[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 feels somehow… wrong. But here’s the thing—finding enjoyment, helping others, and even partying your ass off is a true form of defiance in the face of wanna-be authoritarianism.
The current administration is banking on you feeling sad, defeated, and isolated. And if the country is already giving these narcissistic dick-whistles so much, do they get to take our joy as well? That’s why it’s more important than ever to force yourself out of your sour mood and search out the happiness that’s all around you in our community.
So if you’re one of those people who says, “I remember when Portland used to be fun,” well, guess what, sugar pop? IT ALWAYS WAS AND FOREVER SHALL BE. It may sound quieter in Portland’s land of fun due to the current circumstances, but that’s mostly because we’re not hearing YOU and your joyous laughter in the mix. We miss you, and you deserve to have fun again. So why not flip the ultimate finger to the president, his lackeys, and wealthy local enablers, by getting back out there, living your life, and HAVING A FREAKING GOOD TIME?
And that’s what the Mercury’s guide to having fun in Portland is all about. Consider us your tour guide into the many and varied ways that Portlanders are having a goddamn blast, and how YOU can join them!
For example, is a lack of funds stopping you from enjoying all the arts and culture Portland has to offer? Check out our Nolan Parker’s guide to having fun with the EBT card, which (in case you didn’t know) offers very deep discounts to so many great music, art, and theatrical performances around town! Or if you’re the type of person who hates to go it alone, allow Corbin Smith to introduce you to lots of fun (and often free) group activities, where I bet you’re going to meet your next bestie.
Love the outdoors? Explore the little-seen nooks and crannies of the city by bike, as our Taylor Griggs shares her favorite Portland rides. If biking’s not your speed, what about checking out Portland’s most interesting spots by bus? (Our Lindsay Costello has the road map you’ve been looking for.) And if your family is threatening a visit, but you’re stumped for places to take them which aren't overrun by tourists, try our guide to Portland’s most unlikely tourist attractions! But, let’s just imagine for a second that you just want to be ALONE. The hilarious and smart Elinor Jones has the perfect suggestions for where to go when you need to shut down all systems and disassociate!
On the other hand, maybe you’re a fun-seeking night owl who wants to take advantage of all the amazing entertainment Portland has to offer. See what the cool kids are up to at the city’s many small music venues, which are offering up more musical genres than you can shake a stick at! Or go check out a current or classic flick at the city’s famously incredible indie movie houses. And trust me, nothing will cure your funk and build internal strength like laughing your ass off alongside Portland’s four-star comedy scene—and we’ve got the perfect roundup of recurring comedy shows for you to enjoy!
Okay, let’s say you’re “hungry” or perhaps even “thirsty.” We have the ultimate list of Portland dive bars for every conceivable mood, suggestions for finding fun ‘n’ games at local restaurants, and even where you can see a fantastic show while cramming your mouth with delicious food.
But perhaps “fun” for you is getting involved with your community? Our Courtney Vaughn has easy instructions on how to be the activist your community desperately needs. Or find the help you need as a queer person with our roundup of support services for all of our LGBTQ+ pals! And if you’re a person of color looking for a great time, don’t miss our calendar of terrific Black-forward events.
But holy crap, that’s not all! In this seemingly endless guide to fun, you’ll find all the usual Mercury favorites, such as the hilarious Trash Report, the sex-ified Savage Love, and the noggin-scratchin’ Pop Quiz PDX.
DEAR GOD… THIS ISSUE LITERALLY HAS EVERYTHING! So what are you waiting for? Dip into the “Portlander’s Guide to Fun,” soak in all this delicious knowledge, and then set a course for “Destination FUN.” Trust me, no matter what’s going on around us, once you get there you won’t wanna come back.
Yer always pal,
Wm. Steven Humphrey
