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City Cast Portland

Find the best that Portland has to offer.

City Cast Portland staff

Out on the Oregon Coast, April means it’s time to 

celebrate the puffin’s seasonal return to Cannon Beach

It’s also time to pay taxes (including the 

local ones for arts, homeless services, and preschools

Here’s some other happenings this month:

There are plenty of reasons to be excited about food and drink this month, starting today:

This afternoon, you can sample sourdough bread from the best bakers around. It’s the second annual celebration of National Sourdough Day. (We’re so into sourdough, shouldn’t this be an official city holiday?)

There are plenty of bagel shops around town (I like 

), but everyone seems to hope for even better options. Baker Madilyn Gibbons has been 

selling her bagels at farmers markets and Puff Coffee

, but now will have her own shop in the Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood.

most anticipated restaurant and bar openings

 coming this spring and summer — including one that opened in the last several days: 

Get yourself some crab at this local festival on the Oregon Coast. (Hat tip to our contributor Brianna Wheeler for this one.)

There are a couple chances to make sure your voice is heard this month:

The city is preparing for its next budget year by hearing from Portlanders. (Hat tip to senior creative producer Giulia Fiaoni for this one.)

Catch the one in your district (District 2 already hosted one this past month):

 | April 4 | Portland Building (Downtown)

 | April 8 | Marysville Elementary School (Foster-Powell)

 | April 13 | Sacramento Elementary School (Parkrose Heights)

 for the May primary. If you’re new to town, it takes just a few minutes. And the May primary is scheduled to include 

Other Fun and Quirky Happenings Around Town

Of course, we’ll have more things to do in our daily events listings. But here are a few particularly intriguing ones to start filling in your calendar for the month.

 | Starting April 5 | Portland Art Museum

 80s Video Dance Attack 21st Anniversary Party

For more ideas for the month, check out the 

City Cast Portland podcast’s guide to the month

Out on the Oregon Coast, April means it’s time to celebrate the puffin’s seasonal return to Cannon Beach, which will host an annual Puffin Welcome Ceremony on April 13. It’s also time to pay taxes (including the local ones for arts, homeless services, and preschools). And watch out for April Fools Day!

Your Guide to April 2026 in Portland, Oregon

Your Guide to April 2026 in Portland

Find the best of everything that Portland has to offer.

Portland’s Best

Portland's Best

Giulia Fiaoni

, I've been thinking a lot about our city's hotel bar scene. For me, the best of the best make you feel as though you're transported through a secret portal to another world. Here are a few I think are some of the most extraordinary:

This is my go-to for a spontaneous Monday night out because of their all-day happy hour. Their $11 cheeseburger does it for me, but I wouldn't hesitate to throw in an order of their extra crispy skinny fries with a side of fancy sauce. You'll have to walk past the hotel's front desk to find the bar — it's discreetly tucked away in the back of the lobby, making it extra cozy.

If you like raw fish, this place is a dream. Run by executive chef Adán Fausto of celebrated pop-up 

, they serve delightful coastal Mexican seafood dishes with a fabulous array of cocktails to pair. You'll access the bar from a side door off of Northwest 5th Avenue, descend an unassuming flight of stairs, and enter into an intimate basement-level space with kind and attentive servers. I am obsessed with this place.

Tucked away to the left in the hotel lobby, Driftwood Room has been serving expertly crafted cocktail classics since 1954. If you're looking for something especially luxurious, I highly recommend ordering their absinthe served from a fancy French fountain — yes, they bring the entire fountain to your table, so that you can enjoy the alluring drip. The environment makes me feel like everyone should be wearing delicate gloves and smoking long cigarettes from holders. Like their website claims, it's truly magic.

? Please share yours with us. And we’ll share your picks in a future newsletter.

With the opening of Damian Lillard's shiny new bar at the Benson Hotel, I've been thinking a lot about our city's hotel bar scene. For me, the best of the best make you feel as though you're transported through a secret portal to another world. Here are a few I think are some of the most extraordinary:

Where to Find the Best Hotel Bars in Portland, Oregon

Where to Find Downtown Portland's Best Hotel Bars 

The yearly cherry blossom bloom along the waterfront is one of the rare times you'll see a crowd in our city outside of a scheduled event (well, aside from the weekend line-up at 

 in the fall). The blossoms are typically their most beautiful around mid-March to early April, but with the unexpectedly warm weather this season, there's a chance for 

. Here are some spots to take in the puffy pink magic this year:

The cherry blossoms lining the riverfront at 

 in Tom McCall Waterfront Park are likely the most popular place to enjoy the bloom. Although crowded, that doesn't mean it's not worth a visit. Did you know the trees were a gift from the Japanese Grain Importers Association back in 1990 

to remember those forced into internment camps

Cherry blossom trees can be found all around the University of Portland campus, but you'll want to head to the 

 to get an extra special view. The grassy green quad is lined with trees and looks like the perfect place to enjoy a lunch outside this spring.

The cherry blossoms at the Portland Japanese Garden tend to bloom later than those down at the waterfront, due to their higher elevation and forested environment. There is a cost of admission, so check out their 

 to see when the best time to visit will be.

The yearly cherry blossom bloom along the waterfront is one of the rare times you'll see a crowd in our city outside of a scheduled event (well, aside from the weekend line-up at your favorite brunch spot or watching the Vaux's swifts roost in the fall). The blossoms are typically their most beautiful around mid-march to early April, but with the unexpectedly warm weather this season, there's a chance for an earlier bloom. Here are some spots to take in the puffy pink magic this year:

Where To Indulge in the Cherry Blossom Bloom This Year in Portland, Oregon

Where To Indulge in the Cherry Blossom Bloom This Year in Portland

But to start, here’s something you may not be looking forward to. 

, set your clocks forward an hour. Yes, most people agree our system of a twice-a-year time change should end, and yet our elected officials haven’t gotten it together to actually do that. But spring’s daylight saving time does mean later sunsets with more light in the evenings. And spring also means 

 is back. More than 100 restaurants are offering three-course meals. Some are offering a $35 option; others, $55 meals. They look delicious.

It’s Portland Mercury Sandwich Week right now, with 

 in the Pearl District, replaced a champagne bar, and 

 opened in the brick-and-mortar location next to Holy Ghost bar. [Portland Monthly]

It’s a good time to line up a CSA for the summer. It’s 

 and support local farms. If you don’t have a favorite farm picked out, there’s a 

 with lots of options to explore. [Bridgetown Bites]

If you’re looking to turn over a new leaf this spring, Portland Community College’s continuing education courses offer some fun options to go back to school. There’s everything from 

standup paddleboarding to astrology and tarot classes

. Registration for the spring term for noncredit classes begins March 4.

, a critically endangered antelope species.

. (Expect a crowd of your fellow Portlanders.)

. Portland Nursery has an official planting schedule.

More March Tips

There’s plenty to look forward to in March in Portland. But to start, here’s something you may not be looking forward to. This Sunday, at 2 a.m., set your clocks forward an hour.

What To Do in Portland, Oregon, in March 2026

What To Do in Portland in March 2026

Natalia Aldana

 The City Cast Portland team recently got together to explore 

 and what defining characteristics a bar should (and shouldn’t) have, to make it worthy of being a neighborhood fave. To add to the thirsty debate, we asked you, the City Cast Portland listeners and readers, for your favorites. Here are a few of those places:

We love this neighborhood bar for its thoughtful nonalcoholic cocktails. City Cast Portland producer Giulia Fiaoni raves about finding persimmon juice on their menu. Plus, Dear Sandy was 

 submitted favorite amongst City Cast Portland listeners. Bri M. shared that the staff “wear their hearts on their sleeves and I love how actively involved they are in the community.”

This is the quintessential neighborhood cocktail bar. Their menu is short and spirit-forward. The Baso Profundo cocktail with mezcal, tequila, cynar, amaro, and ancho chiles is a favorite of City Cast Portland executive producer John Notarianni. Our friend @criblyfe on Instagram loves that Wilder is super cozy inside, but has learned that they’re expanding into the former bakery space next door.

We think this spot hits all the marks of a great neighborhood bar: it’s kid-friendly, accommodating family-style options, and a wide variety of drink options. LaVerne’s also has great food, with a menu that features Yucatan-style rotisserie chicken.

Go here for the incredible whiskey selection, solid beer list, and good cocktails. Things can get pretty busy and loud here, but kids are still welcome before 9 p.m. Their entree salads are also totally respectable.

 | 2524 SE Clinton St. (Hosford-Abernethy)

This neighborhood bar provides everything you want and need it to do. Grab a quick drink before heading to see a movie at the nearby Clinton Street Theater, pop in for fun vibes, and get some great Italian food.

Another great characteristic of a neighborhood bar is its events calendar, and Mosaic hosts fun events, including drag bingo. While it doesn’t have a cocktail list, check out their beers on tap.

More Favorites Spots 🎧 

What makes a bar a true neighborhood bar?! The City Cast Portland team recently got together to explore why we love our local digs and what defining characteristics a bar should (and shouldn’t) have, to make it worthy of being a neighborhood fave. To add to the thirsty debate, we asked you, the City Cast Portland listeners and readers, for your favorites. Here are a few of those places:

Neighborhood Bars in Portland, Oregon, That Are Worthy of the Love

Portland Neighborhood Bars That Are Worthy of the Love

Is Portland the best gluten-free city in the world? 

He bases that on the relatively large number of completely gluten-free establishments — 20 to 25 bakeries and restaurants — and on the wide variety among them, including gluten-free breweries. You can also find gluten-free fish and chips, fried chicken, Thai noodles, and, of course, doughnuts.

Hansen, who has celiac disease, shares his picks for the 

most delicious Portland restaurants that have no gluten

Wheat flour is entirely unnecessary to produce excellent fried fish and chips. Bonus: “Their fries are amazing,” says Hansen.

They’ve got gluten-free noodles plus gluten-free sauces, which can be an unexpected pitfall at Thai restaurants.

Sushi can also pose an unexpected problem: Soy sauce and tempura can come with a side of wheat, but not here.

Besides being one of the best restaurants in the city, the upscale Haitian restaurant is entirely gluten-free (

Portland’s food truck scene also doesn’t disappoint:

If you’re looking for Indian flavors, this is a good option. Hansen’s favorites: Cardamom chai chicken and pickled vegetables.

Note: Located currently at the Prost! food cart pod, it’ll soon relocate to Southeast Division Street.

It’s not usually possible to find corndogs and funnel cakes in gluten-free form. But here you can.

Of course, Portland also excels at gluten-free pastries and breads:

The bakery has good bread, pizza, and bagels. “I've been around the world eating gluten-free food — that's what I do for work — and I have never had gluten-free bread that is better than New Cascadia,” says Hansen.

Visit for sweet treats of all kinds — and on Saturdays and Sundays, doughnuts.

This spot has crossover appeal. For wheat eaters, it might be a surprise, but this Vietnamese bakery is safe for the gluten-free. “ I love Berlu,” says Hansen. “That's the place out of all the places I'm talking about that we go the most often.”

Ice cream becomes a wheat hazard when there are cones around and flavors like cookies-and-cream. Kate’s is another spot that’s both dairy-free and gluten-free.

The brewery is gluten-free. But the best part: It offers fresh, hot doughnuts straight out of the oven Saturdays through Mondays.

It has a full range of sweet treats like eclairs or doughnuts.

Is Portland the best gluten-free city in the world? Travel writer Matt Hansen thinks so. He bases that on the relatively large number of completely gluten-free establishments — 20 to 25 bakeries and restaurants — and on the wide variety among them, including gluten-free breweries. You can also find gluten-free fish and chips, fried chicken thai noodles, and, of course, doughnuts.

Why Portland, Oregon, Has the World's Best Gluten-Free Food

Portland Has the World's Best Gluten-Free Food Scene

February is just the worst in Portland. Here are our best tips for things to do that will get you out of the house and 

Black History Month: Clinton Street Theater

Clinton Street Theater is celebrating Black history with films. Some of what they’ll screen include:

Other Black History-related celebrations include Curious Comedy’s 

, a pioneer of Afrofuturism, (Feb. 25 - 27).

The annual city event to light up the dark month is full of Portland-style fun. It's a delightful reason to visit downtown — and neighborhood spots — all decked out in bright colors.

If you’re looking for a night out for Valentine’s Day, there are a lot of places offering special dinners. 

Javelina, which serves Native American cuisine, has a 7-course tasting menu they're calling acred Fire that costs $185 per person. (They had 

French-influenced Canard, which has a 3-course dinner, had 

 at their East Burnside location, as of Friday.

 special heart-shaped “conversation starter” doughnuts you can pre-order for the occasion.

 on Valentine’s Day weekend. More than a dozen different mobile saunas, invited to town by 

 Two other options for soaking in the heat will also get  you scenic views of the river. There’s a new 

Dumplings are a cozy food and a good antidote for this usually wet, cold month. Plus, they’re a Portland specialty. More than 40 restaurants across town participate in Dumpling Week and span the range of different cuisines.

North Mississippi Avenue hosts our own local celebration of Mardi Gras. The theme this year is Sea of Love, so we’re hoping for some fanciful sea creature costumes.

Brighten Up Your Month

February is just the worst in Portland. Here are our best tips for things to do that will get you out of the house and enjoying even this month, with Black History Month films at the Clinton Street Theater and the Portland Winter Lights Festival.

What To Do in Portland, Oregon, in February 2026

What To Do in Portland in February 2026

It’s the middle of winter, but it’s also time to start planning for summer outdoor adventures: You need to start reserving permits soon.

Norther Emily of Wild Solitude Guiding offers tips for the 

Pacific Northwest’s most scenic backpacking destinations

The Enchantments is renowned for its stunning lakes and mountain vistas. There’s no easy way to break the bad news: Getting a permit to the Enchantments is like winning the real lottery — highly unlikely. It's just $6 to enter. So you might as well!

There’s one consolation. Check out all the great options for day hikes throughout the larger 

Our region’s most famous volcano attracts a lot of visitors. It’s a challenging but nontechnical climb, meaning no rock climbing or belaying required. “Probably the permit that I hear most people talking about right now is the permit to climb Mount St. Helens,” says Emily. “ It's a lot of people's first nontechnical summit.”

Permits are required year-round for anyone climbing the volcano. Until March, there is no limit on the number of climbers. 

But come April, you need to reserve your permit on the first day of the preceding month. For example, 

It has “beautiful flower meadows and beautiful views of the mountain,” says Emily. “ Mount Margaret has excellent backpacking opportunities.”

It’s a “moderately challenging backpack” trip. Expect some elevation gain and loss.

It’s closed during winter. Permits are required May through November for overnight camping.

. The permits are rolling, so sign up on the first of the month for the following month.

 Bring your sunscreen. There’s not a lot of tree coverage.

This is the region that includes some of Oregon’s most majestic peaks — Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington, and Three Sisters Wilderness areas.

When are permits required? June 15 to October 15.

 Next chunk: on the Saturday of the week before any outing.

This is an area that often gets hit by wildfire during the summer, so you may want to opt for getting the permit closer to travel time.

The Olympic Peninsula has it all — rainforests, beaches, and climbs. The hiking trail can be unexpectedly rugged.

“That is one of the hardest backpacking trips I've ever been on,” says Emily. “And it was not because the athletic requirements were steep. It was because it was miles of walking over slimy rocks where you pay attention to every single step. It was just super slow going.”

You’ll need a permit for overnight backpacking trips during the summer.

, for the summer season (May 15 through Oct 15).

How To Prepare For Peak Hiking Season

It’s the middle of a wintry week, but it’s a good time to start planning if you want to get out into nature this summer: Olympic National Park (Washington), Enchantments (Washington), Mount St. Helens (Washington), Mount Margaret (Washington), Central Cascades (Oregon).

5 Pacific Northwest Summer Backpacking Adventures in Oregon and Washington

5 Pacific Northwest Summer Backpacking Adventures

Nobody understands a city’s pulse quite like a City Cast host — their knack for spotting what matters proved them to be a reliable voice for 2025’s biggest local stories. Now, we’re turning to them to forecast what’s in store for 2026. From political shifts to data centers, their perspectives offer a candid preview of the issues and surprises that could shape our hometowns.

Curious what’s around the corner? Catch their unique insights 

, where all 13 hosts predicted this year’s biggest stories. Here’s a preview of that conversation:

Zohran Mamdani’s election in New York has energized Democratic Socialists across the U.S. 

 with the election of Katie Wilson, but it’s yet to be seen if she has the same star power or sway inside City Hall.

City Cast Seattle host Jane C. Hu says the linchpin of Wilson’s election is likely to come with this summer’s FIFA World Cup, as advocates for the city’s unhoused population watch whether Wilson will sweep encampments as previous mayors have.

“It’s going to be interesting to see what she decides there, because there's going to be tension between what people elected her for and what action she’s actually able to take,” Hu says.

Many City Cast cities are seeing a surge in data center development. “It’s going to be a doozy” of a conversation in 2026, as our CEO David Plotz pointed out.

In Madison, the mayor and much of the City Council last year proposed a 

one-year moratorium on zoning certificates

 for new data centers while they try to better understand how data centers could impact the electric grid and energy bills. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin says Madisonians are “up in arms.”

“Folks are concerned that this might be a bubble, that this could be another dot-com bubble where Silicon Valley folks rush in, move to scale, and then they’re like, let’s abandon ship,” Martin says.

But aren’t data centers great for the economy? Plotz 

, suggesting that data centers contributed to the tech economy in Washington, D.C. Well, that got the group fired up.

“We’re also talking about doing it in really beautiful green spaces that we don’t want to be cluttered with this kind of nonsense,” says City Cast Pittsburgh host, Megan Harris.

And the conversation didn’t end there. From an affordability crisis to massive infrastructure changes, here’s what each of our hosts predicted for this year’s biggest news.

 gives Democrats a safe congressional seat — and candidates are chomping at the bit to announce their bids. But now that they don’t have to court Republican voters, Salt Lake is wondering: Could Democrats explore Mamdani-level progressivism?

Nobody understands a city’s pulse quite like a City Cast host. So we’re turning to all 13 of our hosts, including Portland's Claudia Meza, who are sharing the biggest stories shaping their hometowns in 2026. 

Portland's Best

Your Guide to April 2026 in Portland

Where to Find Downtown Portland's Best Hotel Bars

Where To Indulge in the Cherry Blossom Bloom This Year in Portland

Latest articles

What To Do in Portland in March 2026

Portland Neighborhood Bars That Are Worthy of the Love

Portland Has the World's Best Gluten-Free Food Scene

What To Do in Portland in February 2026

5 Pacific Northwest Summer Backpacking Adventures

The Biggest Stories We Predict for Portland in 2026

What To Do in Portland in January 2026