Wander through the Concordia neighborhood, and you’ll always learn something new — like how one of Portland’s most iconic gay bars recently found a new home there in a former Catholic school and convent. This slice of Northeast Portland was actually named after a private Lutheran university that operated from 1905 until its closure in 2020; now the campus is home to various University of Oregon programs.
In this week’s lesson plan, you’ll experience long-lasting legacies, libations, and the illuminated ballet.
🤝 Why You Should Visit This Week: Memory Activism
An archival image of the Vanport flood destruction in 1948. (Courtesy of Portland City Auditor)
During World War II, the city of Vanport was the largest wartime housing development in the country, attracting thousands of workers thanks to its proximity to the shipyards. With a significant Black population, it also became Oregon’s most diverse town. Amid racial tensions, a vibrant community grew, with the first tenants arriving at the end of 1942.
Everything changed on Memorial Day in 1948 when the Columbia River flooded, wiping away homes and lives. Survivors settled in nearby neighborhoods, including Concordia, and today, their stories are preserved and shared by The Vanport Mosaic Festival (May 22-31).
This year’s event features art and history exhibits, documentary screenings, music, educational workshops, and staged readings at the Historic Alberta House. It’s a poignant opportunity to understand how the people and places of the past are woven together to create the present.
🥃 Food & Drink: Detention Drinks
Class is always in session at McMenamins Kennedy School. The sprawling converted school now serves as a hotel, movie theater, and soaking pool. It also has a restaurant and several bars, including one in the detention room where you can order “study hall” cocktails (they’re miniatures of classic drinks like an old-fashioned or Manhattan).
Here are some other Concordia bars and restaurants to note:
- 🥙 Who needs a genie? Your wish for divine hummus and falafel will be fulfilled at Aladdin’s Cafe.
- 🍝 Italian-American cuisine options are two-fold: Gabbiano’s specializes in hearty, red sauce dishes like baked ziti and chicken parm; and at Estes, you can always expect al dente housemade pasta paired with seasonal produce and seafood.
- 🍟 Get cozy with a beer and a basket of Barnyard Fries (pulled pork, bacon, and white cheese sauce) at NEPO 42, self-described as Northeast Portland’s “living room.”
- 🌴 Latin culture (think mezcal and reggaeton) comes to life at Bar Cala. There is a drag brunch every Sunday, too.
- ☘️ Book the snug and settle in for a whiskey with your friends at T.C. O’Leary’s, the Irish pub that also hosts three book clubs and weekly live music.
🎭 Arts & Entertainment: Galleries Galore
The Alberta Arts District sprawls along Alberta Street, and some of its Concordia highlights include Antler & Talon Galleries, Blind Insect Gallery, and Nucleus, which hosts a quarterly Drink & Draw (this summer’s date is TBD).
Marvel at the murals all the way to Alberta Rose Theatre, which anchors the district’s eastern end. The venue puts on eclectic entertainment, ranging from cosmic pole dancing to Live Wire with Luke Burbank.
Looking for spontaneous plans? Tonight there’s a double feature of “Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show.”
Did we miss some of your Concordia favorites? Send us a line to share your recs.
