We’re getting you ready for the weekend with options from the Portland Winter Light Festival to Neighbors for Change: A Civic Action Fair and from the Cascade Festival of African Films to a block party for the opening of the exhibition Dear Portland. Plus, pull up to one of the many Super Bowl watch parties happening around town.
FRIDAY
LIVE MUSIC
Silk Letdown with Chris Margolin and the Contraband, Don’t Tell John and Purusa
Portland band Silk Letdown makes guitar-heavy and funk-influenced grunge that’s anything but disappointing. Taking inspiration from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stone Temple Pilots, and Incubus, the band plays their first show of 2026 at Star Theater with support from gritty alt-country group Chris Margolin & The Contraband, Sacramento-based bluesy rock band Don’t Tell John, and Portland rock ‘n’ roll legends Purusa. Don’t forget to stop by the merch table to grab a copy of Silk Letdown’s new record on splatter vinyl with liner notes featuring hand-drawn illustrations from guitarist Chris Gruchacz. Presented by the independent Pacific Northwest record label and promoter Prepaid Friends, this show promises a rollicking good time. SHANNON LUBETICH
(Star Theater, Old Town-Chinatown, $15-$20)
