Day by day, we are inching closer to what is anticipated to be a very HOT summer. Are you ready? Personally, I need to buy a new pair of waterproof sandals for the river, which is the only time you will see me rocking open-toed shoes.

We’ve got something else for you to look forward to. Billy Strings, bluegrass aficionado, is coming to Matthew Knight Arena in October, and we have tickets up for grabs. Get ready to be way more into banjos than you ever planned on being.*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Com Truise is bringing that retro-futurist haze with a sound that feels like it’s been sitting in a dusty VHS tape. Do you know what a VHS tape is? Well, if you don’t, at least I know I am reaching the youth. Get tickets for May 14.

• 45 East hitting 10 years means one thing: they’re not doing this quietly. British house music DJ Chris Lorenzo is pulling up on May 24 to kick things off.

• A full-blown benefit for the Menopunks documentary is taking over Crystal Ballroom June 27 with a stacked lineup: Calamity Jane reunion, All Girl Summer Fun Band, Party Witch, DJ Allison Wolfe, plus comedy, chaos, and secret guests.

• Blues, rock, a little soul, all delivered with that laid-back confidence that doesn’t need to shout. Catch Ian Moore at Mississippi Studios for a night that leans smooth but still knows how to bite.

• Indie pop that feels like a late-night spiral. Sign me up! Get tickets for Tyler Ballgame at Holocene on October 25 to hear his debut album live.

WHERE TO DRINK BEER IN PORTLAND

It’s National Beer Day, which in Portland basically counts as a civic holiday. Let’s take a win where we can find one. So yeah, cancel your fake plans and go drink something local! Breakside, Baerlic, Great Notion, Little Beast, and a whole lot more are pouring the good stuff. Consider this your official excuse to post up at a taproom and call it “celebrating.”

IN THE FUTURE

LOCALS ONLY

• The Hillsboro Hops are finally debuting their new $150 million stadium TONIGHT. See the full season schedule here.

• We are bidding farewell to the Lloyd Center soon, so where will all the businesses be moving? The team over at The Oregonian found out.

• We’re highlighting a local Portlander for our Local’s List series. Fill out our form for a chance to be featured!

• Movie Madness, one of the biggest video rental stores in the US, and a Portland treasure, is turning 35. Celebrate this Sunday with a scavenger hunt, exclusive merch, and an “adopt-a-movie” fair.

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