Summer feels like summer this week with the return of some of our favorites—Bike Play, Kickstand Comedy in the Park, and the Risk/Reward Festival of New Performance among them. If you’ve missed these before, now’s your chance; deets below, of course. Plus, the Portland Fire face the Las Vegas Aces for the first time and the Mercury‘s Queer Issue launch comes through with brunch and killer drag on Sunday morning. Cap it off with some Oregon wine made by Oregon queers later in the day.
MONDAY, JUNE 8
An Evening with Mary Bronstein
New York City-based filmmaker Mary Bronstein heads to Hollywood Theatre for screenings of her complete works. First up is hour-long comedy Yeast (2008), starring Bronstein alongside Greta Gerwig—it’s a low-budget, low-res “mumblecore” film shot on a MinIDV camcorder—followed by the 10-minute short film Round Town Girls (2009). If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (2025), which landed Rose Byrne a Best Leading Actress Oscar nom, is a dark yet funny look into parenthood at its worst, apparently inspired by Bronstein’s real-life experience caring for her child with chronic illness. The screening will be followed by a 30-minute conversation with Bronstein. (Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy, 7 pm, $20, more info, feature film rated R) KATHERINE CHEW HAMILTON
TUESDAY, JUNE 9
Hunx & His Punx / Slippers
“Do you ever get the feeling that you wanna hold me? / Well do it now, cause I want everyone to see / I wanna take you, take you way down / To my favorite place in town / Lovers Lane / I wanna go to Lovers Lane / I wanna run my fingers through your hair / My whole life would pass and I wouldn’t even care / Just gotta touch you and squeeze you, make you mine / I wanna hold to the end of time / Lovers Lane / I wanna go to Lovers Lane / And when you left I was doing fine / I wish I woulda kissed him one last time / What happened next no one woulda ever have known / My boy was killed and now he’s gone / And I could never go back / Now I’ll never get to see him ever again / But I won’t forget the time we got to spend / At Lovers Lane” -Hunx (Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi, 8 pm, $30, more info, 21+) NOLAN PARKER
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
Godeleine de Rosamel: Late Bloomers
Sculptor and painter Godeleine de Rosamel splits her time between coastal havens in Cape Cod, Southern California, and northern France, reflecting the vibrant natural surroundings of her homes in her ceramic work. She brings more than just clay flowers to life in her latest body of work, creating delicately balanced fauna sunning on rocks and fragile petals and pistils clinging to sturdy stems. Late Bloomers is created from deconstructions of her previous works, reassembled and reglazed to take on new life with the hopeful message that transformation—or a late bloom—is always possible. (Chefas Projects, 134 SE Taylor Ste 203, Wed-Sat, 1-6 pm, through June 13, FREE, more info, all ages) BRI BREY
Also worth it:
Meandering: Workshop by Meech Boakye and Kyle Ormsby, Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, more info
As part of the duo’s forthcoming PICA exhibition, artist Boakye and mathematician Ormsby present a free, reservation-required workshop exploring “playful forms of drawing through meander combinatorics.” Participants will build geometric prints with wooden stamps, creating unexpected braided structures.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11
PCC Music and Sonic Arts Exhibit
Students in Portland Community College’s Music and Sonic Arts program have had a rough go this past year, as the program is slated to be cut if no one comes along to save it. But the students are pressing on, this time with a free, three-day interactive exhibit promising “themes of escape, community, and surveillance.” One thing remains clear about this creative group of young people: They know what they want their world to look like, and they’re not afraid to inspire one another to create it, one piece of art at a time. (Paragon Arts Gallery, 815 N Killingsworth, June 11 2-7 pm, June 12 12-7 pm, June 13 12-5 pm with live music 1-4 pm by Harvey’s Jazz Combo, JULIAN EO, Max Blauer, and Aqua Celestia, FREE, more info, all ages) JEREMIAH HAYDEN
Bike Play XVII: A Bikesmith’s Tale
One of the must-do annual Bike Summer (FKA Pedalpalooza) rides is Bike Play. Each year, a troupe of actors spends months writing and rehearsing an original play, complete with original songs and choreography. Each scene takes place at a different outdoor setting in Portland, with riders biking from one scene to the next. The audience is encouraged to dress up according to the theme, and this year’s play is particularly ripe for costumes with its medieval theme featuring swordplay, bike jousting, and a peasant’s attempt to woo a noble. Make that Renaissance Faire outfit work double duty! (Oregon Park, NE Oregon and 29th, June 11-14 and 18-20 (ASL interpreting June 13), meet 6:30 pm, ride 7 pm, FREE (donations encouraged), more info, all ages) KCH
Portland Fire vs. Las Vegas Aces
Do you hear that? That’s the sound of A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces rolling into town to meet the Portland Fire at the Moda Center for the very first time. If you’re wondering if Wilson is really as great as they all say, the answer is a resounding “yes.” She’ll be joined by Chelsea Gray (AKA the Point Gawd), Jackie Young, and Jewell Loyd, and the WNBA’s defending champions will be captained by the indefatigable Becky Hammon. The game is the first the Fire will play after heading down to Los Angeles to meet the Sparks, and will be followed by another big match up against the Dallas Wings on Sunday, June 13. Playing one of the best teams in the league is always a big deal, and the Fire will benefit from as much fan support as possible… hint, hint. (Moda Center, 1 N Center Ct, 7 pm, $19-$151, more info, all ages) STEPHANIE KALOI
Naomi Watanabe
Most famous for her hilarious celebrity impressions—particularly her 2008 sendup of Beyoncé, which took the world by storm—Japanese-born comedian/actress Naomi Watanabe has continued her career trajectory in stand-up, podcasting, fashion, and now, movies. Her nationwide comedy tour, “From Tokyo,” breaks down the endless array of cultural differences between America and her homeland (revealing gaps in toilet stall doors, her mother’s concern that she may join the yakuza, and the language barrier of online dating—which is relatable no matter where you’re from). Watanabe’s ebullient spirit shines on stage; if she hasn’t won you over yet, catch her in action to see why she’s a global personality. (Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie, 7:30 pm, $48.50-$72.11, more info, all ages) WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
Risk/Reward Festival of New Performance
Over the years we’ve described Risk/Reward as speed dating for weird art, elevator pitches for ambitious work, and an “attention-span friendly sampler-platter of cutting-edge West Coast performance.” It’s great. We recommend it every year and always see something good that later develops into something wonderful. For example: If you went in 2024, you caught a short work by Sarah K. Finn about their professor turning into a mushroom. This year’s programming hosts two special presentations of Finn’s full-length performance. The mainstage smorgasbord of new pieces shows thrice, June 11-14. (Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, 15 NE Hancock, June 11-14, $25 per performance, $40 weekend pass, other payment tiers available, more info, all ages that can engage with weird performance art) SUZETTE SMITH
Also worth it:
The Space Lady, Village Ballroom, more info
The outsider artist of legend drops by Portland with her winged helmet and Casiotone MT-40 in tow for this week’s Lonely God Fest.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
Kickstand Comedy in the Park
Roll out your blankets and get ready to giggle under the shady canopy of Doug firs in Laurelhurst Park. As one positive holdover from the pandemic, Kickstand Comedy gathers some of the finest local and touring stand-ups for a free weekly al fresco set. Now in its sixth summer, Comedy in the Park is one of Portland’s most popular comedy nights, transforming the lawn into a hopscotch of colorful blankets topped with snacks, friends, and solid belly laughs. Hosts Julia Corral and Rachelle Cochran anchor the show, with weekly lineups announced on Instagram. Blankets drop at 6 pm! (Laurelhurst Park, SE Cesar E Chavez and Stark, 6 pm, FREE, more info, all ages) BB
Gamera vs. Zigra
Noriaki Yuasa’s Gamera vs. Zigra (1971) is considered a cult classic in the world of kaiju (giant monster) movies. Massive turtle-like Gamera is a benevolent monster, a protector and friend of children, but will he be able to defend them from colossal shark-esque Zigra and a bunch of evil aliens? In this House of Scordatura production, watch the action go down to the tune of a live score written by Portland composer Justin Ralls, played by a full ensemble. Foley sound effects join the chaos along with live voiceovers. (Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy, June 12 7 pm, June 13 1 pm and 7 pm, $25-$35, more info, all ages) KCH
Also worth it:
Chelsea Handler, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, more info
Fresh off a Las Vegas residency, comedian Chelsea Handler swings through Portland to deliver the sharpest of sharp takes on modern life, LSD trips, and bicycle masturbation.
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
Hedwig and the Angry Inch with the Clinton Street Cabaret
One cannot call themselves a true Portlander until they’ve attended at least one of the Clinton Street Theater’s biweekly midnight screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, presented with help from the always excellent and fun Clinton Street Cabaret. Performing live alongside the film—what they call “shadowcasting”—the Cabaret cuties dress in full Rocky regalia and perform their chosen characters with endless enthusiasm. Now you can see members of the Cabaret step into different roles, as they shadowcast John Cameron Mitchell’s 2001 classic, Hedwig and the Angry Inch—an off-the-rails musical extravaganza about a gender-queer punk rocker who tours America singing autobiographical numbers while stalking the ex-boyfriend who stole her songs. Expect wild costumes, infectious music, and the over-the-top fun you’ve come to love and expect from the Cabaret. (Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton, 7 pm, $15, more info, R) WSH
Also worth it:
White Lotus Community Market, Fubonn, more info
Fubonn is extra lively this June with this market featuring a lineup of different primarily AAPI vendors each weekend, selling everything from Lao sausage to sugarcane juice to handmade crochet plushies.
SUNDAY, JUNE 14
Score: A Baker Fair
Now in its second year, this fair hosts 20 of the best local, independent cottage bakers. Vendors will include Alchemy Desserts, Bun Bakeshop, Toothbutter, and more; grab bread, pastries, cookies, and perhaps a copy of Drawn Hungry, a Portland-made illustrated card game for food lovers. Smith Tea and Stumptown Coffee will provide free iced tea and cold brew to pair with all that baked goodness. Proceeds from tickets benefit nonprofit Zenger Farm, and bakers keep 100% of sales. (Zenger Farm, 11741 SE Foster, 10:30 am-2 pm, $10 ($20 for early 10 am entry; kids 12 and under free), more info, all ages) KCH
The Mercury’s Queer Issue Launch Party
Welcome to Pride Month(s), Portland gays and allies! Get your wigs snatched at this drag brunch hosted by our pals at the Portland Mercury as they release their Queer Issue: full of big gay news, events, profiles, politics, protests, and more. The launch party will feature burlesque from “Rose City Showgirl” Sandria Dore and drag performances from high glamour queen Aspen Meadows, plus-size trans femme baddie Puanani Possé, the seductive and campy Luci Zaas, and showstopping dancer Jayla Rose Sullivan, who you may recognize from her appearance on Lizzo’s reality TV competition Watch Out for the Big Grrrls. This lineup eats and so will you, because brunch and mimosas will be available for purchase from Swan Dive. The Mercury knows how to throw a kiki, so don’t miss this Pride season kickoff and Queer Issue launch. Bring your dollar bills! (Swan Dive, 727 SE Grand, 11 am, $20, more info, 21+) BB
Made With Pride
Portland is very gay. Portland also loves wine. These two truths come together at Made With Pride, a festival celebrating Oregon queer winemakers. Over a dozen winemakers will be pouring at this event, including Augustina Cellars, Franchere Wine Company, Just a Vessel, and Zē Wines, just to name a few. Pay a little extra for a VIP ticket, and you’ll have an extra hour to sip and schmooze with the winemakers before the crowds show up. It’s also your chance to check out the brand-new Darcelle XV Plaza before it officially opens to the public later in the month. (Darcelle XV Plaza, SW Park and Washington, 2-5 pm (1 pm start time for VIPs), $30-$45, more info, 21+) KCH
Queer Soup Night
Founded in Brooklyn in 2017, QSN is now a nationwide event that brings queer people together over bowls of soup, raising money for local nonprofits. This month’s special Pride edition features performances from DJs and drag queens, plus food from local chefs Jami Cakes, Emily Dasilva, and Deepak Saxena of Desi PDX. The event benefits Black & Beyond the Binary Collective, which supports leadership training and healing for queer Black Oregonians. (The Side Yard Farm, 4800 Northeast Simpson, 4-7 pm, $15-$20 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds, more info, all ages) KCH
Also worth it:
Soul Walk North, Lillis-Albina Park, more info
This app-guided audio walking tour helps participants explore Albina’s rich music history; hit Lillis-Albina Park first for a street party, local food, and tunes before starting the 90-minute stroll.
Looking for even more events happening this week? Head on over to EverOut!
