Spring in Portland
Portland celebrates spring with beer and food festivals, fiestas and flowers.
Rain showers, blooming flowers and lots of only-in-Portland things to do hit the calendar every spring in Portland. The city bursts into bloom, as gorgeous rhododendrons, azaleas, cherry trees and roses come into full flower in parks, gardens and yards all over town. Amidst spring showers, sun-breaks and dry days are common, though, and spring visitors are rewarded with lovely vistas, bountiful outdoors adventures and the city’s signature event, the Portland Rose Festival, which runs from late May through early June. Read on for our top things to do, see and experience during a springtime visit to Portland.
Spring Weather
Rain showers continue in spring, along with plenty of cloud-breaks and dry spells. Spring days often start rainy and end up with clear blue skies and sunshine. With such a temperate climate, many flowers start blooming in Portland in early March.
What to Pack
For a springtime visit to Portland, we recommend packing layers and a light rain-proof jacket. Waterproof boots will come in handy on muddy spring hikes and for splashing through Portland’s puddles.
Spring Activities
Don't let rain showers keep you from enjoying this verdant season in Portland.
Spring Hikes Near Portland
There’s something special about the first spring hike of the year. Enjoy wildflowers, bird watching and breathtaking scenery on these springtime rambles.
Best Spots for Spring Flowers
Find your favorite blooms, from roses to rhododendrons and tulips to trilliums, with our guide to spring flowers in Portland.
Wildflower Viewing in Greater Portland
Feast your eyes on the many wildflower patches around the region for natural beauties you won't find anyplace else.
Favorite Spring Events
The spring season in Portland overflows with exciting events and festivals.
Spring Holidays
Celebrations a season of renewal and rebirth with these annual celebrations around Portland.
Mother’s Day Events in Portland
Myriad Mother's Day events in Portland make it easy (and fun!) to celebrate moms, grandmas and all of the other important women in your life.
Easter Events in Portland
Spring is the harbinger of Easter festivities in Portland. Check out our favorite kid-friendly Easter egg hunts, annual picnics and candy-centric events.
Memorial Day Weekend Events
Enjoy vacation-level-fun events during Memorial Day weekend in Portland.
Events by Month
Each month of Spring in Portland offers its own unique selection of events and things to do.
March Events
Shop, eat and cheer your way through the last of winter with these March events in Portland.
April Events
Spring in Portland brings festivals dedicated to wine, tulips and tunes.
May Events
From farmers' markets to fiestas, there's plenty to do in Portland in May.
Upcoming Spring Events
Portland comes to life every spring with these special events and festivals.
Portland Dining Month
Every March, more than 100 Portland restaurants serve up three courses for just $33 nightly. There’s no better time to visit this top culinary destination.
Portland International Film Festival
Established in 1977, The Portland International Film Festival is a creative, multi-media feast spotlighting artists both around the corner and across the globe—embracing bold, original, future-forward storytellers making cinema in all its forms. March 5 – 14, 2021. The Portland International Film Festival (PIFF) is a community celebration of the stories that bind us—whether told…
Womxn's March & Rally For Action
The Womxn’s March & Rally For Action returns in celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. Take to the streets on a day that honors womxn and their long history of marching, organizing and speaking out for social justice. Educate. Engage. Empower.
Shamrock Run
Founded in 1979, the Shamrock Run Portland is the largest running and walking event in Oregon and is the third largest running event in the western United States. Due to COVID restrictions on large gatherings, Portland’s longest-running tradition will be taking place virtually in 2021.
Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Colorful fields reminiscent of Holland burst with acres of tulips in full bloom at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn.
POW Film Fest
POW Film Fest is Portland’s premiere film festival showcasing films made by women and non-binary filmmakers. The festival features the work of some of today’s top women and non-binary directors, while honoring the true pioneers and recognizing the next generation of leading filmmakers. Over the years POW has striven to encourage thoughtful and engaged discourse…
St. Johns Bizarre & Parade
The St. Johns Bizarre is a uniquely crafted celebration that kicks off the summer street fair season in Portland with music, kids’ activities and more. Held annually on the second Saturday in May, the Bizarre brings music, crafts and food to the crowds attending the St. Johns Parade. After the parade, the entire six block…
UFO Festival
Every May, thousands of visitors flock to the city’s famous UFO Festival, featuring four days of parades, costume contests, expert speakers
TEDxPortland
NOTE: The 2020 event has been postponed until May 29, 2021. TEDxPortland, the largest TEDx event in the world, celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2020. For its first time, the event heads to the Moda Center in North Portland (home of the city’s iconic NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers). Enjoy a day of notable…
Oregon Midsummer Festival
Midsummer continues to be a fun, family friendly and important day with centuries-old traditions and everyone is invited! Enjoy delicious Nordic cuisine, try traditional beverages and scrumptious sweets. Spend the day making your own colorful flower crown and other crafts. Play Kubb and other fun games, take a break in the beer garden before dancing…
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