic floods. She’s got it under control–until a drought complicates matters. (Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton, 7 pm, $10, cstpdx.com, not rated) LC
Deep Listening: The Story of Pauline Oliveros
OCTOBER 15
(FILM) If you’re not familiar with the pioneering work of composer, philosopher, and electronic musician Pauline Oliveros, it’s past time to remedy that. When Oliveros died in 2016, her late-’60s sonic meditations still felt prescient, even futuristic. Hundreds flocked to social media to share excerpts of her work. (“Take a walk at night. Walk so silently that the bottoms of your feet become ears.”) Oliveros was an innovator in all senses, creating everything from musical tools and software to the Deep Listening modality for which she would become best known. Dip your toes into her oeuvre with Deep Listening: The Story Of Pauline Oliveros. Co-presented by the Portland Synth Library, this screening of the documentary will be followed by an audiovisual performance by local experimenters !mindparade, and offers attendees an opportunity to tinker with a modular synth. (Tomorrow Theater, 3530 SE Division, 7 pm, $15, not rated, tomorrowtheater.org, all ages who listen deeply) LC
Portland Zine Symposium
OCTOBER 17-18
(COMMUNITY) Zinesters from all over the world descend on Portland for this two-day zine symposium, which has been going strong since 2001. Around 150 DIY artists and self-publishers will peddle their wares, so bring a tote bag to carry your haul. In true zinester spirit, the event is all ages and totally free to attend, and though the schedule hasn’t been released as of this writing, expect plenty of workshops, panels, and discussions throughout the weekend. (Portland State University Smith Ballroom, 1825 SW Broadway, 11 am-5 pm, FREE, portlandzinesymposium.org, all ages) KCH
Quince Fest
OCTOBER 18
(FOOD) If your quince-eating experience has been limited to that pinkish fruit pâte you occasionally get on a nice cheese plate, get ready to expand your horizons at this festival. The celebration of the hard, yellow, pear-like fruit, now in its third year, invites guests to sample various quince varieties, try quince ciders and small bites made with quince, and partake in activities like screen printing. Tickets are only available via presale and include a commemorative glass, plus tastings—bonus points for dressing up in quince colors. (Bauman’s on Oak, 930 SE Oak, 1-5 pm, $22, kids 12 and under $11, @sauvette.pdx, all ages) KCH
Spain
OCTOBER 24-NOVEMBER 8
(THEATER & PERFORMANCE) Profile Theatre has a gimmick—and a mission. The longstanding local theater company picks one or two playwrights to produce each season, digging deep into a single view or vision. This idea can be tricky to promote—come see this popular work and her lovely, lesser-known stepsisters—but if audiences commit to the whole arc, the practice pays brainy dividends. Last season, the company produced works by both Jen Silverman and Mike Lew, and this season they’re actually doing that again! Jen Silverman’s Spain opens the 2026-27 season as a piece pulling in partnerships with both Portland Opera and 45th Parallel. Expect singing and sweeping visions of the Spanish Civil War. (Ellyn Bye Studio, 128 NW 11th, Thurs-Sun, $55 w/ $5 Arts for All tickets available, profiletheatre.org, all ages) SS
Marsha Blovotnik and the Marvelous Magical Chicken Soup
NOVEMBER 1-22
(THEATER & PERFORMANCE) Artists Repertory Theatre has labeled its 44th season “Comedies for a World on Fire,” and this spitfire of a script by Daniel Kitrosser starts out agitated. Lefty Jewish lesbian Marsha Blovotnik (Maria Porter) is furious at her freeloading sister Janice (Robin McAlpine), and that’s barely the beginning. (I bet you $10 it’s family trauma.) We all love a Jewish comedy about biting families gathering around a meal to beat around the bush. If you like shouting and soup, grab a seat. (Artists Repertory Theatre, 1511 SW Morrison, Wed-Sun, $65 w/ Arts for All tickets and age tiers available, artistsrep.org, all ages) SS
Powaqqatsi: Live with the Philip Glass Ensemble
NOVEMBER 4
(MUSIC) If time is a flat circle, Godfrey Reggio’s Koyaanisqatsi is a set of interlinked rings in a magician’s grab bag. The rollercoaster tone poem collages the cyclical nature of humanity with straight-up soul-stirring time-lapse photography. It was a quick (and surprising) sensation upon its 1983 release, so the cosmic film, whose title is drawn from a Hopi word meaning “life out of balance,” became the first entry in the Qatsi trilogy. Powaqqatsi (1988) is the second installment, deepening Reggio’s nonnarrative, dialogue-free approach with reflections on industrialization and global labor. Philip Glass’ hypnotic score is crucial to the experience of the trilogy, so get stoked to witness the Phillip Glass Ensemble perform it live for this concert-slash-screening. (Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, 7:30 pm, $29+, portland5.com, all ages)LC
An Iliad
NOVEMBER 6-NOVEMBER 22
(THEATER & PERFORMANCE) Here at the close of Hot Greek War Epic Summer, Third Rail Theatre will stage Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare’s An Iliad. The well-respected reimagining pulls from Robert Fagles’ lauded ’90s translation of Homer’s Trojan War poem, using that to dig down deeper into ancient war, contemporary war, and the immeasurable cost of violence. Conveyed through just a bard and a musician, An Iliad is exactly as good as its central poet protagonist—and in this case he’s played by Isaac Lamb, so we have high hopes. (CoHo Theater, 2257 NW Raleigh, Wed-Sun, $59.50 w/ a variety of pay tiers, thirdrailrep.org, all ages) SS
La Traviata
NOVEMBER 6-8
(THEATER & PERFORMANCE) There are now only a handful of times a year when we can hear opera in Portland. Many performing arts institutions have made deep cuts to their budgets and programs, especially following last year’s devastating National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) cuts. In the midst of their “Keep Portland Operatic” campaign, Portland Opera will present La Traviata “in concert” without sets and costumes. If you didn’t tell Portland Opera you love her before now, this would be the time to show up and support. If you just want to hear one of the major inspirations for Moulin Rouge, don’t sleep on this rare opportunity to hear a Giuseppe Verdi composition onstage. (Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay, $31-$195, portlandopera.org, all ages) SS
Little Shop of Horrors
NOVEMBER 20-DECEMBER 24
(THEATER & PERFORMANCE) The classic 1982 musical Little Shop of Horrors is often staged around Halloween, due to the “horrors” alluded to in its title. But Portland Center Stage apparently understands Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s musical about a flesh-hungry venus fly trap is the perfect show to watch with your family during the holiday season. Yes, Little Shop is filled with death, destruction, literal sadism, blood, guts, and interpersonal violence. But it’s also very funny and warm-hearted (at times). At least, there’s definitely some catharsis involved. Most importantly, its score is filled with bangers. Plus, there’s a big plant. What more could you want? Nothing, in my opinion. (Portland Center Stage at the Armory, 128 NW 11th, Wed-Sun 7:30 pm, weekend matinees 2 pm, $25-$100, pcs.org, may not be suitable for young children) TAYLOR GRIGGS
