I know it’s only August, and yes, by the time I’m sending this, it’s 4PM, but at 9AM it was chilly and gloomy outside, and it made me want to soft launch fall, okay? So I put together a list of my favorite chai spots around Portland to mentally prepare for rainy days and leaves changing.

For today’s giveaway, I’m highlighting Big City Pizza at OMSI on Saturday, Aug. 22nd. It looks wacky and fun, and honestly, I’m a big fan of the art, so I had to include it.

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Things are getting apocalyptic at The Get Down on Friday, Sept. 18th, when the Apocalyptic Kiki Ball shakes up the ballroom floor.

• New Orleans songwriter Chris Acker is headed to Portland this fall. Catch him at The Showdown on Saturday, Nov. 14th.

• Nicoleonoscopi! takes over Alberta Street Pub on Saturday, Aug. 15th, for an afternoon of drag, drinks, and brunch.

• After a big 2025 that included Noise To Dance To and a spot on Fred again..’s “Victory Lap Five,” LYNY is headed to REALM PDX on Saturday, Oct. 3rd.

• Plus just announced from The Wolf's Nice Christmas Show, 90s/2010s Dance Flashback, and more!

CHAI SEASON HAS ENTERED THE CHAT 🍂

I’m soft launching fall with these cozy tea bars, and you can’t stop me. I don’t care what the temperature says. I’m ready for something warm, spicy, and preferably served in a cute little mug. Here are some of my favorite spots for chai in Portland.

THIS WEEKEND

LOCALS ONLY

• Apparently the goats are taking TriMet now. They got kicked off, but for a minute there, they had places to be.

• No Quiet Hours is documenting 50 years of Oregon’s DIY music scene, from the people who built it to the ones keeping it going now. They’re throwing a fundraiser for the film at the Crystal Ballroom on Friday, August 28th.

WIN STUFF