Suki Waterhouse’s Dreamy Summer Night in Portland

Words & photos by Jenny Shackleton

Suki Waterhouse brought her Loveland tour to Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland last Friday night, delivering a memorable performance as part of the venue’s beloved summer concert series. The show marked the second night of this year’s series, and there was an added sense of occasion for longtime fans who remembered Waterhouse performing in the square several years ago as an opener for Father John Misty. Seeing her return, this time as the headliner, felt like a full-circle moment and a testament to how much her career has grown since then.

The weather only added to the magic of the evening. Portland was treated to one of those perfect summer nights: warm but not overly hot, with a light breeze drifting through the square as the sun faded behind the downtown skyline. The atmosphere felt relaxed and celebratory, with the crowd filling the plaza early and eagerly awaiting Waterhouse’s arrival on stage.

Fans packed the barricade from the moment the gates opened, and many of the most devoted stans sang along to every word throughout the set. Waterhouse’s connection with the audience was evident as hundreds of voices joined hers, especially during favorites like “Good Looking,” “Moves,” and “OMG.” She also performed newer songs from Loveland alongside tracks such as “Supersad,” “Back in Love,” and “My Fun,” creating a set that balanced fan favorites with fresh material from the album released last month.

Visually, the stage was a standout. Dominating the backdrop was a gigantic anatomical heart covered in mirrors that reflected the stage lights across the crowd. Flowers spilled across the stage, while decorative arrows appeared as though Cupid had taken aim and missed, leaving them scattered among the blooms instead. The whimsical, romantic aesthetic perfectly complemented Waterhouse’s music and made for a striking setting, helping transform Pioneer Courthouse Square into a dreamy midsummer garden for one unforgettable night.