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Posted inComedy

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.
Avatar photo Suzette Smith

Nice guys finished first at Helium Comedy Club’s competition for Portland’s Funniest Person 2025, with judges awarding JORDAN CASNER the coveted title and $3,000 in prize money on Sunday night. The stand-up’s winning set explored gift competition with past romantic rivals and what heights Luigi Mangione may have gone on to had he not allegedly […]

Posted inDo This, Do That

The Mercury’s Do This, Do That: August 25–31

This week: Lodestars of Portland’s grunge-pop and soul history, plus a tropical sundae.
Avatar photoAvatar photo Lindsay Costello and Mercury Staff

Good news for those who deserve a little treat. This week serves layered sundaes, State Fair elephant ears, and a lilting farewell set by consummate indie-poppers Tennis. For something heartier, catch cool jazz at wine and cheese bar Négociant or a performance by Ural Thomas, the King of Portland Soul. Indulge accordingly. Monday, August 25 […]

Posted inAlbum Review

Album Review: Norway’s Mortiis Live at Enchanted Forest and Star Theater

Dark Dungeon Synth for your next D&D adventure.
Avatar photo Jonathan Ludwig

Seminal Norwegian black metal band Emperor formed in 1991 with bass player and lyricist Mortiis at the helm. Mortiis recorded two acclaimed EPs with the band: Wrath of the Tyrant and Emperor, later compiled as Emperor/Wrath of the Tyrant—but by the time Emperor started work on their debut full length, Mortiis had stepped away to […]

Posted inThe Trash Report

THE TRASH REPORT: Fascists are Babies, Celebrities are Silly, Rich People are Horrible

Let’s dig into this week’s trash can of delicious gossip.
Avatar photo Elinor Jones

Helloooooooo Trash Pandas! Welcome back to the Trash Report. I’m your girl Elinor Jones, fresh off a weeks-long mental health break “sabbatical.” This summer has been fun, but it’s been busy and I was fresh out of jokes to make and fucks to give, so I needed to rest. I’ve also been oddly tuned out […]

Posted inGood Morning, News!

Good Morning, News: Heat Warnings Continue, Street Racers Outrun Portland Cops, and Trump Threatens Military Occupation of Cities He Hates (👋)

Avatar photo Wm. Steven Humphrey

If you’re reading this, you probably know the value of the Mercury’s news reporting, arts and culture coverage, event calendar, and the bevy of events we host throughout the year. The work we do helps our city shine, but we can’t do it without your support. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and […]

Posted inNewsblast!

YOUR SUNDAY READING LIST: Political Shenanigans, Oregon’s Shrinking Newspapers, and the Heroes Keeping Portland Weird

Avatar photo Wm. Steven Humphrey

GOOD MORNING, SUNDAY! It’s the perfect time to catch up on some of the great reporting and stories the Mercury churned out this week! (PRO TIP: If you despise being “the last to know,” then be one of the first to know by signing up for Mercury newsletters! All the latest stories shipped directly to […]

Posted inEverOut

The Best Bang for Your Buck Events in Portland This Weekend: Aug 22–24, 2025

Hawthorne Street Fair, Comix Thing, and More Cheap & Easy Events Under $15
Avatar photo EverOut Staff

As always, the weekend is bringing events that require little fuss or funds. We’re suggesting cheap and easy picks from the Hawthorne Street Fair to Comix Thing and from the Volume Bomb Block Party VIII to Sonder, Listening Bar Presents Wax On: A Record Fair. Discover more things to do with our weekly top picks […]

Posted inNews

Updated: County Declares Emergency as Portland Faces Dangerous, Extended Heat Wave

Multnomah County will open two daytime cooling centers and extend hours at three libraries. 
Avatar photo Mercury Staff

Update: 11:45, Monday, August 25: Multnomah County announced it won’t reopen cooling centers today, as temperatures have fallen below emergency thresholds. The forecast still predicts hot weather (low 90s) through Tuesday evening, so health officials advise people to maintain heat precautions, especially those particularly susceptible to heat-related illness.  Update: Noon, Sunday, August 24: Multnomah County’s […]

Posted inEverOut

Ticket Alert: Shane Gillis, Dijon, and More Portland Events Going On Sale This Week

Plus, Kamala Harris and More Event Updates for August 21
Avatar photo EverOut Staff

Get your credit card ready ’cause these tickets are about to go on sale. Bro-y comedian/actor/podcaster Shane Gillis brings his stand-up to the Moda Center this December. R&B artist Dijon, who’s collabed with the likes of Bon Iver and Justin Bieber, announced a tour in support of his sophomore album Baby. Plus, Former Vice President […]

Posted inFree Tickets!

FREE TICKETS THURSDAY: Enter to Win Free Tix to See The Psychedelic Furs, Mac Sabbath, Timothy Snyder, and MORE!

Avatar photo Mercury Promotions

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 […]

Posted inPop Quiz PDX

POP QUIZ PDX: The Beatles in Portland, the Blazers’ New Owner, and the Biggest Loser (Donald Trump)

See how well YOU score on this week’s super fun trivia quiz!
Avatar photo Wm. Steven Humphrey

HEY THERE, SMARTY BUTT! It’s time once again to put your brainy-brain to the test with this week’s edition of POP QUIZ PDX—our weekly, local, sassy-ass trivia quiz. And this week we’ll be testing your knowledge on the Beatles in Portland, the Blazers’ potential new owner, and DONALD TRUMP (the blithering idiot who happens to […]

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