One of the most loveable things about Portland is the distinct character found in each neighborhood, district, and corner of town. They all have their own personalities and purposes — some would say it was written in the stars. Let’s take a look at how our neighborhoods align with the zodiac signs.
Sagittarius: Montavilla | Nov. 22-Dec. 21
As an adventure seeker, you’ll be able to make a speedy getaway to the Columbia Gorge (and beyond) thanks to its close access to I-84 and Portland International Airport. There’s plenty of entertainment back home, like catching a second-run flick at Academy Theater or exploring the culinary wonders of Master Kong.
Capricorn: Pearl District | Dec. 22-Jan. 19
With how hardworking you are, you’ll be pleased to hear there are plenty of opportunities to network and work remotely, whether you’re at CENTRL Office or on the patio at Barista. When it’s time to cut loose, Capricorns have plenty of choices when it comes to bars and breweries.
Aquarius: Buckman | Jan. 20-Feb. 18
The unique businesses of Buckman embody the eclectic nature of an Aquarius. We recommend hitting up Rontoms for a late-night drink and some ping pong on the spacious back patio — there are even fire pits for when it’s chilly. Your mind will be blown at Hopscotch Portland, a 23,000-sqft immersive art gallery with interactive exhibits, plus whimsical cocktails and food.
Pisces: Northwest District | Feb. 19-March 20
Find the perfect escapist moment for a Pisces to relax, whether that’s enjoying a latte, headphones on, at The Dragonfly Coffee House, or taking a stroll in Forest Park. As an introvert, this sign needs a quaint spot to recharge the social battery — like brunch with close friends at Stepping Stone Cafe.
King of Portland Comedy | Tuesday, Dec. 12 | 6-9 p.m. | The Cheerful Bullpen, 1730 SW Taylor St., Portland | Free | Who will take the crown and make the crowd laugh at this open mic night?
Wednesday, Dec. 13
December Mixer Repair Workshop | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Art Design Xchange, 417 SE 11th Ave., Portland | $45-$75 | If your Kitchen Aid mixer has made millions of cookies and could use a little TLC, bring it in to give it new life.
Comfort & Joy | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Portland | $25-$60 | Get that warm feeling of the holidays during an evening of classic music and sing-alongs.
Thursday, Dec. 14
Bingo with Poison Waters | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lucky Labrador Beer Hall, 1945 NW Quimby St., Portland | $30 | Play six bingo cards to vie for prizes that include art, wine, and gift cards to Portland businesses, all in support of Bridge Meadows, a multigenerational housing community.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Utah Jazz | Thursday, Dec. 14 | 7 p.m. | Moda Center, 1 N. Center Court St., Portland | $6+| It’s time to face the music for the visiting team, especially when Anfernee Simons is conducting fast breaks for Rip City.
Holiday Ceramics Sale | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 12-4 p.m. | The Eleanor, 1605 NW Everett St., Portland | Free | Get your hands on some handmade gifts from more than 60 local artists.
†Excludes 30-minute cleanings and 30-minute whitenings.
News Notes
Real Estate
It may not always feel like it, but Portland is much cheaper than other major West Coast cities, mostly due to cheaper housing. And in 2024, Realtor.com predicts that metro home prices in the Rose City will fall by 7.4%. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live + Realtor.com)
Edu
Portland Public Schools Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero — the first Latino person to do the job — will resign after six-and-a-half years. His last day will be Feb. 16; school board members will now have two months to fill the role. (Willamette Week + The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Shop
Everything must go at the Markle-Pittock House estate sale, Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 17, including a Campbell Soup paper dress and a 1910 Brunswick pool table. The historic 135-year-old home with ties to the family of Pittock Mansion fame will go on the market in 2024. Sale hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Try This
Not to shovel too much hype on the PNW’s largest indoor sandbox, but your kids will probably digit. Aptly named and recently opened, DiG PDX features 55,000 pounds of sand across three themed areas — dinosaurs, construction, and the beach. Entry is $16 per child with two free guardians allowed. (Portland Tribune)
Read
If you’re looking for a book that combines Portland’s history and sports, “Fighting for Albina” is a knockout. The new title from author Aaron C. Jones explores the rise of Knott Street Boxing Club to a national championship and world prominence. (OPB)
Tech
Researchers at Washington State University, Vancouver, are testing a buzz-worthy material to combat electronic waste — honey. Its chemical properties could make it an environmentally friendly replacement for silicon in memristors, which process and store data much like neurons in the brain. (OPB)
Holiday
Here comes Santa Claus... times 400. Local artist Chris Willis and his annual Santa Clones installation are back, displaying a legion of illuminated Saint Nicholases in a secret location. The scavenger hunt to find them has become a beloved tradition over the years. Find them 4-10 p.m. until January 1, 2024. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Drink
Kann and Deadstock Coffee want to bring a taste of the Caribbean to your caffeine. The two Portland establishments have teamed up to sell ground coffee beans responsibly sourced from Haiti. A 10 ounce bag costs $30 and comes with recipe cards for a meat rub, barbecue sauce, or ice cream you can make at home. (Eater Portland)
Seasonal
Looking for a great last-minute present for anyone on your list who loves wine? You can gift them ownership in Willamette Valley Vineyards. Winery owners receive perks like a 25% discount on wine purchases, an annual wine credit, and more. Applications for ownership are being accepted now through Sunday, Dec. 31. Cheers.*
Biz
🎁 Live in the present
Gift Guide: Our Editors’ picks for the 2023 holiday season
Here’s what your local news team wants to unwrap this year. | Graphic by 6AM City
Happy December. We thought we’d keep the most festive month of the year going with holiday gift guides featuring our editors’ top present picks.
Scroll to shop, get inspired, and maybe even snag a locally made gift or two, courtesy of Ben’s and Cambrie’s exquisite taste.
🛍️ Ben’s picks
Pumpkin Blondie Organic Soap, $8+ | “Get clean and smell like dessert. The only challenge is resisting the temptation to take a nibble.”
Portland Map Earrings, $24 | “You’ll never get lost in Portland (or look more fashionable) when you’re wearing these golden map earrings.”
🎀 Cambrie’s picks
Gulab City Rose Chai Blend, $20 | “The best kind of latte is a chai latte (I stand by what I said). This one blends my favorite hot beverage with my favorite city — the perfect pairing, if you ask me.”
Log And Mushroom Light, $78.39 | “Bring a whimsical little piece of the Pacific Northwest spirit into your home. You might find yourself daydreaming about adventures in Forest Park — don’t say we didn’t warn you.”
When the main terminal reopens at Portland International Airport, the project will include space outside of security for small businesses to open pop-up locations. Orox Leather Co. will kick off the program, bringing its Oaxacan- and Oregon-inspired products to travelers.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.