May 1, 2024

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60º | 10% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 5:57 a.m. | Sunset 8:18 p.m.
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Portland’s largest fiesta

Two Mexican folkloric dancers with red ribbons in their hair twirl their long, colorful skirts outside on a sunny day.

Mexican folk dance performances by Ballet Folklorico Mexico En La Sangre feature spinning dresses and costumes unique to a particular region of Mexico. | Photo by Orhun Uygur

Have you noticed carnival infrastructure and colorful decorations being set up in Tom McCall Waterfront Park? It’s all part of the 37th annual Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta happening this weekend.

Billed as “Oregon’s largest multicultural festival,” the three-day event is organized, in part, by the Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering relations between the Rose City and the cultural heart of Mexico. Fun fact: Guadalajara also goes by the “City of Roses” moniker.

The fifth of May marks Mexico’s 1862 victory over French forces in the Battle of Puebla. While the holiday enjoys more attention in the US than in Mexico, it offers an opportunity to reflect locally on Portland’s — and Oregon’s — Mexican heritage. The Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta aims to embrace Mexico’s history and the sister cities’ shared appreciation for the arts through live performances, food, drinks, activities, and handcrafted wares.

Families will find fun crafts, games, and free face painting in the Plaza de Niños. Those seeking musical immersion will enjoy Mariachi Ciudad de Guadalajara performances accompanied by Hillsboro’s Ballet Folklorico Mexico En La Sangre. Shoppers can hunt for art and artifacts — and chat with makers who traveled from Guadalajara and Tonala — at the Guadalajara Artisan Village.

Read on to learn about other highlights in store.

Note: The Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is open 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.

Looking down on three rows of white festival tents stretching into the distance, surrounded by trees with the Portland skyline as a backdrop. People mill about the tents. — Sample food, drinks, and desserts from 45+ vendors serving Mexican flavors and other regional specialties.
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Photo by Orhun Uygur

Low Rider Car Show | Friday, May 3 | 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | See customized cars featuring unique aesthetic features, push-button hydraulic systems, and whitewall tires.

Naturalization Ceremony | Friday, May 3 | 1 p.m. | The Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association and U.S. Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services will honor new American citizens hailing from dozens of different countries.

Family Day Presented By Toyota | Saturday, May 4 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | For every adult ticket purchased at the gate, one child aged 13 or younger can enjoy the fiesta festivities for free.

Rip City Boxing | Sunday, May 5 | 1-8 p.m. | See local youth boxers who competed in Saturday’s semi-final matches vie for the championship.

Events

Wednesday, May 1

Fabulous Foliage: Drag Queen Terrarium Building with Pluto Momo | Wednesday, May 1 | 5-8 p.m. | Brickhaus Coffee, 12600 SW Crescent St., Ste. 110, Beaverton | $35 | Create a garden that fits in the palm of your hand while enjoying live performances at this “Beyond Labels” event benefiting Home Plate Youth Services.
“Nassim” | Wednesday, May 1-Sunday, May 12 | Times vary | Portland Center Stage, 128 NW 11th Ave., Portland | $25-$54.50 | A new, unrehearsed local performer joins playwright Nassim Soleimanpour on stage each night of this production which demonstrates the power of language.

Thursday, May 2

First Thursday on Fremont | Thursday, May 2 | 10 a.m. | Northeast Fremont Street, Portland | Free | Stop by participating restaurants and businesses like Amalfi’s, Puddletown Games & Puzzles, and Pip’s Original Doughnuts for special events and discounts.

Friday, May 3

First Friday at ADX: An Altar of Books | Friday, May 3 | 5-9 p.m. | ADX (Art Design Xchange), 417 SE 11th Ave., Portland | Free | Enjoy beer from Rogue Ales while browsing handmade books, ‘zines, journals, and sketchbooks at this open gallery.

Saturday, May 4

Butterfly Benefit “Rock Festival” | Saturday, May 4 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | 2218 NE 22nd Ave., Portland | Free | Buy a hand-painted, resin-sealed rock in support of Portland Monarchs, a community group committed to helping the migratory insect.
The Portland Derby | Saturday, May 4 | 11 a.m. | The Redd on Salmon, 831 SE Salmon St., Portland | $35 | Dress in your finest derby attire, sip mint juleps, and cheer for your favorite horse as Kentucky’s famous “Run for the Roses” plays out on a big screen in the Rose City.
Ben Schwartz & Friends | Saturday, May 4 | 7 p.m. | Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St., Portland | $25-$195 | The “Parks and Recreation” and “Renfield” actor brings his comedic genius to the City of Roses.

Events calendar here

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Wellness

Find a therapist that fits your specific needs

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The clinic also has several counselors who can work with out-of-state clients, as well as those who travel frequently or who live in Vancouver or other surrounding areas. | Photo via Pexels

Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all practice. The Couples Clinic of Portland’s team of therapists offers support for couples, individuals, teens, and families through in-person or online sessions.

Every counselor has unique experience working with different methods, including the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. Bonus: Some therapists specialize in LGBTQIA+ communities and ethically non-monogamous relationships.

Find out more by exploring their bios or emailing them so they can help you find a good fit.

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News Notes

Closing

The end of May will mark the end of The Sudra. The vegan Indian restaurant in the Kerns neighborhood said this past winter “was the worst we’ve had in years” and despite spring now being in full swing, business has not returned to what it once was.

Festival

Want abs of steel? You could hit the gym... or you could check out Rip City Comedy Festival. Returning for a second year Thursday, May 2-Saturday, May 4, the showcase of comedic talent plays out at various locations, including McMenamin’s Crystal Ballroom, Crush Bar, and Helium Comedy Club.

Real Estate

Oregon Health & Science University bought a $17.7 million office building complex located near other OHSU facilities in Southwest Portland. The university, which may acquire Legacy Health, said the purchase of the former Crossing at First property will help it save money in the long-run and support expansion. (Willamette Week)

Award

Seven Portland metro-area breweries won 11 medals collectively at the 2024 World Beer Cup. The so-called “Olympics of beer competitions” organized by the Brewers Association awarded Von Ebert Brewing, Breakside Brewery, Grains of Wrath Brewing, Wayfinder Beer, Baerlic Brewing Co., Grand Fir Brewing, and Oregon City Brewing Co. (Portland Business Journal)

Stat

Downtown Portland nightlife is recovering faster than its daytime business scene. That’s according to a new study analyzing cellphone activity trends in downtown metro areas from 2020 to the present. Activity during Portland’s working hours is reportedly at 54% of pre-pandemic levels, while after-hour activity is at 74%. (University of Toronto’s School of Cities + Portland Business Journal)

Portlander

Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, his wife Duanpen, and their friend Laiza Chao will split the $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot. Charlie Saephan has been battling cancer since 2016 and started playing the lottery in recent months. He plans to buy his dream home in Oregon and find a new cancer doctor. (KGW)

Eat

Yelp ranked 100 top-reviewed brunch restaurants across the US ahead of Mother’s Day — and three Portland spots made the cut: Screen Door’s Pearl District location is No. 13, followed by Proud Mary Coffee at No. 71 and RJ Skillets at No. 74. Explore 37 other brunch options for the holiday. (Yelp)

Sports

Do Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon have futures in Portland? Get the biggest stories every day from the local Trail Blazers experts with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Shop

Gift giving made easy for mom

Woman standing behind desk in white room with green plant in background, looking at the camera, smiling, and holding a rainbow macrame

Vanessa, a mom and founder of Portland-based brand A Branch & Cord, with her DIY macrame rainbow kit. | Photo by Natalie Kristeen Photography

Don’t let shopping for the mother figure in your life feel like a daunting task. How? By shopping Six & Main’s guide.

Here’s what you’ll find:

Local | Want handmade, but not by your own hands? Shop locally made gifts.
Small businesses | Find items from businesses that are mom-powered.
Gift sets | We’ve already placed all the items you need — just add to cart.

Check out our favorite items to show your appreciation for the mom(s) in your life.

Start shopping

The Buy

A summer sip. Prepare for a summer by the pool or on the porch with these iced coffee and sparkling tea options.

Answered

What do you love most about Portland?

A view of downtown Portland and bridges, looking across the Willamette River, on a moody spring day with a mix of dark clouds and patches of sunlight. — What do we love most about Portland? Views like this, for starters.
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Photo by Cambrie Juarez, PDXtoday

“I love being able to take my dog to dog parks where she can meet and greet people and dog friends.” - RW

“The beautiful trees and plants everywhere you look!” - Mia A.

“The beauty, right size city (manageable), the people, the cultural offerings, easy access to the mountains and the ocean, etc.” - Susan L.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Cambrie

From the editor

Wildflower season is underway in the Gorge. Pack some snacks (and a rain jacket) and head east to Mosier Plateau for a colorful, 3.5-mile jaunt through meadows of yellow balsamroot and purple lupine.

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