• The Immigrant Story Live
• September at the Reser
• HART Theatre Kicks Off 31st Season with “Doubt: A Parable”
• Oktoberfest at Bethany Village
• Village Gallery of Arts

The Immigrant Story Live

Saturday, September 13, 7-9 pm, Main Stage at The Armory, 128 NW 11th Avenue, Portland, Free with option to reserve seats at: https://securesite.pcs.org/14740/14742

The Immigrant Story, in collaboration with Portland Center Stage, is proud to present our acclaimed live storytelling event, The Immigrant Story Live, as part of Welcoming Week 2025. This event is presented in partnership with the City of Portland’s Office of Community & Civic Life Immigrant & Refugee Program, and in the spirit of building a welcoming and inclusive community.

As our state—and our nation—enter a pivotal moment in a conversation around immigration that is too often clouded by misinformation and politicization, we begin this year’s Welcoming Week with four powerful stories that shine a bright light on the lived experiences of young migrants who now call Oregon home. Some have traveled long and difficult paths to get here; others are part of a new generation, rooted in the dreams and aspirations of their families. Together, their voices enrich the vibrant cultural tapestry that defines our state.

After a brief intermission, the evening comes alive with the vibrant rhythms of mariachi music and traditional dance, featuring the captivating Gemanereida Barragan-Cruz, a finalist in the 26th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza National Vocal Competition. She is accompanied and supported by the acclaimed ensemble Mariachi Tradición and Alumni, under the creative direction of award-winning director Leslie Núñez of the Forest Grove High School Mariachi Band. The music and dance, rooted in generations of tradition from Mexico, are living testaments to the resilience and richness of a community that continues to inspire and enrich the broader fabric of American life.

Join us for an evening of impactful stories and joyful music from Oregonians who share the places they’ve built, the traditions they’ve carried, and what it means to truly belong. This is a celebration of community—of the color, spirit, and heart of a shared culture that continues to grow and thrive. Together, we create a home where everyone belongs, no matter where we came from or the journey that brought us here.

This event is sponsored by Hacienda CDC and made possible through a generous contribution from the Zidell Family Foundation. Additional support for programming has been provided by the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation and a grant from the City of Portland and Oregon Arts Commission.

Please Note: You can reserve your FREE tickets using the link. However, the space is limited. Please only reserve tickets if you know you are able to attend. We are intentionally overselling to account for expected no-shows. To ensure you get a seat, please arrive early. Auditorium doors will open at 6:30 pm, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

September at the Reser

Various dates and times, 12625 SW Crescent St., free and ticketed, see many more events and ticket information on the Reser website.

Karen Slack: African Queens

Saturday, September 13, 7:30 pm, Sunday, September 14, 2:00 pm, ticketed event

2025 Grammy winner and Portland Opera’s Artistic Ambassador Karen Slack brings her celebration of historic African Queens to The Reser. New works by acclaimed composers Jasmine Barnes, Jessie Montgomery, Shawn Okpebholo, Dave Ragland, Carlos Simon, Joel Thompson, and Portland Opera’s Music Director Damien Geter thrill alongside carefully selected pieces from the traditional repertoire in this captivating vocal recital.

Black Matter Panel Discussion

Saturday, September 20, 1-2:30 pm, The Lab, free with RSVP

The Reser is excited to present an engaging panel discussion featuring artists Tammy Jo Wilson, Jeremy Okai Davis, and MOsley WOtta, as they reflect on the history, challenges, and triumphs of Black Mater—an ongoing, evolving art exhibition showcasing Oregon-based Black artists. Together, the panelists will explore the transformative potential of Black Matter, the realities of artistic labor and visibility, and the deep resonance of the works on view in the gallery.

Grand Kyiv Ballet Presents Swan Lake

Wednesday, September 24,7:00 pm, ticketed event

This timeless tale of love and magic will be brought to life by the finest dancers of the Ukrainian National Opera and Ballet Theater. The graceful movements of the dancers will transport audiences to a world of enchantment and wonder.

HART Theatre Kicks Off 31st Season with “Doubt: A Parable”

September 6-21, HART Theater, 185 SE Washington St., Hillsboro, various times, $20-24, purchase tickets here

In this brilliant and powerful drama, Sister Aloysius, a Bronx school principal, takes matters into her own hands when she suspects the young Father Flynn of improper relations with one of the male students.

HART’s 31st season brings audiences a diverse mix of classic drama, new works, and community-driven theatre, including: two world premieres; The Pros and Cons of Killing Your Husband by April Aasheim, returning for its World Premiere Main Stage debut after its acclaimed reading at the Fertile Ground Festival at HART last year; and Alma de Luna by David Fuks, a powerful story about the perils of immigration, featuring a Latino-based cast, crew, and director, in partnership with Invisible Friend Productions. Also, Fertile Ground Festival of New Works Returns to HART. Next spring, HART once again serves as the westside hub for Portland’s renowned Fertile Ground Festival of New Works slated for April of 2026, sponsoring more than 10 local productions and currently accepting submissions from playwrights through September 15, 2025.

Special Event: Hillsboro Fall Into Fashion Show

Saturday, September 27, 6-10 pm, HART Theatre, $30-70.

The Hillsboro Fall Into Fashion Show will showcase six incredible local clothing companies, a red carpet experience, wine & cocktails, live entertainment, and an unforgettable afterparty. Even better, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Every Child PDX, supporting children and families impacted by foster care. Tickets & Information here.

Season tickets, single-show tickets, and special event passes are available now at HART Theatre or by calling 503-693-7815. Follow HART on social media for behind-the-scenes photos, event updates, and artist spotlights.

Oktoberfest at Bethany Village

Saturday, September 6, 1-6 pm, 4720 NW Bethany Blvd., free to attend

Dust off your lederhosen and dirndls and join us for our annual Bethany Village Oktoberfest! Enjoy an afternoon full of live music, German inspired food offerings, a large Oktoberfest beer tent, kids activities, numerous local small business vendors, and more! Learn more at Bethany Village Oktoberfest.

Village Gallery of Arts

Tuesday-Sunday, 11 am-5 pm, 1060 NW Saltzman Rd.

Village Gallery of Arts is a non-profit organization, receives no taxpayer money, and is staffed entirely by member volunteers. Visit the VGA website for late-breaking classes and events! Subscribe to our Newsletter to receive monthly updates on shows, events and community activities. Artists are encouraged to learn more and join the gallery.

ArtChat

September 14, 3-5 pm

See the new show, meet the artists, talk about art and enjoy refreshments!

September Featured Artists: New Members! This is the month we showcase the art of our new 2025 members. Come see their work throughout the month and meet and chat with them at our ArtChat and Refreshments.

September Big and Bold: Leah Jay, “Causes and Conditions.” The winds of Karma, the forces of nature, independently arising without beginning or end. Who are we to resist? Come see this dramatic new work!

“Clay Sunday” Open Studio

Sunday, September 7, 1-3 pm, $20/hr + $10 supply fee, max 12 students

Come and get your hands dirty! Clay and all supplies provided. Ongoing drop-in ceramics workshop. Instructor Rose Rutherford-Ha available for questions and assistance. No-pressure environment for all ages.

Children’s classes

RPG Monster Maker

Sunday, September 28, 12-1:30 pm, max 8 students; ages 9 up, $25/class

Come exercise weird monster design skills with a dice randomizer game played with fellow students! Draw monsters in old-school role-playing game style with pen and ink. Adding the monsters made in this class to the tabletop games you play is a great way of shaking things up with some unpredictability! All supplies provided, no experience necessary. Instructor Diane Ramic.

Creature Bestiary

Sunday, September 21; 2-3:30 pm, max 8 students, ages 9 up, $25/class

Come play a game of creature design telephone with fellow students! Students will give each other descriptions of animals without revealing what they are drawing, then design a creature based on that description, just like how artists did it in medieval times! No experience necessary.

Children’s Art Classes,  – VGA Instructional Team

Thursdays in September, 3:45-5:15 pm, ages 7-11 yrs, max 8 students, $80/4 classes

Anyone can create art! Join us for an exciting series of classes where your child can learn a vast variety of art forms! All supplies included. September featured projects: Raised Paper Art, DIY Zines, Watercolor Art, and Collage Making.

Adult classes

Exploring with Liquid Acrylics and Inks

Wednesdays in September, 10 am-12:30 pm, max 8 students, ages 18+, intermediates and up, $120 member, $140 non-member

Explore the use of liquid acrylics, fluorescent inks, gesso, layering techniques and assorted materials to give your work a fresh perspective. Examine ways to express your vision in fun and unique ways with time to paint in class. Laura Leiman

Acrylic Landscapes: A Crash Course

Thursdays, September 4, 11, 18, 10:15 am-12:15 pm, max 8 students, ages 18+, all levels, $140 member, $160 non-member

Learn how to bring landscapes to life in this focused three-session crash course! Whether you prefer painting mountains, forests, coastlines, or wide-open skies, this class will equip you with the tools to create compelling acrylic landscapes. Ideal for artists of all levels who want to strengthen their understanding of depth, light, and texture in landscape painting. Rachel Gering

Beginning Acrylic Painting

Saturday, September 6, 11-2 pm, max 8 beginner students, ages 18+, $170 member, $190 non-member

Come join us and learn a new skill! Robert Baeza’s patient teaching style will guide you through your creative journey. Learn how to mix colors and master brushwork, all while having fun and meeting new friends! With 20 years of art teaching experience, Robert will work with you to get the most out of the class! All supplies will be provided, with the exception of brushes. Details on website.

Needle Felted Butterfly Painting

Sunday, September 14, 11-1 pm, max 12 beginner students, ages 18+, $50

Learn to needle a felt realistic (or fantasy colored!) butterfly on fabric and place it in a frame. Suitable for beginners, you will learn the basics of needle felting: using different types of wool, choosing the appropriate needle to felt with, and how to finish and care for your wool painting. Details on website. Sabrina Hammer

Our Mission: “To ignite the joy of learning, creating and appreciating art in our community. We support professional and emerging artists by providing high quality affordable art education to children and adults as well as providing venues for sharing their work.”