austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Portland

Rachel Monahan.jpg

Rachel Monahan

Rain has ended early. The sun is out. It’s time to think about how to enjoy the summer ahead.

Find yourself a pint of Hood strawberries (right now). Pick 

 (July). Visit the Portland Farmers Market at PSU or your local neighborhood spot (all summer long).

 Festival (July 14-16), or find your favorite musician at 

), ride over the bridges during Bridge Pedal (

 anytime — and eat some curly fries or elephant ears.

How are you planning to enjoy this summer?

What’s Your Favorite PDX Summer Plan? Email Me 

How are you going to keep cool this summer? (

Ben McBee

There’s something magical about gathering on the front steps and jamming with friends. If you’re looking for a way to meet new people or get a feel for a different neck of the woods, take note of these summertime porchfests.

Sun’s out, drums out — this grassroots celebration of the arts also happens to coincide with the 

, two fun events that make for a weekend of treasure hunting and grooving. Organizers are on track to top last year’s turnout, with 95+ performers across 40 homes already signed up.

On the last three Fridays of July, this suburb’s driveways and public spaces come to life hosting not only mini concerts, but also comedy acts and outdoors drag shows. The music ranges from bagpipers to rock bands and brass quintets, so there’s something for everyone.

A bit further afield but still packed with entertainment, all are welcome to the streets of Oregon City’s McLoughlin neighborhood for this festival — even kiddos and dogs.

Side Quest: Porch Power in Portland

Side Quest: Porch Power

The Weekly Wander

Sign up for The Weekly Wander Newsletter

The Weekly Wander newsletter is your neighborhood guide filled with hidden gems and unexpected ways to explore Portland, OR. Get it in your inbox every Sunday.

The Weekly Wander by City Cast Portland

Despite being located on the city's periphery, St. Johns is a neighborhood built on connection; to the past — its 

 stands at the site of a Lewis and Clark campsite — and the future. Come back in 2030 to see what’s inside the 

 (spoiler: there’s ash from Mt. St. Helens). Here are some more imminent things to look forward to.

🎸 Why To Visit This Week: Tunes On Deck

Cathedral Park is known for its gorgeous views of the Willamette and hosting live shows throughout the warmer months. Just up the hill in the heart of St. Johns, the 

Cathedral Park Performing Arts Collective

 fosters that connection to music through kids classes, camps, and community engagement, like the 

, happening every second and fourth Saturday, May through September on the front lawn of their building at 7528 N. Charleston Ave.

It’s a great opportunity to come out and support local musicians — 

 will perform on this Saturday, May 23 — while shopping at the 

In St. Johns, you can enjoy cuisines from every corner of the world, just steps apart.

 serves Bavarian pretzels with fondue and schnitzel the size of your hand.

, which still sports the vintage gas pumps from the building's previous life.

🍲 Eat elegant and gluten-free Korean fare at 

🥖 For a more refined dining experience, check out the French-inspired 

☕ To fight the caffeine cravings, check out 

🍺 Craft beer is big business ‘round here as well, from 

. For an even more refreshing beverage in the spring heat, perhaps a cucumber limoncello slushy from 

 is in order. And of course, we can't forget City Cast Portland's favorite bar — 

The Columbia and the Willamette converge at 

; bring a blanket for a picnic on the sand and marvel at the cargo ships passing by like floating skyscrapers.

On a sunny late spring day before water levels drop, kayakers can navigate the labyrinthine waterways at 

, observing wildlife like beavers and great blue herons.

Pier Park is the only official place to play disc golf within city limits, which claims to be the 

Artist Mike Bennett’s signature cartoons at 

 set a whimsical scene for a round of indoor mini golf (

Pier Park is also now home to the beloved 

; the public is invited inside the gates to interact with the animals Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or say hi anytime through the fence.

Formerly one of the city's top local music venues, 

 is now home to an all-ages barcade, where you can test your pinball and retro video game skills.

Finally, make sure your memories last with a visit to 

, inside Blue Moon Camera. It's a fascinating tribute to film and photography.

Did we miss some of your St. Johns favorites? Send us a line to share your recs.

St. Johns recs

📲 Your St. Johns Recommendations

Despite being located on the city's periphery, St. Johns is a neighborhood built on connection; to the past — its iconic green-arched bridge stands at the site of a Lewis and Clark campsite — and the future. 

Your guide to Portland's St. Johns neighborhood, Portland, Oregon

Your Guide to St. Johns

The Vedanta Society of Portland, founded 100 years ago, is based in Mt. Tabor, but the group also oversees the 

 — 289 acres of picturesque, forested land in the hills outside of Scappoose (about a 40-minute drive from downtown).

The Vedanta Society follows the philosophy of the Vedas, the oldest and most sacred foundational scriptures of Hinduism in India. (Its founder is 

) And everyone is welcome to visit and explore the network of trails in search of tranquility and the healing touch of nature. The path forms a loop with stunning viewpoints of the Columbia River and snowcapped Cascades. For decades, the group has nurtured the flora and fauna in the area, creating a paradise that invites exploration and introspection.

There are spots for meditation as well as shrines dedicated to many different religions, their elegant wooden architecture blending into the surrounding trees. There’s a soaring eagle structure to honor the Great Spirit, central to many Native American beliefs, and a torii gate stands defiantly in a swathe of clearcut, representing the boundary between the sacred and the secular of the Shinto faith.

There is no fee, but donations are encouraged to help maintain the site and supply paper maps. As is always the case, you are a guest, so be sure to follow the rules and respect the grounds.

Whether you are spiritual or not, this is a worthwhile trip for the beauty alone.

The Vedanta Society of Portland, founded 100 years ago, is based in Mt. Tabor, but the group also oversees the Vedanta Retreat — 289 acres of picturesque, forested land in the hills outside of Scappoose (about a 40-minute drive from downtown).

Side Quest: Inner Peace in Mt. Tabor

Side Quest: Inner Peace

For a neighborhood built on and around an extinct volcano, Mt. Tabor is remarkably peaceful. You won’t catch a whiff of fire and brimstone, and 

, but there’s one thing for certain — it is a place where people go to find themselves — and this coming Saturday, there’s a reason to go see it.

🎨 Why To Visit This Week: Art From The Heart

This coming weekend, expect a palpable air of creativity as the neighborhood welcomes the annual 

 (Sat., May 16 - Sun., May 17). It’s an opportunity for the public to meet and support 41 artists who live and work in the area. You’re invited into homes, studios, and other spaces where you can browse ceramics, fiber art, glass, jewelry, mixed-media, painting, photography, sculpture, and more.

The sunny May weather is glorious for a picnic on the lawn above 

 or a stroll up to Mt. Tabor Park’s summit viewpoint for a glimpse of the distant skyscrapers. This side of Mt. Tabor Park is a classic Portland spot to catch the sunset.

On the southern edge you’ll find a sizable 

🍻 Food & Drink: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

The Mt. Tabor menu is on the shorter side but still plenty memorable, whether you’re in search of a fresh brew or a bite to eat.

 This community center has it all, from rose lattes (courtesy of 

: Every ‘hood needs a pod, and this one has some heavy hitters like 

 Woman-owned, family-run, and kosher are three adjectives that are just the foam on the pint. Small-batch craft beer comes with 

 If you fantasize about playing tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons inside an actual tavern, dream no more… 

 James Beard Award-nominated chef Katy Millard prepares seasonal farm-to-table fare alongside a wine menu to make any oenophile weep happy tears. The next-door market offers pastries and sandwiches by day before turning into Katy Jane’s: An Oyster Bar in the evening.

📲 Did we miss some of your Mt. Tabor favorites? Send us a 

Mt. Tabor recs

📲 Your Mt. Tabor Recommendations

For a neighborhood built on and around an extinct volcano, Mt. Tabor is remarkably peaceful. You won’t catch a whiff of fire and brimstone, and miracles may be hard to come by, but there’s one thing for certain — it is a place where people go to find themselves — and this coming Saturday, there’s a reason to go see it.

Your Guide to Portland's Mt. Tabor

Your Guide to Mt. Tabor

City Cast Portland staff

May is such a lovely month. Here are some ways to make the most of it:

The City Cast Portland-inspired holiday to celebrate our city is back — on Sunday, May 3 (5/03), in honor of the area code. This year, Ankeny Alley and the Portland Bureau of the Transportation are 

 — like what we had last year. Karaoke From Hell as well as City Councilor Jamie Dunphy are among the performers. The mayor’s going to be there 

to ceremonially light up the new Pink District

 will have a brunch cocktail — called a Think Pink Martini — for $5.03 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

 is going to offer two Voodoo Dolls for $5.03 (regularly priced at $5 each); they’ll have a 503 Day message on them. At 

, tap beers and well drinks will cost just $5.03.

🌷 Mother’s Day Brunch | Sun., May 10

If you’re looking to treat Mom mom right, there are some fancy options available for brunch:

 has a three-course Mother’s Day weekend brunch ($55).

 with the chef of a classic New England diner — 

run-down of other tasty ways to treat Mom.

. There are competitive primary elections in some Oregon statehouse races as well as some judgeships. As always, it’s a good idea to consult the state 

 (it’s more like a book — you learn a surprising amount). And there are county specific ones (

Newspaper’s editorial board endorsements:

 I recommend a read of the endorsements — even if you don’t necessarily agree with who they picked, you’ll learn something. The Oregonian has already 

published their endorsement issue yesterday

Look for a newspaper box around town, since their website can be buggy.

Also happening this month are the downtown 

centennial celebration of the Burnside Bridge

events listings for more events throughout the month

From Mother's Day brunches to 503 Day celebrations to the Primary Election, there's going on in Portland this month.

Your Guide to May 2026 in Portland, Oregon

Your Guide to May 2026 in Portland

Find the best of everything that Portland has to offer.

Portland’s Best

Portland's Best

For the last year, Stumptown Savings’ Bryan M. Vance has been tracking where to find the cheap groceries in Portland. His one-person media operation, founded last April, is designed to help us all save some money at the grocery store and understand our local food systems (outside of restaurants). He shared a few of 

 earlier this week. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

 is cheapest. They can offer low prices, because they don’t advertise or take credit cards. (But you can find Bryan M. Vance on social media for 

.) No, Costco isn’t the most budget-friendly. “ Where Costco's gonna save you money is not really in groceries unless you're someone who's like, I want 60 eggs a week, or I'm raising a family of baby cows who just guzzle milk,” says Vance.

If you go in with a shopping list of staples, this isn’t your best bet. But you can find the random deal (say, Irish butter) that’s cheaper than anywhere else.

And the stores are owned by independent operators, so there’s variety at different locations. For example, the Hollywood neighborhood location carries 

Here’s some simple facts: "You are going to pay more for the exact same products if you shop at QFC over Fred Meyer. It's just the way it is. They're the same company, same store products. You're gonna pay significantly more,” says Vance.

 is actually not as expensive as you may think it is. It’s in the name: They pride themselves on offering you choice," he says.

,” says Vance. “This is like a premium grocery store that is not that much more expensive than like Safeway or Fred Meyer, but you're getting substantially better produce and substantially better meat and dairy. It is kind of a hidden gem, and I actually wish we had one in Portland proper.”

Stumptown Savings newsletter has a weekly 

Where To Buy the Cheapest Groceries, Forest Service Shakeup, and Some Fun Event Picks

For the last year, Stumptown Savings’ Bryan M. Vance has been tracking where to find the cheap groceries in Portland. His one-person media operation, founded last April, is designed to help us all save some money at the grocery store and understand our local food systems (outside of restaurants).

Where To Find the Best Deals for Portland Groceries

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Portland. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Portland Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Out on the Oregon Coast, April means it’s time to 

celebrate the puffin’s seasonal return to Cannon Beach

It’s also time to pay taxes (including the 

local ones for arts, homeless services, and preschools

Here’s some other happenings this month:

There are plenty of reasons to be excited about food and drink this month, starting today:

This afternoon, you can sample sourdough bread from the best bakers around. It’s the second annual celebration of National Sourdough Day. (We’re so into sourdough, shouldn’t this be an official city holiday?)

There are plenty of bagel shops around town (I like 

), but everyone seems to hope for even better options. Baker Madilyn Gibbons has been 

selling her bagels at farmers markets and Puff Coffee

, but now will have her own shop in the Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood.

most anticipated restaurant and bar openings

 coming this spring and summer — including one that opened in the last several days: 

Get yourself some crab at this local festival on the Oregon Coast. (Hat tip to our contributor Brianna Wheeler for this one.)

There are a couple chances to make sure your voice is heard this month:

The city is preparing for its next budget year by hearing from Portlanders. (Hat tip to senior creative producer Giulia Fiaoni for this one.)

Catch the one in your district (District 2 already hosted one this past month):

 | April 4 | Portland Building (Downtown)

 | April 8 | Marysville Elementary School (Foster-Powell)

 | April 13 | Sacramento Elementary School (Parkrose Heights)

 for the May primary. If you’re new to town, it takes just a few minutes. And the May primary is scheduled to include 

Other Fun and Quirky Happenings Around Town

Of course, we’ll have more things to do in our daily events listings. But here are a few particularly intriguing ones to start filling in your calendar for the month.

 | Starting April 5 | Portland Art Museum

 80s Video Dance Attack 21st Anniversary Party

For more ideas for the month, check out the 

City Cast Portland podcast’s guide to the month

Out on the Oregon Coast, April means it’s time to celebrate the puffin’s seasonal return to Cannon Beach, which will host an annual Puffin Welcome Ceremony on April 13. It’s also time to pay taxes (including the local ones for arts, homeless services, and preschools). And watch out for April Fools Day!

Your Guide to April 2026 in Portland, Oregon

Your Guide to April 2026 in Portland

Giulia Fiaoni

, I've been thinking a lot about our city's hotel bar scene. For me, the best of the best make you feel as though you're transported through a secret portal to another world. Here are a few I think are some of the most extraordinary:

This is my go-to for a spontaneous Monday night out because of their all-day happy hour. Their $11 cheeseburger does it for me, but I wouldn't hesitate to throw in an order of their extra crispy skinny fries with a side of fancy sauce. You'll have to walk past the hotel's front desk to find the bar — it's discreetly tucked away in the back of the lobby, making it extra cozy.

If you like raw fish, this place is a dream. Run by executive chef Adán Fausto of celebrated pop-up 

, they serve delightful coastal Mexican seafood dishes with a fabulous array of cocktails to pair. You'll access the bar from a side door off of Northwest 5th Avenue, descend an unassuming flight of stairs, and enter into an intimate basement-level space with kind and attentive servers. I am obsessed with this place.

Tucked away to the left in the hotel lobby, Driftwood Room has been serving expertly crafted cocktail classics since 1954. If you're looking for something especially luxurious, I highly recommend ordering their absinthe served from a fancy French fountain — yes, they bring the entire fountain to your table, so that you can enjoy the alluring drip. The environment makes me feel like everyone should be wearing delicate gloves and smoking long cigarettes from holders. Like their website claims, it's truly magic.

? Please share yours with us. And we’ll share your picks in a future newsletter.

With the opening of Damian Lillard's shiny new bar at the Benson Hotel, I've been thinking a lot about our city's hotel bar scene. For me, the best of the best make you feel as though you're transported through a secret portal to another world. Here are a few I think are some of the most extraordinary:

Where to Find the Best Hotel Bars in Portland, Oregon

Where to Find Downtown Portland's Best Hotel Bars 

Visit the Portland Farmers Market at PSU or your local neighborhood spot (all summer long).

Summer Guide

How to Enjoy Portland This Summer