💖 Into the weird: What Portland Weirdness means to you
Plus, fun events this weekend.
By Cassie Ruud
It’s Wednesday.
And you know what that means: Today we’re getting a little weird with you. For the month of February — and perhaps longer if you all enjoy this — we are introducing “Weird Wednesdays.”
Each Wednesday, we are going to highlight and celebrate elements of Portland’s wonderful weirdness, in collaboration with the amazing folks at Weird Portland United.
Last week we kicked things off with an interview with the Unipiper on the long history of Portland’s weirdness — which you can read here.
Today, we are highlighting the things YOU, my fellow Portlanders, feel are wonderfully weird here in Stumptown.
So grab your roller skates and funky paints — it’s time to get weird.
💖 What Portlanders love about our city’s weirdness
What Portlanders love about our weird city. (🎨: Bridgeliner illustration)
“I learned about the Peculiarium from this newsletter, I think in early Fall of 2020? I bought a birthday box for my friend's 40th that was PERFECT. I'd never heard of the Peculiarium, nor have I been to the physical location before, and I'm so glad I learned about it because what a treasure that needs to be kept afloat! I would love a deep dive into that specific shop, or other 'weird' shops that cater or specialize in weird things.” — Marisa M.
“The light bulb store. I don't remember its name but all it sells is various types of light bulbs. It's just the epitome of weird.” — Abby F.
Hot DOG it gets weird around here. (📸: Bridgeliner)
“It’s not a classic feature I am thinking of, but the amazing vibe of acceptance which stems from celebrating uniqueness. My child is 12 and she and her friends are constantly experimenting with hair colors, styles of dress (currently Victorian), and have the most amazing open mindedness. Their free thinking and willingness to accept each other no matter their gender or sexual orientation is inspiring, and I think that it has been fostered by the free thinking community that Portland is.” — M.S.
Weird, but staying safe. (📸: Mary Anne Cassin)
“I love how this city can feel like a choose-your-own-adventure novel. Especially pre-pandemic. You can start off just looking for some great coffee and the next thing you know, you've walked six blocks, found the coffee, discovered a ramen shop you've never been to, done your grocery shopping at the farmers market, and wound up in an old-fashioned hat shop. The walkability and intrigue of Portland is a subtle part of its weirdness I'll always appreciate.” — Cassie R.
For more weird Portland photos and to contribute to our next Weird Wednesday, follow this link.
Thank you to our Bridgeliner Unabridged members, your support helps make Bridgeliner possible.
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📅 Things to do
Submit your events to our calendar.
Today
❓ Grab your synthesizer — it’s 80s trivia (Online)
🐉 Learn how to make dumplings for Lunar New Year (Online)
💕 Let’s make some Valentines cards together! (Online)
😆 Laugh it up — it’s Quarantine Comedy (Online)
Tomorrow
🌏 Explore Japanese art, food, stories, & culture at Elisabeth Jones Art Center's virtual Global Art Festival (Online)
Friday
🖊️ Find your zen with this doodling and poetry workshop (Online)
🎥 A drive-in movie? For Valentine’s Day? Heck yeah (Washington Square)
Saturday
💃 Fall in love with Flamenco dance (Online)
🎵 Get acoustic with Geoff Tate (Online)
Wednesday, February 17
😆 Laugh it up — it’s Quarantine Comedy (Online)
Thursday, February 18
🌳 Wanna learn about pruning in the Japanese Garden? (Online)
☝️One more thing …
Thank you for reading all the way to the end.
Are you ready for potential snow tomorrow? Do you have any snow traditions? My family is pretty big on playing Leon Redbone and dancing around to bring on the flurries.
If you have any stories, hit reply to this email and share with your fellow readers.
Also: gentle reminder to vote for what you feel is the Ultimate Portland Doughnut and see which ones make it to the Elite Eight.
Catch ya here tomorrow.
-Cassie at Bridgeliner
