April Events

The first comprehensive retrospective of one of America’s most compelling and controversial artists, Art and Race Matters traces the work of Robert Colescott (1925-2009), who established his career in Portland with the support of gallery owner and philanthropist Arlene Schnitzer, then made his mark in the 1970s with a series of deconstructed art-historical masterpieces that…

Marking the 40th anniversary of the eruption of Mount Saint Helens, this exhibition explores the overwhelming power of nature and the epic cycles of volcanic destruction and regeneration with stunning photographs, paintings and drawings of the mountain from 1845 to the present day. Curated by Dawson Carr, Ph.D., The Janet and Richard Geary Curator of…

OMSI offers a Guided Tech Tour on the second and fourth Sunday of every month. This special tour guided by an actual submarine veteran is for those who would like to learn more about the technical workings of the Blueback. The maximum tour size is eight people, so plan ahead and reserve your spot. Tech…

This annual springtime festival showcases Portland’s creative community, with a week full of lectures, design events and open houses.

Being Present: Revisiting, Somewhat Unfaithfully, Portland’s Most Experimental Art Experiment, PCVA From 1972 to 1987, the Portland Center for the Visual Arts (PCVA) was a major force in the Pacific Northwest, introducing progressive forms of contemporary art from around the country to Portland audiences. Temporary site-specific installations by major, mostly New York-based sculptors, announced its…

Retiring Curator of Asian Art Maribeth Graybill presents her personal favorites from among more than 600 Japanese prints acquired during her tenure at the Museum. The exhibition includes works by leading masters of the 18th and 19th centuries, chosen for their exceptional condition; warrior prints, a genre previously neglected in the collection; and prints by…

Isaka Shamsud-Din: Rock of Ages is an intimate exhibition celebrating the Portland artist’s masterful paintings, rich in a narrative combining personal stories and folklore. Shamsud-Din’s paintings also celebrate and honor individuals by capturing portraits. Tightly composed and with a vibrancy of color, the works invite viewers to be among these individuals and warm settings. The…

In the rich tradition of portraiture reflected in Northwest art, there is an exemplary range of individuals and styles of depiction. For this exhibition, the artist Storm Tharp was invited to help select works from the collection through his keen eyes as a fellow portraitist. As he combed through the collection, some themes in portraiture…

In Southern Rites, American photographer Gillian Laub (b. 1975) engages her skills as a photographer, storyteller and visual activist to examine the realities of racism and raise questions that are simultaneously painful and essential to understanding the American consciousness. Through her lens and the voices of her subjects we encounter that which we do not…

The artistic poster first flourished in the United States in the 1890s. Initially following design trends pioneered in Europe, American artists soon created their own unique style. Magazines were among the first to adopt this new form of advertising, employing outstanding designers such as Will Bradley, Edward Penfield and Maxfield Parrish to advertise periodicals including…

What we think of today as Portland covers a broad swath of land on both sides of the Willamette River. In the late 19th century, that same area contained several mostly independent communities, including Albina, St. Johns, Sellwood—and East Portland, a small city on the eastern shore of the river roughly bounded by Division Street…

On May 10, 1869, two railroads-built with haste, hope and aspiration—joined in a lonely desert of northern Utah, at a place called Promontory. On that day, dignitaries from both companies—the Central Pacific, which had built from California, and the Union Pacific, which had built from the east—gave speeches and installed ceremonial last spikes. To mark…

Looptworks uses only what already exists to create new functional products (including upcycled bags, apparel and accessories). Looptworks is committed to upcycling and closed loop solutions. Its intent is to reduce and eliminate waste in its industry headed to the landfill. Participate and witness the Looptworks upcycling production and circular economy firsthand. Tour Schedule &…

Get creative! Radius Art offers opportunities for both the beginning and the experienced artist to learn the basics or build on their current skills. Learn ceramics, painting, drawing, printmaking, leatherworking, fabric dying and more.

This tour is a great way to experience Portland’s beer scene on foot, and great for small groups or families traveling with kids. Check out the history and culture of popular areas in Portland by foot. You choose the neighborhood, and we’ll show you around to three breweries. Walking tours provide a great overview of…

It’s hard to beat the Pacific Northwest when it comes to beer. This tour will introduce you to the ingredients, history and culture that makes the craft beer scene in the Pacific Northwest admired worldwide. Brewvana will start with the education first and introduce you to the ingredients in beer and how they’ve contributed to…

The driver covers all tasting fees with charcuterie plates ($150 value for full day, $90 value for half day). Experience the best of Willamette Valley wine country on an all-inclusive, guided wine-tasting tour from Portland. Be chauffeured in a luxury SUV with a small group of fellow wine lovers and spend a half day or…

Using rare and seldom-seen objects like Chinese opera costumes as well as theatrical sets, bilingual text, audiovisual media and interactive visitor stations, Beyond the Gate tells a sprawling transnational story of contact and trade between China and the West, focusing on Portland’s Old (1850-1905) and New (1905-1950) Chinatowns. Beyond the Gate was originally created as…

Enjoy free admission to the Museum the first Thursday of each month from 5 – 8 p.m.

On the First Thursday of the month from 5-8 p.m, the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education participates in the city-wide First Thursday Gallery Walk. During the First Thursday hours, the museum is open and free to the public.

Enjoy a slow looking tour experience and object-focused meditation. This public tour invites people to relax, rejuvenate, energize and be calm. Using focused breathing and simple poses, the museum encourages visitors to meditate in the galleries twice a month on the first and third Thursdays.

Uncover Portland’s dark side on this spine-tingling walking tour and hear firsthand accounts of paranormal encounters – all while sampling six local beers. The Old Town District in downtown Portland, Oregon is lined with beautiful historic buildings and cobblestone streets. Lively with restaurants and nightlife today, 100 years ago Old Town was home to many…

The Akropolis Reed Quintet, hailed for their “imagination, infallible musicality, and huge vitality” by Fanfare Magazine, and Portland’s own BodyVox contemporary dance company team up again for a celebration of the roaring ’20s. Presented by Chamber Music Northwest and BodyVox.

By Neil Simon. Directed by Pat Patton. Title Sponsor: Bill and Barbara Warner. Directorial Sponsor: The Springs Living in Lake Oswego Two bachelots. One apartment. Zero in common. Felix, an uptight news writer, is thrown out of his house by his wife and moves in with his friend Oscar, a slovenly sportswriter. The two must…

A comedy open mic hosted by Eddie Churnetski and Benton Crider. 18+ until 8 p.m., 21+ after 8 p.m. If you are under 21 and would like to go up early, please message the Trash Amp Productions Facebook page.

Zymurgy is the study of fermentation, and Portland is all about some fermented beverages. Taste some cider, beer and spirits on this tour of some of Portland’s tastiest craft beverages. Learn about the ingredients, process and culture of each of these. Cider is a gluten-free alternative that has been gaining popularity in this region, and…

Every Friday evening, the Portland Art Museum (PAM) invites you to play, to have a different Museum experience—a little bit more relaxed, more interactive and more social experience. Admission is just $5 after 5 p.m. Here’s what PAM has in store: Beer, wine, and food at Art Pub in the Museum Grounds Cafe. Occasional special…

Come one, come all and join up for First Friday at Portland Craft Bar! Each First Friday of the month, the Portland Craft Bar will select a small art or craft to do in the studio and open for free to all people, all ages. Check the Bar’s website or its Facebook or Instagram feeds…

The Akropolis Reed Quintet, hailed for their “imagination, infallible musicality, and huge vitality” by Fanfare Magazine, and Portland’s own BodyVox contemporary dance company team up again for a celebration of the roaring ’20s. Presented by Chamber Music Northwest and BodyVox.

The Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University will be open every Saturday, year round. April through October hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. November through March hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Although Seattle comes in first when it comes to coffee culture, Portland has learned a lot from its neighbors and comes in close second. Brewvana has an obsession with donuts and although they might drive you by Voodoo Donuts to see the line, they’ll head to the locals’ favorite for your donut fix. After getting…

The Akropolis Reed Quintet, hailed for their “imagination, infallible musicality, and huge vitality” by Fanfare Magazine, and Portland’s own BodyVox contemporary dance company team up again for a celebration of the roaring ’20s. Presented by Chamber Music Northwest and BodyVox.

Join up for a beer fueled walking tour and see what it takes to make award-winning beer in the Northwest. During the tour, BeerQuest provides behind-the-scene access at an award-winning brewery to see how beer is made and sample the ingredients used in the brewing process. You’ll sample a total of 11 beers from three…

“‘In the light of the moon, a little egg lay on a leaf.” So many of our journeys into the magical world of reading began with the works of Eric Carle. Books like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Ten Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly, and, of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar have sparked imagination…

The combination of beer and whiskey is a match made in heaven. Beer and whiskey are surprisingly similar in ingredients and process. In fact, you have to make beer to make whiskey! You’ll start at a brewery first to learn about the ingredients and brewing process for beer and taste a variety of styles. Next,…

The Akropolis Reed Quintet, hailed for their “imagination, infallible musicality, and huge vitality” by Fanfare Magazine, and Portland’s own BodyVox contemporary dance company team up again for a celebration of the roaring ’20s. Presented by Chamber Music Northwest and BodyVox.

Every first Saturday at Culture is all about reggaeton, Latin trap, dembow, bachata and more. DJ Gatto and DJ R2 will be bringing you the hottest music in these Latin rhythms with surprise guest DJs. Get on the guestlist for free cover before it closes by texting “firstsaturday” to 31996. This is a 21 and…

Three pigs sing and dance a tribute to Lady Gaga. Two egotistical clowns get tangled in a ribbon dance. One gothic drag queen gets the whole audience lip syncing. Whatever it is, you’ll laugh until your face hurts. October special guests Include: The Amazing Bubble Man Clowns, A Little Bit Off Follies is Portland’s premiere…

An evening of stand-up comedy, followed by dancing and play spaces. Hosted by Chris Smith and Ben Warren. Past comedians include Shane Mauss (appearances on Conan O’Brien, HBO and Comedy Central), Caitlin Weyerhaeuser (voted Portland’s funniest comedian), Simon Gibson, Todd Armstrong, Ben Harkins, Milan Patel, Becky Braunstein, Chris Johnson, Dylan Jenkins, The Real Hijinx, Amanda…

The Jasper String Quartet, hailed as “sonically delightful and expressively compelling” by The Strad, team up with pianist Gloria Chien and violinist Soovin Kim to perform three collaborative compositions including the world premiere of a new “Four Seasons” composed by Joan Tower, Christopher Theofanidis, Lera Auerbach and Akira Nishimura. Presented by Chamber Music Northwest.

Friends of Chamber Music presents Bang on a Can All-Stars. The Bang on a Can All-Stars are recognized worldwide for their ultra-dynamic live performances and recordings of today’s most innovative music. Freely crossing the boundaries between classical, jazz, rock, world and experimental music, this eclectic six-member ensemble has consistently forged a distinct category-defying identity, taking…

Explore the museum with a docent skilled in bringing art to life. Tours for blind and low vision visitors feature vivid descriptions of works in the Museum’s collection, with detailed historical information and tactile examples. Tours begin at 1:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Guide dogs are welcome. Please note there are…

Monica Huggett is joined by harpsichordist Elliot Figg in this recital of the beloved six sonatas for violin and obligato harpsichord by Bach.

Join Mike Massé for an intimate evening of epic acoustic classic rock at this benefit concert for Candlelighters For Children With Cancer. Don’t miss this amazing show of Mike Massé performing some of the best classic rock songs of all time acoustically: Toto, Simon & Garfunkel, U2, the Beatles… His YouTube video views are in…

Earth-shattering jokes and belly-ache laughs abound during Trash Amp Productions’ weekly comedy show at Southwest Portland’s Etc…Eatery. Whether you’re looking for an affordable date night or just need a silly comedy break from life, this show bursts with warmth, inclusive art and genuine laughter.

Friends of Chamber Music presents Amarcord. Founded in 1992 by former members of St. Thomas’s Boys Choir in Leipzig, Amarcord has since become one of the world’s premier vocal ensembles and leading representatives of Leipzig’s music scene in Germany and abroad. Amarcord’s hallmarks include a unique tone, breathtaking homogeneity, musical authenticity and a good dose…

The Curious Cabaret – A Riotous Vaudeville Revue is a brand-new monthly variety show hosted by Portland’s 20-time award winning physical comedy duo, A Little Bit Off. The show brings you the absolute best in top-notch local talent, with acts ranging from acrobatics and dance, to magic and juggling, with a whole lot of comedy…

A public labyrinth walk held on the third Monday of every month on the beautiful wood labyrinth at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. No prior experience needed, and there is no wrong way to walk.

On the last Saturday of every month, the artists at Icon Tattoo Studio put out their books of designs for clients to choose from. They only work from their books of designs, and they do not make appointments for this event. Flash Day is a super fun and popular event. Since the artists only work…

Maria Schneider’s music has been hailed by critics as “evocative, majestic, magical, heart-stoppingly gorgeous, and beyond categorization.” She and her orchestra became widely known starting in 1994 when they released their first recording, Evanescence. There, Schneider began to develop her personal way of writing for what would become her 18-member collective, made up of many…