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 outdoor adventures and the city’s signature event, the Portland Rose Festival, which runs from late May through early June. Explore our top things to do, see and experience during a springtime visit to Portland.
Questions About Portland in the Spring
How much does it rain in Portland during spring?
When do cherry trees bloom in Portland?
What is the average springtime temperature in 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 the city getting progressively warmer as June approaches. 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. Old-school Portlanders tend to shun umbrellas, but they can come in handy to shield glasses and faces from heavier showers. 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.
Spend Spring Break in Portland
Plan an epic spring break in Portland with our list of activities for families, friends, couples and solo travelers.
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.
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.
Events by Month
Each month of Spring in Portland offers its own unique selection of events and things to do.
March Events
Shop, eat, dance and cheer your way through the last of winter with these March events in Portland.
April Events
April in Portland means heading outside to enjoy gorgeous blooms and epic views, along with plenty of cultural offerings.
May Events
From farmers' markets to fiestas, there's plenty to do in Portland in May.
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 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.
Upcoming Spring Events
Enjoy these springtime events and festivals in and near Portland.
Bloom Tour
The Bloom Tour is part walking tour and part floral show focusing on supporting some of Portland’s unique shops, restaurants and hotels. Participating retailers are also hosting a wide range of Bloom Tour Specials, so follow the tour map and explore them all. Each of these businesses have been paired with a local floralist and…
Vanport Mosaic Festival
The Vanport Mosaic's annual exploration of little-known local histories and celebration of the communities' resilience returns in spring 2024 with a rich program of performances, exhibits, tours, screenings, dialogues and gatherings. The events, hosted in various venues in N/NE Portland, are offered to the public free/sliding-scale, thanks to the generous support of our funders and…
Asian Heritage Month
Join Lan Su to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. In partnership with more than 20 local cultural organizations, performers, and artists, explore the history, traditions, and arts that make up the rich cultural tapestry of AANHPI. From May 4th to 31st, Lan Su highlights the stories, the culture, and the…
Portland Farmers Market at Shemanski Park
With its carts and vendors selling delicious meals under a lush green canopy of trees, this downtown farmer’s market at Shemanski Park is a popular lunch spot for good reason. Portland residents and visitors also use this shaded destination to buy locally grown groceries for dinner — or supplies for an alfresco picnic. (Wednesdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m.)
Picnic in the Park
Come enjoy lunch in Director Park with music and fun games such as corn hole, giant chess, and jump rope. Special appearance from Shoehorn Conley on Thursdays.
Rose Festival CityFair
Considered the "hub" of the annual Portland Rose Festival, CityFair fills Waterfront Park with carnival rides, concerts, food and fireworks for multiple weekends during the festival.
Rose Festival Opening Night and Fireworks
Nothing says celebration quite like fireworks — and the Portland Rose Festival will blast off with an impressive fireworks display choreographed to music. Opening day of the Rose Festival is Friday, May 24, at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, starting at 5:00 PM. You are invited to enjoy the carnival rides, food, and activities, with opening…
Portland Saturday Market
Open every Saturday from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.
Play in the Park
Join every Saturday in the partnership with Whimsy Care and IDEALPDX to provide family friendly entertainment and activities in Director Park. Fairy house building? Seed planting? Bubbles? Magicians? All to be expected throughout the Play in the Park series.
Holi Spring Festival at Topaz Farm
Join a spring harvest celebration and Bollywood and Bhangra dance party in the grass featuring DJ Anjali & the Incredible Kid, Anjali's Gulabi Gang Dancers and Gurpreet Dhillon's PDX Bhangra Dance Troup. The last two years of sold-out Holi Fests were so much fun. This is going to be another great party featuring music, dancing,…
Starlight Run
Portland’s most popular fun run, the Starlight Run, is the wacky warm-up act for the CareOregon Starlight Parade is starting and finishing on Naito Parkway at Rose Festival CityFair. The 47th Annual Starlight Run will start at 6:30 p.m. The traditional costume contest will be held at 5:30 p.m. The route will follow the path…
Rose Festival CareOregon Starlight Parade
The CareOregon Starlight Parade is one of the Rose Festival's most popular events, offering electrified, funky fun for everyone. From traditional marching bands and flood-lit floats to glow-in-the-dark umbrellas and unique hand-built entries, you’ll see representation from Portland’s diverse community groups (and the surrounding Pacific Northwest region), creating a vibe like no other on Portland's…
Lents International Farmers Market
The Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM) is the only one in Portland with an intentional international focus. LIFM provides fresh, affordable and culturally appropriate produce to the diverse community of Lents neighbors. Founded in 2006 by a community of volunteers and then run by Zenger Farm, it is an important sales outlet for immigrant and…
Woodstock Farmers Market
The popular Woodstock Farmers Market features fresh produce, baked goods, fresh juices, sweets, cheese, meat and more from 30+ vendors, along with artisan-made products like jewelry, ceramics and art.
Rose Festival Fleet Week
Since 1907, visiting ships have made their way to Portland's waterfront. The City of Roses is known to be a favorite port of call for military (and non-military) visitors, as Portland's citizens thank them and make them feel welcome. The Portland Rose Festival is extremely fortunate to be one of a few U.S. Ports of…
Rose Festival Fred Meyer Junior Parade
From the moment the lovable Fred Bear cuts the ribbon to kick off the Fred Meyer Junior Parade, fun reigns. Children come from all parts of the city to join in: dressing in costume, transforming wagons into floats, decorating their bikes with colorful flowers, or just parading with their pets (and parents!). Elementary and Middle…
Spring Rose Show
The Portland Rose Society Annual Spring Rose Show is the largest and longest-running rose show in the nation. The exquisite beauty and fragrances of this yearly show emanate from more than 4,000 blooms. Entry is open to anyone, and all entrants are encouraged. Rose growers from across the Pacific Northwest participate, and some 6,000 spectators…
Rose Festival Art Show
Please join the 41st annual Rose Festival gallery Art Show and reception at OSA. The OSA Rose Festival Show is an artistic celebration of the City of Portland and its traditions surrounding its iconic flower, the rose. The official Portland Rose Festival theme is “Dream Forward” this year. OSA is honored to participate in the…
Rose Festival Queen’s Coronation presented by Unitus Community Credit Union
Who will become the next Queen of Rosaria? One of Portland's most time-honored traditions continues as the Rose Festival Court is presented, and the new reigning Queen is named during this special investiture ceremony. The Queen represents Portland and the Rose Festival for one year at appearances throughout the country and abroad. When choosing a…
Portland Rose Festival Dragon Boat Races
The Rose Festival is proud to host the Portland Rose Festival Dragon Boat Races, an event that has been bringing an exciting Chinese tradition to Portland for more than two decades, beginning in 1989. Held on the Willamette River near the Hawthorne Bridge, the races feature exciting four-team heats held every nine minutes. More than…
GeekCraft Expo
GeekCraft Expo is a curated craft market specializing in handmade, “geek”-themed crafts of all kinds; clothing, accessories, toys, home decoration, furniture, art . . . if it’s geeky and made by hand, it can be found at a GeekCraft Expo. Cosplay is highly encouraged and admission is free (you just need to pre-register).
Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts
For more than 50 years, the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts has proudly presented unique art exhibits including more than 600 local, national, and international artists. Visitors can also experience live music on two stages, performances, kids' activities, artist demos, and a variety of food. It’s free to the public (donations encouraged) and attracts…
Rose Festival Royal Rosarians Milk Carton Boat Race
A classic Rose Festival event and family-friendly community tradition dating back to 1973, the Milk Carton Boat Race is a spectacle you won’t want to miss. Children and adults race and show off their handmade, human-powered boats that float only employing recycled milk cartons and jugs. Creatively constructed watercraft will compete in nine categories, with…
Oregon Midsummer Festival
Decorate the Midsummer pole and make flower crowns, watch live music and performers, indulge in Nordic summer delicacies, play games and make crafts, shop vendors, experience Vikings, and enjoy – this is Midsummer
Events in Portland Today, Tomorrow and This Weekend
Things to Do in Portland Today
Today is a beautiful day to explore all that Portland has to offer. This page lists the best Portland events, festivals, concerts, tours and exhibitions that are happening today.
Things to Do in Portland Tomorrow
Are you going to be in town and looking for something to do tomorrow? There are so many fun things to do in Portland and tomorrow is the perfect day to explore.
Things to Do in Portland This Weekend
Looking for what to do in Portland this weekend? This page lists the best Portland events, festivals, concerts, tours and exhibitions that are happening this weekend.
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