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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.

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.

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
McMenamins UFO Festival
May 14–16, 2020

McMenamins 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
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