Peninsula Park Rose Garden Love, Portland Campaign 2025

Culture

People flock to Portland for a piece of its vibrant culture. Whether it's for the food and beer, arts, cultural communities, festivals or nightlife, Portland wants you to be a part of it.

Peninsula Park Rose Garden Love, Portland Campaign 2025

Historically an affordable city for the arts, Portland has grown as the visibility of its deep culture has increased. Whether you’re a fan of theater, live music, craft beer, food carts, fine dining, or just enjoying the outdoors, Portland has something for you.

Food & Drink

A chef chops squash in a restaurant kitchen — Chef Arthur Dulin preps vegetables in the kitchen at Gado Gado.

Portland is one of the world’s great food cities, boasting incredible food carts, farmers’ markets, specialist grocery stores and a bounty of James Beard Award-winning chefs. With options all over town — from chic cocktail bars to neighborhood watering holes, rowdy taprooms to tropical hideaways — Portland’s bars, wineries, distilleries and cannabis dispensaries are guaranteed to offer a variety of tastes.

people sit in chairs and on steps in front of food carts in a brick courtyard in the center of an urban downtown area

Food Cart Culture

Portland’s 500+ food carts and food trucks provide visitors and locals with an astonishing array of unforgettable dining options, making it one of the most attractive cities for meeting planners and attendees who seek unique culinary experiences.

James Beard Award-Winning Chefs

With such a highly praised and delicious food scene, it comes as no surprise that Portland chefs have racked up a few James Beard Awards over the years.

man and woman behind counter preparing espresso at a coffee shop

Portland Coffee

Explore our comprehensive guide to coffee in Portland, including our rich coffee history, Portland’s impact on the third-wave coffee movement, and coffee shop suggestions by quadrants.

a person sips a beer in front of a stained glass window

Portland Beer and Breweries

Portland is the craft beer capital and home to 80+ breweries. (No wonder we call it “Beervana!”)

people stand on a patio sipping wine with a view of the valley as the sun sets

Wineries Near Portland

Sample excellent wine at Willamette Valley wineries near Portland, where you can enjoy spectacular views, budget-friendly flights and more.

Craft Spirits

two people talking in the lobby of a cannabis shop with another person behind the counter

Portland Cannabis and Dispensaries

Learn all about legal cannabis in Portland: rules for cannabis consumption, where to find top dispensaries, places to try CBD and more.

several bartenders peruse shelves housing a vast collection of whiskey bottles

Portland Bars

With an abundance of excellent options, Portland bars are guaranteed to quench your thirst — find chic cocktail bars, neighborhood watering holes, tropical hideaways and more.

Arts and Culture

a visitor looks at a large modern art painting in the Portland Art Museum — A visitor looks at Open Country (1968) by Larry Poons at the Portland Art Museum.

Portland has an exciting visual arts scene with everything from large museums to intimate galleries, independent cinemas, live theater and bookstores. PDX is also known for its music scene, from incredible live performances to its legendary karaoke, and there’s plenty to do at night, from late-night dining and dance clubs to a visit to a local arcade or board game bar.

a couple observes artwork at Portland Art Museum

Portland Museums

From the largest museum in the state to mailbox-sized sidewalk galleries, these Portland art collections and exhibitions inspire and entertain.

Portland Theater

Portland has a well-established network of venues and theater companies and an increasingly dynamic and diverse small theater scene.

mural on side of building on a city street

Visual Arts in Portland

View paintings, sculptures and other visual art in a wide range of galleries, public spaces and unexpected venues.

A bassist performs on stage in front of a drummer

Live Music Venues in Portland

From gritty rock to velvety jazz, Portland’s live music scene offers tunes for all types.

a comedian performs on stage at a comedy club

Comedy in Portland

There's always something funny happening in Portland. From stand-up comedy to improv or even comedy classes Portland has any kind of comedy you may be looking for. Portland boasts many stages to bring you fresh, up-and-coming, and touring comedians.

Portland Jazz

In Portland, it's pretty easy to find small venues hosting intimate combos of world-class talent, or bigger, more boffo live shows.

a crowd of people dancing at a night club

Portland Karaoke Bars and Nights

Choose from private suites, pop-up events, tiki drinks and Chinese food as you select your ideal Portland karaoke venue from among the city’s top spots.

a person raps into a microphone in front of a small crowd

The Portland Hip-Hop Scene

Take a deep dive into the past, present and future of the Portland hip-hop scene with our expert guide to the best rap artists, showcases, shops and more.

a plate of food and a smiling woman in the background

Late-Night Dining

Where to eat after last call? These Portland bars and restaurants keep their kitchens open late, serving high-quality food into the night.

Dance Clubs

Portland may be best known for its indie music, but with a wide variety of dance clubs, the city has a rhythm that'll get just about anyone moving.

Classical Music in Portland

Classical music in Portland isn't just the classics. Classical musicians offer new and innovative works, and an ongoing lineup of inspiring performances, from timeless works to modern interpretations.

Two friends clinking glasses over a large tabletop board game.

Portland Board Game Bars and Stores

Pair your board game night with a crafty cocktail or find a new favorite tabletop game at these Portland board game bars and stores.

Urban Outdoors & Sports

A family enjoys a bike tour of downtown Portland. — Portland offers plenty of clearly marked and wide bike lanes, perfect for families taking in the downtown sights.

Portlanders love the outdoors, from our amazing views of Mount Hood to the scenic hikes around town to our well-marked bike lanes. And in town, from seeing a soccer match with the Timbers Army to rooting for Rip City and the Trail Blazers, Portland loves its sports.

Hikes in and Near Portland

With easy access to the great outdoors, Portland is a perfect destination for hikers — explore the city’s urban walks, verdant parks and lush gardens, or escape to the nearby gorge and mountains.

stylized photo showing PORTLAND spelled out in stacked mossy rocks

Parks & Gardens

In a city as green as Portland, it’s only fitting that some of the top attractions are spots that appeal to home gardeners and hikers alike. With more than 275 parks and gardens within city limits the urban greens offer a breath of fresh air.

Biking

One of the best ways to explore the Rose City is on two wheels.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/24_Hour_Party_People

cheering fans waving flags and streamers in a crowded stadium

Portland Soccer: Timbers and Thorns

Level up your football fandom with our guide to all things Portland soccer, from the Timbers and Thorns themselves to top-notch soccer bars in Portland.

a roller derby skater with a star on their helmet passes another skater

Rose City Rollers Roller Derby

Feel the rush of Portland’s Rose City Rollers: thrilling roller derby bouts, energetic crowds and a diverse, inclusive community.

Golf in and Around Portland

Golfers love to "go green" in Portland. Tee it up at these area favorites, which feature stunning landscapes and challenging play.

a giant pickle mascot wearing a baseball uniform and hat poses for a photo with a man wearing a Portland Trailblazers T-shirt

A Complete Guide to Portland Baseball

The Portland Pickles and Hillsboro Hops have captured the hearts of Portland baseball fans with inventive promotions and plenty of nods to local culture. Here’s how to get in on the fun.

$A woman in a plaid button-down and red t-shirt sits at a bar in front of a wall of women\'s sports memorabilia.$

The Sports Bra in Portland Is the Nation’s First Women’s Sports Bar

Owner and chef Jenny Nguyen reflects on creating an inclusive community for women and LGBTQ+ sports lovers at The Sports Bra, the first and only U.S. sports bar highlighting women athletes.

Tax-Free Shopping in Portland

a woman with tattoos and wearing a hat stands in front of a rack of clothing at Wildfang clothing store — Wildfang clothing store specializes in tomboy style and culture.

Portland is known for its independent spirit and myriad small businesses. With our guide to PDX makers, you can shop local for the best unique Portland souvenirs or engage in a little DIY yourself.

clothing on racks and folded on tables and large display with handwritten words

Portland Streetwear: A Complete Guide

From the local to the global, streetwear fashion flourishes among the tree-lined, tax-free lanes of Portland, Oregon, where you can find household names like Nike or adidas, new brands, and a vortex of vintage to fuel your nostalgia.

a woman looks at a sweater at Artifact PDX

Vintage Shops in Portland

Vintage shopping in Portland is a delight, with an abundance of top-notch vintage shops and thrift stores offering clothes, accessories, antiques and other treasures.

$Three people sit and read a book at Mother Foucault\'s bookstore in front of a wall of books.$

Portland Bookstores, Beyond Powell’s

Don’t stop with the largest independent bookstore in the world; these seven other shops offer an abundance of literary riches.

Cultural Communities

dancers on stage showcase traditional vibrant dresses while performing — The performances at the Jade International Night Market showcase the rich cultural traditions of the various communities represented.

Every inch of Portland has its own unique history, and every Portlander has their own story. People of every ethnicity and culture can find themselves in the independent and welcoming Rose City.

$Nine photographs of people in different settings are combined around a central graphic reading \"Portlanders\"$

Portlanders

Meet some of the people who make the city what it is with this community-based micro-video series.

a woman holding an umbrella and coffee cup

Black Community in Portland

With a diverse range of organizations and businesses, Portland’s Black community provides visitors with resources and a friendly welcome. Explore the city’s Black history and cultural events, as well as Black-owned businesses and restaurants.

$person with rainbow suspenders and rainbow parasol smiles, surrounded by people in rainbow decoration with Portland\'s white stag sign above$

LGBTQ+ Community

Visitors to Portland can experience huge LGBTQ+ Pride parades, drag performances, queer film festivals, dance parties and more.

Keep Portland Weird

a dancer performs with fans and long pieces of cloth in front of a crowd — A mermaid dancer performs for the Portlandia Mermaid Parade.

In Portland, being dubbed “weird” is never an insult — diverse dining options, unique outdoor experiences and unexpected attractions make Portland one of a kind. Do as locals do and embrace the city’s quirky vibes using our guide to Portland’s weird culture.

person walking through a museum exhibition of different trees

Fun and Weird Museums

From the weird to the wonderful, Portland’s specialty museums offer a wide range of exhibits, from educational displays to curious collections and even exhibitions devoted to alternate universes.

people on bikes at night wearing very little clothing

Portland’s World Naked Bike Ride

Every summer, thousands of cyclists cruise commando through Portland streets as part of the World Naked Bike Ride.

an adult prepares to race a skull and crossbones-styled soapbox

Portland Adult Soapbox Derby

The PDX Adult Soapbox Derby at Mt. Tabor Park pits grown-up kids against each other every August in pursuit of speed and laughs.

small white box with tiny art gallery diorama is displayed on a neighborhood street

Explore Southeast Portland’s Little Free Landmarks

Walk or bike through Southeast Portland to visit quirky sidewalk art galleries, little free libraries and more.

UFO Festival in McMinnville

Every May, thousands of visitors flock to the city’s famous UFO Festival, featuring four days of parades, costume contests and expert speakers.

a depiction of cartoon character Bart Simpson on a sidewalk

“The Simpsons” Landmarks in Portland

Check out the landmarks that inspired the characters and places in "The Simpsons," created by Portland’s own Matt Groening.

people in costumes paddle boats made of giant pumpkins on a lake while spectators watch on the shore

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a watercourse.

a life-size replica of bigfoot along side a foot print casting in front of a display with information about sightings at the North American Bigfoot Center

Searching for Sasquatch at the North American Bigfoot Center

Compare Bigfoot casts, listen to Sasquatch howls and read harrowing tales about the Pacific Northwest’s favorite hairy hominid at this eccentric museum near Portland.

Was this page helpful?