Each month, Literary Arts staff will round up news, events, and more happening in Portland, and beyond. Let us know in the form below the blog if you have any events or news to share.
EVENTS
Scary Stories to Tell After Dark Burlesque (Queer Social Club)
Thursday, October 2, 7:00 p.m. | Swan Dive, 727 SE Grand Ave., Portland OR 97214 | $25+
Experience a nite of Burlesque, Drag, and Draglesque. Re-live the tingling tension as we explore our collective trauma of those darkly wonderful stories. Gasp in shock and awe as our pants get scared right off. Let’s explore local Legends, Monsters and Tales of Terror! This show is not for the weak of heart! Prepare for thrills, chills, cheek, and righteous terror.
Write Your Own Obituary (Deschutes Public Library)
Thursday, October 2, 5:30 p.m. | Downtown Bend Library, 601 NW Wall St., Bend OR 97703 | FREE
What do you think people love about you? What do you want this world to remember about you? It’s a tough assignment for sure, but why not start a working document that you can edit through the years? Led by Jamie Passaro, a Eugene writer and editor who runs Dear Person Obituaries, this workshop will help you prepare a thoughtful, well-written obit.
Political Prisoner Letter Writing (Always Here Bookstore)
Sunday, October 5, 4:00 p.m. | Always Here Bookstore, 4555 N Williams Ave., Portland OR 97217 | FREE
Writing letters to political prisoners is a gesture of solidarity to break the social isolation of imprisonment, and to show those trapped in the carceral system that there are people on the outside who support and value them. Prison is a lonely place, but for a brief moment, an incarcerated person can live life outside of prison – even if it’s just as long as your letter. No experience required, just a little of your time to write about whatever comes to your mind.
Writing Night (IPRC)
Sunday, October 5, 4:00 p.m. | Independent Publishing Resource Center, 318 SE Main St. #145, Portland OR 97214 | $5
Bring your favorite notebook and pen or pencil, and join the IPRC for a monthly drop-in creative writing community event, with light facilitation, creative writing prompts, and opportunities to share your work.
Celebrando Jóvenes con Visión (Empower Youth Latinx)
Monday, October 6, 6:00 p.m. | The Reser, 12625 SW Crescent St, Beaverton, OR 97005 | FREE
Celebrando Jóvenes con Visión is the formal launch and fundraising event for Empower Youth Latinx, created to celebrate and uplift Latinx youth leadership and community. This powerful evening will feature performances by Latinx youth and cultural groups, storytelling displays that highlight the impact of our programs, and a live auction to raise vital funds for year-round youth programming. Proceeds from the event will help cover essential costs such as venue rental, food provided by local Latinx-owned vendors, sound and stage production, and honorariums for youth performers and cultural contributors.
October Silent Book Club (Spoke & Word Books)
Thursday, October 9, 7:00 p.m. | Spoke & Word Books, 10863 SE Main St., Milwaukie OR 97222 | FREE
Often with traditional book clubs there’s the scramble to finish the selected book, and the pressure to have something smart to say. Wouldn’t it be great to have a book club where you could just enjoy books, friends, and drinks—without any homework?
Parallel Worlds Grand (Re)Opening Weekend (Parallel Worlds)
Friday, October 10, 6:00 p.m. | Parallel Worlds, 2639 NE Alberta St., Portland OR 97211 | FREE
After expanding into a space 3x bigger, Parallel Worlds is celebrating! Friday evening hosts a local author panel and signing, while Saturday and Sunday boast live music, in-store games, and prizes. Join in the festivities!
Telltale Presents: Spill It (Telltale PDX)
Monday, October 13, 6:30 p.m. | Great Notion NW, 2444 NW 28th Ave., Portland OR 97210
A storytelling open mic with professional feedback! We want YOU to come tell your story on our stage in an intimate setting with a supportive audience. 5-7 minute slots for you to come practice something you’re trying to polish, or to just work something out on stage as it comes to you, and then get immediate feedback from supportive and lovely professionals in the comedy and storytelling scene–or just ask for compliments if you prefer….
Astoria Creative Writing Festival (The Writers Guild)
Friday-Sunday, October 17-19, All Day | Barbey Center, 2042 Marine Dr., Astoria OR 97103 | $15+
Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston will appear alongside other writers at a weekend of readings, workshops, and literary happenings all centered in Oregon’s oldest coastal town.
Washington County Open Studios Tour (Washington County Art Alliance)
Saturday & Sunday, October 18-19, 10:00 a.m. | Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, 12625 SW Crescent St., Beaverton OR 97005 | FREE
Patricia Reser Center for the Arts and the Washington County Art Alliance (WCAA) are proud to announce a new partnership for the 2025 Washington County Open Studios Tour. This collaboration will present the community with an immersive experience filled with art, creativity, education, fun, artist development, and 100% direct support to participating artists. Artists Pop-Up at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will transform The Lab on the second floor into a vibrant hub where ten artists share their work, creative process, and stories. Visitors can connect directly with creators, discover unique artworks, and gain insight into diverse artistic practices—all in one location.
The Moth: Portland GrandSLAM (The Moth)
Tuesday, October 21, 7:00 p.m. | Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave., Portland OR 97202 | $43
What happens when you put ten StorySLAM winners in the same room? You get our GrandSLAM, a one-of-a kind storytelling competition! Listen as ten local voices share stories of refusing to turn back, seizing the day, psyching yourself up, and striking while the iron is hot.
Powell’s After Hours: A Literary Halloween (Powell’s Books)
Saturday, October 25, 6:00 p.m. | Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., Portland OR 97209 | $30
The store will close at 5:00 p.m. sharp, transforming into a realm reserved for the mysterious, magical, or morbid. Only those who possess a ticket — your key — will be allowed to cross the threshold and explore Powell’s as never before. Wander the stacks and stumble upon unexpected performances, beguiling bites, and spirited cocktails, all amid characters pulled straight from the page.
Music @ Midday: Haunted Harmonies (Portland State University)
Friday, October 31, 12:15 p.m. | Lincoln Recital Hall, 1620 SW Park Ave., Portland OR 97201 | FREE
Music composition and performance faculty conjure unseen worlds in a series of structured improvisations. The Music @Midday Series is a weekly opportunity to experience the sounds of the PSU School of Music & Theater.
Mary Shelley’s FRANKENSTEIN Immersive Promenade Performance (Experience Theater Project)
Various dates | Experience Theater Project, 18850 SW Alexander St., Aloha OR 97006 | $60
This is a Frankenstein that refuses to stay in one place—much like its creation. It captures the moral, emotional, and scientific anxieties of Mary Shelley’s world in a way that is physical and immediate. As you move through spaces, light and shadow will chase you; the Creature’s anguish will echo through chambers. The adaptation stays true to Mary Shelley’s novel, while paying homage to the 1931 Karloff film by presenting much of the show in glorious black and white.
Dracula (Oregon Ballet Theater)
Various dates | Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St., Portland OR 97201 | $39+
Deep in Transylvania, a monster lives in a castle, hungrily capturing women to take as his brides. When Dracula steals Svetlana, she fights back, certain her fiancé is coming to rescue her. But will he be too late? Back by popular demand, Ben Stevenson’s lavish, haunting ballet combines drama and fantasy in a spectacle worthy of Broadway.
Dracula (Oregon Ballet Theater)
Various dates | Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St., Portland OR 97201 | $39+
Deep in Transylvania, a monster lives in a castle, hungrily capturing women to take as his brides. When Dracula steals Svetlana, she fights back, certain her fiancé is coming to rescue her. But will he be too late? Back by popular demand, Ben Stevenson’s lavish, haunting ballet combines drama and fantasy in a spectacle worthy of Broadway.
Bard Bingo (Wonderwood Springs)
Tuesdays, 7:00–9:00 p.m. | Wonderwood Springs, 8811 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203 | $5
Bard Bingo at Portland Artist Mike Bennett’s Wonderwood Springs is a lively bingo event hosted by a traveling bard’s musical musings. Held every Tuesday night, this event features four exciting rounds with cards priced at $5 each. It’s cash-only, offering chances to win various prizes such as original artwork, stickers, gift cards, lawn signs, and the coveted jackpot.
CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
Queer & Feminist Writing: Creating Our Work Through the Lens of International Literature
w/ Jenna Tang (Coporeal Writing)
Saturday, September 27, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (PST) | Online via Zoom | $100
Feminist writing and queer narratives are important to talk about—how do we start with the lens of international literature to inform our own writing? How can we build a map of literature for ourselves—reading from the ancient mythologies to contemporary literary titles from across the world, to the experimental, punk narratives that could spark creative, thematic ideas for stories and poems that we’ve been wanting to write about?
Resonate: A BIPOC Writing Circle (Write Around Portland)
2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month | 4:00–5:30 p.m. | Online via Zoom
Led by a Write Around Portland facilitator of color, Resonate consists of writing, sharing, and giving strengths-based feedback to each other. No preparation or experience in writing is required! Resonate is a great way to unlock your creativity, build or maintain a writing practice, and get some writing done! REGISTER HERE.
RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS AND WRITERS
CREATIVE CRECIMIENTO ~ PARTICIPATION APPLICATION FORM (Portland In Color)
Various Dates | Online via Zoom
Applications are now open for Creative Crecimiento! This sliding scale professional development workshop series was created to increase accessibility to sustaining creative livelihoods for BIPOC artists across Oregon.
Workshop Topics & Dates (Classes are on Mondays, 5:30–7:30 PM, via Zoom):
- 10/6 – Sustainable Futures: Leadership, Community-Building, and Long-term Planning Panel with Heldáy De la Cruz, Jené Etheridge, Erica Ledesma, and RedStone Rodolfo Serna
- 10/20 – Optional Celebration & Connection Event in Portland (Location TBA)!
Poetry Broadside Contest (Expedition Press)
Submission period: October 1-31, 2025 | Fee: $15 for 1-2 poems
The goal of this contest is connection. To widen our reading horizons and broaden our community. Even if you don’t identify as a poet. Students hugely welcome, people of all identities, ages and abilities. Read the backstory here for why this contest exists
FOR KIDS & TEENS
Bard Storytime (Wonderwood)
Every Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–Noon | Wonderwood Springs, 7410 N. Chicago Ave. Portland, OR | FREE
Join us every Saturday as Gerard Bardler (the bard of Wonderwood) reads stories and sings songs! Books generously donated by our neighbors Twin Rivers Books. Family friendly, family fun, FREE!
Baba Yaga Puppet Show (Pegasus Puppet Theatre)
Saturday, October 18, 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. | Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver WA, 98660 | $10+
Adapted from the children’s book by Ernest Small, this Slavic story of Baba Yaga features a curmudgeonly witch with a taste for bad children, a hedgehog prince who travels through the forest on his noble rooster, and a little girl named Marusia who is in search of turnips. As Marusia and her friend the hedgehog match wits with Baba Yaga, the most marvelous story unfolds with magical brews, a treacherous dragon and Baba’s outrageous house on chicken legs.
Read to Clive the Therapy Dog! (Green Bean Books)
Sunday, October 19, 1:00 p.m. | Green Bean Books, 1600 NE Alberta St., Portland OR 97211 | FREE
Meet our new Read to a Dog team, Anna and therapy dog Clive! Clive loves all kinds of books and helping kids build confidence in their reading skills. Sign up for a 15-minute reading session from 1-2pm. Perfect for beginning readers who love dogs!
Toddler Costume Storytime (Multnomah County Library)
Friday, October 31, 10:15 a.m. | Gresham Library, 385 NW Miller Ave., Gresham OR, 97030 | FREE
Toddlers (with a favorite adult) join us for a special Costume Toddler Storytime! Wear a costume and we’ll enjoy a shortened storytime then a parade around the library.
The Halloween Ball
(NW Children’s Theater & School)
Saturdays & Sundays, October 11-26, various times | The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts, 1000 SW Broadway., Portland OR, 97232 | $15
Come One, Come All to the Halloween Ball! The fun kicks off with a costume parade in The Grand Lobby, followed by an interactive live storytime. Then it’s time for a splendiferous dance party and enchanting sing-a-long! Don’t forget to save room for scary delicious Halloween treats at concessions.
Spirit of Halloweentown (PDX Parent)
Various dates | Halloweentown, 275 Strand St., St Helens OR, 97051 | $15+
Welcome to Spirit of Halloweentown, where the magic of Halloween comes to life in the heart of St. Helens, Oregon! Each year, our charming town transforms into a captivating Halloween wonderland, attracting visitors from near and far. What began as a tribute to the beloved Disney movie “Halloweentown,” filmed right here in St. Helens, has grown into a month-long celebration filled with spooky fun, enchanting attractions, and family-friendly activities.
Conquer the Maze, Lead a Llama, Pick a Pumpkin, Make a Memory at Frog Pond Farm (Frog Pond Farm) Various dates | Frog Pond Farm, 2995 SW Advance Rd., Wilsonville OR, 97070 | $15+
Llamas in the Pumpkin Patch? Only at Frog Pond Farm. Open daily starting September 19, Frog Pond Farm is a place where animals take center stage, memories are made, and everyone’s welcome. Whether you’re a young family, a group of friends, or just here for your dose of fall fun—come as you are, bring your dog (yes, we’re dog-friendly!), and make yourself at home on our farm.
Raising Us: A Parenting Podcast (A Kids Co.)
Award-winning journalist Elise Hu (TED Talks Daily, Forever35) hosts Raising Us, a parenting podcast for grownups raising Big-Question Kids. From puberty and identity to tech and body image, each episode gives you tools to spark real conversations with your kid (s).
Created by A Kids Co. (a family media company) the show blends expert-backed insights with real, lived experiences featuring trusted doctors, educators and purpose-driven public figures sharing age-appropriate advice so you don’t have to wing the hard stuff.
IN THE NEWS
Fishtrap Fireside returns and the Oregon Book Awards Author Tour (Oregon ArtsWatch)
Arthur Sze named 25th U.S. poet laureate (NPR)
Stacey Abrams Has the Write Stuff (Portland Mercury)
Velshi Banned Book Club: ‘The 1619 Project: Born on the Water’ co-authored by Renée Watson & illustrated by Nikkolas Smith (MSNBC)
Board Member Renee Watson interviewd by Ali Velshi.
RECOMMENDED READING
Banned and Challenged Picture Books | (Multnomah County Library)
True crime books for the podcast lover | (Multnomah County Library)
Poetry by PNW Indigenous Poets | (Multnomah County Library)
Staff Picks | (The Literary Arts Bookstore)
Oregon Battle of the Books | (The Literary Arts Bookstore)
Powell’s Picks of the Month | (Powell’s)
Community News Submissions
Let us know if you have any events, news to share, or opportunities for writers for the In the Community blog and we will consider adding it to the next blog post!
