Starting this week, PDXtoday will transition to a weekly newsletter. Same stories, events, and news you’re used to — now just once a week. We’ll be back in your inbox on Saturday, Nov. 2. Please continue to write in with your feedback and ideas as we shift to this new schedule.
📫 Picture this on a Portland postcard
The city took ownership of the 50-by-52-ft sign in 2010.|Photo by @lilplanets
We’ve all been there: Someone’s trying to give you directions by describing 10 lefts, 20 rights, and a jumble of cardinal directions. Isn’t it easier to just point out a landmark?
That’s exactly what we’re doing. We have 16 of the most recognizable Portland landmarks — from a leaping neon sign to a skyscraper with a rosy personality. Not only are these local icons easy to remember, but they’ll also get you where you need to go in a jiffy.
Nearby: Portland Saturday Market, Voodoo Doughnut Old Town, Lan Su Chinese Garden
One of the most recognizable elements of Portland’s skyline, the “Portland Oregon Sign” has displayed several different messages and advertisements over its lifetime, warmly welcoming westbound travelers on the Burnside Bridge. Each year, the prancing deer’s nose glows red, a la Rudolph, from the day after Thanksgiving through the holiday season. Fun fact: In 1959, White Stag Sportswear’s CEO Harold S. Hirsch added the festive touch as a display of affection for his wife Elizabeth.
Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts Flicks on the Bricks, a free outdoor movie series.
Nearby: The Nines Hotel, Pioneer Place, Director Park
Throughout its history, this city block fondly referred to as “Portland’s Living Room” has hosted a schoolhouse, hotel, and parking lot, which eventually gave way to today’s public plaza. Fun fact: You can have a brick engraved and installed in the square for $125.
Find Big Pink is a fun game to play wherever you are in Portland.
Officially called the U.S. Bancorp Tower, the second-tallest building (536 ft) in the City of Roses gets its nickname from the handpicked materials architect Pietro Belluschi used in its construction — pink Spanish granite and pink glazed plate glass. Fun fact: Portland City Grill on the 30th floor serves steak and seafood with unrivaled panoramic views.
BIPOC Improv Class | Wednesday, Oct. 30-Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 7-9 p.m. | Curious Comedy Theater | Free | Black, Indigenous, Latine, Asian, and all people of color are invited to learn about improv acting during this seven-week course, no prior experience needed.
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” | Wednesday, Oct. 30-Sunday, Nov. 3 | Times vary | Portland Center Stage | $24+ | Revenge is a dish best served piping hot in this razor-sharp rendition of the Sondheim classic.
Thursday, Oct. 31
A Night with Ghosts: Haunted Adventures in NW Portland | Thursday, Oct. 31-Friday, Nov. 1 | Times vary | Anna Bannanas | $30 | Do you dare join this tour of Portland’s paranormal heritage and haunted stories that will give you the willies?
Bluegrass Jam Session | 6-8 p.m. | Wolves and People Farmhouse Brewery, Newberg | Free | Head out to wine country for a pint of ale and banjo pickin’ at Springbrook Farm.
The Haunted Eye-Haunted House & Pop Up Bar | Thursday, Oct. 31, Friday, Nov. 1-Saturday, Nov. 2 | 6-11 p.m. | The Old Pawn Shop | $5 | If you have the courage to brave the frights, you’ll be rewarded with devilishly delicious themed cocktails and bites.
Friday, Nov. 1
Chrysanthemum Festival | Friday, Nov. 1-Tuesday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | Lan Su Chinese Garden | $13+ | Experience the annual tradition that celebrates the cultural significance of the multicolored blossoms with intricate arrangements.
Portland Thorns vs. Angel City FC | 7 p.m. | Providence Park | $30+ | Be there to cheer on the legendary Christine Sinclair as she plays her final game.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Portland Book Festival | Saturday, Nov. 2 | Locations vary | $18+ | This one-day celebration of the literary arts features talks with 100+ authors and moderators across 10 stages, writing workshops, readings, a book fair, and more.*
Monday, Nov. 4
We call it Ballet: “Sleeping Beauty” Dance & Light Show | Monday, Nov. 4-Wednesday, Nov. 6 | Times vary | Alberta Rose Theatre | $35+ | Classical ballet meets modern technology as dancers wearing glowing + glittering costumes glide across the stage.
No. 86. That’s what Portland ranked for affordability of housing and goods out of 100 on Business Journals’ list of the largest metro areas in the US. So, what does it really cost to live in the City of Roses? Our cost of living guide breaks it down. (Portland Business Journal)
Closing
Known for its craft drinks and psychedelic vibes, southeast Portland bar The Houston Blacklight is closing its doors this weekend. The biz broke the news on Monday and invited patrons to visit one last time for an “end of days rager” on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Community
The second Temporary Alternative Shelter Site in Portland will be the first in the city to be a combined RV and alternative shelter site. The site, off North Portland Road, will be able to house nearly 200 people and is expected to open mid-November. (KGW)
The Morton Salt girl. A jellyfish. Mary Poppins. You might want to consider adjusting your Halloween getup to incorporate an umbrella, if possible — this year’s trick or treating will most likely be wet, thanks to rain showers expected during peak candy collecting hours. (KOIN)
Sports
Oregon’s defense has been looking strong this season. How much stronger can it get? The hosts of Locked On Ducks discuss that and other topics on the daily podcast.
Wellness
Depression in adolescents can have far-reaching effects on many facets of their life without early intervention. Luckily, Active Path Mental Health is here to help Portlanders + their families receive the treatment they need — including a groundbreaking treatment now offered to teens ages 15-18. See how it works.*
Finance
Rates just dropped — now could be the time to tap into your home equity. Calculate your payment.*
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The Buy
The Buy
A great deal for the holidays ahead — get 18 bottles of wine for $79 plus shipping. Choose from red, white, or a variety pack of red, white, and rosé. Hello, stocked bar for holiday hosting season.
