Search August Events
There’s plenty of fun to be had during the dog days of summer in Portland.
Portlanders know how to get every last drop of fun out of the summer, especially 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.
Vanport Jazz Festival
The Vanport Jazz Festival honors the city of Vanport and the voices that formed Portland’s jazz community. Near the historic 1948 flood site, the event transforms Colwood Golf Center into a cultural revival, welcoming nationally renowned artists and breathing new life into Portland jazz.
Pickathon
Since 1999, the Pickathon Music Festival, a celebrated multi-stage folk festival at the bucolic Pendarvis Farm just outside Portland, has attracted headliners like Feist and Andrew Bird while establishing itself as the nation’s greenest music festival.
Bridge Pedal
Portland’s annual Bridge Pedal is a community celebration of the city’s iconic bridges and biking culture. Join thousands of fellow bicyclists in crossing Portland’s car-free streets and bridges (including the upper decks of 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.
World Naked Bike Ride
The largest of its kind in the world, Portland’s World Naked Bike Ride draws thousands of bicyclists to cruise commando through the streets of Portland every year. The location of the bike ride is revealed mere days before the event, so keep your eyes on their website for more information. (Pro-tip: Don’t forget your helmet!)
William Byrd Festival
Founded in 1998, The William Byrd Festival explores the life and work of beloved early English composer and Shakespear contemporary William Byrd with a series of choral concerts, an organ recital and liturgical services.
Portland Hip Hop Week
Founded in 2015, Portland Hip Hop Week highlights and strengthens the rich culture of hip-hop through entertainment, education and community building. Celebrations include skating to your favorite hip hop songs at Oaks Park Roller Rink, an Old School Hip Hop & RnB dance party and ending the week with the annual Star Awards in honor of the founder, Idris “Starchile” O’ferrell.
Chinese Festival
Head down to Pioneer Courthouse Square on the first Saturday in August to celebrate Chinese American culture at Portland’s Chinese Festival. Enjoy entertainment, delicious Chinese food and authentic arts and crafts.
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.
Portland Adult Soapbox Derby
The Portland Adult Soapbox Derby is a race that returns every August to Mt. Tabor Park, an extinct volcano that is now a forested urban park. Dozens of teams build cars to zip down the course, a great mix of curves and straightaways lined with picnicking onlookers. After the races, prizes for speed, engineering, fan favorites, and lifetime achievement are handed out to the deserving winners.
More August Events 2024
Check out our picks for top things to do in August in Portland.
BeerQuest Haunted Pub Tour
Uncover Portland’s dark side on this spine-tingling walking pub tour. In the early 1900s, unsuspecting sailors were often ruthlessly abducted and whisked away through the notorious Shanghai Tunnels. Tour guides will tell you how notorious criminals kidnapped thousands of people and why their ghosts still haunt Portland today. This is Portland’s longest-running ghost tour with…
Hollywood Farmers Market
Year-round on Saturdays, the Hollywood Farmers Markets hosts 50+ vendors, bringing you the best of the region’s agricultural bounty. In addition to amazingly fresh, local food, you’ll find live music, children’s activities, and fun events throughout the season. April through September, every Saturday 8 AM to 1 PM,October and November, every Saturday 9 AM to…
Gay Skate
Roll out with your friends and loved ones to the monthly Gay Skate Session, held the 1st and 3rd Monday night of the month. Everyone is welcome at this all-ages event at this all-ages event. Admission tickets allow the Oaks Park Roller Rink access for the selected Gay Skate Session date/time. Includes standard skate rental.
Oregon Coastal Tour
Maximize your beach time while at the Oregon Coast Oregon’s coastline is graced with unforgettable vistas: dramatic cliffs, offshore rocks and sea lions, wide sandy beaches, majestic capes, historic lighthouses, enchanted forests and lovely small beach towns which artists and artisans make their home. Locations we may visit include: Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, Short Sand…
Bangerz Comedy
Portland comics Bjorn RG and Eliza Butler host this weekly show at Neighbors Taproom with curated lineups of local and nationally touring comedians. 21+
Weird Portland Pub Tour
Experience the eccentricity of Portland, Oregon and visit one of its quirkiest neighborhoods on this walking pub tour. This tour is a must-do for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the fascinating history of the city, including stories of UFO sightings, Bigfoot sightings, exploding whales, wacky bike rides, strange locals, hijackings, hipsters, artists, and…
Sparkle & Shine Drag Brunch
Hosted by Nicole Onoscopi, the colorful, kooky, and highly caffeinated queen of Oregon. She and her most fantastic guest queens fill the room with laughs and great times every show. The glamour, the performances, the HAIR. Drag artistry has become globally popular with fans of all ages. Therefore, the show is rated PG-13. CELEBRATE YOUR…
Cheerful Tortoise Comedy Open Mic
Comedy Open Mic for every skill level. Beginners are welcome. Weekly mic every Monday night with 8:30 p.m. sign-ups. Hosted by Sam Bass and Milo Loza. The Cheerful Tortoise is an iconic Portland bar that has been around for more than 60 years and provides a cheerful environment for everyone to enjoy.
Picture Day
Celebrated photographer Elle Hygge offers professional portraits and headshots that celebrate diversity. LGBTQIA2S+ friendly and support animals welcome. This is an event sponsored by the gallery and the urban art hike to encourage everyone to come to the gallery and take pictures with art. pay the gallery @GalleryGoGoGo (3 gos) Venmo
More Summer Events
Explore more things to do and see every summer in Portland.
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