City Guide 2025

[Read all of the articles in our Portland Fun Guide HERE! Looking for a print copy? Look at this handy-dandy map! Don’t feel like stepping out? Get the Mercury delivered straight to your door.—eds.] Look, we get it: with everything going on in the world, having fun, being happy, or even feeling the slightest bit content […]

[Read all of the articles in our Portland Fun Guide HERE! Looking for a print copy? Look at this handy-dandy map!—eds.] For many, Donald Trump’s second term in office has been a dizzying descent into chaos. The unraveling of our federal government, and disregard for the Constitution is unconscionable. It’s also been a stark reminder […]

[Read all of the articles in our Portland Fun Guide HERE! Looking for a print copy? Look at this handy-dandy map!—eds.] Everyone knows Portland is a great city for biking. But once you have your bike, and you’re on the street getting ready to push the pedals, you may find yourself wondering: Where should I […]

[Read all of the articles in our Portland Fun Guide HERE! Looking for a print copy? Look at this handy-dandy map!—eds.] Did you know that as someone receiving food and/or cash assistance from the State of Oregon, you are automatically able to take advantage of the Arts For All—a program that allows EBT cardholders (the card […]

[Read all of the articles in our Portland Fun Guide HERE! Looking for a print copy? Look at this handy-dandy map!—eds.] Group activities: they lead to friendship, romance, creative fulfillment, exercise, and exposure to nature. But getting involved can seem strange, alien. That’s why the Portland Mercury, your favorite newspaper, is here to help. Here are […]

[Read all of the articles in our Portland Fun Guide HERE! Looking for a print copy? Look at this handy-dandy map!—eds.] Seeing artists like Doja Cat and Portugal. the Man in small capacity venues before they blow up is incredibly memorable not (only) because it’s a bragging point, it’s also that you’ve experienced these incredible […]

[Read all of the articles in our Portland Fun Guide HERE! Looking for a print copy? Look at this handy-dandy map!—eds.] At the Oscars in March, Best Director Sean Baker took the stage with a warning: “Right now the theater-going experience is under threat. Movie theaters, and especially independently-owned theaters, are struggling, and it’s up […]

[Read all of the articles in our Portland Fun Guide HERE! Looking for a print copy? Look at this handy-dandy map!—eds.] Portland is not known for big-ticket tourist attractions. We have a few, to be sure, but the real draw of the city is its approach to life—creative, independent, unhurried, and green.  So if you […]

[Read all of the articles in our Portland Fun Guide HERE! Looking for a print copy? Look at this handy-dandy map!—eds.] Mentioned here many times over, Portland is a comedy town where traditional stand-up thrives. These days, alternative-format unscripted comedy shows put on by stand-ups are taking the spotlight—and we’re here for it. Game shows, […]

[Read all of the articles in our Portland Fun Guide HERE! Looking for a print copy? Look at this handy-dandy map!—eds.] Contrary to popular belief, Portland’s Black community has a significant presence in the city, and the impact and influence of Black culture on the city’s food, arts, and music scenes is undeniable. These six […]

[Read all of the articles in our Portland Fun Guide HERE! Looking for a print copy? Look at this handy-dandy map!—eds.] After years of depending on TriMet to get around Portland, I’ve developed a complicated relationship with the city’s transit system. One can direct many valid criticisms TriMet’s way—it’s plagued by asshole fare cops, a troubled […]

[Read all of the articles in our Portland Fun Guide HERE! Looking for a print copy? Look at this handy-dandy map!—eds.] Portland has so many dive bars, and folks feel passionately about each one. But the word “dive” can encompass many vibes. Generally, a dive possesses a lack of pretension and a promise of cheaper-end […]