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National Shutdown: Restaurants Open and Helping in the Portland Metro

Tomorrow—Friday, January 30, 2026—is a National Shutdown day across the country, in response to the killings by ICE. The campaign’s subtitle is “No Work. No School. No Shopping. Stop Funding ICE.” It’s a kind of general strike.

However, in Portland there are a lot of small businesses that simply can’t shut down for the day, due to economic reasons. And while “no shopping” might mean “don’t spend your money anywhere,” it’s generally understood to mean that shopping at small, independent businesses is ok.

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Secret Sauna Is Social in Portland’s Montavilla Neighborhood

The Secret Sauna is behind this building.
The Secret Sauna is behind this building.

Secret Sauna: The name is intriguing right off the bat. So what is it? It’s literally a sauna parked on the patio behind Montavilla’s Replicant Wine Bar (shared by Mudd Works Cafe in the mornings). It offers a place to relax, enjoy some drinks and food, sit around the fire pit, and have a sauna. And as of today, it is officially open.

I met with Sarah Mayo, the owner of the Secret Sauna, to learn more about the sauna and its connection to the businesses that are hosting it.

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The Wild Bunch 2026: Five Years Old This Year in Portland

Crowds from years past, probably the same at The Wild Bunch 2026.
Photo credit: The Wild Bunch.

The Wild Bunch 2026 is a wine fair dedicated to making wine more accessible and welcoming—and in March it celebrates its fifth year of life. It was started by Dana Frank in 2020, and has become one of the most anticipated wine events of the year. It takes place in Northwest Portland and tickets are now available. Here’s what you can expect.

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Carina’s Bakery Brings Standout Flavor to Beaverton’s Vegan Scene

Kneeling by the counter at Carina's Bakery.

As January comes to a close, there’s still opportunity to try Portland’s vibrant vegan food scene in celebration of Veganuary. If you’re new to the concept, Veganuary is a global movement inviting people to explore vegan food—and a plant-forward lifestyle—throughout January and beyond. Think of it as a delicious, clean way to start the year, and an ideal place to begin is with Carina’s Bakery in Beaverton, featuring delightful vegan treats.

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