Soon, the seats of Moda Center will fill with cheering fans. | Photo via Another Believer
Let’s address the trail-blazing elephant in the room. The Portland Trail Blazers are up for sale after existing under the ownership of the Paul Allen estate since 1988.
Naturally, we’re all a little nervous about the idea of getting the Seattle Sonics treatment. So, let’s go through some important points that will help you understand the headlines you’re sure to see over the next few months.
How much are the Blazers worth?
The Blazers have the 23rd highest valuation out of the NBA’s 30 teams with an estimated ~$3.6 billion. However, Sportico is estimating that the team will sell for $4-5 billion once all is said and done.
If the team gets bought, will they move somewhere else?
Unfortunately, we won’t have a definite answer for awhile. However, there are strong some factors working in favor of the Blazers staying here at home.
The potential NBA expansion
The NBA has already invested billions in adding two new teams (likely in Seattle and Las Vegas) to the league within the next couple of years. Relocating the Trail Blazers would likely cannibalize the money investors expect to make in the other cities. And why move when you’ve already got something that works?
ISMO: “Woo Hoo! World Tour” | 7 p.m. | Aladdin Theater | $42.50+ | This Finnish comedian is known for his hysterical insights on the oddities of the English language.
J Balvin: Back To The Rayo Tour | 8 p.m. | Moda Center | $61+ | Some of this Colombian artist’s most popular hits include “Mi Gente,” “Ginza,” and “Loco Contigo.”
Sunday, May 18
“Pride & Prejudice” BYO-Crafternoon with Ritual Dyes | 3:30 p.m. | Tomorrow Theater | $15 | Bring your own fiber arts project and get ready to swoon, because we never wish to be parted from you from this day on.
Tuesday, May 20
“Queer Devotion:" Book Release Party | 5-7 p.m. | Seagrape Apothecary | $7 | This magical little book looks at how queerness shows up in folklore + religion across the world — from gay Greek gods to transgender Catholic priests.
Discover summer’s best-kept secret on Sauvie Island
Presented by Topaz Farm
Fun for all ages awaits at Topaz Farm. | Photos courtesy of Julia Varga and Topaz Farm
Just a short drive from Portland, Topaz Farm is a summer paradise waiting to be explored.
Topaz Farm opens for the season later this month, welcoming visitors to explore its regenerative fields, friendly farm animals, U-pick berries, and U-cut flower gardens. The farmstand is stocked with fresh produce and local goods, and hands-on classes offer fun for all ages.
As summer unfolds, the farm comes alive with signature events. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy:
A colorful seasonal celebration
The fourth Annual Holi Spring Fest, a Bollywood and Bhangra dance party on the farm featuring DJ Anjali & The Incredible Kid, is happening on Saturday, May 31. This spring harvest celebration is all about music, dancing, powder mischief, dance lessons, demonstrations, and farm fun.
The spot for live music
The Americana Harvest Fest runs July through September, featuring top folk, indie, and bluegrass artists like The SteelDrivers, Blind Pilot, and John Craigie performing open-air live music surrounded by fields, sunflowers, and farm-fresh food + drinks.
An elevated al fresco dining experience
For a unique and intimate experience, the Farm to Plate Dinner Series, starting with the Season Opening Celebration on Saturday, June 7. Picture yourself savoring a multi-course meal under a centuries-old oak tree, crafted by top chefs using ingredients harvested just steps away.
Whether you’re visiting for music, a farm dinner, or a day in the fields, Topaz Farm is where summer comes to life. Pro tip: Tickets are selling quickly for all events, so grab ticketsbefore they sell out.
Don’t forget to fill out your ballots. On Tuesday, May 20, Portland residents will vote in a special election to determine four school board seats and whether or not to renew a $1.8 million bond funding earthquake-resistant renovations on older schools. Find ballot drop box locations + election info on the Elections Division’s website.
Biz
Willamette Valley Vineyards has named its new CEO. Before taking this new role, Michael Osborn founded online wine retailer eVineyards in the 1990s that later morphed into Wine.com. Jim Bernau, the winery’s previous CEO, will remain involved with the company as its president and chairperson of the board. (Portland Business Journal)
Concert
Get ready to to snag some concert tickets. Live Nation is dishing out $30 tickets for 1,000+ summer concerts that include several in Oregon and SW Washington. These will go on sale Wednesday, May 21 for artists like Cyndi Lauper, CAAMP, and Thomas Rhett. (KGW)
Open
Beloved Filipino panaderia Balong is now open for those looking to chow on those famous breakfast sandwiches. The restaurant, located in Meianna Bakery’s former spot, is open Wednesday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Look for fancy hash browns, cheddar-scallion biscuits, and Cinnabon-inspired coffee rolls on its menu. (Eater Portland)
Closing
Long-standing outdoor equipment store Next Adventure is closing “later in 2025" as the business’ owners react to “uncertain times.” The biz will start a retirement closing sale at both of its locations on Wednesday, May 28, but expect it to continue well into the summer. No exact closing date has been announced. (Portland Business Journal)
Ranked
Hole-y moley — two Portland donut shops have been ranked among the 50 best in the US by Yelp according to the reviews of its Elite members. Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai was placed at the No. 6 spot for its cozy vibes, and Doe Donuts came in at No. 49 for its eclectic flavors.
Trending
An Adam Sandler-themed event got a big thumbs up from the actor himself on Instagram this week. On Saturday, May 17, Portland Sandler fans will gather in Cathedral Park dressed as various characters from his decades-long career with beer + snacks in his honor. Sandler shared a poster for the event with a note that read “Hope you have a ball!” (KOIN)
Sports
Another potential high-profile recruit for the Oregon Ducks has chosen to go with a different school. What does this mean for football coach Dan Lanning and his team? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Oregon Ducks with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Eat
Imagine a brunch experience where every bite is not just delicious, but also a scientific discovery. At OMSI After Dark: Brunch Club, happening Wednesday, May 28 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m, you’ll savor brunch bites and cocktails while uncovering the chemical reaction behind your favorite breakfast aromas. Grab tickets.*
Fact or Fiction
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) causes memory loss. See the answer and learn how the experts from Active Path Mental Health use TMS to treat medication-resistant depression.*
Number
48 million. That’s how many Americans hear so poorly that their quality of life suffers — think: missing out on convos, concerts, and un-captioned movies. Fortunately, this hearing aid changes the game. Try out its dual processing technology for yourself with a free 45-day, no-risk trial.*
Stat
50%. That’s how many dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer in their lifetime. In addition to lots of tears, pet cancer care can cost you lots of money. Luckily,this pet insurance plan could reimburse you up to 90% on applicable pet care costs.*
If you’re willing to splurge a little ($17), you can turn PDX Sliders’ burgers into loaded fries for you and your friends to split. | Photo via @pdxsliders
Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Portland. Check out this list of places where a lunch for one costs $15 or less.
808 Grinds
Hawaiian hospitality and island vibes are on deck at this spot where the staff welcomes you in with a smile. If you ask us, Da Combo plate is the way to go — you get shoyu chicken and kalua pork with scoops of mac salad and white rice.
Harlow
Grains and greens are the name of the game here. The Utopian Dream Salad ($14) is made with raw shredded green papaya, carrots, kale + broccoli tossed in almond butter pad thai sauce, offering plenty of crunch.
Pambiche
Taste the flavors of Havana with this eatery’s take on the Cubano — roasted ham and Swiss cheese on a lightly sweet bread with mustard — or opt for the Pan Con Lechon.
Life of Pie
Take advantage of happy hour 11 a.m.-6 p.m. to order a whole, wood-fired margherita pizza (dine-in only) for just $8. House beer and wine are $6.
Summertime’s humidity + extra time in the sunshine can take a toll on your hair. Add these five essentials to your haircare routine to keep your locks nourished all season long:
So, as we talked about above, experts are estimating that the Trail Blazers might be sold for as much as $5 billion. To just give you a reference for how much $5 billion is, here are some other things you could buy for that amount:
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