Performing ArtsOpen Mics

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SUNNOV 1
8:30 PM
+1 dates
Open MicsComedyStand-Up

Curious Comedy Open Mic

A supportive community open mic hosted by Aimee Sinclair. 4-5 minute sets. Take a risk, have fun, make each other laugh. Goofballs welcome!

DETAILS:
The Annex Theater SIGN UPS: 8:00pmTHE SHOW: 8:30pmTickets: Pay What You Will (5.00-10.00 donation recommended.)
CONTENT: Curious Comedy is an anti-racist, anti-misogynist, anti-ableist, anti-homophobic, anti-transphobic, anti-ageist space. We reserve the right to cut the mic of anyone punching down with their comedy.
TUENOV 3
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
💰 $5+Open MicsComedyStand-Up

Open Mic Night

Helium Comedy Club1510 Southeast 9th Avenue

See the best local comics at Helium Comedy Club's Open Mic Night. On nights there is a show in the Main showroom, the Open Mic will be held in the Neon Room.

Think you have what it takes to make people laugh?

Open Mic Night is open for signup to new talent as well as seasoned comics. The signup list is posted outside the club from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and the final line-up is posted at 7:30 p.m. in the lounge. The line-up is chosen by random lottery. Please note that you will not be able to sign up in person earlier than 6:00 p.m.

WEDNOV 4
9:30 PM
+3 dates
ComedyImprovOpen Mics

Open Court - Improv Jam

Portland’s longest running improv jam, Open Court is beloved, fun, supportive, and open to all!What happens when improvisers of all levels of skill and experience, from all different theaters and troupes, from Portland and beyond, come together to perform long-form improv comedy for each other and the audience? FUN!Everyone is welcome to play in Open Court whether you have been playing for years or have never been on a stage before in your life. Teams are picked randomly and coached by supportive, experienced improvisers from the Curious Comedy Company. We warm up in our teams and then perform for each other and the audience.Just want to watch? That’s great! No pressure to play - not ever!Curious Comedy’s longest running show, Open Court is close to our hearts. A great place to play, to meet people, and to see what Curious Comedy is all about!DETAILS:Wednesdays: Curious MainstageDoors at 9:15 pm. Show at 9:30 pm.Throw your name in the hat by 9:30 pmAdvanced Ticket - $5.00Door Ticket - $5.00Curious Students - FREE!

Multi-day events

6
SUNNOV 1
3:00 PM
FolkJamsOpen MicsClubs & Meetings

Acoustic Song and Tune Sharing Circle

Catherine and Eddie Murphy host this Edinburgh-style session with no stages or mics. A low-key round robin song and tune session, inviting musicians and singers to share music of any acoustic genre.
SUNNOV 1
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
+4 dates
Open MicsComedyStand-Up

Tap That Open Mic Comedy Night

Tap Tap Cuisine3434 Northeast Sandy Boulevard

Tap That Open Mic: Comedy Night is here. Hosted by Umi Om and TapTap, this is your sign to laugh louder, eat better, and vibe harder.

Comedians get 7–10 minutes to bring the heat. Whether you’re testing new jokes or just pulling up for a good time, this open-mic night is for you.

Good food. Big laughs. Real community. Pull up, tap the mic, and make it a night.

FRINOV 20
10:00 PM
ComedyImprov

HONK If You're Horny

Welcome to the wild, unhinged, and undeniably horny world of HONK. Affectionately known as "Portland's Horniest Improv Team," we deliver polished improv with a naughty side—laughing, learning, and dry humping along the way.Each month HONK invites some special guests to get down on our level and unleash their sexy side. Expect steamy surprises and deep dives into themes like Car Sex (honk honk), Bachelorette Parties, First Times, and Where is the line between fingering and rubbing?HONK has been soaking stages for over three years and collectively have decades of improv experience under their belts (among other things.) They are the winners of Kickstand’s 2024 Cage Match, have performed at the Vancouver Improv Festival, RISE Improv Festival in Denver, MILF festival in Los Angeles, iO Fest in Chicago, and their performers have guested with UCB’s Holy Shit Improv.“You made me feel young again!” - Horned Up Audience MemberSee (lots) more at @honkprov
WEDNOV 4
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
+1 dates
Open MicsComedyStand-UpLGBTQ+

Nu-Glitter Bi-Monthly Queer Comedy Open Mic

Peacock PDX1400 SE Morrison St

Nu-Glitter is a semimonthly Queer Comedy Open Mic. Comedians get 3-4 minutes (depending on demand). All are welcome, but hate speech or punching down is not allowed. Non-comedian audience encouraged.

SUNNOV 1
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
+4 dates
21+Open MicsComedyStand-UpMusic

La Playa Open Mic

Come sign up and check out new music in the community! La Playa Open Mic is hosted by Road Trip Records

1pm-4pm Free Admission 21+

MONNOV 9
6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
All agesOpen MicsVarietyComedyStand-UpPoetryJams

Open Mic Night at Rae Loft

Rae Loft2222 NE Oregon St Ste 207

Each month, embark on a journey where you showcase your talents. Whether you are a singer/songwriter, a poet, or a solo instrumentalist, here's your opportunity to shine on the stage. Feel free to start a jam as well. The stage is yours.

Get ready to take the stage, cheer on local creatives, and soak up an unforgettable evening of art, music, poetry, and community. The space into a vibrant hub of expression with a monthly Open Mic Night—and you’re invited. Whether you’re an experienced performer or just itching to share something new, the mic is yours. Singers, songwriters, poets, instrumentalists, comedians, storytellers, and more—everyone is welcome to sign up for a chance to shine. Sign-ups begin at 6:00 p.m., and the show kicks off around 6:30 p.m. with short (~10 min) performance slots.

Hosted by Joshua Bennett. All ages, all abilities welcome—bring friends, family, and neighbors.

Whether you’re strumming your guitar, reciting your latest poem, sharing a story, or simply enjoying the show from the crowd, this night is about connection, performance, and inspiration.

SATNOV 7
5:00 PM
Open MicsComedyStand-UpJams

Dump Your Jokes - Open Mic

Every comic who steps up to the microphone has exactly one goal: survive the shredder. After a performer drops their rawest, newest, or riskiest bit, a judgment must be made. With the cheers or jeers, the crowd collectively decide the joke's ultimate fate. If they love it, the comedian keeps it. If it bombs, it goes straight into a heavy-duty paper shredder spinning live on stage, gone from their set forever.

Sign ups are online and mic starts at 5PM and ends 6:30.

Sign Up Link Here!

Registration opens the day before the show at 12:00 PM, and the official lineup will be posted the following day at 12:00 PM.

Hosted by Jaren George
WEDNOV 4
7:00 PM
Open MicsVarietyComedyStand-UpMusicPoetryTeens

Open Mic for Teens and Young Adults with Katy Ohsiek

Cafe Artichoke LiveMap

This free open mic, hosted by Katy Ohsiek (Foamboy), is only for teens and young adults. Show at 7 pm (doors open at 6:30). Come share your music, poetry, comedy, or stories with a supportive audience! Soloists and groups are welcome. Audience is open to all! Questions? Email katyandthenullsets(*at*)gmail.com Donations are appreciated to fund this event!

SATNOV 14
Hours not provided
Comedy

Brett Cooper

Helium Comedy Club1510 Southeast 9th Avenue

Brett Cooper is the host of ‘The Brett Cooper Show.' Launched in 2025, the show attracted over a million YouTube subscribers in its first week. It airs on Spotify, Apple, and everywhere else podcasts are streamed. Previously, Brett was an actress, acting for shows on Amazon, Fox, Paramount, and other networks. She broke out as a conservative pop culture creator in 2022 when she launched her podcast The Comment Section with Brett Cooper. Over the next three years, she grew her audience to over 9 million followers across social media platforms. Brett lives in rural Tennessee with her son, husband, and many farm animals.

MONNOV 2
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
+4 dates
Open MicsComedyStand-Up

Just for the laughs: Comedy open mic night

Our 3rd SpaceMap

Vancouver, get ready to laugh. Just for the Laughs Comedy Open Mic brings fresh talent, unexpected punchlines, and local comedy to Our 3rd Space every Monday at 8 PM. No cover, just laughs.

Presented by Laughs PDX.

THUNOV 12
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
All agesOpen MicsVarietyComedyStand-UpMusicPoetry

Main Stage Open Mic

Join us for a welcoming night of creativity and connection at this free, all-ages open mic. Bring your music, your poetry, your comedy, your rough drafts, and your masterpieces to the Main Stage in the Alberta Abbey theatre.Sign-ups and Happy Hour: 5:00–6:00 PMPerformances begin at 6:00 PM
  • Names will be drawn at random "name-in-a-hat" style from the sign-up list.
  • Each performer gets up to 10 minutes or 2 songs.
  • Sound and lights provided.
  • Some backline available.
This is a free community event, and donations are welcome to support Alberta Abbey’s mission of amplifying underrepresented voices in the arts. Come share your work, support a nonprofit arts hub, and connect with fellow creatives in one of Portland’s most welcoming venues.Sponsored in part by Spirit Mountain Community Fund.
FRINOV 6
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Open MicsVarietyComedyStand-UpMusicPoetry

Open Mic

An open mic featuring musicians, poets, comedians, spoken-word performers, and other creative acts. Participants can share their work on stage.

SUNNOV 1
7:00 PM
21+ComedyStand-Up

The Neon Room at Helium: Tokyo Kanpai Boys (SHOW PERFORMED IN ENGLISH)

Meet the Tokyo Kanpai Boys, Japan's funniest stand-up comedians bringing brand-new material and a wildly entertaining look at life & comedy through Japanese eyes.

Featuring Kansei Yasuda, Daniel Wilson, Shota Saimu and Daisuke Muramoto.

Whether they're explaining Japanese dating culture, exposing everyday misunderstandings between East and West, or simply proving that awkwardness is universal in every language, Tokyo Kanpai Boys delivers a show that's packed with laughs.

Don’t miss this unforgettable night of international comedy that bridges cultures through laughter. Cheers ("Kanpai!") to that. 🍻

Featuring:

Kansei Yasuda

Originally from Tokyo and now based in Toronto, Kansei is one of the fastest-rising international comics working today. A Golden Ticket winner on Kill Tony, he has toured throughout North America and Asia, earning acclaim for his energetic storytelling, sharp cultural observations, and brilliantly unpredictable style.

Daniel Wilson

A Japanese-American comedian based in Tokyo, Daniel has built a massive global following through his viral "Let Me Teach You Some Japanese" videos, earning over200,000 Instagram followers and 5.5 million TikTok likes. Trained at Japan's prestigious Watanabe Comedy School, he combines Japanese and American comedy traditions into a style that's both insightful and endlessly relatable.

Shota Saimu

Known for his deceptively quiet stage presence and devastating punchlines, Shota has become a favorite among audiences in both Japan and the United States. Performing in both English and Japanese, his dry delivery, understated confidence, and viral online clips have made him one of Japan's most exciting emerging comedic voices.

Daisuke Muramoto

One of Japan's most recognizable comedians, Muramoto first rose to fame as half of the legendary manzai duo Woman Rush Hour, appearing on hundreds of television programs before reinventing himself as one of Japan's boldest stand-up voices. His acclaimed documentary I Am a Comedian chronicles his journey from mainstream celebrity to internationally touring performer whose fearless comedy tackles politics, culture, and identity.

Management reserves the right to prevent customers from entering the facility who they deem disruptive or dangerous to other patrons.

THUNOV 5
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
💰 $15+Drop-inMuseumsPoetryAuthor TalksLive Podcasts & RadioVarietyComedyStand-UpHip-Hop

Live Wire: Dessa, Mac Barnett, Ed Park, and Mx. Dahlia Belle

Portland Art Museum1219 Southwest Park Avenue

Live Wire joins forces with the Portland Art Museum for an afternoon of roving performances ahead of an evening recording of the program. The event coincides with PAM's monthly Free First Thursday and the Portland Book Festival's expanded programming. Performers will include poet and rapper Dessa, bestselling children’s author Mac Barnett, Pulitzer Prize Finalist Ed Park, and Portland comedian Mx. Dahlia Belle.

Free pop-up performances will take place throughout the Museum’s galleries, giving visitors a chance to catch live performances and storytelling while moving through the PAM spaces. Completely free through PAM’s Free First Thursday general admission. Also, enjoy a fully seated, ticketed Live Wire taping hosted by Luke Burbank with announcer Elena Passarello, featuring a blend of interviews, comedy, and music performed live for the audience, then edited into an episode for broadcast to over 200 public radio stations nationwide.

Visitors can take in the afternoon gallery pop-ups, the evening show, or both.

THUNOV 12
Hours not provided
💰 $73+ComedyVariety

Penn and Teller

Keller Auditorium222 Southwest Clay Street

From humble beginnings 50 years ago busking on the streets of Philadelphia, to acclaimed sold–out runs on Broadway and renown as the longest-running and one of the most-beloved resident headline acts in Las Vegas history, magic’s legendary duo — Penn Jillette and Teller — continue to defy labels (and at times physics and good taste), by redefining the genre of magic and inventing their own very distinct niche in comedy.

The current hit series Penn & Teller: Fool Us! for The CW Network, on which up-and-comers and magic veterans try to fool Penn & Teller for a chance to star in the pair’s hit Las Vegas stage show, was nominated for a Critics’ Choice Award and has been renewed for an unprecedented 12th season. The show is the longest continual American magic television series in history, introducing the art to new fans and cultivating new generations of innovators within the craft.

Twice named “Magicians of the Year” by the Academy of Magical Arts, the equivalent of the Oscars in magic, they were named the 2024 Masters Fellowship recipients, the highest honor the Academy bestows. The pair live in Las Vegas, where they are engaged in their community, acting as honorary chairmen for AFAN (Aid for AIDS Nevada), raising and donating nearly $2 million and serving as grand marshals for AFAN’s annual Las Vegas AIDS Walk for the past 23 years. Through their involvement with Opportunity Village, which assists in employment placement and lifestyle betterment for those living with intellectual disabilities, they have raised over $1 million. The annual blood drive, Penn & Teller’s 13 Bloody Days of Christmas, has resulted in over 85,000 donors since its inception. In 2023, they took part in the USO’s annual Christmas tour, entertaining thousands of servicemen and servicewomen in bases across Europe.

In 2025, the pair celebrated 50 years as innovators in combining smart, edgy comedy with their unique magical style.

FRINOV 13
7:00 PM
ComedyImprov

Please Stand By

An improvised comedy news program where YOU are the news.

Join Breaking News as they create an entire broadcast news program based on your favorite current event: you. No algorithms. No competing corporate interests. Just the blazing-hot energy of a live studio audience. Producers, grab your clipboards. Anchors, big smiles. We’re back from break in 3… 2… 1…

Fresh from their year and a half run as one of the top improv teams at Kickstand Comedy, Breaking News brings you their brand new hour long show. Featuring Thea Crowley, John Taylor, Lauren Sigler, Justin Himes, Julie Basque, and Catherine Retica!
TUENOV 3
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
21+ComedyStand-Up

Cam Bertrand

It took Cam all of 3 weeks to drop out of college at FAMU to pursue comedy full time at the age of 19. Cam recently appeared on Season 16 of ‘America’s Got Talent’ receiving a “Yes” from all 4 celebrity judges, Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Sophia Vergara, and Howie Mandel. In 2019, Cam Bertrand became the youngest comic to win the 'Florida's Funniest' competition, beating out over 300 comics, previous winners include Daniel Tosh, Bert Kreischer, Preacher Lawson and JB Ball. In that same year, Cam also became the youngest comedian to record his own half hour comedy special with DryBar comedy, his special 'Sophisticated Ignorance' which has garnered over 140 million total views since its release. Cam has built up a social media following of nearly 1 Million Followers on TikTok, 176k on Instagram, 270k on Facebook, and 47k on Youtube. He has also worked with some of the biggest names in comedy today including: Joe Rogan, Andrew Schulz, Matt Rife, Bert Kreischer, Pete Davidson, Hannibal Buress, Michael Che, Josh Blue, and Mike Epps. Couple's Package includes: - 2 premium seats - $90 food & beverage credit ($45 per person)- Gratuity - Ticket Protection Management reserves the right to prevent customers from entering the facility who they deem disruptive or dangerous to other patrons.

WEDNOV 4
7:30 PM · Doors 6:30 PM
ReadingsBooksComedyStand-UpMusic

Davide De Pierro

Inspired by Davide De Pierro’s newly released novel The Letters I Never Sent, his live show blends personal storytelling, humor, and audience conversation. Throughout the night, De Pierro will deliver a monologue and read selections from the book, followed by an open Q&A with the audience. Limited meet-and-greet opportunities will also be available for those who purchase in advance. Davide is a New Jersey native that has cultivated over 3M followers on TikTok and 2.7M followers on Instagram and has been earning millions of views online. Known for his commentary on relationships, finances, and those relatable moments that capture the human experience, Davide is excited to be expanding into a fresh medium. There are special Meet & Greet Tickets available for this event which offer a wonderful opportunity for fans to meet and interact with David De Pierro. Quantity is limited at each show. Shortly after the show, attendees with a M&G wristband will be allowed to meet Davide De Pierro and take a photo with him. Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Review our venue FAQ here

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS If your billing address is located outside a 250 mile radius of Portland, you will need to purchase tickets either in person or by phone by calling (503) 764-4131, or our office at (503) 719-6055. Thank You!
SUNNOV 22
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
💰 $20+Hip-HopComedyStand-Up

Bernice Ye: Wuhan Clan Ain't Nuthin' Ta Duck Wit

Kickstand Comedy1006 Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard

Part comedy special, part concert, and full of surprises. Bernice Ye, dubbed “The Jackie Chan of Comedy” by The Stranger, brings Wuhan Clan Ain’t Nuthin’ ta Duck Wit to Portland’s Kickstand Comedy for one night only. Wu-Tang energy meets immigrant storytelling in a live show blending stand-up, original comedy rap, martial arts, audience interaction, and cinematic multimedia. It’s about identity, ambition, and building your own clan when the world doesn’t hand you one.

Born in Wuhan, China, Ye came to the U.S. with $1,000 and a computer science degree from Peking University. She built a career at Microsoft and Hulu, then walked away from tech for the comedy stage. Now an internationally touring comedian, comedy rapper, and taekwondo black belt, she turns that unlikely journey into an evening of laughter, music, and reinvention. It was the most unhinged sequence of decisions she’s ever made. It’s working. With 400K+ followers and more than 100 million views online, Ye has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, The Stranger, and Seattle Gay News. Her credits include the New York Comedy Festival, Bergamot Comedy Festival, and Best of the Fest honors at Burbank Comedy Festival, Laugh After Dark, and Nate Jackson’s Super Funny Comedy Festival.

Following previous appearances at The Siren Theater, Ye returns to Portland with the road-tested show that launched a 13-city national tour. Whether you’ve followed her online or are discovering her for the first time, you’re invited into the Wuhan Clan. Come for the comedy. Leave with a clan—and songs stuck in your head.

FRINOV 6
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
💰 $15+BingoFilmComedy

You’ve Got Mail Movie Bingo

PAM CUT's Tomorrow Theater3530 Southeast Division Street

Join for Nora Ephron’s endlessly charming You’ve Got Mail, the cozy, bookish romantic comedy that makes the dial-up internet age feel magical. Grab a bingo card curated by Violet Hex and play along as Kathleen Kelly and Joe Fox fall in love one anonymous email at a time.

Book superstore magnate Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) and independent book shop owner Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) fall in love in the anonymity of the Internet—both blissfully unaware that he’s trying to put her out of business.

1998. Directed by Nora Ephron. Runtime: 1hr 59min. Rated PG.

SATNOV 14
12:30 PM
CircusComedyTheaterVarietyKids & Family

Leapin’ Louie

Alberta Rose Theatre3000 Northeast Alberta Street

Leapin’ Louie: The Upside Down Ocean. Leapin’ Louie’s new show: An ocean animal circus spectacular. It’s science, but you laugh so hard. Gastropod Cousteau (aka Leapin’ Louie Lichtenstein ) is a nudibranch detective trying to figure out what happened to the missing kelp forests. Whales, sea otters, decorator crabs, giant squid and a peacock mantis shrimp help Gastro solve the mystery. And the story is told with circus and comedy. Featuring giant lasso, glow juggling, a 6 foot unicycle, enormous puppets and a slide-show of amazing ocean animals. You know him from White Album Xmas or the Rose Festival. Leapin’ Louie has performed his solo shows in 35 nations around the world, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brazil, the UK and a few dozen European tours. He has toured opening for country stars Brooks and Dunn and the rock legend Primus. He makes adults laugh with family-friendly material, and he gets audiences very excited.

SUNNOV 1
8:30 PM
+1 dates
Open MicsComedyStand-Up

Curious Sunday Open Mic!

Ready for a dose of spontaneous fun? The Curious Sunday Open Mic at the Annex Theater is your chance to see emerging talent and seasoned pros alike. This supportive, anti-racist, and anti-misogynist community welcomes goofballs with four-to-five-minute sets. You’ll experience comedy that takes risks and makes you laugh.

Sign-ups begin at 8 PM, with the show kicking off at 8:30 PM. It’s Pay What You Will, so you can enjoy fantastic comedy for a recommended donation of $5–$10. Go on, check it out!

SATNOV 7
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Open MicsComedyStand-Up

Open Mic Comedy Night

Whether you want to take a turn on the stage or just sit back and enjoy the show, you won’t want to miss this night full of laughter, craft beverages and fun vibes! Join us for open mic comedy on the first Saturday of every month, presented by our friends at THE COLD SLICE podcast.

SUNNOV 1
4:00 PM
+1 times
21+ComedyStand-Up

Special Event: Jason Salmon

Jason is a Texas born, NYC based standup whose comedy has been described as “…like getting the best advice you’ve ever gotten…from the dumbest guy you know.”

Jason’s performed all over the world including for the troops in Europe, South America, & Afghanistan. His standup special: BISCUITS and GRAVITY can be watched right now on YouTube.

He’s been featured in Red Dead Redemption 2, Orange is the New Black, HBO, Comedy Central, At Home with Amy Sedaris, Hulu’s Wu Tang Clan Series, and 30 Rock.

Couple's Package includes:

- 2 premium seats
- $90 food & beverage credit ($45 per person)
- Gratuity
- Ticket Protection

Management reserves the right to prevent customers from entering the facility who they deem disruptive or dangerous to other patrons.

THUNOV 5
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Live Podcasts & RadioVarietyComedyStand-UpMuseumsPoetryAuthor TalksHip-HopTalks & Lectures

Free First Thursday with Live Wire Radio

Overview

Portland Art Museum invites the community to join a Free First Thursday event, offering free admission to the museum for all, plus a Live Wire event as part of the Literary Arts Portland Book Festival. Visitors can take in the afternoon gallery pop-ups, the evening show, or both!

Free First Thursday + Museum pop-ups

4:30 – 6 p.m. — Free, pre-show, pop-up performances will take place throughout the Museum’s galleries. Performers are poet and rapper Dessa, bestselling children’s author Mac Barnett, Pulitzer Prize Finalist Ed Park, and Portland comedian Mx. Dahlia Belle.

Free First Thursday tickets can be reserved online one week in advance and are also available at the door.

tickets for free first thursday Live Wire Evening Recording

7 p.m. — Enjoy a fully seated, ticketed Live Wire taping hosted by Luke Burbank with announcer Elena Passarello, featuring a blend of interviews, comedy, and music performed live for the audience, then edited into an episode for broadcast to over 200 public radio stations nationwide. Performers are poet and rapper Dessa, bestselling children’s author Mac Barnett, Pulitzer Prize Finalist Ed Park, and Portland comedian Mx. Dahlia Belle. Doors will open at 6:30pm.

GA Tickets are $15. Preferred Seating is $40. Discounts available to Portland Book Festival passholders.

tickets for 7pm Live Wire recording Performers

Dessa is a singer, rapper, and writer who fell in love with language as a toddler—and just never got over it. Now, she works in fields that traffic in words: she’s recorded rap bangers as part of the fiercely independent Doomtree collective, released a live album with the Grammy-winning Minnesota Orchestra; contributed to The New York Times and National Geographic Traveler; delivered a TED Talk on the intersection of romance and neuroscience that’s notched more than 4 million views; hosted 2 seasons of behavioral science podcast Deeply Human (BBC/American Public Media); and published a memoir recounting most of the above called My Own Devices (Penguin Random House).

Mac Barnett, the 2025–2026 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, is a New York Times bestselling author of stories for children. Mac’s books have won many prizes, including two Caldecott Honors, three New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Book Awards, three E. B. White Read Aloud Awards and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, as well as several international prizes. He lives in Oakland, California. His latest book, illustrated by X. Fang, is Tom Nancy: The Sheep Who Swapped Brains with a Boy. From two of the most exciting picture book makers today comes a hilarious trickster tale and Freaky Friday switcheroo story: a sneaky, cheeky sheep named Tom Nancy has a brain swap proposal for an innocent farm boy named Felix that will change both of their lives forever. Laugh-out-loud, subversive, and totally unexpected.

Ed Park is the author of the novels Personal Days and Same Bed Different Dreams. He is a founding editor of The Believer, and has worked in newspapers, book publishing, and academia. His writing appears in The New Yorker, The New York Review of Books, Harper’s Magazine, The Atlantic, and elsewhere. Profound, wily, and beautifully wrought, his new book Three Tenses: A Transmission from the Nineties is a meeting of memory and myth, confession and obfuscation, coalescing to offer a singular picture of creativity in action.

The princess of Portland comedy, best known for her breakout performance on the popular Netflix special Hannah Gadsby’s Gender Agenda, Mx. Dahlia Belle has been compared to a Swiss Army knife—different tools to extract sharpness, softness, vulnerability, hope, and wicked wit. She’s been declared one of “11 Trans Comedians… Funnier Than Dave Chappelle” by Out Magazine, repeatedly featured on NPR, and has written for Cosmopolitan Magazine, The Guardian, The Stranger, and Portland Mercury. Her live performances have included NW Black Comedy Festival, Upper Left Comedy Festival, SF Sketchfest, and an awkward conversation with John Waters and Piers Morgan. In the upcoming live taping of her comedy special Affirmed at Polaris Hall on November 22nd, Mx. Dahlia Belle delivers 60 new minutes of stand-up to celebrate and affirm being human in the modern world through a combination of the wholesome and mundane, anecdotes about house cats, liscivious foibles of the LGBT community, and an unapologetic account of her personal journey with gender-affirming care, all delivered with her trademark free form wit.

About Free First Thursdays

Free First Thursdays at the Museum and PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater aligns with the revitalization of the long-standing Portland art galleries’ tradition of opening their doors for openings, receptions, and events on the first Thursday of each month. In recent months art and culture organizations have joined to bring back this popular activity, including the Pacific Northwest College of Art and the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education in the North Park Blocks.

Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.

Learn more about other discounted and free opportunities.
SATNOV 7
7:30 PM · Doors 6:30 PM
All agesLive Podcasts & RadioVarietyComedyStand-UpTalks & LecturesMusicAuthor Talks

Live Wire with Luke Burbank

Live Wire Radio is an independently produced radio show that artfully blends unpredictable conversation, live music, and original comedy featuring all types of cultural talent and creative minds, from emerging artists to established acts. Join host Luke Burbank and announcer Elena Passarello for a live recording of this popular radio show, heard nationwide by thousands of listeners every weekend.

With special guests TBA Fall 2026 Season Passes are now on sale! Click here to buy. Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our venue FAQ here
FRINOV 13
Hours not provided
ComedyStand-Up

Fred Armisen: Comedy for Musicians But Everyone is Welcome

Fred Armisen is a comedian, writer, producer, and musician. He is the co-writer and co-star of IFC’s Emmy-nominated series Portlandia. He is in the hit Netflix series Wednesday as Uncle Fester. He stars in HBO’s Los Espookys, which he co-wrote and executive produced. He can also be heard in the hit animated Super Mario Bros movie. Armisen stars in, writes, and produces IFC’s hit show Documentary Now. He has also appeared in HBO’s Our Flag Means Death, Judd Apatow’s The Bubble, andAmazon’s series Forever. He voices characters in Big Mouth and The Mitchells vs. The Machines. He is currently starring in the Broadway play All In. Armisen is an 11-season veteran of Saturday Night Live. From 2014-2024, Armisen was band leader of the 8G Band on Late Night With Seth Meyers.

THUNOV 19
7:00 PM
IndieRockElectronic & DJComedyVariety

Mattress 20

The one-man band without a plan, Mattress started in 2006. To quote a sassy pal (with initials IB): “You are wildly unpopular for that amount of time.” Amen. Who cares? Art for art’s sake. For the first time ever–Mattress is putting together a full band for this show. 5 guitars? 8 keyboards? 12 drummers? Yodelers and a glass harmonica? Probably.

Mattress has made some friends over 20 years and put together this stellar bill (more of a mini-fest), bringing together acts he met 20 years ago and 2 years ago. Check this out:

Black Shelton (solo), a one-man band powerhouse of wit, sleaze and electro boogie. Songs "I'm Back in the Doghouse Again" and “White Lover” will warp your mind.

Dragging an Ox Thru Water fingerpicking melody noise glitch heart string puller.

THRONES Joe Preston is coming out of semi-retirement to do this show. Hopefully this will get some elder goths and heshers out of their LazyBoys and into the show.

Joe Von Appen, the monologue performance semi-comedy satirist who has toured with Mattress for close to 10,000 miles. He will host the show; his dry wit will confuse and entertain most in attendance.

Special guest TBA, probably famous, very name-droppable.

Who is in the Mattress band? Members of Modest Mouse, The Fur Coats, Dommengang, Room, WIBG, Black Shelton and others.

THUNOV 12
8:00 PM · Doors 6:30 PM
ComedyVariety

Penn & Teller

From humble beginnings 50 years ago busking on the streets of Philadelphia, to acclaimed sold–out runs on Broadway and renown as the longest-running and one of the most-beloved resident headline acts in Las Vegas history, magic’s legendary duo — Penn Jillette and Teller — continue to defy labels (and at times physics and good taste), by redefining the genre of magic and inventing their own very distinct niche in comedy.

Their Off-Broadway debut in 1985 electrified New York with a stage show the likes of which had never been seen. Combining magic, comedy, and social commentary in a theatrical event the New York Times said was a “A witheringly funny…Brazen assault on the temple of magic,” the show moved to Broadway in 1987, the first of three eponymously titled Broadway runs. Their efforts in New York have been awarded an Obie and a Lucille Lortel Award. Their most recent return to Broadway, hailed as “Deliciously Demented” by USA Today, was the highest-grossing non-musical for the entirety of its run, even out-grossing Hamilton for one week.

Performing nearly 300 live shows every year from the stages of America’s greatest performing arts venues as well as the Sydney Opera House and London’s Apollo Theatre, their record-breaking Las Vegas show at The Rio Hotel & Casino has an amazing 10 wins, including 2025, as “Las Vegas Magicians of the Year” and was called “The single best show in Vegas,” by the Los Angeles Times.

The current hit series Penn & Teller: Fool Us! for The CW Network, on which up-and-comers and magic veterans try to fool Penn & Teller for a chance to star in the pair’s hit Las Vegas stage show, was nominated for a Critic’s Choice Award and has been renewed for an unprecedented 12th season. The show is the longest continual American magic television series in history, introducing the art to new fans and cultivating new generations of innovators within the craft.

Hundreds of outrageous appearances on everything from Fallon to Friends, The Simpsons to Colbert, Modern Family to Big Bang Theory, Dancing With The Stars to The Masked Singer, plus their own specials for NBC, ABC, PBS and Comedy Central have garnered them an Emmy, a Writers Guild Award, and their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The controversial Showtime series, Penn & Teller: BS! was nominated for 13 Emmys and was the longest-running series in the history of the network. The show highlighted the pair’s ardent skepticism by tackling the fakes and frauds behind such topics as alien abduction, psychics, and bottled water.

In recent years they have become acclaimed documentarians with the BAFTA-nominated Sony Pictures Classic release, Tim’s Vermeer, which follows Texas-based inventor Tim Jenison on his quest to discover the methods used by Dutch Master painter Johannes Vermeer. Their other films, the critically-lauded feature The Aristocrats and the Showtime short The Gambler’s Ballad, were met with wide praise.

The Olivier-nominated Magic Goes Wrong, written and created in collaboration with Mischief Theatre (creators of the Tony-nominated The Play That Goes Wrong), played at London’s West End Vaudeville Theatre, setting a box office pre-sale record. The Daily Mail hailed it as a “Spellbinding romp,” while The Sun theater critic raved, “I’ll be laughing into next week.” In 2024, they had two shows running Off-Broadway as creators and producers: the Magic Goes Wrong spin-off The Mind Mangler, which returned to London’s West End in
March, and the technology/magic/thriller Stalker.

As individuals, they are just as prolific. Teller directed versions of Macbeth and The Tempest which toured to raves from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, co-wrote and directed the Off-Broadway thriller Play Dead and has written two books. Penn has written five books, including the New York Times Best Sellers “God No!” and “Presto”. For his role in this year’s critically acclaimed Oscar-nominated film, Marty Supreme, he was nominated for an Actor Award (formerly the SAG Awards), alongside co-stars Timothee Chalamet and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Twice named “Magicians of the Year” by the Academy of Magical Arts, the equivalent of the Oscars in magic, they were named the 2024 Masters Fellowship recipients, the highest honor the Academy bestows. The pair live in Las Vegas where they are engaged in their community, acting as honorary chairmen for AFAN (Aid for AIDS Nevada), raising and donating nearly $2 million and serving as grand marshals for AFAN’s annual Las Vegas AIDS Walk for the past 23 years. Through their involvement with Opportunity Village, which assists in employment placement and lifestyle betterment for those living with intellectual disabilities, they have raised over $1 million. The annual blood drive, Penn & Teller’s 13 Bloody Days of Christmas, has resulted in over 85,000 donors since its inception. In 2023, they took part in the USO’s annual Christmas tour, entertaining thousands of servicemen and servicewomen in bases across Europe.

In 2025, the pair celebrated 50 years as innovators in combining smart, edgy comedy with their unique magical style.

FRINOV 13
7:00 PM · Doors 6:00 PM
Talks & LecturesComedyStand-Up

Don Lemon & DL Hughley: DL + DL 'Anything Goes'

What do you get when Don Lemon, award-winning journalist, and DL Hughley, one of the original Kings of Comedy, and highly recognized stand-up comedians come together for a night of conversation?

Expect the unexpected from these two brilliant minds doing their public service while taking you on a journey exploring topics spanning everything from social issues, race, pop-culture and current events. Nothing is off limits!

MONNOV 16
6:00 PM
ChoralPopComedy

Vocalocity: We’re Halfway There

Get ready for a night of music, comedy and incredible a cappella music as Vocalocity brings We’re Halfway There. Vocalocity takes some of the biggest songs from the ’60s to today and completely reimagines them using only the human voice. From Bon Jovi, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson to Coldplay and more, their fun show is packed with songs you know and love, Vocalocity’s signature harmonies and plenty of unexpected moments along the way.

This isn’t your traditional a cappella concert. Vocalocity combines powerful vocals, beatboxing, comedy and six distinct personalities into a fast-moving show designed to keep you entertained from beginning to end.

Come laugh, sing along and experience your favorite songs in a whole new way.

TUENOV 3
8:00 PM
21+Open MicsComedyStand-Up

Open Mic Night

See the best local comics at Helium Comedy Club's Open Mic Night! On nights there is a show in the Main showroom, the Open Mic will be held in the Neon Room.

Think you have what it takes to make people laugh?

Open Mic Night is open for signup to new talent as well as seasoned comics. The signup list is posted outside the club from 6:00pm – 7:00pm and the final line-up is posted at 7:30pm in the lounge. The line-up is chosen by random lottery. Please note that you will not be able to sign up in person earlier than 6:00pm.

Management reserves the right to prevent customers from entering the facility who they deem disruptive or dangerous to other patrons.

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