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Outfits of all stripes are encouraged at the Division Street Fair.

Weird

Diverse dining options, gorgeous gardens and unexpected attractions make Portland one of a kind.

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Outfits of all stripes are encouraged at the Division Street Fair.

In Portland, being dubbed “weird” is never an insult. Locals delight in enjoying the pleasantly unexpected, whether it be watching adults zoom down an extinct volcano in soapbox derby cars, joining in on one of the world’s largest naked bike rides or crafting deliciously strange new types of doughnuts. Do as locals do and embrace the city’s quirky vibes using our guides the Portland’s weird culture, then check out our events calendar to find even more unique things to do on your next trip to The Rose City.

Weird

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Weird Culture in Portland

For a peek into the city's weirdness, start at these eccentric events and attractions.

Dozens of cyclists in David Bowie costumes? Must be June in Portland.

Portland’s Weirdest Events

Portland comes by its eclectic reputation honestly. From quirky to downright bizarre, here are some of our favorite "Keep Portland Weird" events.
The PDX Adult Soapbox Derby returns to Mt. Tabor Park each year.

Weird Portland Round-Up

In 1845, a native of Portland, Maine, won a coin-toss to name the new Oregon city — but the place has been an original ever since.
A truly odd photo opportunity at the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium.

Keep Portland’s Museums Weird

From the world's oldest (fake) museum to the only gallery focused on vintage vacuum cleaners, these attractions keep Portland weird.
Voodoo\'s Old Town location draws a crowd at all hours of the day — and night.

Voodoo Doughnut

Since 2003, Portland's Voodoo Doughnut has sold millions of wacky, sugary snacks — and the 24-hour Old Town landmark still attracts lines all hours of the day.
Descend beneath the streets of Old Town Chinatown to learn the lore of the Shanghai Tunnels.

Portland’s Shanghai Tunnels

In the late 1850s, a lonely logger might get more than he bargained for at his local tavern. See Portland's historic underbelly on a Shanghai Tunnel tour.
The White Eagle Saloon, circa 1905.

Haunted Portland

Portland is rife with spooky lore and tales of things that go bump in the night; find them with these mysterious spots and spirited walking tours.
5 to try

Only-in-Portland Places

These unique attractions offer a look into Portland's unusual (in a good way!) spirit.

  • Freakybuttrue Peculiarium

    An offbeat emporium that houses displays of Bigfoot and other paranormal denizens of the Northwest and beyond. Nearly everything is for sale, from the sculptures and artwork to scoops of ice cream in the snack shop.

  • Stark’s Vacuum Museum

    Taking up a small wing of a vacuum store, this collection of 300 antique machines shows the progression of the vacuum cleaner over the years, from durable wooden devices of the 1800s to chic, space-age cleaners of the 1960s.

  • Mill Ends Park (The World’s Smallest Park)

    At 24 inches (61 centimeters) in diameter, this is the world's smallest dedicated park. Over the years, events have been held at the park and contributions have been made to the park, such as the small swimming pool and diving board for butterflies.

  • Paxton Gate

    This eclectic shop on North Mississippi Avenue deals in exotic plants, taxidermy, animal skulls, curios and mounted insects — basically, everything you need to outfit your home like a Victorian naturalist.

  • The Hat Museum

    The largest hat museum in the U.S. is housed in an unusual Portland home with an even more unusual history, including a 100-year hat legacy. Proprietor Alyce conducts each tour with enthusiasm she shares the history of hats and Ladd's Addition.

“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.

Laugh & Tour

Many of the characters in “The Simpsons” are named after streets and locations in Portland, Simpsons’ creator Matt Groening’s hometown. (When you’re here, look for Lovejoy, Quimby and Flanders streets.)

Weird Events

Become part of the city's weird culture at one of these strange celebrations.

A few of the thousands of participants in Portland\'s 2014 World Naked Bike Ride. Photo credit: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland, www.bikeportland.org

Portland’s World Naked Bike Ride

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

PDX Adult Soapbox Derby at Mt. Tabor Park

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.

Join the parade at the annual McMenamins UFO Festival in McMinnville.

UFO Festival in McMinnville

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

Upcoming Weird Events

Editor's Pick
Stumptown LepreCon
Saturday, Mar. 14, 2020

Stumptown LepreCon

Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub $15 presale, $20 day of

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…

Editor's Pick
Nightlife
Editor's Pick
UFO Festival
May 14–17, 2020

UFO Festival

Hotel Oregon $20 and up

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

Editor's Pick
Festivals
For Kids
Spring
Weird
Editor's Pick
Pedalpalooza
June 1–30, 2020

Pedalpalooza

Multiple locations Free

Every year, Pedalpalooza brings over four weeks of biking fun with special rides and events throughout Portland. With over 100 different events (most organized by individuals), bikers of all persuasions are likely to find many events of interest. Nearly all events are free.

Editor's Pick
Festival
Pedalpalooza
Editor's Pick
GeekCraft Expo
June 20–21, 2020

GeekCraft Expo

Oregon Convention Center Free

GeekCraft Expo is a curated craft market specializing in handmade, “geek”-themed crafts of all kinds; clothing, accessories, toys, home decoration, furniture, art . . . if it’s geeky and made by hand, it can be found at a GeekCraft Expo. Cosplay is highly encouraged and admission is free (you just need to pre-register).

Editor's Pick
Art & Design
Conventions
For Kids
Shopping
Editor's Pick
World Naked Bike Ride
Saturday, June 27, 2020

World Naked Bike Ride

Secret Location TBD Free

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

Editor's Pick
Biking
Weird
Editor's Pick
Oregon Northwest Merfest
Saturday, July 18, 2020

Oregon Northwest Merfest

Director Park Free

Oregon Northwest Merfest is a festival for the entire family that brings awareness to conservation with a fun “under the sea” theme. Join Oregon Mermaids for a day of mermaids, pirates, sea-themed entertainers, puppet shows and ocean-themed yoga. Oregon Mermaids impart their love of the briny deep, its wildlife, the ocean beaches and conservation information…

Editor's Pick
For Kids
Outdoors
Editor's Pick
Portland Oddities & Curiosities Expo
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020

Portland Oddities & Curiosities Expo

Oregon Convention Center $10 general admission, $20 VIP, $100 for taxidermy class

For lovers of the strange and unusual, enjoy Portland’s Oddities and Curiosities Expo. This annual event features local and national vendors with items such as: TaxidermyWet and dry preserved specimensAntiquesJewelry made from bones, skulls and insectsOriginal artworkSkulls and bonesCuriosities, and all around creepy, strange and bizarre itemsThere will be sideshow performances and live human suspension…

Editor's Pick
Conventions
Exhibition
Editor's Pick
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

Lake of the Commons Free

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

Editor's Pick
Events
Fall
For Kids
Halloween
Editor's Pick
OryCon
Nov. 13–15, 2020

OryCon

Red Lion Hotel – Jantzen Beach Varies

OryCon is Oregon’s premier, fan-run, annual science fiction/fantasy convention held in Portland since 1979. OryCon is a 100% volunteer-based production of Oregon Science Fiction Conventions, Inc. (OSFCI), which is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 corporation.

Editor's Pick
Art & Design
Conventions
Readings & Talks