Events in Portland today

This show spotlights a fast-rising Australian band drawing major attention. Tickets delivered to your phone or for home printing will be available to view starting 14 days before the performance.

Enjoy a night of jazz at the Washington Park Summer Festival, featuring the Time Sound Big Band. This performance is a jazz big band spotlighting Portland’s Black music history and future. The festival takes place in the Washington Park Rose Garden Amphitheater as part of Portland’s Summer Free For All program.

This event offers a day of video games, Pokémon cards, pop culture and a wide range of other collectibles in a lively swap meet setting where vendors buy, sell and trade with the public. Trading is welcome, with a limit of one backpack of items per person. If you have more to sell or trade, vendor tables are available for $120. Two rooms are planned, with one focused on gaming and the other centered on Pokémon cards. Collectors interested in related hobbies will find plenty to browse, from toys and comics to plush, fan art, posters, vintage clothing and even sports cards, with vendors arranged to help everyone see what is available. Tickets are available online or at the SideQuest Games store. Admission is $10 per adult when purchased in advance, or $15 on the day, and children under 12 enter free with a paying adult. Vendor inquiries can be sent to vendors@sidequestexpo.com, sponsor questions to josh@sidequestgamestore.com, and volunteer applications to volunteers@sidequestexpo.com.

The Official Lowrider Magazine Super Show and Concert, presented by Jarritos and Monster Energy, arrives at the Portland Expo Center with a full day celebrating lowrider culture, custom builds, and live music. Performances include NB Ridaz and Lighter Shade of Brown, with additional artists to be announced. Competitive highlights feature the Lowrider Hopping Contest along with awards and trophies, and there is over $15,000 in cash and prizes. Beyond the main attractions, RC Blvd showcases remote controlled car displays, while vendors offer unique merchandise and services, and food and beverages keep everyone fueled. Special guests are planned to be announced. This family friendly event welcomes all ages, with kids under 12 admitted free, and each ticket includes access to the show and the concert.

Hosted by the Checs Car Club at Level Beer, this family-friendly showcase features traditional and custom pre-1980 cars, trucks, and motorcycles alongside local vendors and handmade goods. Enjoy live music, on-site tattooing, and raffle drawings throughout the event, including a free raffle just for kids. Craft beer from Level Beer and a variety of food carts add to the festive atmosphere as guests admire standout builds and browse maker booths. Spectator entry is free. Vehicle registration is $20 per car or motorcycle, and the first 35 vehicles to register receive a swag bag. Awards will be presented before the show wraps up.

Mindi Abair is performing live at the University of Portland. The show starts at 5:15 PM on Saturday, August 8.

Jo's hosts MAD Poker, a poker night that invites players to test their luck and work on a steady poker face. Enjoy food alongside the game and spend time with others who like to play.

Ali Wong is bringing her razor-sharp storytelling and bold, laugh-out-loud stand-up to the stage. Known for specials like Baby Cobra and Hard Knock Wife, she delivers unfiltered comedy with a mix of honesty and relatable humor for a night you will not forget. Tickets start at $66.

At Crystal Ballroom, Jerry's Middle Finger honors the music and community of Jerry Garcia as part of the Days Between celebration, a nine day tribute to his life that spans from his birthday to the anniversary of his passing. This close-knit Los Angeles band channels the Jerry Garcia Band’s soulful mix of American styles, approaching the material with careful study and inviting a genuine connection with the crowd. Since forming in 2015, they have grown from local bar gigs to respected stages nationwide, carrying forward Garcia’s spirit of camaraderie. The set changes from night to night and centers on the music Garcia made beyond the Grateful Dead, weaving in favorites like Deal and Cats Under the Stars alongside deep cuts tied to Legions of Mary and collaborations with Merl Saunders. Arrangements can shift to reflect different eras, so a song like Midnight Moonlight might lean into an early 80s feel or reach back to the late 70s. Expect guitar tones steeped in Garcia’s influence, expressive keys, and gospel-inspired vocal harmonies that help turn the show into a shared, communal experience. All ages are welcome.

At Milwaukie Bay Park, this community-minded winter swim pairs a bracing cold dip with a steam bathe. It centers on endorphin-boosting immersion to ease seasonal blues and foster connection, turning a chilly plunge into a warm, shared experience. The gathering is open to all.

Explore a vibrant selection of local goods, fresh products, and unique finds from neighborhood makers at this community farmers market. Shop local and grab a bite at the food carts at the Chop Chop Food Pod.

Tattoo 34 hosts a walk-in day focused on on-the-spot tattoos. Artists can create flash pieces or collaborate on a custom design, in either color or black and grey. No appointment is required, but wait times are possible and same-day service is not guaranteed, since availability depends on your concept, placement, and how many people are ahead. Some walk-in dates also include esthetic services such as brows and lashes, and the studio calendar indicates when those are offered. For details and pricing, visit the Tattoo 34 website.

Slip into the sunlit glamour of mid-century Palm Springs, where Rat Pack cool, poolside cocktails, and retro resort style set the tone for an evening that celebrates freedom, joy, and the simple backyard happiness every dog should know. Guests are invited to dress in vintage Palm Springs fashion, from sleek mid-century lines and resort-ready elegance to bold sunglasses and easygoing glamour, then head to the dance floor for live music that channels the swing, croon, and charm of classic 1950s and 1960s sounds. Browse and bid on more than 40 silent auction treasures and enjoy a spirited program that rallies support to unchain hope for dogs in the community. Every ticket purchased, every toast raised, and every step on the dance floor helps Fences For Fido deliver a Circle of Care so more dogs can live free, healthy, and happier lives.

Modest Mouse performs at Pioneer Courthouse Square in a general admission format. Print-at-home and mobile tickets have a delivery hold and will not be issued until within 14 days of the performance.

For one summer only, Porsche Studio Portland becomes Shifting Realities, a large-scale immersive art experience where technology, design, storytelling, music, and human imagination come together. Step into a series of connected worlds where each room encourages discovery, hands-on interaction, creativity, and play. Admission includes the chance to design a dream Porsche. Visitors can paint using brain activity, try mixed reality, aim for a fastest lap in professional racing simulators, dance with Porsche, decorate a pastry, move through immersive light, sound, and projection mapping installations, and capture memorable photos along the way. No two visits are the same. The experience evolves throughout the season with themed weeks, live performances, racing competitions, creator showcases, World Cup programming, family activities, music-focused moments, and special guest activations. Featured contributors include AMPHORA PROJECTS, LCAMERO, JOOLIA, BLCKSMTH, KELLY MAX, TRACEY PIPER, PHIL A. ROBINSON JR., BRIAN FREE, BROCK KEEN, JOHN DELOS REYES, and EDDY NUNEZ, along with additional collaborating artists, designers, technologists, and immersive creators. Plan for approximately 90 minutes. The event is family-friendly, timed entry is recommended, and a café and boutique are available on site.

A weeklong, half-day improv camp created for middle schoolers invites participants to learn through playful exploration in a supportive studio setting. With age-appropriate games and scene work, campers practice building stories together, listening and responding, thinking quickly, and expressing themselves with confidence. No prior acting or performance experience is required. Each session is packed with lively activities, collaborative challenges, and lots of laughter. The focus is not on being funny, but on growing communication skills, adaptability, and trust while having fun. Enrollment is limited to 10 to foster a close, connected group. Change Through Play welcomes participants of every race, religion, orientation, and ability. Whether a student is outgoing, shy, imaginative, or somewhere in between, this welcoming space encourages making friends, trying something new, and embracing creative possibilities.

A weekly live music series with PLS on Sixth and The Hotel Zags brings performances every Monday. Admission is free and walk-ups are welcome, and if it rains the music shifts indoors. This installment features Redray Frazier with Matt Brown, part of a rotating lineup that also includes DJ Velvet Ginger, Garreson, Hannah DiMo, Mitch Whitaker, Alí, Mers, Mary-Charlotte Young, Caleb & The Monsters, Gabe Hess, Aika Collins, Katie Waterland, Sarah Vitort, Richard Gans, Andrea Walker, Abby Nissenbaum, Lauren Napier, Blair Borax, Fever Thrill, and Jae Mcoy.

A free night of live music at Hostel Cafe features a local artist alongside open mic sessions and intimate singer songwriter sets. This popular gathering often draws a lively crowd, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Portland made brews and locally sourced foods are on offer. Artist schedules and bios are available on the event discussion page and the venue website.

Man Man performs at Mississippi Studios in Portland. Tickets are available for this event.

Head to Audrey McCall Beach for a relaxed riverside hangout with sets from PopCart PDX and DJ Carlos and a selection of pop-up food carts. Tucked just off the Eastside Esplanade between the Hawthorne Bridge and OMSI, this community beach offers sweeping views of downtown and sunset. It is easy to access on foot, by bike, or by car, and additional bike parking has been added along the esplanade. To make the most of the outing, bring a chair, a towel, and river shoes. Friends and river floats are welcome. Appreciation goes to Portland Parks and Recreation, Portland Metro Chamber, the Portland Spirit, and Subaru of Portland for their support.

At Tango Berretin, Adam and Marina lead a six-week progressive course created for absolute beginners as well as dancers looking to rebuild a solid Argentine tango foundation. No partner or prior dance background is needed. Each session adds new skills in a clear, approachable way, with an emphasis on building strong habits early so you feel comfortable, confident, and connected on the dance floor. Participants explore posture and walking, partner connection with clear leading and following, the embrace as a support for movement, core vocabulary such as walks, pauses, ochos, and simple turns, musical timing and moving with the music, and practical floor navigation and social etiquette. Instead of memorizing sequences, the series focuses on how the dance works, giving you tools to move smoothly with a partner, understand the music, and enjoy social dancing. By the end, you will have a dependable base for attending milongas and stepping into intermediate material. Open to all levels, and no partner is required.

Wonder Ballroom hosts Kingfishr, delivering Irish indie folk with a pop touch. Their sound works on large festival stages as well as in relaxed beer gardens. The group began as an acoustic trio.

At Music on Main, The Bundy Band presents an all-ages, open-to-the-public concert with seating available on a first come, first served basis and no tickets required. The ensemble draws from the sounds of New Orleans and the Pacific Northwest, uniting musicians who have performed together in various lineups for nearly three decades. The set can wander from traditional New Orleans jazz and second line brass to funk, standards, originals about Humanzees and Han Solo, and covers from artists like Charles Wright, The Band, and Phish. Along the way, Fleschner may ignite the organ, Savage may push the flute to bold extremes, and Bundy might run his clarinet through pedals for adventurous textures. Expect a performance that can travel to unexpected places, turning each tune into a shared journey.

This disc golf doubles session uses a random draw to form teams. Signups are located among the trees to the right of the first hole's tee pad.

A no-cost rooftop music series rises above The Society Hotel in Portland with rotating DJs delivering eclectic live sets as the sun dips over the skyline. Enjoy an open-air setting with wide city views while sipping craft cocktails, matcha or coffee, local beer, hard kombucha or seltzer, plus plenty of nonalcoholic options. The atmosphere is social and easygoing, offering a refreshing midweek break in the center of the city. There is no cover and no RSVP is needed. Capacity is limited, so early arrival is recommended.

Venardos Circus brings a Broadway-inspired, animal-free circus experience to The Lot at Zidell Yards in Portland. Created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos, the production blends world-class acts with a theatrical touch. Under a custom red and white big top, audiences are immersed in a nostalgic atmosphere that recalls the classic traveling circus. Expect aerial artistry, acrobatics, juggling, hand balancing, comic antics, daring feats, and illusions presented in an intimate setting. Doors open one hour before showtime with preshow entertainment and photo opportunities. Concessions include favorites like popcorn, cotton candy, and house-made pink lemonade. The performance runs about 90 minutes with a brief intermission. Onsite parking is available for $10. Tickets are sold only through the official Venardos Circus website, and offers from resellers or private posts are not accepted.

Get moving with a line dancing class in Parkrose at Parkrose Ballroom. Enjoy a lively blend of dance and fitness while learning line dance steps.

Chasing Abbey brings an award-winning mix of electronic and dance-pop from Tullamore, Ireland. Formed in 2016, the trio is made up of childhood friends, including Ronan "Ro" Bell and Jonathan "Bee" Byrne.

Cat Power performs at Revolution Hall. If you choose print at home or mobile delivery, your tickets will be viewable starting 14 days before the performance. This event has been moved from McMenamins Grand.

Enjoy a summer edition of the performers in the park series featuring Red Yarn, who blends lively music with playful puppetry for an all-ages audience. The event is planned for the outdoor amphitheater by the library, weather permitting. Support for this program is provided by the Friends of Ledding Library.

Cool off among blooming lotus at Lan Su Chinese Garden as a peaceful afternoon unfolds to the sounds of live guzheng performed by Lu Wen, carried from pavilions and bridges along the water. Soft melodies and the garden's tranquil setting soothe and refresh on a warm summer day. The experience is included at no extra charge with entry or a current membership.

Garden Bros Nuclear Circus brings its high energy production to Portland at Portland International Raceway. Billed as the largest circus on Earth, this touring spectacular presents multiple performances. Special ticket offers are available, including a limited number of discounted adult general admission tickets starting at $23.27 with fees included, available online only. One child age 3 to 13 can attend free with a paid adult general admission when a child ticket is added at checkout, and children 2 and under are admitted free.

On the terrace at Amaterra, the Moonpennies deliver a lively night of excellent wine, scenic views, and dance favorites from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Known for polished harmonies and multi-instrumental skill, the band keeps the energy high with singalong hits and plenty of dancing under the summer sky. There is no cover charge. One person in each party must be an Amaterra Social or Wine Club member. Those who are not yet members can join the Social Club for a one-time $25 fee, which can be applied toward the purchase of two bottles of wine on the first visit.

Joe Russo's Almost Dead brings its tribute to the Grateful Dead to Pioneer Courthouse Square. The band is led by drummer Joe Russo, known for his work in the Beenevento/Russo Duo.

Experience an uplifting night of music with The War And Treaty, joined by a special guest. Their rich harmonies and a sound that weaves together soul, gospel, blues, and roots promise a shared musical moment that fills the open air. The show unfolds outdoors on a regenerative farm on Sauvie Island, surrounded by wildflowers, animals, and wide fields just a short drive from downtown Portland. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair to relax comfortably on the grass. Fresh-grilled farm fare will be available, along with local craft beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. This is a limited-capacity event, so securing tickets in advance is encouraged. Ages 16 and up only. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 on the day of the show, plus $4.85 in ticketing fees. Since forming in 2014, the husband-and-wife duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter has become a standout presence in American music, earning two Americana Music Awards for Duo or Group of the Year, nominations for Best New Artist and Best American Roots Song at the 2024 Grammy Awards, consecutive CMA Duo of the Year nominations, an ACM Vocal Duo of the Year nod, and additional recognition from the CMT Music Awards, Folk Alliance International, the People’s Choice Country Awards, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole Opry.

A Midsummer Night's Dream transports you to an enchanted forest where sense slips and hearts stray. Oberon and Titania battle by spell, tangling loyalties and desires, while Bottom prepares for his featured role as Pyramus. Mischief and magic fuel mistaken affections and comic turns. Shakespeare's comedy celebrates love, lunacy, and poetry.

Joe List brings his stand-up comedy to the Helium Comedy Club Special Event series. This is a 21+ show, and there’s a two-item per person minimum in the showroom (food or drinks from the menu). General admission seating is assigned first-come first-served as you enter, while reserved seats are assigned by management on the night of the show. All sales are final, and ticket protection can be added at purchase for venue credit if you cancel at least 24 hours before showtime.