Friday the 13th occurs three times in 2026—the most it’s possible to have in a calendar year—which means more flash tattoos and more fun. This month, the inky tradition coincides with Valentine’s Day weekend, prompting fun designs that are both creepy and cute. Whether you’re looking to get your first tatt or you’re running out of skin space, we’ve compiled a list where you can get inked as part of the occasion. Don't forget your photo ID!

Anatomy Tattoo
This shop is paying tribute to Heartbreakers and Love Makers this weekend, with its flash sheets reflecting a different mood each day. Walk-ins and appointments available, and tattoos can be placed on arms and legs only. Keep an eye on their Instagram for flash sheet reveals, and if you can’t make it into the shop, pay them a visit at their Portland Night Market booth. 
Grant Park

Better Friends Tattoo
This tattoo collective is home to seven talented artists, some of whom will be offering flash designs just for Friday, and others who will have specials through the whole weekend. Contact your artist of choice directly to get on their books!
Buckman

For playwright Kallan Dana, having Racecar Racecar Racecar produced at Artists Repertory Theatre is a special homecoming. “I feel so lucky to get to come back and do a show there,” she says. “The Portland theater scene was such a huge part of my childhood and adolescence.” Now living in Brooklyn, Dana grew up in Multnomah Village. Theater was a huge part of her childhood, her parents often took her to Artists Rep shows, and she cut her teeth at both Northwest Children’s Theater and Oregon Children’s Theatre.

Interim artistic director Luan Schooler heard about a production of Racecar in New York and reached out to Dana when she found out she was from Portland. The company wanted to produce a lineup of women playwrights with ties to the Pacific Northwest for their 2025-2026 season. “It’s a truly original and startlingly funny play that explores complicated choices and relationships in a unique way,” says Schooler.

Literary Arts announced the finalists for its coveted 2026 Oregon Book Awards this morning, selecting via juries of out-of-state judges just 35 works from 200 submissions. This list always largely dictates our spring reading plans, as we fill in what we may have missed before the ceremony night on Monday, April 20.

This is a graphic novel year—the category flips biennially, on and off with the award for plays and dramatic works. We're chuffed to see Breena Bard's Wildfire nominated, which the Mercury praised for its examination of "the overall human impact on the environment" and practical ways that young people can undertake activism "whether by writing letters, volunteering, or planting trees." Other strong contenders in that category are Speechless by past Oregon Book Award winner Aron Nels Steinke and the highly lauded Big Jim and the White Boy by David F. Walker.

In the fiction category, it's no surprise to see Lidia Yuknavitch's Reading the Waves face off with A Field Guide to the Subterranean: Reclaiming the Deep Earth and Our Deepest Selves by Justin Hocking. Both writers are previous book award winners. In the nonfiction category, journalist Leah Sottile's Blazing Eye Sees All: Love Has Won, False Prophets and the Fever Dream of the American New Age brings strong competition for High Desert, Higher Costs: Bend and the Housing Crisis in the American West by the Oregonian's Jonathan Bach.

We haven't read everything on this list just yet, so there are no doubt surprises in store. The bookish nonprofit also awarded a number of fellowships, which you can check out here. Read whole list is below:

Hello my little lovebirds! Welcome to this very special Valentine’s Day edition of the Trash Report. Love is a wonderful feeling, and although this is a very stupid holiday, this column will be extremely layered and complex. I hope you’re ready to access the darkest corners of your heart you’d forgotten even existed. Just kidding! Hearts don’t have corners; they are not an angular shape. Let’s just gossip, okay? 

Love Report!

The most seemingly in-love famous couple on the scene these days is no doubt A$AP Rocky and Rihanna. When appearing on a podcast recently, Rocky was asked how they keep the spark alive, and he talked about making time for each other, and dating and being friends. This is an overly complicated answer as far as I’m concerned. I think the main way to stay interested in one’s relationship with Rihanna is to be in a relationship with Rihanna. Just look at her. That’s the spark…. Speaking of keeping the love alive, Chrissy Teigen shared that as far as her husband John Legend knows, she has never farted or pooped. That’s pretty impressive since rich people seem to travel a lot and that always gets the downstairs systems all messed up. Did fancy hotels never get hit with the stupid barn door bathroom trend that left giant gaps everywhere, doing nothing for sound insulation? That must be nice. Some of us have to wait until our partners go to the lobby for coffee to do anything gross. 

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 arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support!

GOOD MORNING, PORTLAND! 👋

Looks like a typical day of sun 'n' showers with a high of 52, to be followed by two extra sunny and relatively balmy days on Tuesday and Wednesday. That means it'll be a good time to face the sun, bask in its golden rays, and thank her for the joy and warmth she brings—while knowing full well she doesn't know you exist and would incinerate you with her blasts of plasma without giving it a second thought. And on that cheery note, let's read some NEWS!

IN LOCAL NEWS:

• Remember how we reported last week that the City of Portland suddenly discovered they were sitting on an unknown and unSPENT pile of money, that was thought to be around $15 million? Well, after digging even deeper underneath those Portland Housing Bureau couch cushions we've now learned that the amount is closer to... rubs eyes in disbelief... a whopping $106 million! Obviously more money is good news—though it still represents a problem, according to City Council Prez Jamie Dunphy, who says the financial snafu is a holdover from the inefficient and cloudy form of our former city government. Investigations are underway to figure out how and why all that money was sitting there undiscovered, while others are pushing to earmark the funds for various projects. Which ones? Find out more in this report from our Jeremiah Hayden.

The Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) is sitting on $106 million in unspent funds, far more than was previously reported. City Administrator Raymond Lee outlined the funding in a memo Friday afternoon.

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— Portland Mercury (@portlandmercury.com) February 6, 2026 at 3:27 PM

• Speaking of my fine colleague, Mssr. Hayden, check out his contributed reporting in this article from the Guardian, which documents how ICE has been forced to switch tactics after massive public pushback in various communities, including Portland.

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 your email's in-box... and then... YOUR HEAD.)

• How a Portland-Based Psychiatrist Ended Up in the Epstein Files 

The prolific sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein met with and appears to have solicited help from Portland-based psychiatrist Dr. Paul Conti to treat a young woman in his inner circle.

• Blazers and Beyond

Portland LOVES basketball, and Cameron Crowell rated the game day experiences for the Trail Blazers, the Portland Pilots, the Portland State Vikings and the Rip City Remix. Find out who has the best fandom, where to get the best stadium snacks, and where to see the best ball.

• What Can the Multnomah County District Attorney Do to Stand Up to Trump?

As federal agents escalate force in Portland, residents are demanding more accountability. Now advocates are turning to Multnomah County DA Nathan Vasquez, the elected official tasked with prosecuting those who break local laws.

The Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) is sitting on $106 million in unspent funds, far more than was previously reported. City Administrator Raymond Lee outlined the funding in a memo Friday afternoon.

At least some of the additional dollars may already be earmarked for other projects, Council President Jamie Dunphy told the Mercury Friday.

"This moment reflects the City's ongoing shift from bureaus and offices developing budgets independently to the City of Portland managing its finances holistically under our new form of government," City Administrator Raymond Lee said in a press release Friday afternoon. "I am prepared to support the Council, as the City's legislative body, in making fully informed decisions."

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)

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Good Morning, Portland! We knew it was coming. Fake Spring is over after today, and it's time to get back to our regularly scheduled programming. Rain, rain, rain this weekend and into Monday, just as February would have it. Let's see what's in the news.

IN LOCAL NEWS:

• Some local prosecutors around the country have formed a group called FAFO (short for Fight Against Federal Overreach, or fuck around and find out) in an effort to pool resources and more effectively push back against the Trump administration and its lackeys. Despite the federal overreach that has taken place in Portland—Trump wanted to invade us, if you recall—Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez is conspicuously absent from the group. Vasquez doesn’t appear convinced that investigating or prosecuting federal officers who break local laws is a winning strategy. But as the feds continue their rampage on Portland, most recently by deploying large quantities of tear gas at a huge crowd of peaceful protesters last weekend, more and more people are calling on the Multnomah County prosecutor to act. After all, Vasquez was elected on a “law and order” platform—if federal officers are breaking the law, should they be ordered to stop? There are, of course, reasons it may be difficult for local DAs to actually prosecute federal officers for tear-gassing protesters and violently accosting immigrants on the streets. But critics say if Vasquez wanted to take a strong rhetorical stand against unlawful actions from ICE and other federal officers, it could be a deterrent in itself. Read all about it in our recent story, linked right here. TAYLOR GRIGGS

Portland Police officers shot and killed a man inside a Northwest apartment complex Thursday morning. 

According to police, officers tried to serve a warrant on a man who pointed a handgun and tried to shoot at two security officers last Saturday, January 31. The gun didn’t fire at the time, and the suspect fled the scene with the handgun, leaving behind an instrument case with a loaded shotgun inside. Police say the shotgun contained shells with “threatening messages” written on them “that specifically named President Donald Trump.” 

Police say the man falsely claimed to be a member of the US Secret Service when he approached the security guards. The incident took place last weekend shortly after 1 pm at a grocery store on NW Lovejoy Street in Northwest Portland. 

What can local government leaders do to protect their residents in a time of federal authoritarianism? Many Portlanders have asked that question since federal officials and agents have become increasingly hostile to immigrants or those they perceive to be immigrants, as well as people protesting President Trump’s draconian immigration crackdown. 

Recent actions by federal officers in Portland have left the city shaken and prompted calls for more severe consequences for the federal officials inflicting harm on residents. Portlanders were rattled by the Customs and Border Patrol shooting that injured two people in East Portland early last month. After federal agents deployed large quantities of tear gas on peaceful protesters, including children and elderly people, last weekend, calls for action have grown stronger. 

A growing number of advocates are now turning their attention toward Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez—the elected official tasked with prosecuting those who break local laws. 

Been saying it for over a year now, Portland is currently experiencing a music renaissance. Cherished bands are reforming and playing out for the first time in years, venues are for sure closing, but they’re also opening. It seems we even have a City Council president who might make good on being a Portland music champion. And just like that… we’ve got a new music festival and music industry conference launching this spring. 

Soundscapes Northwest hits Portland’s Central Eastside April 27 to May 2 with the promise of 100+ artists and speakers across the six days and nights of the festival. The “walking festival” is, much like South By Southwest spreading across Austin, decentralized and will take over 12+ venues in Portland’s last bastion of inner city industrial. The venues have yet to be announced, but there’s a good chance there will be classic favorites, and some new industrial settings. 

The initial lineup announce includes headliners Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Toro Y Moi, two bands that’ve been deep in the festival circuit for over a decade now. Though the first announced headliners do turn heads for some, the real traffic stoppers move in the lower levels of the festival’s lineup. 

Jimetta Rose & The Voices of Creation was hands down the holy grail of Pickathon 2025, taking us to church during their Sunday morning Woods Stage set. While peering out from backstage with Mercury writer Jenna Fletcher, she exclaimed “I’ve never seen so many white people learn how to two-step at once.” Praise be. 

Thursdays are for ticket drops. Legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli celebrates the 30th anniversary of his breakthrough album Romanza. Ready to feel all the feelings? Canadian indie rock bands Metric, Broken Social Scene, and Stars hit the road together this summer. Plus, metalcore group Motionless In White visits Portland on their Sweat and Blood Tour. Read on for details on those and other newly announced events, plus some news you can use.

ON SALE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6

MUSIC

All The Feelings Tour with Metric, Broken Social Scene, and Stars
Hayden Homes Amphitheater (Wed June 24)

American Football
Crystal Ballroom (Wed May 20)

Andrea Bocelli - Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour
Moda Center (Wed Sept 9)

I’m certain I don’t need to tell you this, but: Shit sucks. Are you taking care of yourself right now? One reliable method is through the poetry and dissociative capacity of good cinema. This month, options abound with screenings of Picnic at Hanging Rock (romance is cryptic), You’ve Got Mail (romance is online), and In the Mood for Love (romance is a dance of restraint and unspoken longing). Nonplatonic attraction aside, films by François Truffaut and Andrei Tarkovsky—plus a Le Guin adaptation—lean existential. Ready?