Warmer weather and later sunsets mean friends and family are more willing to make plans past 6pm these days.

So take advantage of all that May has to offer — festivals, live music, art shows and plenty of reasons to leave the house — with these nine can't-miss events.

One Moto

May 1-3

Gear heads go all out at this three-day event at Zidell Yards showing off custom-built, one-of-a-kind bikes.

Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

May 1-5

This five-day celebration of Mexican culture down on the waterfront brings more than 40 food vendors, dozens of artisans selling handmade crafts, live music across several stages, low riders and a general sense of joviality.

Fire vs. Chicago Sky

May 9

Portland's very own WNBA team steps onto home court at Moda Center for the season opener. Be there or be square.

Florence + the Machine

May 13

The dog days are officially over because the popular indie rock band makes their return to Portland after four years as part of their "Everybody Scream Tour."

McMenamins UFO Fest

May 14-16

McMinnville celebrates its infamous UFO sighting with an annual costume contest (humanoids and pets), street fair and dance party.

"Heritage" presented by Ethereal Reflections

May 16

The city's favorite pop-up art gallery is back with a group exhibition at Design Portland that features works inspired by "what we inherit, what we keep, and what we choose to redefine."

Portland Rose Festival

May 22-June 28

Downtown's classic, monthlong fair and carnival returns. Don't miss the opening night fireworks show on the Willamette, which draws crowds from across the state. There's most certainly a parade for you, too.

Michelle Zauner at Tomorrow Theater

May 27

The creative force behind indie pop band Japanese Breakfast and author of "Crying at H Mart" will have a wide-ranging conversation about growing up in Eugene, her creative process and her latest album.

Criterion Mobile Closet at Portland Art Museum

May 29-31

Local film lovers will be lining up to make their own "Closet Picks" videos out of the specialty streaming service's roaming video store, which comes stocked with more than 1,700 of "the greatest films from around the world."

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Portland Public Schools faces a $56 million budget deficit, larger than previously estimated.

Why it matters: The district is roughly $56 million in the hole, up from $50 million estimated in January, and may have to cut hundreds of jobs to balance its budget.

State of play: Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong presented her $2.7 billion budget proposal for the 2026-27 school year to the school board this week.

• Her budget recommends eliminating 112 school-based full-time employees, 101 in specialized programs, 74 in the central office and 48 in building support, Willamette Week reported.

Follow the money: The deficit is largely due to declining enrollment, rising costs and limited revenue, according to the district.

• Armstrong also said the district was likely to face a $65 million deficit in the 2027-28 school year, despite cutting more than $115 million since 2023-24.

What they're saying: "This is a fragile budget, we have limited reserves, we have little flexibility. Every dollar matters, every decision matters, and we are taking steps to reset our system," Armstrong said, per OPB.

Flashback: The district already instituted furlough days to close an unforeseen budget gap last month.

What's next: Armstrong said she will continue to engage with parents at the school level and the board will vote on the budget later this spring.

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🏘️ Home Forward CEO Ivory Mathews resigned this week amid ongoing scrutiny of the region's largest public housing agency. (Willamette Week)

🛒 One of Oregon's largest Asian shopping centers is gearing up for an arduous tariff refund process, which the federal government said could take up to three months. In the meantime, the price of popular imported goods remain high. (OPB)

🎨 The City Council's Life Committee approved a resolution to raise the arts tax from $35 to $50 on Tuesday, clearing the way for a wider council vote. (Portland Business Journal)

🍷 A lawyer incurred major fines and lost a case — a bitter family inheritance battle over an Oregon winery — after he and his client submitted extensive legal citations fabricated by AI. (The New York Times)

The share of Americans who say their financial situation is getting worse is higher now than at any point in the past 25 years, per new Gallup data out this week.

Why it matters: Americans are struggling after years of higher inflation and a recent surge in gas prices due to the Iran war — a major challenge for President Trump and Republicans as the midterm elections near.

By the numbers: 55% of respondents to a poll conducted April 1-15 said their financial situation is getting worse; that's up from 53% last year and 47% in 2024.

• The number is higher than at any point since 2001, even compared with recessions during the pandemic or in the wake of the financial crisis.

The big picture: The recent surge in gas prices has increased the pressure on American pocketbooks.

• The average price of a gallon of gas in Oregon was $5.11 as of yesterday afternoon, says AAA. It was under $3.91 a year ago.
• Many Americans blame Trump for the increase.

It's been almost a week and I'm still thinking about my trip out to see the wildflowers in the Gorge.

• It appears I'm not alone.

Thanks to Axios Portland readers Lynn M. and Barbara D. who both shared some pics from their hikes at Memaloose Hills.

What's next: According to my Instagram feed, it's only gotten better since I was out there.

• Catch 'em while you can!