August Events
There’s plenty of fun to be had during the dog days of summer in Portland.
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.
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.
More Summer Events
Explore more things to do and see every summer in Portland.
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.
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.
More August Events
Check out our editor's picks for top things to do in August in Portland.
Portland Flea + Food
The Portland Flea + Food is a monthly market held on the last Sunday of the month in Portland, Oregon. Every market features 80+ local artists, makers, and curators of the best vintage, handmade and locally-sourced goods in town.
Last Thursday Art Walk on Alberta
This boisterous street fair attracts independent artists, performers, local bands, troupes of acrobats, buskers, makers and more to celebrate their art on Northeast Albera Street. Held year-round, the event is biggest from June through August, when the street is closed to traffic during the festivities from 15th Avenue to 30th Avenue.
Noon Tunes Summer Concert Series
The Noon Tunes Summer Concert Series will return for its 30th year on Tuesdays in July and August! From noon-1:00pm enjoy music from some of Portland’s best regional and local musical talent. With eight FREE concerts, dancing, some of Portland’s favorite food vendors at Carts on the Square and interactive activities, the Square is sure…
Flicks on the Bricks
On five Friday evenings in July and August, the Square will be transformed into Portland’s largest outdoor movie theater for the entire community to enjoy! Flicks on the Bricks will kick-off on Friday, July 17 and continue through August 14 on Friday nights. IKEA will offer movie-goers a chance to sit in the “Best Seat…
Pickathon
Every August since 1999, Pickathon draws diverse musical performers to celebrate music and the outdoors at the lush Pendarvis Farm just outside of Portland.
Chinese Festival
Join the Oregon Chinese Coalition for the city’s annual Chinese Festival in the Square! Celebrate Chinese American culture and enjoy nonstop entertainment, delicious Chinese food, authentic arts, crafts and much more.
Vanport Jazz Festival
THE 2020 EVENT IS CANCELED. The Vanport Jazz Festival is scheduled to return Aug. 7, 2021. See website for details. The Vanport Jazz Festival honors the city of Vanport and the voices who formed Portland’s jazz community. Near the site of the historic 1948 flood, the event transforms Colwood Golf Course into a cultural revival,…
Portland Burger Week
The Portland Mercury’s Burger Week returns every August with dozens of restaurants, bars and brewhouses across Portland offering one-of-a-kind burgers for only $5! These special edition burgers are designed especially for the Mercury’s Portland Burger Week and are only available from Aug. 3-8, 2020, so dig in while you can! Tips for Portland Burger Week:…
Sneaker Week
Sneaker Week offers fun events for sneaker addicts and footwear newbies alike.
Elephant Garlic Festival
The 23rd Annual Elephant Garlic Festival is a three-day festival celebrating, you guessed it, elephant garlic! The family-friendly event includes a parade, 10K run, live music, kids play area, crafts vendors and more. Fun stinks!
Bloody Mary Festival
The Bloody Mary Festival scours Portland for the craftiest and most delicious Bloody Marys. Your ticket includes over two hours enjoying Portland’s most creative and innovative Bloody Marys, created by the finest restaurants, bars and bottled mix companies, along with yummy food and drink tastes from local artisans. Also, you’ll get one vote for the…
Alberta Street Fair
The annual Alberta Street Fair offers an eclectic mix of activities and events that could only be found on Alberta Street. Enjoy multiple stages of live music, a kids parade, local artists, great food, creative vendors, two beer gardens, pedicabs and lots of hands-on fun. Don’t miss creative fun all day and music until 9…
Pan African Festival
Oregon’s annual Pan African Festival celebrates the presence, resilience, strength, and influence of Pan Africans (Africans, Caribbean and African Americans) in Oregon. We believe the festival is a cultural vehicle to galvanize, mobilize and empower Diaspora Africans in Oregon. It is a springboard to community capacity building, to increase understanding within and between communities and…
Bridge Pedal
THE 2020 EVENT IS CANCELED. The Bridge Pedal is scheduled to return Aug. 8, 2021. Please visit the event website for current information. Portland’s annual Bridge Pedal is a community celebration of the city’s iconic bridges and biking culture. Join your friends and neighbors for the one opportunity each year to bike or walk on…
Portland Retro Gaming Expo
The Portland Retro Gaming Expo is a locally produced event celebrating the colorful history of console, computer and arcade gaming. The arcade is massive, and all of the coin-operated games are set to free play for the weekend.
Multnomah Days
Portland’s Multnomah Village is filled with character – as well as dozens of unique shops, galleries, restaurants, arts and more. The annual Multnomah Days Parade (dubbed “the biggest little parade in Portland”) is the neighborhood’s old-school street fair, starting with a parade and featuring vendors and performers from throughout the city (and beyond) the rest…
PDX 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.
India Festival
India Festival brings India to downtown Portland! This festival is a celebration of India’s Independence Day with live music, dance, food and other entertainment. India Festival is hosted by the India Cultural Association, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing Indian cultural awareness.
Sunday Parkways: Green Loop
Sunday Parkways heads to the historic North Park Blocks forit s 7-mile route along Portland’s Green Loop. This ride will pass by multiple cultural hotspots, including the Portland Art Museum, North and South Park Blocks, Lovejoy Fountain, Portland State University and the city’s Central Eastside. To view the complete route (and find more rides), visit…
Hood to Coast
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…
Dahlia Festival
Portland’s annual Dahlia Festival is a must-see for the dahlia lover, or if you just love flowers. View over 400 floral arrangements of dahlias and over 15,000 cut dahlia blooms on display in the three indoor display rooms. This is the largest display put on by one grower anywhere in the United States. The annual…
River Lantern Lighting
Join family, friends and neighbors to celebrate life together. The River Lantern Lighting brings together individuals from all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life to join in one memorable night to celebrate community in Portland, Oregon. Every participant gets a lantern, candle, marker, beer or cider (over 21), snacks and live music.