Cyclists of all ages cross the Fremont Bridge during the annual Bridge Pedal.

August Events

There’s plenty of fun to be had during the dog days of summer in Portland.

Cyclists of all ages cross the Fremont Bridge during the annual Bridge Pedal.

Know Before You Go

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Oregon’s governor has banned all large events through the end of September 2020. For details on the events listed below, please visit their websites.

Portlanders know how to get every last drop of fun out of the summer, which is especially apparent in August. Grab a bike and a helmet and join thousands of local bicyclists as they zoom across several of the city’s bridges for the annual Bridge Pedal, watch soapbox derby cars zoom down an extinct volcano for the PDX Adult Soapbox Derby and head into the woods for the annual Pickathon Music Festival. Read on for more of our favorite August events in Portland, or check out our full events calendar to see everything on offer.

Bridge Pedal

Portland’s annual Bridge Pedal is a community celebration of the city’s iconic bridges and biking culture. Join with thousands of fellow bicyclists in crossing Portland’s car-free streets and bridges (including the upper decks of both the Marquam and Fremont bridges). Portland’s Bridge Pedal is both one of the largest community bike rides in the world and one of the city’s favorite summertime traditions.

Pickathon Music Festival

Every August since 1999, Pickathon draws diverse musical performers to celebrate music and the outdoors at the lush Pendarvis Farm just outside of Portland.

Hit the woods

Flicks on the Bricks

Gather up the family and head to Pioneer Courthouse Square for free movies and popcorn under the stars on Portland’s “largest outdoor screen.” Catch Flicks on the Bricks five consecutive Friday nights, July–August.

Portland Farmers Market

Enjoy fresh, local produce, meals and treats at every Portland Farmers Market location.

Portland Street Fairs

Come summer, many of Portland’s neighborhoods put on local parties with live music, food and fun.

Sundown at EcoTrust in the Pearl District

Summer Concert Round-Up

Portlanders' pent-up desire for sun may explain our skill at making the most of summer's long days and warm nights with outdoor concerts.

$The city comes to life with dozens of free, family-friendly things to do all summer long thanks to Portland Parks and Recreation\'s Summer Free for All program.$

Summer Free for All

Portland Parks & Recreation offers over 400 free events including free movie screenings, concerts and rock climbing.

Portland Sunday Parkways

This family-friendly bike ride features local vendors and live entertainment.

Michael Franti & Spearhead at Edgefield in 2013.

Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn

With acts that have ranged from Al Green to ZZ Top, McMenamins Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn are an annual rite of summer and the hottest ticket in town.

Oregon Zoo Summer Concerts

Musicians and fans alike flock to concerts at the Oregon Zoo each summer to enjoy live music, sunshine and friends.

Noon Tunes

Since 2002, Pioneer Courthouse Square has celebrated summer with two free lunchtime concerts every week in July and August. The popular Noon Tunes Concert Series showcases the best in regional and local musical talent each Tuesday and Thursday from noon–1 p.m.

Portland Adult Soapbox Derby

Fearless grown-ups hurtle down the hills of Mt. Tabor Park (an extinct volcano) in homemade soapbox derby cars at this annual race, in pursuit of speed and laughs.

Let's roll

Hood to Coast Relay

The Hood to Coast is the world’s largest running relay race, stretching 200 miles from the top of Mount Hood to the Pacific Ocean in Seaside. The overnight event culminates in the West Coast’s largest beach party and draws more than 12,000 runners and walkers annually. The race fills up months in advance, but there’s no charge to watch the dedicated and costumed runners make their way down the mountain and onto the beach.

Events, Summer