August Events
There’s fun to be had during the dog days of summer in Portland.
Here are some of our favorite August events in Portland. Scroll down for more picks or search the events calendar to see everything on offer.
Bridge Pedal
The Providence Bridge Pedal is an annual bike ride across Portland’s bridges cements Portland’s bike-friendly status, as a total of six bridges partially close to cars, affording bicyclists rare views and a choice of relaxed rides ranging in distance from 5 to 18 miles (8–28 km).
Pickathon Music Festival
Top-Down Rooftop Cinema
Enjoy Portland’s temperate summer nights with Top-Down Rooftop Cinema. Film screenings, along with performances from local bands, cocktails, beer and barbecue are offered six Thursday evenings in a row atop a Portland State University parking structure.
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.
Summer Events
These favorite festivals and happenings run all summer long.
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
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
Submarine Tech Tour
OMSI offers a Guided Tech Tour on the second and fourth Sunday of every month. This special tour guided by an actual submarine veteran is for those who would like to learn more about the technical workings of the Blueback. The maximum tour size is eight people, so plan ahead and reserve your spot. Tech…
Isaka Shamsud-Din: Rock of Ages
Isaka Shamsud-Din: Rock of Ages is an intimate exhibition celebrating the Portland artist’s masterful paintings, rich in a narrative combining personal stories and folklore. Shamsud-Din’s paintings also celebrate and honor individuals by capturing portraits. Tightly composed and with a vibrancy of color, the works invite viewers to be among these individuals and warm settings. The…
Portraiture from the Collection of Northwest Art
In the rich tradition of portraiture reflected in Northwest art, there is an exemplary range of individuals and styles of depiction. For this exhibition, the artist Storm Tharp was invited to help select works from the collection through his keen eyes as a fellow portraitist. As he combed through the collection, some themes in portraiture…
Brewvana's Coffee, Beer & Donuts Tour
Although Seattle comes in first when it comes to coffee culture, Portland has learned a lot from its neighbors and comes in close second. Brewvana has an obsession with donuts and although they might drive you by Voodoo Donuts to see the line, they’ll head to the locals’ favorite for your donut fix. After getting…
Luxury, All-Inclusive Willamette Valley Wine Tour
The driver covers all tasting fees with charcuterie plates ($150 value for full day, $90 value for half day). Experience the best of Willamette Valley wine country on an all-inclusive, guided wine-tasting tour from Portland. Be chauffeured in a luxury SUV with a small group of fellow wine lovers and spend a half day or…
Creative Workshops
Get creative! Radius Art offers opportunities for both the beginning and the experienced artist to learn the basics or build on their current skills. Learn ceramics, painting, drawing, printmaking, leatherworking, fabric dying and more.
These Beers Are Made For Walkin' Tours
This tour is a great way to experience Portland’s beer scene on foot, and great for small groups or families traveling with kids. Check out the history and culture of popular areas in Portland by foot. You choose the neighborhood, and we’ll show you around to three breweries. Walking tours provide a great overview of…
Brewvana's Pacific Northwest is Best Tour
It’s hard to beat the Pacific Northwest when it comes to beer. This tour will introduce you to the ingredients, history and culture that makes the craft beer scene in the Pacific Northwest admired worldwide. Brewvana will start with the education first and introduce you to the ingredients in beer and how they’ve contributed to…