Molly Woodstock
Molly Woodstock has been writing and editing content for Travel Portland since 2014. Read More
Spend Spring Break in Portland
Plan your vacation with these fun ideas for families, friends, couples and solo travelers.
Molly Woodstock
Molly Woodstock has been writing and editing content for Travel Portland since 2014. Read More
Take the stress out of planning spring break in Portland with our list of awesome activities — for all kinds of vacationers. Have a great trip!
Spring Break in Portland for Families
Museums & More
If a few rain clouds threaten to darken your visit, never fear! There are plenty of indoor activities to keep your youngsters entertained. Families can spend the entire day exploring the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) or the Children’s Museum. And ample children’s theaters, indoor play areas and indoor activities ensure that you’ll never run out of warm, dry fun.
Tiptoe Through the Tulips
From the last week of March through April, head to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn, located south of Portland, for the annual Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. This kid-centered fest features 40 acres (16 hectares) of gorgeous blooms, plus plenty of children’s activities. Kiddos love the hay wagon rides, duck races, tire swings and cow train rides, along with plenty of food and drink offerings.
Whale Watching at the Oregon Coast
Oregon beaches may not fit certain spring break stereotypes (you’re unlikely to stumble into a wild college party or game of beach volleyball, for example). They are, however, perfect for peaceful whale watching. Every spring, as many as 20,000 gray whales pass through Oregon waters on their way from Mexico to Alaska. Locals celebrates the springtime migration with Whale Watching Week, where rangers await at several locations along the Oregon Coast to help you spot and learn more about these majestic creatures.
Family Friendly Fun
Explore Portland as a family at these kid-friendly attractions.
Kid-Friendly Hikes
Portland has numerous kid-friendly hiking spots with trails under 4 miles (6 km) close to the city and bursting with natural beauty.
When I Grow Up: Portland Attractions for Career-Oriented Kids
At these family-friendly Portland attractions, kids can walk in the shoes of the heroes they idolize: police officers, firefighters, astronauts, airplane pilots and sailors.
Kid-Friendly Breweries in Portland
In a city with more breweries than anywhere else in the world, parents don't have to choose between their children and enjoying a good pint of beer.
Spring Break in Portland for Couples
Portland Dining Month
There’s never a bad time to dine in Portland, but March is undoubtedly the best month to try new restaurants. Every year, more than 100 local restaurants celebrate Portland Dining Month by offering delicious three-course menus for a mere $33. (If your spring break is in April, you’ll still find great eats and deals — maybe you’re in the mood for tacos, ramen, sushi or comfort food?)
Gardens Galore
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Portland Japanese Garden, one of the most authentic such gardens outside of Japan. The popular attraction expanded in 2017, adding classrooms, a library, a tea café and several additional gardens. Spring is also a beautiful time to visit Lan Su Chinese Garden, a tranquil, walled Suzhou-style garden in the heart of Old Town. And don’t miss the lush Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, where the flowers reach peak bloom in late April (coinciding with the garden’s annual Rhododendron & Daffodil Show & Sale).
Hit the Slopes
It may surprise you to learn that March and April offer excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions near Portland. (In fact, Mt. Hood Skibowl keeps lifts running through May and Timberline is open all year-round.) A quick 90-minute drive will deliver you to Mount Hood for an exciting day of snow sports. Make it a full weekend with a stay at cozy Timberline Lodge.
Spring Break in Portland for Friends
Get Rolling
For old-school fun, head to Oaks Amusement Park‘s Roller Rink in Southeast Portland. The rink hosts frequent DJ and themed nights, and is the only roller skating rink in the country to still house a traditional Wurlitzer pipe organ.
Itching to explore the city? Portland’s Biketown program makes it easier than ever to rent a bicycle. With 1,000 eight-speed bikes spread across 100 locations, you’re never far from a bright orange Biketown station. Once you’ve saddled up, map your route on the city’s 350 miles (563 km) of designated bikeways and start pedaling!
Eye on the Ball
Cheer on your March Madness picks at one of Portland’s many welcoming sports bars. Favorites include Century, which boasts stadium seating and vegan-friendly eats, the Blazers-inspired Spirit of 77.
Beervana
Speaking of bars, many of Portland’s 75+ breweries offer limited-edition spring beer releases. (Try Cascade Brewing’s Kentucky peach sour and Portland Brewing’s “Raise the Roost” Belgian red ale.) Elevate your tasting experience by grabbing some friends and pedaling together from pub to pub on a BrewCycle.
Spring Break in Portland for Solo Travelers
Join the Timbers Army
You’re sure to make fast friends while cheering on the celebrated Portland Thorns and Timbers, the city’s championship-winning major league soccer clubs. At Providence Park, join the famous (and friendly) Timbers Army section to learn all the chants from the dedicated fans.
Shop Like a Local
March marks the return of the Portland Saturday Market, America’s largest weekly outdoor arts and crafts market. After perusing the 250 booths of handcrafted goods, take MAX light rail to the Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University. The massive open-air market overflows with fresh flowers, seasonal veggies and artisan-made snacks.
Treat Yourself
There are plenty of ways to practice self-care in Portland, including treating yourself to a luxurious spa day. Indulge in a tranquil soak at Knot Springs, a body scrub at The Blooming Moon or a massage at KIVA.
Spring Events
Enjoy the best of the season with these upcoming springtime events in Portland.
Portland Golf Show
The longest-running and most successful golf show on the West Coast returns to the Oregon Convention Center. The Portland Golf Show features the lowest prices of the year on name-brand clubs and equipment from the industry’s leading manufacturers in the Fiddler’s Green Golf Shop, a free driving range lined with manufacturer’s reps showing off the…
Bricks Cascade
Head to the Oregon Convention Center for the annual Bricks Cascade event, Portland’s premier public LEGO event. See creations from hundreds of builders from the Pacific Northwest and around the world in this two-day event. Talk to the creators of these amazing creations, then leave your own builds on the Wall of Creation. Race your…
Portland Dining Month
Every March, more than 100 Portland restaurants serve up three courses for just $33 nightly. There’s no better time to visit this top culinary destination.
Worst Day Of The Year Ride
Get ready to ride with thousands of other fun-loving people at the 18th annual Worst Day of the Year Ride. Choose from a 15-mile Urban course or 42-mile Hill Climb Challenge course. Laugh at the elements, and gather for a delicious finish line party at the Lucky Labrador Brew Pub. Breakfast, lunch, fun rest stops,…
Womxn's March & Rally For Action
The Womxn’s March & Rally For Action returns in celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. Take to the streets on a day that honors womxn and their long history of marching, organizing and speaking out for social justice. Educate. Engage. Empower.
Northwest Filmmakers' Festival
The Northwest Filmmakers’ Festival is the Northwest’s premiere showcase of new work by leading regional filmmakers. This touchstone annual event brings artists and audiences together for a community celebration. Annually, the Northwest Filmmakers’ Festival draws hundreds of entries from Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
Portland International Film Festival
The Northwest Film Center is hosting its 43rd Portland International Film Festival March 6-15, 2020. This year, PIFF will include films, talks, workshops, visiting artists, and parties! While heading to individual screenings is always an excellent option, PIFF passes are a great way to experience all that the festival offers. Three-film Opening Night program features…
Brain Fair
Discover the amazing things our brains can do at the free annual OHSU Brain Fair! Science fans of all ages will be fascinated by hands-on exhibits, displays and more. Casey Eye Institute will have a booth at the fair, where you can learn about different parts of the eye, how our vision works and how…
SheBrew
Join the Human Rights Campaign and the Oregon Brew Crew for this all genders, all ages, fundraising event to show support for female-identified members of our community all while supporting LGBTQ+ people here in Oregon and across the nation. Featuring local female craft beer, cider and mead makers, musicians, comedians, businesses and community partners.
Kells Saint Patrick's Irish Festival
Thousands of locals and visitors will celebrate their Irish heritage with live music, traditional Irish dancing, food and libations at the annual Kells Irish Festival, the largest Saint Patrick’s Day Festival in the Northwest. A limited number of advance five day festival passes are available in advance for $30 at KellsPortland.com for ages 21 and…
Stumptown LepreCon
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this annual costume-required celebration. Wear something blinky and illuminated (it has to be more than just a green shirt or a button). This is a participatory event, so bring something LepreCons will enjoy: toys, games, stickers, buttons, signs and a great costume. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s…
Shamrock Run
Founded in 1979, the Shamrock Run Portland is the largest running and walking event in Oregon and is the third largest running event in the western United States. In 2020, 25,000 participants will celebrate the 42nd edition of the event on Sunday, March 15th at Waterfront Park in downtown Portland.
The Portland Mercury's Highball
The Portland Mercury teams up with dozens of the finest bars and restaurants in Portland to bring you the Portland Highball, a one-of-a-kind boozetacular. At each of Highball’s locations, you’ll find specially crafted cocktails. Even better? Each of these fantastic cocktails will be available all day (not just during happy hour!) and cost you a…
Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Colorful fields reminiscent of Holland burst with acres of tulips in full bloom at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn.
Whale Watching Week
Up to 20,000 gray whales migrate along Oregon’s coast every winter and spring. Spot them from these four locations.
Prohibition Party with the Oregon Symphony
Relive the 1920s in all its decadence. The Oregon Symphony will take you through the dark cabarets and speakeasies of New York, Paris, Berlin, London and Atlantic City, featuring the top hits of the decade, from Rudy Vallée to Josephine Baker and from Kurt Weill to King Oliver. This concert will feature vintage imagery and…
6th Annual Baker's Dozen Coffee Beer & Doughnut Fest
13 breweries. 13 roasters. 13 bakeries. PDX Perfection The 6th Annual Baker’s Dozen, or BD6, melds three things Portland does best: coffee, beer, and doughnuts. Each brewer uses beans from different roasters in order to participate. Admission includes all 13 coffee beers, morsels of all 13 doughnuts, and a souvenir glass. (No extra drink tickets…
Fade To Light: A Multidimensional Fashion Event
Fade to Light aims to not just be a fashion show, but to be an experience that leaves the viewer with a solid understanding of each designer and the collections being shown. Fade to Light* routinely showcases the work of both established and emerging designers within the Portland fashion community, including Project Runway winners and…
Oregon Tattoo Expo
Come out and get tattooed (or just admire tattoo artwork) at Portland’s annual Oregon Tattoo Expo. There will be daily contests, food, music and – of course – plenty of tattooing opportunities.
Pi Nee Waus Elders Pow Wow
The Pi Nee Waus (A Place To Come) Elders respectfully invite you, along with your friends and family, to this annual Powwow. Grand Entries will be at 1 p.m. and again at 6 p.m.
PDX Tequila & Taco Festival
Spring welcomes the annual PDX Tequila & Tacos Festival! This event brings together the region’s top taco talent to compete for the fan favorite, “Best Taco in PDX.” Pair your tacos with a wide range of agave spirits and tropical margaritas, and don’t forget to bring cans, boxes or jars of non-perishable foods or make…
TOAST: The Original Artisan Spirits Tasting
The Oregon Distillers Guild and the American Craft Spirits Association presents a craft spirits tasting event held at the Oregon Convention Center Ballroom. Bid on gift baskets from local craft distilleries and vendors during the silent auction. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Oregon Food Bank. All are welcome for an evening…
TechFestNW
TechfestNW is a global gathering of technology and business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs held at Portland State University’s Viking Pavilion in downtown Portland, Oregon. Learn more about the innovative, impactful tech that helps define our region. Hear from thought leaders across industries. Experience workshops and live tech demos. Join the startup pitch festival. And of…
Portland Night Market
The Portland Night Market showcases many unique businesses that call Portland home. Blending food, culture, music, drinks and retail together for an adventurous evening in the Central Eastside. Come meet some of Portland’s best makers and creators! The Portland Night Market is a bimonthly, free event and open to all ages.
Rhododendron & Daffodil Show & Sale
This annual show and sale returns every April to Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. See gorgeous rhododendrons and daffodils on display, then stroll through the garden in full bloom — one of the city’s most iconic and beautiful natural areas.
Trillium Festival
Join us for the 40th annual Trillium Festival! MEMBER BENEFITS ‘Early Bird’ Entrance to plant sale 9 – 10am BUY 1 get 1 FREE Trillium Brunch 8-10am PLANT SALE Boskey Dell Natives will be selling plants in various sizes, including Trillium and other specialty native plants that support native wildlife. Specific Questions about your yard?…
Bridge to Brews
The annual Bridge to Brews foot race is back with a new route in 2020, taking participants over the Broadway, Steel, Morrison and Hawthorne Bridge. Head to Waterfront Park after the race for the “brews” section of the event which features a classic Portland beer festival where you can sample local beer, cider and distilleries….
Peninsula Park Eggstravaganza
Hippity hop down the bunny trail & discover what he left behind! Together, challenge yourselves uncovering a basket full of treasures. Experience a spirit of playfulness & helping your child develop self-direction skills & respect for others. It’s festive! It’s fun! Follow the link to register children ages 1.5-5 for only $5: https://apm.activecommunities.com/portlandparks/Activity_Search/egg-stravaganza/118146
Portland Lindy Exchange
Established in 2008, the Portland Lindy Exchange (PDXLX) is the biggest annual swing dance weekend in Oregon. Join us for 3 days of celebrating the music and vintage swing dances of the early 20th Century including Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag. The Music PDXLX 2020 will feature LIVE swing and vintage jazz from…
Rabbit Romp
Welcome spring with candy hunts, activities and farm animal talks at Rabbit Romp. Bring the kids to Rabbit Romp, a celebration of spring geared at the 10-and-under crowd. Candy hunts and coloring activities will begin at 9:30 a.m. There will be two separate hunts on the concert lawn — one for kids 3-10 and and…
Hippity Hop Bunny Hop Through the Pearl
Join us in the Pearl to celebrate Spring with fun activities, treats and a hug and picture with the Easter Bunny. Smiles, laughter and some sweet treats will bring a burst of energy to the streets throughout the day as the Easter Bunny goes out and about taking photos and giving out candy and hugs….
Cider Rite of Spring
Cider Rite of Spring is a celebration of the blossoming Northwest Cider industry — an annual cider tasting event welcoming the return of spring, featuring over 100 unique ciders served by over 30 different cidermakers.
Easter Sunday at The Grotto
Celebrate Easter Sunday at The Grotto, a serene woodland sanctuary in Northeast Portland featuring 62 acres of botanical gardens. Mass celebrating Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord will occur at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. April 12, 2020. Main entrance is located at NE 85th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard.
Easter Brunch Cruises on the Portland Spirit
Gather your friends and family for an Easter celebration to remember. Hop onboard the Portland Spirit for a two-hour Easter Brunch cruise featuring an elaborate brunch buffet, ever-changing views and excellent service. The Cinnabunny will be making a special appearance, and will be giving a gift to each child. The price includes our delicious Northwest…
Rose City Salsa & Timba Festival
The Rose City Salsa & Timba Festival is focused on bringing top level salsa and timba talent and education to Portland, OR through its 501c3 non-profit status. This annual festival showcases local performers, national and international talent and social dancing until 4 a.m. HEADLINERS De’Jon Polanski & Clo Ferreira (Bachata) Alex Flavor & Natasha Silva…
Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival
At the Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival, you will find a wide variety of sewing, quilting, needle-art and craft supply exhibits from many quality companies, along with make ‘n’ takes, free demos, daily door prize drawings and more.
Design Week Portland
This annual springtime festival showcases Portland’s creative community, with a week full of lectures, design events and open houses.
Nano Beer Fest
Started back in 2008, the Nano Beer Fest began at Max’s Fanno Creek where the owners were looking for a way to showcase the local small brewers who were coming on the scene. Nine years later, it has grown to a bi-annual event featuring small batch beers, ciders and mead made by some of the…
Bloom Runway
Experience Bloom Runway, a powerful, fashion-forward event with ready-to-wear brands and designers. This is a curated mix-and-mingle experience for cultured individuals celebrating fashion, style and live music. This annual fashion show showcases Portland’s most creative fashion talent and entrepreneurs from all different backgrounds and nationalities, while giving back to the community by mentoring peers and…
Pour Oregon
The Pour Oregon wine festival is your chance to discover small, artisanal wine producers from all over Oregon. There’s so much great wine in this state from Southern Oregon’s Rogue, Applegate, and Umpqua Valleys, to the little places like Elkton and Milton-Freewater, to the hills and valleys of the great Willamette Valley. At Pour Oregon,…
Inner City Blues Festival
Soul Queens & Blues Kings A benefit for HEALTH CARE FOR ALL- OREGON “Healing the Healthcare Blues” This very special showcase will celebrate icons of Soul and the Blues pioneers that helped shape the history of music. Norman “Boogie Cat” Sylvester brings together some of our local R&B favorites: Lenanne Miller, Renato Caranto, LaRhonda Steele,…
Oregon Book Awards
Join Literary Arts’ annual celebration of the state’s most accomplished writers in the genres of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, young readers and graphic literature. Hosts in 2020 are Elena Passarello and Omar El Akkad.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Shop for handmade crafts, snack on traditional recipes and enjoy entertainment straight from Guadalajara at this popular Cinco de Mayo festival.
Crafty Wonderland Spring Art + Craft Market
Portland’s biannual art and craft fair boasts unique handmade wares from 225+ local vendors.
Camas Plant and Garden Fair
Held the day before Mother’s Day, the Camas Plant and Garden Fair draws in thousands of people to enjoy and explore an amazing selection of plants, trees, garden art and supplies, and much more provided by local growers and vendors. Kids’ activities, live music, entertainment, fresh food, and the shops and restaurants of Downtown Camas…
St. Johns Bizarre & Parade
The St. Johns Bizarre is a uniquely crafted celebration that kicks off the summer street fair season in Portland with music, kids’ activities and more. Held annually on the second Saturday in May, the Bizarre brings music, crafts and food to the crowds attending the St. Johns Parade. After the parade, the entire six block…
Mother's Day Rhododendron Show & Sale
Come and view gorgeous flowers at their peak bloom time, then pick bouquets for all the special moms in your life at this annual show and marketplace. All proceeds benefit Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden.
UFO Festival
Every May, thousands of visitors flock to the city’s famous UFO Festival, featuring four days of parades, costume contests, expert speakers
Filmed by Bike Film Festival
Filmed by Bike is a film festival that features the world’s best bike movies. The packed weekend includes a bike ride, visiting filmmakers, six film showtimes, dozens of films, afterparties and much more.
Burning Cat
Burning Cat is a tabletop carnival of oversized games, comics and two-story tall cat monsters. It’s game night distilled into a weekend of creative amusements and hairy fireballs. Brought to you by the creators of Burning Kittens and The Oatmeal.