City Cast Portland
A reason to be optimistic about downtown
December 17, 2024 · — Rachel Monahan
Good morning, Portland! 🌧️ How are you holding up in the rain? 🧶 Maybe it’s time to leave the house for a knitting group, a weekly puzzle competition, or baked goods with friends 🥐
What's CITY Talking About?
Why More Out-of-State IDs Is a Good Sign
Since this summer, thousands more people have exchanged out-of-state IDs for Oregon driver’s licenses at the DMV. It’s the highest rate in years — and an indication that more people may be moving to Oregon — which is good news for the local economy, which relies on in-migration. [Oregonian 🔒]
Companies Now Looking at Downtown Office Space
A real estate firm is seeing signs of a turnaround coming to downtown Portland: While companies fled to suburbs during the pandemic, half of companies looking for space in the region are now considering the central city — just like before the pandemic. [Willamette Week]
The Best Local Cross-Country Skiing Destinations
Cross-country skiing is a fantastic way to experience the beautiful winter wilderness; it’s also a pretty great workout. Rebecca Jacobson, who recently published a beginner’s guide to the sport for Portland Monthly, offers some tips for getting out there this winter, whether you’re a beginner or an old hand. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
What To Do
Tuesday, Dec. 17
- 🍸 Sleigh Love (holiday bar popup) | 3 p.m. - midnight (various times through Dec. 30) | Free admission | Buckman neighborhood
- 🥢 Chinese Take Out! (cooking class) | 5:30 p.m. | $97.88 | Portland Cookshop (Richmond neighborhood)
- 🤓 Untapped Trivia Night | 7 p.m. | Free (to play and no reservations) | Advice Booth (Overlook neighborhood)
- ⛸️ OMSI on Ice | Timed Entry (through Jan. 1) | $9 | OMSI
Wednesday, Dec. 18
- 🎄Christmas at The Old Church with Michael Allen Harrison | 7:30 p.m. (various times through Dec. 24) | $43.06+ | The Old Church (downtown)
- 🤝 Speed-FRIENDING for Those 40s-60s | 4 - 6:30 p.m. | Free (register in advance) | West Linn Library
- 💡 Peacock Lane Portland’s Christmas Street (holiday lights display) | 6 - 11 p.m. (through Dec. 31) | Free | Sunnyside neighborhood
- 🎵 Patterson Hood (of Drive-By Truckers) | 8 p.m. | $38.11 | Revolution Hall Show Bar
🎄⚡Peacock Lane might be the best-known Christmas street in town, but a Milwaukie homeowner has 50,000 holiday lights up on his house — and they’re synched up to music. Visitors can make requests via a QR code at the front gate from among the more than 100 songs available.
Free · Daily