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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

Know Before You Go

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Oregon’s governor has limited large events based on the current risk level.

Some events may be cancelled, postponed or held virtually. Please check the event website for the most up-to-date information.

Weird Culture in Portland

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

Pedalpalooza tall bike wedding

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.

two people race down a hill in a hand made derby car

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 man posing in a photo display appearing to discected from an alien 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.

a long queue of people lined up outside a business, under a big pink sign

Voodoo Doughnut

Since 2003, Portland's Voodoo Doughnut has sold millions of wacky, sugary snacks — and the 24-hour downtown landmark still attracts lines at all hours of the day.

stairs leading to underground Portland

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.

a black and white photo of three men standing in front of a saloon

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.

people on bikes at night wearing very little clothing

Portland’s World Naked Bike Ride

Every June, 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.

people dressed as aliens at a parade

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
Pedalpalooza
Ongoing

Pedalpalooza

Multiple locations Free

Pedalpalooza 2021 will last all June, July and August to allow more opportunities for smaller group rides. All ride leaders and participants will be required to wear face masks. Visit the Pedalpalooza website for more details. Every year, Pedalpalooza brings over four weeks of biking fun with special rides and events throughout Portland. With over…

Editor's Pick
Festival
Pedalpalooza
Editor's Pick
Portland Zine Symposium
July 24–25, 2021

Portland Zine Symposium

Virtual

The 2021 event will be held virtually; please visit the event website for current information. The Portland Zine Symposium is an organization that hosts, among other events, a yearly free conference and zine social exploring facets of independent publishing and DIY culture. This event has been held in Portland, Oregon every summer since 2001 and…

Editor's Pick
Art & Design
Conventions
Exhibition
Shopping
Editor's Pick
Portland Metro Reptile Expo
Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021

Portland Metro Reptile Expo

Holiday Inn Portland-Airport Adults: $10, Children (ages 6-12): $5, Children 5 and under: Free.

2021 EVENT POSTPONED TO AUGUST. Northwest Reptile Expos is the largest reptile expo in the Northwest and the longest-running reptile show in Oregon. Come out and see the largest selection of reptile vendors in the Pacific Northwest. Northwest Reptile Expos is the only captive-bred reptile show in America. Our shows feature a venomous reptile display,…

Editor's Pick
Conventions
For Kids
Postponed
UFO Festival
Sept. 23–25, 2021

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

Postponed
Festivals
For Kids
Spring
Weird
Editor's Pick
GeekCraft Expo
Sept. 25–26, 2021

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
Portland Oddities & Curiosities Expo
Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021

Portland Oddities & Curiosities Expo

Oregon Convention Center $10 general admission, $210 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. 16, 2021

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 watercourse.

Editor's Pick
Events
Fall
For Kids
Halloween
Weird