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FILM
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Death Becomes Her features cinema history’s sassiest cast (Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis, and Isabella Rossellini) and tells a cautionary tale that might come in handy someday—when your archrival marries your crush, you can plan to kill her, but a magic potion might interfere. This Tomorrow Theater screening will up the ante in everyone’s favorite way: through a game of bingo, hosted by cult cinema starlet Violet Hex. Bring your daubers for a moment that’ll make life worth living. LC
(Tomorrow Theater, Richmond, $15)
LIVE MUSIC
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Technically Pride Month in Portland starts in July, but who says the party can’t start early? Self-proclaimed “passionate dance-punk” trio J. Graves will drop by Mississippi Studios for a prideful evening of catchy, guitar-driven jams. Orchestral folk-rockers the Cabin Project will open alongside queer post-punk band Whisper Hiss. AV
(Mississippi Studios, Boise, $15)
PERFORMANCE
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Eclectic comedy variety show The Variety Society will hit the stage with more uproarious improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy, plus live tunes. This time around, the show will feature a lineup of exclusively queer performers, including McKinley Hughes, Jay Flewelling, Karla Marx, and others, as a sparkly tribute to Pride Month. LC
(Curious Comedy Theater, King, $15)
COMEDY
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This interactive comedy show wants to help you feel better about your daily struggles. Aww, thanks, comedy show! Audience members will be prompted to jot down their woes on slips of paper before the performance. Comedians (Brendan Creecy, Rachelle Cochran, Sam Whiteley, and Sir Lance Edward this time around) will then draw them from a box, using the audience’s unique problems to create an improvised set. Don’t worry, they’re not really laughing at your expense—it’s more like a rare moment of catharsis, where you’ll chuckle at the batshittery of your own life alongside a bunch of strangers. If that sounds like your bag, don’t miss it. LC
(Integrity Beer, South Portland, $15)
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If you’ve somehow gotten this far in life without knowing about types of ice, ’90s basketball movies, Brent Lowrey, and/or “healing generational trauma through Pokémon,” first of all: Congrats. But like, you should maybe fix that. Enter Katie Shook, David Seung, Dylan Jenkins, and Imani Denae, who will hop on stage to rant at us about the niche topics nearest and dearest to their hearts. Fellow comics will interject with comments and concerns during the spiels, so it’s bound to be the funniest way you’ve learned something new lately. LC
(Kickstand Comedy, Ladd’s Addition, $10)
COMMUNITY
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Next week brings the summer solstice, and though the forecast is predicting rain and cooler temps on Saturday, the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood is ushering in the new season with the first annual “Everything Under the Sun” parade. A giant papier-mâché sun puppet will lead the parade, which will feature more puppets, costumes, and a ukulele group. All are invited to join the parade as “walking floats,” something organizers describe as a group of people embodying a theme, which could be anything from riding bikes to blowing bubbles. That’s my kind of community-oriented quirkiness. SL
(Sellwood-Moreland, free)
FILM
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If you’re unfamiliar with Portland-born polymath Harry Smith, you should know that he was an avant-garde artist whose interests spanned filmmaking, music, paper airplanes, and the occult (just to name a few). In the spirit of Harry Smith’s multi-hyphenate position, this centennial birthday celebration will show some of his films accompanied by live music. Musicians including the Portland Sacred Harp Singers, Roman Norfleet and Be Present Art Group, Collate, and Jay Ringer will perform experimental tunes inspired by Smith’s original film scores. AV
(Hollywood Theatre, Hollywood District, $15)
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It’s hard to appreciate a blatant nepo baby, but something about Maya Hawke’s love of Southern Gothic writer Flannery O’Connor makes me sigh, throw up my hands, and say “Fine.” In Wildcat, Maya stars as the iconic author of Wise Blood and The Violent Bear It Away, and her dad (yeah, Ethan) directs. The film follows O’Connor’s deep exploration of the writing craft in the aftermath of her lupus diagnosis. Before this screening, local novelist and Portland State University fiction professor Leni Zumas (Red Clocks) will share a reading and “touch on the impact of O’Connor’s work.” LC
(Tomorrow Theater, Richmond, $15)
FOOD & DRINK
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If Breakside Brewing’s Woodlawn location was a person, it’d be a freshman in high school. Help them celebrate their 14th year with a block party featuring live music, a bouncy obstacle course, Salt & Straw ice cream, Bauman’s Cider, Erath Winery wine, and of course, plenty of beer, including rare specialty brews. JB
(Breakside Brewery, Woodlawn, free)
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Get dolled up in your most cottagecore ensemble to frolic amongst your fellow queers in the idyllic pastoral setting of Kindness Farm, a community farm led by queer, immigrant, and refugee volunteers. The festivities will include a tea tent with blends made with herbs grown on the farm, outdoor games like cornhole and giant Jenga, picnic table painting, flower printing, farm tours, dancing, and freebies (including kombucha, CBD soda, and snacks). You’re also welcome to help participate in building a pride altar—bring candles and offerings. JB
(Kindness Farm, Pleasant Valley, free)
GEEK & GAMING
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Local Eisner Award-winning comic purveyors Books with Pictures present this cute comic convention, celebrating all things illustration with special guests, cosplay, live music, trivia, and an “extensive artist’s alley” lining SE Orange Ave. Over 50 artists will share their wares, including handmade slime and crochet goodies. Writers, cartoonists, and graphic novelists like G. Willow Wilson, Leela Corman, Carl Sciacchitano, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Douglas Wolk, and Chris Roberson will appear for chats and book signings, and an art battle will see local comics stars compete in drawing challenges. Don’t miss the food cart pod parked conveniently close by—even nerds get the munchies. LC
(Books With Pictures, Ladd’s Addition, free)
JUNETEENTH
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Oregon’s first Juneteenth celebration was organized by Vanport shipyard worker Clara Peoples, who used to observe the historic day on shift breaks with her friends. Now in its 52nd year, the community joins together in the Clara Peoples Freedom Trail Parade to march down Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Avel Gordly, the first African American woman to be elected to the Oregon State Senate, will serve as the grand marshal. More details on a sure-to-be-stacked entertainment lineup will be released soon, but you can expect local vendors, delicious food, and non-stop grooves. SL
(Lillis-Albina Park, Eliot, free)
LIVE MUSIC
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Singer-songwriter/poet Lily Mullen will celebrate the release of her debut album on Mississippi Records with a free outdoor concert at the park across the street from the label’s storefront. In true obscure Mississippi Records fashion, I have not been able to find any of Mullen’s music online. But, the label’s description was enough to pique my interest, comparing her “playful” and “magical” sound to the Raincoats, the Slits, Patti Smith, and Nico. AV
(Albina Green Park, free)
PARTIES & NIGHTLIFE
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At this point, I think we can all agree that it’s Chappell Roan’s world and we’re simply lucky to revel in it. Honor the rapidly rising Midwest princess/pop luminary at this dance party named after her queer anthem “Pink Pony Club.” Chappell is known for opulent, party-like shows that include distinctive themes for each tour stop, so think of this as your dress rehearsal for the next time she breezes through town. AV
(Star Theater, Old Town-Chinatown, $15-$20)
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In honor of Pride Month, mid-century vinyl specialist DJ Action Slacks revives her defunct dance night “Queer Country Junction” for one night only, shining a light on pioneering queer voices in American roots music. Stomp your boots to a classic mix of country, Americana, and rockabilly tunes from the ’50s-’80s (think Lavender Country, Wilma Burgess, and k.d. Lang) in your best, sparkliest Western wear. Now can I get a “yee-haw?!” AV
(The World Famous Kenton Club, Kenton, $10-$20 Sliding scale at the door)
READINGS & TALKS
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Rock are cool and all, but I’ll be honest: I wasn’t losing sleep thinking about them until I started following Alison Jean Cole’s Instagram account. Cole’s enthusiasm for rocks brings up all sorts of questions. What is a thunderegg, really? And have I missed my calling? Should I have been a professional rockhounder, traversing the orangey badlands and desert canyons wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a bolo tie?? I am still wondering these things, and maybe you are, too. If so, head to this talk, where Cole will chat about her new book, Beautiful Rocks and How to Find Them. The book covers all things rockhounding, including how to read geologic maps, the ethics of rock collecting, and “how to develop your personal tastes in rocks and build a collection.” Bonus: You’ll be at the Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals, so you’ll be surrounded by rockhounding inspiration. LC
(Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals, Tanasbourne, $10-$18)
FILM
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In sophomore director Rose Glass’ queer melodrama Love Lies Bleeding, Kristen Stewart plays Lou, a chain-smoking dirtbag dyke and gym manager who splits her time between unclogging toilets, fending off the unwanted advances of her overzealous admirer Daisy (Anna Baryshnikov), worrying about her sister Beth (Jena Malone), reheating frozen dinners in a drab apartment, and masturbating on a faded couch in full view of her cat. When she meets ambitious muscle mommy Jackie (Katy O’Brian), who’s passing through town on her way to a bodybuilding competition in Las Vegas, the star-crossed sapphic lovers immediately fall into a spiral of toxic U-haul infatuation. Glass, who directed the 2019 psychological horror flick Saint Maud, brings a startlingly singular and stylish vision to life. She’s cited David Cronenberg’s Crash and Paul Verhoeven’s Showgirls as influences for Love Lies Bleeding, and the carnal obsession of those films shines through in her work. The result is a seedy, sexy, high-octane ride that holds its own amongst the erotic thriller canon. My advice? Give them daddy at this Father’s Day screening—sweatpants, mullets, and muscle tees are highly encouraged. JB
(Tomorrow Theater, Richmond, $15)
PRIDE
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In celebration of Pride Month, the vibey, neon-illuminated bar Pink Rabbit will cater to “queer girls and theys” each Sunday in June. Enjoy drink specials, all-day happy hour, crafts, music, and gay movies. Personally, I hope that But I’m a Cheerleader, Chappell Roan, and lots of bedazzling are all part of the (queer) agenda. JB
(Pink Rabbit, Pearl District)
READINGS & TALKS
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With her debut cookbook Amrikan: 125 Recipes From the Indian Diaspora, Food & Wine writer and editor Khushbu Shah asks the question, “What is Indian food in America?” She delves into the answer not only with irresistible-sounding recipes I’m eager to add into my rotation, like saag paneer lasagna, achari paneer pizza, spinach tadka dal with rice, panipuri mojitos, and masala chai Basque cheesecake, but also with images and essays that meditate on the connection between food and identity. As Shah told the New York Times in a 2019 interview, “Food is undeniably intersectional. It’s impossible — it’s irresponsible — to deny it.” She’ll chat about the release with Eater executive editor Erin DeJesus. JB
(Powell’s City of Books, Pearl District)
SPORTS & RECREATION
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Grab your two-wheeler and celebrate Father’s Day (or just a nice Sunday) with a trip through Northeast Cully along a path designed to highlight neighborhood greenways that might be new to you. The 6.2-mile loop travels through Fernhill Park, Kʰunamokwst Park, and Wellington Park. Participants are encouraged to join at any point and in any direction; along the way, you’ll find vendor marketplaces, community booths, free family-friendly activities like Zumba and roller skate rentals from Rose City Rollers, and live performances from a self-described “Tex-Mex-Country” band, stilt walkers, jugglers, and even a roaming magician. SL
(Various locations, Cully, free)
EXHIBIT
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Works by Finnish artists Ritva Kovalainen and Sanni Seppo will come together for this photography exhibition, which draws from forest-based mythology to reflect on ancient customs and beliefs in rural Finland, Estonia, and East Karelia. To capture the images in Tree People, Kovalainen and Seppo researched and traveled for a decade; the results feel both sacred and familiar. After all, most of us have felt a close connection to a tree at some point in our lives. Head to the exhibition to learn more about the forest spirits and stories, then explore the World Forestry Center and Discovery Museum’s wood-filled space. LC
(World Forestry Center & Discovery Museum, Washington Park, $0-$8, Friday-Sunday)
FESTIVALS
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Calling all fans of haiku, limericks, sestinas, villanelles, and quatrains! The Bigfoot Poetry Festival will return this year with four days of free spoken word performances, poetry slams, open mics, workshops, and a “poetry market.” The fest will pop up at locations across the west side, including Powell’s Books, Literary Arts, the Woodlark Hotel, and Multnomah County Central Library. I’m stoked for the guided meditation and journaling sessions, the mental health mic, and intriguingly titled workshops like “Catharsis and Revenge Poetry” and “Chaos As Craft.” LC
(Various locations, free, Friday-Saturday)
FILM
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Quick, sardonic script-flipper Michelle Buteau holds her own amid the current pack of aging dude comics bickering over whether human rights are funny, and Ilana Glazer is rapidly becoming a legendary millennial freak. (Yes, the batshit angel from Broad City still exists, she’s still hilarious, and she’s spoken up about the genocide in Gaza. Try to keep up!) It’s only natural that the two should join forces in Babes, the one-night-stand comedy and directorial debut from Pamela Adlon, aka the voice of Bobby on King of the Hill. Women rock. LC
(Cinema 21, Nob Hill, Friday-Sunday)
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Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s follow-up to the Murakami-inspired Oscar winner Drive My Car follows a father and daughter who spend their days gathering wild foods for a local udon restaurant. Their livelihood might be threatened when a city agency plans to create a bougie “glamping” site not far from their rustic hamlet. (Fuck glampers, am I right?) Evil Does Not Exist won the 2023 Venice Silver Lion; I’m intrigued by the film’s quiet, snowy cinematography and its naturalistic approach. LC
(Cinema 21, Nob Hill, $9-$11, Friday-Sunday)
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I never anticipated needing to explain that Rachel Sennott is “currently funny,” but this flick’s title leaves me eager to confirm that she’s hilarious. (Although, if you’ve seen Shiva Baby or Bottoms, you’re already well aware.) In Ally Pankiw’s I Used to Be Funny, a stand-up struggling with PTSD seeks out a missing teen who she used to nanny. Sennott always understands the assignment, so I’m anticipating something vulnerable and comical and a little weird. LC
(Cinema 21, Nob Hill, $9-$11, Friday-Sunday)
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Run Lola Run is an unabashedly ’90s flick, but in the best possible way—the German experimental thriller is set to a pulsing electronic soundtrack that keeps you glued to the screen from start to finish. Franka Potente, whom New York Magazine described as a “human stun gun,” stars as a vermillion-hued heroine who’s gotta come up with 100,000 Deutschmarks in 20 minutes. It’ll be even more stress-inducing in a fresh 4K restoration. LC
(Cinema 21, Nob Hill, $9-$11, Friday-Sunday)
FOOD & DRINK
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The annual celebration of all things beery and beautiful in the Pacific Northwest returns in grand style, stretching the definition of “week” to encompass 10 whole days, and sprawling all over the city like a freshly shaken can of lager popped with no regard, featuring a wide range of events at notable breweries and venues. This year’s lineup includes a pizza party, a “Make Your Own IPA Ice Cream” event, pop-ups, tap takeovers, special releases, workshops, a wrestling-themed “Snackdown” competition, and more. JB
(Various locations, Friday-Sunday)
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I don’t know about you, but I feel that humanity really peaked when we came up with the concept of snacking. This festival from the people who brought you Portland Night Market is of the same mind, featuring hot food vendors, food trucks, vendors, live entertainment, demos, educational breakout sessions, special pop-ups, and much more, all revolving around bite-sized munchies. Go forth and live deliciously. JB
(Alder Block, Central Eastside, free, Friday-Saturday)
GEEK & GAMING
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My father raised me on robots, Halo, and Stargate. I’m almost afraid to attend GeekCraft because I know I’ll want to buy everything there—for my dad, for myself, and for friends who are a part of different fandoms. Hundreds of local vendors will be showcasing their creations including fan art, miniatures, ceramics, fantasy-inspired tea, jewelry, stained glass, and more. Dust off those Comic Con ‘fits, because cosplay is highly encouraged! Plus, there’ll be plenty of free activities to keep the kiddos entertained while you shop. SL
(Westside Commons, Hillsborow, $2-$5, Saturday-Sunday)
SHOPPING
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Maps! Rare tomes! Miscellaneous paper ephemera!!!!! Now that I’ve got your attention, listen up: The Rose City Book & Paper Fair is back with a mountain of unusual goodies from dozens of vendors. You’ll find underground zines, quirky vintage photo albums, and antiquarian tomes from the local book haunts and further-flung book hawkers on site. Added bonus—I attended last year, and the people-watching is choice. LC
(Doubletree Hotel, Lloyd District, $5, Friday-Saturday)
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Brace yourself for a literary onslaught: The week-long inaugural Portland Book Week promises a bookstore crawl, lit events, games and raffles, giveaways, discounts, and more merch than your tattered tote bag can hold. Over 50 bookstores across Portland, Vancouver, and Southwest Washington will participate, so it’s as good a time as any to stop by your typical stomping grounds or head to a bookstore you haven’t yet discovered. Check out my recent themed bookstore article for the Mercury for some ideas. LC
(Various locations, free, Friday-Sunday)
VISUAL ART
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Prolific letterpress artist Alyson Provax is always up to something artistic, so her latest solo exhibition comes as no surprise. To know what we say we know presents new letterpress works by Provax, referencing spoken language and diaries to reflect on “the limitations of language to express our individual perceptions and the way that this affects connection between us.” Provax adopts a repetitive “drawing” style to help the viewer notice their own experience of reading, but don’t expect a novel: Her work more closely resembles concrete poetry. LC
(Well Well, Kenton, free, Saturday-Sunday)
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Multimedia artist Bean Gilsdorf has often drawn from imagery of sociopolitical figureheads to inspire her work—the fourth-generation seamstress has created slumping soft sculpture forms of American exceptionalist idols, women convicted of violent crimes, and more in previous exhibitions. If you haven’t seen her work yet, what better time than election season? Ahead of her experimental lecture-performance at PICA on June 15, Gilsdorf will drape Elizabeth Leach Gallery’s project wall with hand-dyed cotton collages featuring some polarizing faces you might recognize. LC
(Elizabeth Leach Gallery, Pearl District, free, Friday-Saturday)
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When I last saw Emily Wise’s work in her 2023 Chefas Projects solo exhibition Hands that Hold the Melting Rope, the artist’s surreal, neon-hued acrylic compositions were populated with dream-world cool girls, flowing flora, and mystical patterns. The motto of Wise’s work seems to be “the longer you look, the more you find,” like a lucid dream in painting form. This time around, she depicts the Irish banshees of her grandmother’s fairy tales, and wonders whether the matriarch was “merely the keeper of these Irish legends, or indeed the very banshee she spoke of.” LC
(Chefas Projects, Central Eastside, free, Friday-Saturday; opening)
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When photographer Ivan McClellan attended the country’s longest-running Black rodeo back in 2015, he described it as “like going to Oz — there was all this color and energy.” The experience led McClellan on a trek across the US to discover all things Black rodeo culture, from Texan stables to LA ranches. In his Eight Seconds long-form photography project, McClellan documents “the lives of Black men and women who live a Western lifestyle across the United States.” Head to Blue Sky to see a curated selection of the photographs before the 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo on June 16. LC
(Blue Sky Gallery, Pearl District, free, Friday-Saturday)
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Research-driven artist Maria Lux, an associate art professor at Whitman College, creates “installation-based works” that center species loss, conservation, and “the ways animals are used to generate human knowledge and understanding.” Interesting, no? In Noah’s Out-of-Order Ark-ade and Reliquary, Lux constructs an arcade-turned-shrine, where lost and revived animals are revered. It’s sort of a roadside curiosity, and sort of a holy site—expect Catholic visual excess with tinges of the darkly humorous and absurd. LC
(Carnation Contemporary, Kenton, free, Saturday-Sunday)
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