Who’s ready to have some fun? Well, the Mercury is here to help with FREE TICKETS to see some of Portland’s best concerts and events; our way of saying thanks to our great readers and spread the word about some fantastic upcoming performances! (Psst… if you want to say thanks to the Mercury, please consider making a small monthly contribution to keep us alive and kickin’!) And oh boy, do we have some fun events coming at ya this week! CHECK IT OUT! (Note: This contest is active from August 20 through August 24). You can find our contest rules here.

Hailing from Philadelphia and now based in the vibrant city of Charleston, SC, alt indie hip-hop duo Little Stranger (Kevin and John Shields, no relation but best friends) have spent years honing their signature sound and perfecting their version of the ‘organized chaos’ that a Little Stranger live show entails. Get your tickets now or enter for a chance to win a free pair! (Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside, August 27, $40.50+, 8 PM, All Ages)

Welcome to August Meltdown! Our air conditioning is cranked down, but the heat on screen is dialed all the way up in films like Do The Right Thing, Body Heat, Call Me By Your Name, and more. Get your tickets now or enter for a chance to win a free pair! (Tomorrow Theater, 3530 SE Division, August 28-30, $15, Check Showtimes, All Ages)

Black & Loud Fest is the PNW’s biggest celebration of Black-fronted bands, music, and no matter what you look like, you’re invited. Enter for your chance to join the celebration and snag free passes to catch Iniko, King Youngblood, Cyril Neville, and more at The Den on Aug 30th. Get your tickets now or enter for a chance to win a free pair! (The Den, 116 SE Yamhill, August 30, $51.96+, 5 PM, 21+)

Comedian, actor and musician Hannibal Buress has been featured far and wide across popular media: he’s appeared at the Just For Laughs Festival, in multiple movies, on David Letterman, Conan, Stephen Colbert and so much more. Enjoy an evening with the comedy star when he appears LIVE in Portland once more! Get your tickets now or enter for a chance to win a free pair! (Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark, September 3, $58.53, 7 PM, All Ages)

September 4–6, experience three days of the kind of fresh, original jazz only Portland could dream up at Montavilla Jazz Festival 2026. Lo Steele with greaterkind, Jessie Marquez y Su Conjunto Cantando con CUBA, and W4RP Trio headline more than 25 concerts happening across the Montavilla neighborhood and Mt. Tabor Park! It’s not just another music festival. It’s a neighborhood coming together—local musicians, local craft food and beverage, local stages. Step into the rhythm of the creative moment at the defining celebration of Portland Jazz. Get your tickets now or enter for the chance to win a free pair! (Multiple Locations, September 4-6, $35+, Check Showtimes, All Ages)

To celebrate two decades since their inception, The Infamous Stringdusters have released their new album, 20/20 — 20 songs for 20 years! Listen LIVE when the performance veterans bring their Grammy Award-winning “jamgrass” stylings to Portland! Get your tickets now or enter for a chance to win a free pair! (Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark, September 11, $45.96+, 7:30 PM, All Ages)

Balancing playful improvisation with deliberate musical choices, Chanpan has created a jazzy, fluid style of alt-pop all their own. Listen LIVE as they share vibrant new tunes in Portland on the ‘Autogratis’ Tour! Get your tickets now or enter for a chance to win a free pair! (Polaris Hall, 635 N Killingsworth Ct, September 12, $26.20, 9 PM, All Ages)

Jessica Kirson is a dynamic force in comedy, celebrated for her high-energy performances, ridiculous characters, and self deprecating vulnerability. She’s sold out three previous appearances in Portland — don’t miss this one! Get your tickets now or enter for a chance to win a free pair! (Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie, September 12, $58.51, 7 PM, All Ages)

GOOD LUCK! Winners will be notified on Monday (8/24), and check back next week for more FREE TIX from the Mercury.