PORTLAND DRIZZLE

Friday. A cool-down day: high near 68°, slight rain chance today with more rain likely this weekend. Hey- I love this city and all of you. Thank you for reading this. Some of you write nice things to me and it’s starting to feel like a community. Okay in the news it’s the return of the Portland Mercado, and new police safety program, and the first ever Panda Fest. I have a full list of curated events for you, with something for everyone. Plus, the perfect coffee shop to sit and enjoy the drizzle.

More than a year after fire tore through the Portland Mercado, renderings for the rebuild are finally here, and this comeback is looking sweet. Architect Sara Ruzomberka of Scott Edwards Architecture designed a new market hall with an eye-catching pink and turquoise exterior, honoring the space's roots as a hub for Latino-owned businesses. The Mercado is aiming for an early 2026 reopening. KOIN

“Real passion for animals”. Nate's Hot Dogs Pet Care clients are loving his attention to dogs of every personality, including reactive pups who need extra patience. Walks come with genuine communication before and after, so you always know how your dog's day went. Services: dog walking, drop-in visits, pet sitting, and pet portrait photography. BBB accredited, Portland-based, and available.

Call 949-532-9072 to book Nate today.

Portland police have a new tool for making sure first responders show up prepared: the Local Emergency Accommodation Program, or LEAP. Residents with a disability, medical condition, language barrier, service animal, or other specific need can now register that information ahead of time so it's shared with officers before they arrive on scene. "Our Bureau members report that they consistently hear from people who wanted a way to give us this information ahead of time," said Police Chief Bob Day. KOIN

Panda Fest, a nationally touring Asian food and culture festival, makes its Oregon debut this weekend at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Over 100 vendors will serve 200+ dishes spanning Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine, alongside live entertainment and panda-themed photo ops. Local restaurant Yoonique Pho & Grill is among the featured vendors. Hours run Friday 4-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday 10am-8pm. The New School

Keeper Coffee Co is the perfect Portland coffee shop. On SE Holgate and 41st, I enjoyed a capuccino with warm coffee cake in the most picture perfect spot. The display case of pastries, cakes, sandwiches has something for everyone. The coffee is 10/10 excellent. The bespoke penny tile floor, the warm smiles of everyone there, the cozy neighborhood atmosphere. I saw a fellow with a rolling suitcase who told me he came to town for one night and this was the one coffee shop he wanted to visit. There’s also a Milwaukie location.

On this day we remember those who lost their lives and the hero first responders who gave everything.

All Weekend

Panda Fest Portland 2026 | Tom McCall Waterfront Park | Fri, Sep 11 – Sun, Sep 13
Rose City Comic Con | Oregon Convention Center | Fri, Sep 11 – Sun, Sep 13
St. Johns Music Festival | St. Johns neighborhood (multiple venues), Portland, OR | Thu, Sep 11 – Sat, Sep 13

Fri, Sept 11

Art of Awakening | Cargo Emporium
WEEZER: The Gathering | Moda Center
Picnic in the Park | Director Park
Liz Phair & Sleater-Kinney: The Flannel and The Fury | McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheater
The Apricots at Summer Sellwood Sessions | The Shack at Sellwood Park

Sat, Sept 12

Portland Trash Factory Night Market | Trash Factory | 9/12
14th Annual Portland Catio Tour | Various catio locations, SE Portland
Fortune Feimster: Takin' Care of Biscuits Comedy Tour | Keller Auditorium
Rocky Butte Tunnel Concert & Block Party | Rocky Butte Tunnel
Anthony Jeselnik: Wrath of Man | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

Sun, Sept 13

Tabor Dance Park Clean-Up on Mt. Tabor | Mt. Tabor Park
Portland Thorns FC vs. Chicago Stars FC | Providence Park
Pearl District Culinary Farmers Market | NW 13th Avenue, Pearl District
King Farmers Market | King Elementary School Parking Lot
Downtown Portland Sunday Parkways | SW Broadway & SW Park Ave

If all those events aren’t enough, go spot some Vaux’s swifts! Here’s a message sent in from Andi M:

“ Hi, We watched the swifts last night in Oregon City. They are roosting just across from Arch Bridge Taphouse. They started around 7:30 and finally went in around 8. The taphouse has fresh hops and a smash burger for $7! “

by Michael Simpson Contact: [email protected]