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Do This, Do That
Posted inCalendar

The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: Your Top Events for Aug 31-Sept 6

This week: Indigenous Australian artwork, Zambian psychedelia, and clownery.
Avatar photoAvatar photo by Lindsay Costello and Mercury Staff

Legends of the psych rock and riot grrrl varieties are showing up and showing out this week–West Coasters Bikini Kill and Osees take the Crystal Ballroom stage, while Zambian band W.I.T.C.H. heads to Revolution Hall. Plus, a hefty selection of 200+ works by Indigenous Australian artists is unveiled at Portland Art Museum, and CoHo Theater’s […]

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The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: Your Top Events for Aug 24-30

Tomatoes, pickles, and a closer look at Elliott Smith’s sense of humor.
Avatar photoAvatar photo by Lindsay Costello and Mercury Staff

Late August tends to produce a certain ennui, a clammy malaise that’s difficult to cast off. If you’re feeling it, you might be dehydrated, or simply drained by the existential burden of another long evening to fill. That’s why we’re here! This week: Jane Schoenbrun’s new film finds the pleasure points in slasher cinema, and […]

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The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: Your Top Events for Aug 17-23

Cosmic ambient, Latin electronica, and a bike ride with Little Bo Peep.
Avatar photoAvatar photo by Lindsay Costello and Mercury Staff

We’re not claiming to be the bosses of your calendar or anything, but as the purveyors of Do This, Do That, we also kind of are. This week’s suggestions include a smattering of events you’ll need to just trust us on. For instance, you should pencil in Kate Murphy’s uniquely vulnerable and dark comedy set, […]

Posted inClimate Issue 2026

Do This, Do That: August-September 2026

A selection of the city’s coolest upcoming events.
Avatar photoAvatar photo by Lindsay Costello and Mercury Staff

The Bird Days of Summer THROUGH AUGUST 26 (COMMUNITY) The Bird Alliance of Oregon’s summer-long flock of events flits into August with birding hikes, art workshops, and other “super beginner-friendly” birding experiences planned. Several excursions are already full, but for the adventurous, the August 15 star safari beneath Malheur’s dark skies will no doubt be […]

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The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: Your Top Events for Aug 10-16

Summer hits peak: $10 burgers, a meteor shower, and the annual soapbox derby.
Avatar photoAvatar photo by Lindsay Costello and Mercury Staff

It’s that stage of summer when we burst cherry tomatoes in our mouths, try to get a cross-breeze going, and say things like “I’m trying to get to the river after work today.” Dig in now, because the season is fleeting. Our suggests: The Portland Mercury’s Burger Week returns, and with it comes $10 burgers […]

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The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: Your Top Events for August 3-9

Bimbo Tennis, a farewell to Lloyd Center, and deep thinking about children’s books.
Avatar photoAvatar photo by Lindsay Costello and Mercury Staff

August 8 marks the Lloyd Center’s final day of operation, so plan to drop by this weekend to pay your respects the way the mall would want you to: with an elaborate funeral procession. Fans of Colin Meloy’s Wildwood should catch his chat about illustrated books with Mac Barnett and Anis Mojgani on Thursday, August […]

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The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: Your Top Events for July 27-August 2

Pickathon, contemporary art, and a sex-positive publication by elder women.
Avatar photoAvatar photo by Lindsay Costello and Mercury Staff

This week, the city’s toggling between the biggest bounties of summer (Pickathon, the return of the Northwest Hardcore Fest, and a Spice Girls-themed bike ride) and events on the more under-the-radar, contemplative end of the spectrum. If you’re burned out/sunburned, we recommend chasing some quiet at a gallery—Nationale honors the late artist Brianna Spencer with […]

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The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: Your Top Events for July 20-26

Queer line dancing and the return of the world’s most clothing-optional bike ride.
Avatar photoAvatar photo by Lindsay Costello and Mercury Staff

It’s a great week to be queer about town. On July 21, queer variety wrestling show House of Danger brings violent chaos (sans hypermasculinity) to Swan Dive, and on July 24, queer line dancing boot-scoots around Crystal Ballroom. Plus, a queer BIPOC comedy showcase hosted by former Mercury Genius of Comedy Julia Corral hits Kickstand […]

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The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: Your Top Events for July 13-19

Avatar photoAvatar photo by Lindsay Costello and Mercury Staff

Summer is in full flex, so let’s get right to it: Hilary Duff is decidedly not so yesterday; actually, she’s she’s on tour with a new album, called luck…or something. Plus, Pride festivities hit a fever pitch, heavy riffs collide with a little late-night stargazing, and the Merc‘s own Katherine Chew Hamilton and Taylor Griggs […]

Posted inFood Issue 2026

Do This, Do That: July-August 2026

A selection of the city’s coolest upcoming events.
Avatar photoAvatar photo by Lindsay Costello and Mercury Staff

What follows is one of the many articles in the Mercury’s 2026 Food 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 Portland Mercury’s Summer of Slushies JULY (FOOD/DRINK) Get ready for the coolest, most […]

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The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: Your Top Events for July 6-12

The Mercury’s Food Issue drops with a party, and the inaugural Portland Arts Week is sports themed.
Avatar photoAvatar photo by Lindsay Costello and Mercury Staff

The Merc‘s very own Food Issue drops on July 18, and we’re celebrating sensibly by gorging on specials from Kim Jong Grillin, Frybaby, and other food cart faves stationed at the Heist. Plus, Pounded in the Butt by My Own Butt wordslinger Chuck Tingle will stop by Portland in an unsettling pink mask, his new […]

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The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: Your Top Events for June 29-July 5

Bluesy tunes, lavender blooms, and boozy slushies at noon.
Avatar photoAvatar photo by Lindsay Costello and Mercury Staff

Alcoholic frozen beverages feel like an obvious choice this week, and the Merc’s got plenty of those going around with the arrival of Summer of Slushies—$10 a pop, served up across the city. These pair well with bent notes (the Waterfront Blues Festival returns this weekend) and/or a Pickles game (Jenna Fletcher’s got a theory […]

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