Doja Cat dances with students at the Black Arts Festival at Reed College.

Credit: Tojo Andrianariva

Cultural Communities

People of every ethnicity and culture can find themselves in the independent and welcoming Rose City.

Doja Cat dances with students at the Black Arts Festival at Reed College.

Credit: Tojo Andrianariva

Every inch of Portland has its own unique history, and every Portlander has their own story. Read on to learn more about the city’s many cultural communities, and discover places and ways to find community while on a trip to The Rose City. For more things to do, check out our events calendar.

$Bertony Faustin is Oregon\'s first recorded Black winemaker.$

Meet Bertony Faustin, Oregon’s First Black Winemaker

Oregon’s first Black winemaker, Bertony Faustin has been building community since 2007, when he launched his small-batch winery, Abbey Creek

$Tiara Darnell works on her podcast, \"High, Good People.\"$

Budtender Tiara Darnell Is Shaking up Portland’s Cannabis Industry

The national cannabis scene is predominantly white and male; Portland’s Tiara Darnell, named Oregon’s best budtender for 2017, is working to change that.

$Kiauna Floyd represents the third generation to run family-owned Amalfi\'s.$

Meet Kiauna Floyd, Owner of Amalfi’s Italian Restaurant

Black-owned Portland trattoria Amalfi’s has offered the same old-school recipes and community support for three generations.

Chinese American Community

Connect with the city's historic and vital Chinese American community.

Portland Mercado, an innovative cultural hub in Southeast Portland, houses more than a dozen Latino-owned businesses.

Hispanic & Latinx Culture

Visit a Catholic monument, Latino eateries and arts groups and institutions to connect with the local Hispanic American community.

$A production by Portland\'s Miracle Theatre Group, which was founded in 1985.$

Hispanic and Latinx History

Oregon's Hispanic American community has strong roots and is still growing.

$Dig into authentic Mexican eats at Portland\'s annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.$

Hispanic and Latinx Events

Enjoy Portland's Hispanic and Latinx culture year-round.

Portland Mercado

With a neighborhood grocery, meat market, coffee shop, food cart pod and more, the Mercado is one of the city’s most delicious destinations.

Founder Alicia Cruz serves up tasty Mexican fare at food truck Los Gorditos.

7 Great Latinx-Owned Eateries in Portland

Portland is home to plenty of authentic eateries from every corner of Latin America. Read on for some of the best Latinx-owned restaurants and food carts in Portland.

Portland has one of the best tango communities outside of Buenos Aires.

Tango in Portland

The City of Roses boasts one of the best tango communities outside of Buenos Aires, with dances and lessons available almost every night.

$Portland\'s annual Cinco de Mayo festival features live dancing, music and performances.$

Portland’s 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.

$Japanese American businessman Bill Naito coined the name \"Old Town.\"$

Japanese American History

Japanese Americans have been a critical part of Portland's past and present.

Japanese American Culture

Connect with Portland's rich Japanese-American heritage at sites around the city.

Portland Taiko performs at many events around the city.

Japanese American Events

Portland's Japanese American community offers engaging activities all year long.

Jewish Community

Learn more about Portland's Jewish community and legacy, along with special cultural events and important landmarks.

LGBTQ+ History in Portland

Portland’s LGBTQ history includes many years of activism, legislative progress and the election of the first openly gay mayor of a major U.S. city.

$A group from Oregon Health & Science University marches in Portland\'s annual Pride Parade.$

LGBTQ+ Resources

These publications and organizations will put you in touch with Portland's LGBTQ+ community.

A bartender makes sparks at Local Lounge.

LGBTQ+ Nightlife

Portland has no shortage of LGBTQ-owned and -friendly bars and clubs. Whether you're looking for a relaxing night with friends, a high-energy dance party or a drag show, Portland delivers.

$OutKayaking\'s Kyle Sheeley leads a paddle on the Willamette River.$

LGBTQ+ Sports & Recreation

Located only a few hours from the beach, the mountains and the high desert, Portland is a sports and wilderness lover’s fantasy come true.

$Portland\'s Red Dress Party attracts thousands of revelers every May.$

LGBTQ+ Festivals & Events

From film festivals to parties and pride parades, Portland's LGBTQ community celebrates all year 'round.

Portland Pride

Every June, the Portland Pride Festival & Parade makes a name for itself — and LGBTQ+ community members — all over town.

$Portland\'s grand dame, Darcelle, entertains audiences nightly at her comedy revue.$

LGBTQ+ Performing Arts & Drag

Portland's offerings range from traditional female impersonation to queer burlesque.

Peacock in the Park

Sequins, boas and a rainbow of talent mark LGBTQ variety show Peacock in the Park's takeover of Washington Park.

Portlander Loretta Guzman opened the city’s only Native-owned coffee shop in 2014.

Portland’s Bison Coffeehouse Celebrates Indigenous Culture

Meet Loretta Guzman, owner of Bison Coffeehouse in Northeast Portland, the city’s only Native-owned coffee shop.

Black Belt Eagle Scout performs at Bunk Bar in 2018. Photo by Ashley Anderson.

Meet Queer Indigenous Musician, Black Belt Eagle Scout

Portland artist Katherine Paul draws inspiration from the riot grrrl movement, Nirvana and her Swinomish roots.

Valenzuela tends to plants at Tryon Life Community Farm.
Photo credit: Ashley Anderson

Indigenous Foods Resurface in Portland

Learn about and celebrate indigenous foods like camas, wapato and salmon in several Portland-area parks.

Portlander Christopher Bevans designs futuristic athleticwear for his label, DYNE.

Portland Designers of Color

Ready to upgrade your wardrobe, Portland-style? Turn heads with the latest fashions from these celebrated Portland designers of color.

Friends on Bikes organizes adventurous rides for women and femmes of color.

Outdoors Opportunities for People of Color in Portland

These five fantastic local organizations are helping people of every culture, race and ethnicity experience the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty.

Help out a good cause by sipping a latte at Happy Cup Coffee.

Socially Conscious Businesses in Portland

Enjoy shopping, beer and coffee in Portland while supporting B-corps and other businesses who share their profits with people in need.

$Portland hairdresser Nelly Ayala, co-creator of Paz Hair Lounge, at My People\'s Market.$

My People’s Market Spotlights Local Entrepreneurs of Color

My People’s Market showcases local entrepreneurs and makers of color, connecting them with industry professionals and consumers.

Sisters Hilda Dibe (left) and Chef Mirna Attar (right) share Lebanese dishes.

Family is at the Heart of Lebanese Food in Portland

Meet the family behind beloved eateries Nicholas, Ya Hala and World Foods Market, and discover how they helped build Portland's Lebanese food scene.

Enjoy an authentic Middle Eastern spread at popular Nicholas.

Middle Eastern Eateries in Portland

Portland’s Middle Eastern restaurants promise rich Lebanese, Iraqi and Syrian flavors, warming spices and authentic cultural traditions.

$Portland\'s Mahrajan Arab Festival is the largest celebration of Arab heritage and culture in Oregon.$

Arab American Community

Connect with the community of more than 40,000 Arab Americans living in Oregon through community centers, cultural festivals and other events.

$Portland\'s India Festival is held every August at Pioneer Courthouse Square.$

Indian American Community

Portland and neighboring suburbs are home to a thriving and growing population of almost 10,000 Indians.

Was this page helpful?