That Portland summer you ordered is here, and this week, it arrives with bike rides of cat-loving, liberatory, and meet-cute varieties. Visual art shows at Nationale, Word Virus Books, and Gallery 114 offer some intriguing ways to hide from the heat, and the 8 Seconds Rodeo returns to showcase riders on the Black rodeo circuit (yee haw). Get after it, and don’t forget to reapply sunscreen.
MONDAY, JUNE 15
Jesse Kamerzell: Between Today and Tomorrow
Jesse Kamerzell’s compositions feel like half-remembered dreams, which tracks—the painter-bricklayer’s solo exhibition draws inspiration from a haunting recurring dream he experienced as a child. Circus tents, churches, and tall buildings with unglazed windows rest on barren hills, evoking a somber moodiness that’s curiously disrupted by calming fields of pale pink and dappled green. When not painting, Kamerzell makes functional objects of solid masonry like coffee tables and plinths. Between Today and Tomorrow’s unique install decisions, like Kamerzell’s choice to position two paintings high in the gallery’s corner, reveal his spatial awareness. (Nationale, 15 SE 22nd, Thurs-Mon 12-6 pm through June 27, Sun by appointment, FREE, more info, all ages) LINDSAY COSTELLO
TUESDAY, JUNE 16
Shoot the People
Here’s a chance for Clinton Street Theater filmgoers to catch a special preview screening of Shoot the People, Andy Mundy-Castle’s soon to be released documentary about protest and entertainment photographer Misan Harriman. In 2020, Harriman’s coverage of Black Lives Matters movements led him to a history-making position: He was the first Black man to photograph a British Vogue cover—and the image itself was part of a series of activist portraits within the issue. Shoot the People presents Harriman’s process and vision in far-ranging situations. It’s not all activism. Sometimes it’s the Oscars. (Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton, 7 pm, $10, tickets here, not rated) SUZETTE SMITH
Also worth it:
Sicko Vision: Works by Sally Jablonsky, Word Virus Books, more info
Jablonsky’s moody, fantastical oil paintings take over downtown’s Word Virus Books; browse their arty, high-brow selection after feasting your eyes on the work.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17
Seventh Annual Cat Ride
Over the past near-decade, cat-loving Portlanders have turned this feline-centric ride into a summertime tradition. Don your cat ears, your cat tail, your best cat t-shirts and socks, and connect with other cat fanatics as you roll dozens of riders deep. Maybe your cat is even down to come along for the ride? (The Mercury is not responsible for whatever scratches may ensue from this attempt.) (Kenilworth Park, SE Holgate and 34th, meet 6 pm, ride 6:30 pm, FREE, more info, all ages) KATHERINE CHEW HAMILTON
Portland Fire vs. Seattle Storm
Back in the olden days of the WNBA, the league was home to one of its fiercest and most organic rivalries between the Portland Fire (yay!) and the Seattle Storm (boo, hiss). The two cities are separated by just under 175 miles, a distance that will feel even shorter when the Storm head down to the Fire Pit to reignite the flames. Both teams have been struggling as of late—after a strong May, the Fire have taken a tumble, and the Storm have been close to the bottom of the standings most of the season. The Fire will need the support of fans (like you!) to see this race through to the finish line. (Moda Center, 1 N Center Ct, 7 pm, $16-$140, more info, all ages) STEPHANIE KALOI
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
Style, Story & Legacy: A Night of Fashion, Comedy, and Celebration
For the fifth year, Race Talks presents an evening that explores Black drag in Portland. It’s anything but dry—Poison Waters and Lawanda Jackson take the stage, telling tidbits of what it was like to be Black, queer, and deeply beautiful in the ’80s and ’90s. For the 2026 festivities, Race Talks has teamed up with Good in the Hood to celebrate both Juneteenth and Pride with an unmissable panel discussion, fashion show, performances, and stand-up. Get there early for a community market of Black-owned vendors. (The Avenue, 631 NE Grand, 5:30 pm, $35 w/tiers for dinner and VIP seating, more info, all ages) SS
Colin Self: Gasp!
Portland Institute for Contemporary Art has a busy summer planned, and artist-composer Colin Self’s Gasp! is among their most enticing offerings—billed as “part seance and part dance party,” the queer opera (second in their Shadow series) attempts some “trans-dimensional” communications with the spirit realm through puppetry, video, and support from local performers. (Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA), 15 NE Hancock, 7 pm, sliding scale $20-$50, more info) LC
FRIDAY, JUNE 19
Black Liberation Ride
Celebrate Juneteenth by showing up loud and proud on your bike, taking up space, and joining other riders in solidarity. This all-level, family-friendly ride—now in its 11th year—is centered on Black and Brown Portlanders, and attendees are encouraged to wear shirts and flags to proudly rep their cultures. (Irving Park, NE 7th and Fremont, meet 6 pm, ride 6:30 pm, FREE, more info, all ages) KCH
A Juneteenth Comedy Joint
This Juneteenth, Misfit PDX Comedy and That’s Weird PDX present a lineup of Black and Brown comedians (and one white guy). Anthony Robinson is headlining, Menroth Nye and Drew Grizzly are featured, and Big Lee is the special guest. (Edgefield Ballroom, 2126 SW Halsey, Troutdale, 7:30 pm, $28, more info, 21+) KCH
Also worth it:
Endangered | Engendered: Works by Sally Finch and Sharon Servilio, Gallery 114, more info
Finch’s dizzying acrylic ink works create a colorful partnership with Servilio’s harmonious blend of paper and ceramic pieces, which “give physical shape to networks of ideas.”
Delta Park Powwow and Encampment, Delta Park, more info
Celebrated since 1970, this three-day powwow is open to all, featuring dancing competitions, frybread tacos and stew, and Native craft vendors.
SATURDAY, JUNE 20
Juneteenth Oregon Festival
Commemorating June 19, 1865, the day freedom reached the last enslaved Africans in the United States, this local celebration brings together Portlanders to enjoy America’s second Independence Day. The festivities kickoff with the Clara Peoples March down the city’s central artery, MLK Boulevard. Named for Oregon’s “mother of Juneteenth,” the march honors Peoples’ legacy and 54 years of Juneteenth celebrations. A culminating festival in Lillis-Albina Park in the historically Black Eliot neighborhood will host inspirational speakers, including guests from the 8 Seconds Rodeo. Expect joyful performances from the 503 Steppers, improvisational jazz from local legend Yugen Rashad, funk jams from Bridge City Soul, and famed bassist Kirk Green. (Lillis-Albina Park, 2451 N Flint, 12-7 pm, FREE, more info, all ages) BRI BREY
Punk Rock Pride
Promising to be “bigger, louder, and GAYER” in year two, Punk Rock Pride returns to your favorite stretch of SE Foster with a street party that doubles as a benefit for Outside In. If you loved Lana Electra’s drag brunch at Bar Carlo, grab tickets now! That sold out really early! This year, there are four drag shows happening throughout the day: in the mix with an all ages bill of bands at Performance Works Northwest, a 21+ gig at Starday Tavern, flash tattoos at Rose and Dagger, and bingo(!) at 5 and Dime. Once again, NakedHeartsPDX leads a group ride from Seawall Crest Park, leaving promptly at 2 pm. (SE Foster between SE 65th and 66th, 1 pm to late, $15 wrist band gets you in everywhere but brunch, more info) SS
Heated Rivalry Bike Ride
In the words of the Mercury’s Trash Report columnist Elinor Jones, love is trash—except, of course, for Heated Rivalry. Okay, you binged the gay hockey romance last year, which feels like a lifetime ago. But you’re still a millennial who yearns and pines (or Gen Z. Or Gen X. Or whatever! Yearning and pining knows no age bracket). Soundtracked by t.A.T.u., Bike Summer’s 21+ Heated Rivalry ride will cruise in a loop starting at Oregon Park, AKA the cottage. Feels destined for a few meet-cutes, no? (Oregon Park, NE 30th and NE Oregon, 6 pm, FREE, more info, 21+) LC
Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair
Co-presented by Los Angeles’ American Cinematheque, Hollywood Theatre’s Bleak Week invites you to spend seven days watching some of cinema’s most devastating films. Why? Because deep feeling through endurance tests is fun, sometimes. That said, I’d skip the selections that are chasing after a shock factor (Cannibal Holocaust, Irreversible) in favor of more nuanced forms of despair. Michael Cimino’s The Deer Hunter (1978) and Sam Raimi’s A Simple Plan (1998) are solid examples. They both chart the collapse of ordinary people living ordinary lives. The Deer Hunter explores the layered fallout of Vietnam War violence, while A Simple Plan is a deceptively cutting small town thriller—not a totally surprising move from the guy who directed The Evil Dead. Read more in this month’s Second Run Portland. (Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy, various times through June 25, $10-$12, more info) LC
Also worth it:
Yelling Choir, Pacific Northwest College of Art, more info
Riotous sound erupts from Portland-based musicologist Maxx Katz’s Yelling Choir, a collective of femme, women, and nonbinary participants.
SUNDAY, JUNE 21
Force of Nature: Gay Prides of Portland Pageant
Dust off your metallic stilettos, block your brows, and glue on those lashes; Portland’s pageant queens are assembling for this annual competition for the year-long Pride title. This year’s theme is “Force of Nature,” so expect the contestants to blow your wigs off with gale-force wind! Mr., Miss, or Mx. Gay Pride must present a themed look, compete in a formal wear runway, answer questions live on stage, and perform a unique talent. The winner will be an ambassador at July’s Pride Parade and a representative for queer Portland throughout the year. 2025 winners Saint Syndrome, The Mistermissy, and Austin Lindsey will be in attendance to pass the crown! (Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside, 5 pm, $11-$21.25, VIP tickets $62.75, more info) BB
8 Seconds Rodeo
Historians estimate that one in four cowboys in the American West were Black, though you won’t often read that statistic in textbooks. The current premiere athletes of the Black rodeo circuit are headed to Portland to rope and ride at this yearly celebration of American history and culture. The fourth year of the 8 Seconds Rodeo will draw wranglers from around the country to compete in bull riding, bareback bronco riding, barrel racing, and mutton bustin’ for a share of the $60,000 in prize money. Come in your best western wear—10-gallon hats, boots, pride fans, and daisy dukes are encouraged. Whatever you wear, be ready to dance to hyper-energetic announcers and DJs between events. (Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 Winning, 7 pm, $48+, more info, all ages) BB
Looking for even more events happening this week? Head on over to EverOut!
