BACKFENCE Presents: Big Feelings Baby
Mar
27
to Mar 29

BACKFENCE Presents: Big Feelings Baby

Big Feelings Baby is a one-hour solo (ish) storytelling show written and performed by Ash Allen about finding your inner howl and the courage to let it out. Set in the Mississippi woods, the story follows a barefoot tomboy whose first companions are squirrels and her loud, feral grandmother who lives up the road. Their bond runs deeper than language, rooted in love bigger than the sky, humor, and a refusal to be tamed. 

That world is upended when she is sent away one summer and comes face to face with how different she is from other girls—and how those differences are things to hide and quiet. When she returns home, both her inner and outer worlds are irrevocably changed. Through love, life, and the loss of her beloved grandmother, she learns that big feelings must be released—one howl at a time. Only then can you find not just your pack, but yourself.

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ROY G BIV Queer Comedy Show
Mar
21
8:00 PM20:00

ROY G BIV Queer Comedy Show

Looking for the best comedy show in Portland? ROY G. BIV’s Comedy Show is a must-see live stand-up showcase featuring the funniest LGBTQ+ comedians working today.

Hosted by Delaney Malone, Rachelle Cochran, and Ash Allen, this recurring monthly show highlights queer comedians seen on Don’t Tell Comedy, Late Night with Stephen Colbert, Netflix, Disney+, and top comedy festivals—alongside rising local and national talent you’ll want to see before they blow up.

ROY G. BIV’s Comedy Show is consistently one of Portland’s most popular LGBTQ+ events, known for packed houses, sharp stand-up, and lineups that deliver every time.

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Fire and Story Festival
Jan
24
8:00 PM20:00

Fire and Story Festival

Three unforgettable nights immersed in a collection of handcrafted wood-burning fires. Over 100+ unique performers. Presenting a variety of song, storytelling, and multi-sensory experiences..

Ash Allen headlines the Story Stage on Saturday 1/24 at 8pm, sharing a story that will leave you howling in your seat.

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Pickathon: Lit Stage Storytelling
Aug
3
11:00 AM11:00

Pickathon: Lit Stage Storytelling

Storytelling: Imagine

11am–12:30pm | Woods Neighborhood, Sunday, August 3

The Imagine Storytelling show is set to return to the Woods Stage this year at 11am on Sunday. Host and curator Patricia Wheeler (The Moth) has assembled an exciting 90 minutes of stories from tellers across the country—each sharing a true, personal tale centered on this year’s theme: Belonging.

  • Bryan Kett – LA-based storyteller featured on The Moth, Risk!, and Story Collider. An award-winning writer and Second City alum, he also teaches for The Story Studio and USA Today’s Storytellers Project. His work blends humor and heart, including a TEDx talk and Slamdance-winning pilot.

  • Ash Allen – Portland comic and storyteller originally from Mississippi, known for big-hearted, hilarious tales of her Southern upbringing and queer identity. A Moth StorySLAM champ and host of Porch Hang, Ash has performed at festivals from PDX to New Orleans.

  • Travis Abels – Portland-based storyteller and filmmaker who hosts The Tiniest Party, a monthly storytelling show. His work brings warmth, wit, and a touch of the unexpected—look out for his solo show Things I Hide From Dad later this summer.

  • Pedro Martinez – A Portland performer blending storytelling, improv, and acting with sincerity and curiosity. Known for his thoughtful presence and vivid narratives, Pedro brings a fresh voice to the Pickathon stage.

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Hear You Loud and Queer
May
15
7:00 PM19:00

Hear You Loud and Queer

May brings flowers and the best queer comedians! Hear You Loud & Queer returns to Fracture (@fracturebrewing) with one fun lineup! Your regular host Ally (@allyjisgay) is joined by Devin “Papa” Devine (@delphinedanger) of Giggle Bottom (@gigglebottomshow) to host one heck of a lineup that includes:

Dana Cargioli (@danacargioli)

Lisa Dianne (@lisadiannecomedy)

Almond Larson (@whenalmond)

Sara Nienaber (@nabesake)

A special Mystery Guest!

And headlining is host of Know Homo (@know_homo_show) and Moth winning comedian Ash Allen (@ashallencomedy)!

Get tickets here

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BackFence Storytelling Presents: Funny/Story
Apr
27
12:00 PM12:00

BackFence Storytelling Presents: Funny/Story

This class is for people who love to express their joy and pain through comedy — most especially on a Sunday afternoon. All levels of experience are welcome!

Maybe you’re a comic who’s curious about what lies beneath and beyond the punch line? This class is for you! We’ll talk about the overlaps and differences between storytelling and comedy. You’ll leave understanding more about how you can use your standup skills to become a compelling storyteller. 

Or do you love telling stories at parties or during pitch sessions? This class is also for you! Get ready to identify and capitalize on what skills come naturally to you and how to mine your life to create more story hits.

We’ll explore the spaces where the funny/serious, light/heavy interact. Everyone will have the chance to share a story/set with time for feedback. 

Teacher: Comedian and storyteller Ash Allen

Learn more here!

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Lady Killers Comedy
Apr
9
7:00 PM19:00

Lady Killers Comedy

Hosted by Ally J Ward and Devan Daily, Lady Killers is a femme-focused stand-up comedy show highlighting the best female comedians in the Pacific Northwest! Also featuring queer, trans, and nonbinary comedians, just no straight men to make you feel uncomfortable. Bring your best babes and laugh with some of the funniest ladies in Portland! 

Every second Wednesday 7pm at Show Bar, and quarterly at Mississippi Studios

Ash Allen

Kristin Rowan

Danelle Porter

Imani

Get your tickets here!

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50 1st Jokes
Jan
2
8:00 PM20:00

50 1st Jokes

50 Comics. One Mega Show. 1st New Joke of the New Year" - That's the logline that defines 50 FIRST JOKES, the very special party show that celebrates the massively talented community of stand-up comedians.

A mixture of established comics and the best and brightest up-and-comers share the stage to present the 1st new joke they've written since The Ball dropped. This fun, fast, and loose show is a favorite among audiences and comedians.

 $15 21+

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You are Not Alone Presented by Front Porch Sessions and Connection Cure
Nov
12
3:00 PM15:00

You are Not Alone Presented by Front Porch Sessions and Connection Cure

7:30 PM-9:30PM

Join us for “You Are Not Alone”

Front Porch Sessions and the Connection Cure have collaborated to create an engaging and fun event that will foster community connection through a blend of captivating storytelling and interactive audience participation.

Local storytellers will share personal stories that illuminate the evening’s theme and thought-provoking discussions will inspire connection among audience members. Come listen, and engage in exciting conversations as we work together to build a stronger, more connected community through humor and science.

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