Credit: York Fest October 17-25

York Fest - A Celebration of Portland’s First Black Ancestor

Editor's Pick

When

Oct. 17–25, 2025

Days vary

Where

Portland, OR
Various Locations

The following description was submitted by the event organizer.

A man named York reached what is today Portland as part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. 220 years later, people from Portland and beyond will gather to celebrate York and his legacy at six events across the city.

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York Fest - Our Rooted Futures Festival

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York Fest - Boating with Bubba

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York Fest - Big Medicine

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York Fest - The Journey of York

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York Fest - York the Explorer

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York Fest October 17-25

This October, Oregon Black Pioneers presents York Fest, in honor of York, the only Black member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and Portland’s first Black ancestor. This collaborative multi-day festival brings together York scholars, thought-leaders, artists, and community visionaries to raise awareness of York and his legacy, and give this pioneer his due. Find details at yorkfest.com

• Friday, October 17 • A Man Called York: Presentation & Conversation, Alberta House
• Saturday, October 18 • Our Rooted Futures Festival, LABS Media and Lionspeaks
• Sunday, October 19 • Boating with Bubba: The York River Loop Tour, Broughton Beach Park
• Wednesday, October 22 • Big Medicine: York Outdoors, Tomorrow Theater
• Thursday, October 23 • The Journey of York, Alberta House
• Friday and Saturday, October 24 and 25 • York the Explorer World Premiere, The Reser, Beaverton

Multiple venues, multiple dates, please see YorkFest.com for details