Culture
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Nine Portland Dishes That Are Plated Works of Art
Finally some fine art you can put in your mouth.
Finally some fine art you can put in your mouth.
Performance Works Northwest Turns 25
Dancer-choreographer Linda Austin reflects on a quarter-century in Portland’s experimental scene.
Dancer-choreographer Linda Austin reflects on a quarter-century in Portland’s experimental scene.
It's Time to Appreciate Bike Play as Theater
Bike Summer / Pedalpalooza's annual outdoor drama is campy, approachable, and drawing crowds.
Bike Summer / Pedalpalooza's annual outdoor drama is campy, approachable, and drawing crowds.
Punchlines & Piledrivers Calls It in the Ring
Ally Ward's absurd wrestling-inspired live show pits comics against each other for an improv battle.
Ally Ward's absurd wrestling-inspired live show pits comics against each other for an improv battle.
Jock Jams Vol. 1 Turns 30 & Flirty!
Tracing sport, nostalgia, hip-hop hitting the mainstream, and the fall of Village People’s “YMCA.”
Tracing sport, nostalgia, hip-hop hitting the mainstream, and the fall of Village People’s “YMCA.”
Satyricon: An Oral History
From 1984-2011, the downtown dive was a venue where legends, locals, and total unknowns shared a stage.
From 1984-2011, the downtown dive was a venue where legends, locals, and total unknowns shared a stage.
Book Review: Shared Homes Bring Hope and Chaos in Wolf Bells
Leni Zumas’ new novel is a nice (and quietly subversive) story about
a multigenerational, intentional community.
Leni Zumas’ new novel is a nice (and quietly subversive) story about
a multigenerational, intentional community.
Eleven Films to Argue About in Fall 2025
The season is stacked with films from the likes of Paul Thomas Anderson, Kelly Reichardt, Lynne Ramsey, Chloé Zhao, Kathryn Bigelow, Yorgos Lanthimos, a Safdie, a Tron movie, and more!
The season is stacked with films from the likes of Paul Thomas Anderson, Kelly Reichardt, Lynne Ramsey, Chloé Zhao, Kathryn Bigelow, Yorgos Lanthimos, a Safdie, a Tron movie, and more!
San Cha’s Inebria Me Reimagines Religious Ecstasy
The queer opera draws from mystic saints and ’90s telenovelas to tell a rare and radical love story.
The queer opera draws from mystic saints and ’90s telenovelas to tell a rare and radical love story.
Second Run Portland: Gakuryū Ishii’s August in the Water is Unstreamable Late-Summer Magic
The folkloric Japanese film screens alongside Hungarian psychedelia and Edward Yang’s Yi Yi this month.
The folkloric Japanese film screens alongside Hungarian psychedelia and Edward Yang’s Yi Yi this month.
UPDATE: Eye-Popping Eyes & Ears Reframes, Moves to Barn Radio
Bijan Berahimi talks to us about curating his massive survey of visuals in music at PNCA, now on view at Wieden+Kennedy
Bijan Berahimi talks to us about curating his massive survey of visuals in music at PNCA, now on view at Wieden+Kennedy
Rediscover Portland Cartoonist Rupert Kinnard and 50 Years of Black, Gay Comic History
Kinnard appears at Rose City Comic Con on Saturday.
Kinnard appears at Rose City Comic Con on Saturday.
The Newsletter Trying to Turn Portland into “Tennis City, USA”
Tennis Courterly’s editors insist it’s not a secret literary magazine.
Tennis Courterly’s editors insist it’s not a secret literary magazine.
At the 2025 Time-Based Art Festival, West Coast Is Best Coast
After losing federal grant funding, TBA pushes forward with queer opera, Native storytelling, and radical soundscapes.
After losing federal grant funding, TBA pushes forward with queer opera, Native storytelling, and radical soundscapes.
Toody Cole and Friends Celebrate the Life, Music, and Birthday of Fred Cole
Crystal Ballroom hosts an evening honoring the Dead Moon frontman.
Crystal Ballroom hosts an evening honoring the Dead Moon frontman.
Eight Writers We're Excited to See at the 2025 Portland Book Festival
Literary Arts announced its whole list of poets, authors, and comics artists you'll want to catch at this year's fest.
Literary Arts announced its whole list of poets, authors, and comics artists you'll want to catch at this year's fest.
Jordan Casner Wins 2025 Portland's Funniest Person Contest
Helium Comedy Club's final round wrapped up months of competition; Virginia Jones and Brent Lowery rounded out the winners.
Helium Comedy Club's final round wrapped up months of competition; Virginia Jones and Brent Lowery rounded out the winners.
Album Review: Norway's Mortiis Live at Enchanted Forest and Star Theater
Dark Dungeon Synth for your next D&D adventure.
Dark Dungeon Synth for your next D&D adventure.
Them Portrays the Everyday in the Midst of War
Samah Sabawi has written a prescient play, but is it good?
Samah Sabawi has written a prescient play, but is it good?
How to Conquer Pickathon (And Still Love It in the End)!
A guide to seeing every band—plus some—at Portland’s best festival.
A guide to seeing every band—plus some—at Portland’s best festival.
Highest 2 Lowest Is Spike Lee’s Fanboy Homage to Akira Kurosawa
But this isn't a Kurosawa film, so don't go looking for one.
But this isn't a Kurosawa film, so don't go looking for one.
Nobody 2: Twice the Carnage, but Not Enough
Bob Odenkirk's dad justice series kicks up the brutality with the help of Indonesian filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto.
Bob Odenkirk's dad justice series kicks up the brutality with the help of Indonesian filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto.
Hear In Portland: Two Outdoor Summer Fests and New Single From Zyah Belle
Read all about what’s on the music forecast, Hear In Portland.
Read all about what’s on the music forecast, Hear In Portland.
Mercury Music Picks: The OO-Ray Album Release Show, Ces Cadáveres, Femi Kuti
Plus immigrant rights fundraisers, Club Alive, and Northwest Hardcore Fest!
Plus immigrant rights fundraisers, Club Alive, and Northwest Hardcore Fest!
My Eternity Evening With Francis Ford Coppola
Inside the iconic director's Portland stop on his Megalopolis Tour—but first, a few tangents!
Inside the iconic director's Portland stop on his Megalopolis Tour—but first, a few tangents!
For a Glimpse Into Portland's Thriving Future, Look to the River
After years of dedicated advocacy, Portland is getting on board with being a “swimmable city.”
After years of dedicated advocacy, Portland is getting on board with being a “swimmable city.”
Second Run Portland: Shinji Sōmai’s Moving Is the Luminous Coming-Of-Age Film You’ve Never Seen
Plus, Gakuryū Ishii’s punk-inflected vision and two cinema vérité documentaries head to the screen this month.
Plus, Gakuryū Ishii’s punk-inflected vision and two cinema vérité documentaries head to the screen this month.
Drinking the Pickathon Kool-Aid
And liking it!
And liking it!
In It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley Youth Is Too Real
A new documentary by Amy Berg captures a songwriter's vivid youth cut short.
A new documentary by Amy Berg captures a songwriter's vivid youth cut short.
The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: August 4–10
This week: pugs, hot sauce, and two of the buzziest names in indie rock.
This week: pugs, hot sauce, and two of the buzziest names in indie rock.
God and Sex and Trees
A new novel from prolific screenwriter and Kelly Reichardt-collaborator Jon Raymond links the existential and the erotic.
A new novel from prolific screenwriter and Kelly Reichardt-collaborator Jon Raymond links the existential and the erotic.
Portland Rap Star Wynne Is Giving Portland Fans the “Tour” Experience
Hot new details dropped this morning, involving several local shows and a live backing band!
Hot new details dropped this morning, involving several local shows and a live backing band!
Pickathon: A Friendly Guide to Portland’s Greatest Festival
So many stages! To camp or not to camp. What’s a dish token?
So many stages! To camp or not to camp. What’s a dish token?
Twenty-Five Years of Portland Caring About Art
A timeline of Mercury arts coverage and behind-the-scenes tales.
A timeline of Mercury arts coverage and behind-the-scenes tales.
Pickathon 2025: 15 Acts Not To Miss As Chosen By a Festival Vet and a Total N00b
Struggling with who to see? Let our most-anticipated acts this year help make it easier… or way, way harder!
Struggling with who to see? Let our most-anticipated acts this year help make it easier… or way, way harder!
Mercury Music Picks: The Mercury Turns 25!
Plus Pickathon, international punk, queer rave, and more!
Plus Pickathon, international punk, queer rave, and more!
Palestine Supporters Walk Out of Regina Spektor’s Portland Show
Spektor reacted strongly when a pro-Palestine protester interrupted the show at Revolution Hall. Then, others were asked to leave for expressing support for Gaza.
Spektor reacted strongly when a pro-Palestine protester interrupted the show at Revolution Hall. Then, others were asked to leave for expressing support for Gaza.
The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: July 28–August 3
From wild cherry pizza to '70s sci-fi, this week's events are a summer fever dream.
From wild cherry pizza to '70s sci-fi, this week's events are a summer fever dream.
Cloud's Paranoid World of Online Resellers
A Japanese thriller depicts the terror and hilarity of anonymous animosity.
A Japanese thriller depicts the terror and hilarity of anonymous animosity.
Project Pabst Day 1: DEVO Was Right!
Gustaf plays the rubber chicken, Iggy gets dropped, and Gouge Away are PDX-Based.
Gustaf plays the rubber chicken, Iggy gets dropped, and Gouge Away are PDX-Based.
Project Pabst Update: The Damned Drops, FIDLAR Pick Up the Slack
Hot damn—we're excited to night club with Iggy Pop, whip it with Devo, and follow Death Cab for Cutie into the dark!
Hot damn—we're excited to night club with Iggy Pop, whip it with Devo, and follow Death Cab for Cutie into the dark!
The Fixin’ To Flips Instead of Folding
The St. Johns bar ditches live music, adds a ball.
The St. Johns bar ditches live music, adds a ball.
Bookshop Mother Foucault's Crowdfunds To Buy Its Building
A new nonprofit, l'école buissonnière, formed around the shop to fundraise and expand programming.
A new nonprofit, l'école buissonnière, formed around the shop to fundraise and expand programming.
The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: July 14–20
How often can you view a shark dissection and listen to ambient music in a sun-dappled garden in the same week?
How often can you view a shark dissection and listen to ambient music in a sun-dappled garden in the same week?
Free the Rave!
Barn Radio’s Cole Johnson understands the need for community-building events in Portland and isn’t afraid to do something about it.
Barn Radio’s Cole Johnson understands the need for community-building events in Portland and isn’t afraid to do something about it.
Clinton Street Theater's Third Hanabi Japanese Film Festival Line-Up Is Here
This year has US and Portland premieres and new 4k restorations, along with the cult films, award-winning classics, and anime features audiences demand.
This year has US and Portland premieres and new 4k restorations, along with the cult films, award-winning classics, and anime features audiences demand.
At Taqueria Los Puñales, Excellent Tacos Are Served With Queer Joy
The name, the menu, and the freshly-made tortillas are all deeply intentional.
The name, the menu, and the freshly-made tortillas are all deeply intentional.
Sorry, Baby Is a Rom-Com for People Who Have Panic Attacks
We are living in the golden age of directors discovered by Barry Jenkins, Eva Victor is one.
We are living in the golden age of directors discovered by Barry Jenkins, Eva Victor is one.
The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: July 7–13
Outdoor parties, an AANHPI market, and a dog-friendly bike ride signal that summer is alive and kicking.
Outdoor parties, an AANHPI market, and a dog-friendly bike ride signal that summer is alive and kicking.
Hell Is Full of Clowns
Inspired by Dante's Inferno, Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble's new play is a tour of Divine Comedy.
Inspired by Dante's Inferno, Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble's new play is a tour of Divine Comedy.
Second Run Portland: Days of Heaven Glows Again in 35mm
Plus, a queer twist on yakuza inheritance and Chantal Akerman’s mother-daughter meditation hit Portland screens this month.
Plus, a queer twist on yakuza inheritance and Chantal Akerman’s mother-daughter meditation hit Portland screens this month.
Dinosaurs Deserve So Much Better Than Jurassic World Rebirth
The seventh entry in this never-ending franchise struggles to unearth any fossilized remains of awe or fun from Steven Spielberg’s first Jurassic film.
The seventh entry in this never-ending franchise struggles to unearth any fossilized remains of awe or fun from Steven Spielberg’s first Jurassic film.
The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: June 30–July 6
This week: Wu-Tang Clan, ceviche, queer cinema, and a friendly reminder not to traumatize dogs.
This week: Wu-Tang Clan, ceviche, queer cinema, and a friendly reminder not to traumatize dogs.
Be Gay, Do _____.
Welcome to the Mercury's 2025 Queer Guide!
Welcome to the Mercury's 2025 Queer Guide!
Be Gay, Do Portland
Gal about town Jenna Fletcher shares her favorite queer goings on in our gay little city.
Gal about town Jenna Fletcher shares her favorite queer goings on in our gay little city.
Iain Mackenzie on Portland's Urban Development and His Dream Pride Parade Float
The urbanist writer is your number one follow for zoning plans, cute out-on-the-town queer content, and insider shade.
The urbanist writer is your number one follow for zoning plans, cute out-on-the-town queer content, and insider shade.
On the Cover: Pastel Artist Pace Taylor Paints Their Way Toward Paradise
Last Call at the Rainbow Cafe incorporates shreds of Americana into a decidedly queer aesthetic.
Last Call at the Rainbow Cafe incorporates shreds of Americana into a decidedly queer aesthetic.
This Vogue Femme Class Teaches Ball Culture Core Elements and History
Teacher Latroy Robinson balances biochemistry by day and ballroom by night.
Teacher Latroy Robinson balances biochemistry by day and ballroom by night.
Why Rocky Horror Picture Show Still Does the Time Warp at Clinton Street Theater
What's the secret to the weekly screening's enduring relevance?
What's the secret to the weekly screening's enduring relevance?
Portland Dancer Allie Hankins on Why Haunting Belongs to Lesbians
Her By My Own Hand: Melody explores onstage manipulation through song.
Her By My Own Hand: Melody explores onstage manipulation through song.
Always Here Bookshop Finally Comes Home
After two years operating as a pop-up, this queer bookstore has a new, permanent North Portland space.
After two years operating as a pop-up, this queer bookstore has a new, permanent North Portland space.
A Queer Centerfold
Of events, you perv!
Of events, you perv!
The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: June 23–29
This week: nachos, rock history (the geological kind), and a band name we regret Googling.
This week: nachos, rock history (the geological kind), and a band name we regret Googling.
How to Rockhound a Rainbow of Rocks in Oregon and Washington
Geology enthusiast Alison Jean Cole on where to find the geological equivalent of a hot trans man.
Geology enthusiast Alison Jean Cole on where to find the geological equivalent of a hot trans man.
A Double Feature by Mikki Gillette Offers Raw Trans Narratives
Tears and Glitter and Mimetic Desire invite audiences into Gillette's humerous and urgent worlds.
Tears and Glitter and Mimetic Desire invite audiences into Gillette's humerous and urgent worlds.
Rediscover Portland Cartoonist Rupert Kinnard and 50 Years of Black, Gay Comic History
A new collection of his work explores his artistry and activism.
A new collection of his work explores his artistry and activism.
Introducing the Portland Mercury’s New Staff Writer, Lindsay Costello!
She birdwatches and plays hammered dulcimer in her spare time.
She birdwatches and plays hammered dulcimer in her spare time.
Tour de Force Productions’ Fool for Love Is Spare, Harsh, and Precise
Meghan Daaboul's new Portland theater company started off easy with some devastating Sam Shepard.
Meghan Daaboul's new Portland theater company started off easy with some devastating Sam Shepard.
Even More! 2025 Pride Events: Bingo, Disco, and a Horny Gay Teen Comedy That Does Not Quit
Also, queer Asians celebrate at a wife-and-wife owned wine bar and Wonderwood Springs hosts Ye Olde Gay Faire!
Also, queer Asians celebrate at a wife-and-wife owned wine bar and Wonderwood Springs hosts Ye Olde Gay Faire!
Profile Theatre’s Mother Russia Finds Humor in Collapse
Lauren Yee’s farce blends slapstick, surveillance, and Soviet nostalgia, but its critique of capitalism stops short of a fresh indictment.
Lauren Yee’s farce blends slapstick, surveillance, and Soviet nostalgia, but its critique of capitalism stops short of a fresh indictment.
Mercury Music Picks: Casual Hex Record Release Show
Plus, Blonde Redhead open for Bloc Party in the Clouds and Michael Cera Palin play the Mission!
Plus, Blonde Redhead open for Bloc Party in the Clouds and Michael Cera Palin play the Mission!
Where To Go for the Second Annual Portland Book Week
From silent reading sessions to bookish tattoos, PBW maps out a literary treasure hunt across the city.
From silent reading sessions to bookish tattoos, PBW maps out a literary treasure hunt across the city.
Ten Years of Terror With the Portland Horror Film Festival
The five-day weekend fest welcomes over 70 films from across the world to Hollywood Theatre and Clinton Street Theatre.
The five-day weekend fest welcomes over 70 films from across the world to Hollywood Theatre and Clinton Street Theatre.
Caught by the Tides Captures 22 Years of Filmmaking Into Two Sumptuous, Sweeping Hours
Chinese writer-director Jia Zhangke is one of cinema’s truly great Wife Guys.
Chinese writer-director Jia Zhangke is one of cinema’s truly great Wife Guys.
Portland Pride 2025 Events: Gays Eating the Rich
Plus, drag history, elf parties, synths, sewing club, and more!
Plus, drag history, elf parties, synths, sewing club, and more!
Mercury Music Picks: Holocene Turns 22 and the Mercury on the City Cast Portland Podcast!
Plus Bloc Party and Portraits of Past play Portland for the first time in forever!
Plus Bloc Party and Portraits of Past play Portland for the first time in forever!
Summer Festival SZN is Upon Us, Y’all!
What do Mannequin Pussy, Nonbinary Girlfriend, Portugal. The Man, and Outta Pocket all have in common?
What do Mannequin Pussy, Nonbinary Girlfriend, Portugal. The Man, and Outta Pocket all have in common?
Mercury Music Picks: Take a Hike with Black Belt Eagle Scout and Introducing L.I.E. (Portland’s Best New Band)
Plus get Dragged Into Sunlight, tear it up with Chlorine, and Portland music news!
Plus get Dragged Into Sunlight, tear it up with Chlorine, and Portland music news!
After 18 Years, Rontoms Bids Farewell to Their Sunday Sessions
The final show is an epic all-day mini-fest!
The final show is an epic all-day mini-fest!
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Happyness (The Wrecking Ball)
Imago’s absurdist production wrestles with the common question: Do I need to buy a gun?
Imago’s absurdist production wrestles with the common question: Do I need to buy a gun?
Hear In Portland: Bye Bye Rontoms Sunday Sessions, We’ll Miss You!
Night Heron’s new record offers the calm of Escapism, milk, and grapes.
Night Heron’s new record offers the calm of Escapism, milk, and grapes.
Mercury Music Picks: Outsider Portland Album Releases and Berlin DJs
Plus the next gen. of nu-metal and Portland music news!
Plus the next gen. of nu-metal and Portland music news!
The Portland Mercury’s Back on Spotify, Baby!
This is huge for the community, trust us.
This is huge for the community, trust us.
Log Lady Look-Alike Contest Photos: She’s Got the Look (and the Log)
From solemn stares to statement specs, contestants channeled Twin Peaks' quirkiest oracle.
From solemn stares to statement specs, contestants channeled Twin Peaks' quirkiest oracle.
Photo Review: Alien Boy vs. Grails
Two rad Portland bands, one night… Choose your fighter!
Two rad Portland bands, one night… Choose your fighter!
Pavements Is Not Just A Pavement Movie, It’s All Pavement Movies
Biopic, doc, concert, museum, musical—Alex Ross Perry's documentary contains five views of the '90s rock band winding around one another.
Biopic, doc, concert, museum, musical—Alex Ross Perry's documentary contains five views of the '90s rock band winding around one another.
Log Recognize Log: World Forestry Center Celebrates an Iconic Twin Peaks Character
A pop-up exhibit at the World Forestry Center celebrates the Log Lady, the actress who portrayed her, and the strange wisdom of wood.
A pop-up exhibit at the World Forestry Center celebrates the Log Lady, the actress who portrayed her, and the strange wisdom of wood.
Album Review: A New Look at Old Joy
Yo La Tengo’s score for Kelly Reichardt’s Oregon-made indie classic is out on vinyl for the first time via Mississippi Records.
Yo La Tengo’s score for Kelly Reichardt’s Oregon-made indie classic is out on vinyl for the first time via Mississippi Records.
Friendship Thrives in This Golden Age of Pathetic Men
Andrew deYoung taps into Tim Robinson’s vein of flailing white guy chaos for a familiar but funny phantasmagoria of adult social interaction.
Andrew deYoung taps into Tim Robinson’s vein of flailing white guy chaos for a familiar but funny phantasmagoria of adult social interaction.
Mercury Music Picks: Hyperpop’s Enfant Terrible Alice Longyu Gao and Berlin Darling Nils Frahm at It Again
Plus electronic music daddies, PNW favorites, and Portland music news!
Plus electronic music daddies, PNW favorites, and Portland music news!
Boyfriends (Portland Trail Blazers) For Sale!
Who wants to throw down and buy the team?
Who wants to throw down and buy the team?
Film Review: Björk's Cornucopia Is What a Concert Film Should Be
How is it possible to be a literal deity while so deeply human?
How is it possible to be a literal deity while so deeply human?
Going Deep on Bottoming for Jesus
Michael Holt's first solo show is both "a send up and a love letter" to his years as a closeted gay in the Mormon Church.
Michael Holt's first solo show is both "a send up and a love letter" to his years as a closeted gay in the Mormon Church.
Hear In Portland: Local Queens Esparanza Spalding and Karma Rivera Drop Emotional New Tunes
Read all about what’s on the music forecast in the latest HIP!
Read all about what’s on the music forecast in the latest HIP!
Mercury Music Picks: Uh Oh, Portland’s Alien Boy and Grails Host Album Release Parties the Same Night!
Plus the stacked lineup at St. Johns Bizzare and the nostalgia of the Jesus Lizard, Alison Moyet, and Slowdive
Plus the stacked lineup at St. Johns Bizzare and the nostalgia of the Jesus Lizard, Alison Moyet, and Slowdive
The Buzz with Melvins’ Frontman King Buzzo
New album Thunderball, grunge history, and what’s next.
New album Thunderball, grunge history, and what’s next.
Fans of PDX's Upgrade, Mass Timber, and Sustainability Just Got a New Anthem!
DJ Avelanche's fire video for “PDX (Wooden Roof)” is a fun who’s who of Portland hip-hop
DJ Avelanche's fire video for “PDX (Wooden Roof)” is a fun who’s who of Portland hip-hop
We Stan This Surprisingly Good All You Can Eat Sushi Spot in Downtown Portland
Hamono Sushi’s unlimited omakase is unexpectedly delicious and won’t send you home hungry.
Hamono Sushi’s unlimited omakase is unexpectedly delicious and won’t send you home hungry.
Oregon Book Awards: Literary Arts Recognizes Genre Standouts and Reading Advocates
Portlanders Kimberly King Parsons and Charity E. Yoro are among the 2025 winners.
Portlanders Kimberly King Parsons and Charity E. Yoro are among the 2025 winners.
Mercury Music Picks: Michael Hurley Memorial and Björk in Portland??
Plus big rave energy, hardcore, and Portland music news.
Plus big rave energy, hardcore, and Portland music news.
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