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Walk, bike or take a pedicab along the river in Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
Credit: NASHCO Photo

Spring in Portland

Portland, Oregon, celebrates spring with festivals, food and flowers.

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Walk, bike or take a pedicab along the river in Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
Credit: NASHCO Photo
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Every spring in Portland, rain showers, blooming flowers and lots of only-in-Portland things to do hit the calendar. Outdoor activities abound, as do celebrations and festivals. The city bursts with gorgeous rhododendrons, azaleas, cherry trees and roses that come into full flower in parks, gardens and yards all over town. Amid spring showers, sun breaks and dry days are common.

Questions About Portland in the Spring

When is Portland Public Schools’ (PPS) spring break?

Spring break for PPS normally comes near the end of March — in 2026, spring break will be March 23–27.

How much does it rain in Portland during spring?

Rain is common in Portland in the spring. These showers ensure the gift of spring flowers, so bring a light rain jacket or umbrella and enjoy this beautiful season.

When do cherry trees bloom in Portland, Oregon?

The 100 cherry trees that grace the Japanese American Historical Plaza in Tom McCall Waterfront Park can be expected to bloom each March and April, often reaching peak blooming season during the last week of March and first week of April. Typically associated with Japanese culture and history, these Akebono trees were donated in 1990 by the Japanese Grain Importers Association.

Where can I see roses in Portland? What’s the best time to see them?

Portland is known as the City of Roses for a reason — it’s a top-notch destination for seeing roses. Try Portland International Rose Test Garden, Peninsula Park Rose Garden, and the Ladd Circle Park & Rose Gardens, among other options. Spring and summer are the ideal seasons for seeing roses, with peak bloom usually coming in May and June (though some roses blossom later in summer).

What is the average springtime temperature in Portland?

Visitors can expect average Portland temperatures to range from the mid- to high 50s Fahrenheit (around 14 C) in March and steadily warm to the high 60s Fahrenheit (around 20 C) in June.

What should I pack for a spring visit to Portland, Oregon?

Layers and a light rainproof jacket are the winning wardrobe for spring in Portland. Old-school Portlanders tend to shun umbrellas, but they come in handy when the occasional heavy shower arrives. Waterproof boots are recommended for spring hiking as rivers and streams reach peak flow.

Should you forget any key items, Portland’s outdoor gear selection is unmatched with Columbia Sportswear, Filson, Nike and Danner all calling the Northwest home.

When does spring start?

It depends a little on how you define it (astronomical or meteorological season, north or south temperate zone), but let’s keep it simple: Spring starts March 20!

Major Holidays

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day each March at Portland’s popular Irish pubs. Kells, a beloved Pacific Northwest chain, hosts Portland’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration, with multiple days of festivities at Kells Brewery, Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub and Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Another iconic Irish pub, Paddy’s Bar & Grill hosts its own lively St. Patrick’s Day Festival, where you’ll enjoy bands, bagpipes, great food and more.

Nothing says spring like Easter — Easter egg hunts are one great way to celebrate, with options at Topaz Farm and Lee Farms, among others. Come May, celebrate mom at a Portland Mother’s Day event, like a scenic Mother’s Day Cruise or brunch at one of the city’s many brunch and breakfast spots.

Festivals & Major Events

Perhaps the city’s most iconic spring event, the Portland Rose Festival blossoms into a weekslong affair every spring. Comprising more than 60 individual events, highlights of “Portland’s Official Festival” include the Grand Floral Starlight Parade, Dragon Boat Races, CityFair and many more.

large float made of roses and flowers on a bridge with people waving from the float to onlookers
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Floats glide across town and cross the Burnside Bridge during the Portland Rose Festival.
Credit: Diego Diaz
A woman wearing a hanbok and a big smile waves at the camera among a crowd of parade marchers in front of the ornate gate in Old Town China Town.
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Korean-American traditions are on display during the Rose Parade.
Credit: Diego Diaz

A month-long extravaganza for foodies, Portland Dining Month encourages you to try new restaurants at a great price. It’s a celebration for the taste buds that lasts all through March, all across the city.

The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival celebrates the exceptional in April, with 40 acres (16.2 ha) of spectacular tulips — plus events, food and family-friendly activities — in nearby Woodburn, Oregon. Another April event, the Oregon Book Awards honor the state’s most accomplished writers in a variety of genres.

As the weather heats up in May, so does the events calendar: The One Moto Show draws thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts for three days of biker culture fun. Bricks Cascade is the Pacific Northwest’s largest LEGO convention. And SheBrew celebrates the women of craft beer, cider and mead with a brewing showcase and tasting event.

Markets & Street Fairs

The iconic Portland Saturday Market opens in March. The largest continually operating arts-and-crafts fair in the country, this beloved gathering of artists, vendors, chefs and more draws up to a million visitors each season.

Peak season for the Portland Farmers Market kicks off in April. Their flagship market on the Portland State University (PSU) campus sees about 100 vendors gather with visitors from near and far for a celebration of arts and crafts, great food, local music and more.

two people peruse fresh produce like peppers and zucchini outside in bins with signs saying what each bin contains and how much they are a pound
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Enjoy fresh food, local goods, live music and more at the Portland Farmers Market.
people browsing through an outdoor market
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Local artisans share their wares at the open-air market at Portland State University.
Credit: Leah Nash

Outdoor Exploration

Spring means longer days and warmer weather, a perfect opportunity to get outdoors and reintroduce yourself to the majesty of the Pacific Northwest. Lace up your boots and embark on a spring hike — in Portland proper, consider a stop at Forest Park or the Oak Island Loop Hike on Sauvie Island, or venture out of town and explore countless trails in the surrounding area. Portland is also known for stunning cherry blossoms, and spring is the season to see them. Our guide to Portland cherry blossoms will help you find Sakura all over town.

Events, Spring

Favorite Spring Outdoor Activities

Don't let rain showers keep you from enjoying this verdant season in Portland.

All Outdoors
colorful wildflowers with a snowy mountain in the distance on a beautiful day

Spring Hikes Near Portland

These spring hikes near Portland offer wildflowers, bird-watching and breathtaking scenery — learn how to find them and what to bring along on your trek.

an aerial view of a whale watching center and the surrounding town

Whale Watching Week

Up to 20,000 gray whales migrate along Oregon's coast every winter and spring — this handy guide to whale watching on the Oregon Coast covers prime spots to see migrating whales, top whale-watching charters, when to go and more.

cherry blossoms burst from the trees with a bridge, blue sky and wisps of clouds above

Where to Find Portland Cherry Blossoms

Sakura blooms take over the waterfront each spring; here’s how to enjoy the best of Portland’s cherry blossom season.

youth drum line of marching band in red costumes and hats walk along bridge in parade

Portland Rose Festival

Portland Rose Festival features multiple parades, waterfront carnival rides, concerts, races, fireworks and plenty of roses.

people browsing through an outdoor market

Portland Farmers’ Markets

Enjoy fresh, local produce, meals and treats at every Portland farmers' market location.

people smiling on a sunny day in front of bunches of flowers while someone off screen is handing them a bundle of cut flowers in a plastic bag

Portland Saturday Market

Discover the Portland Saturday Market, a massive arts-and-crafts fair on the scenic Portland waterfront — shop local art, enjoy live music and taste great food.

Events by Month

Each month of Spring in Portland offers its own unique selection of events and things to do.

FULL CALENDAR
People attending an outdoor market, Portland Saturday Market

March Events

From seasonal festivals to dining, live music, sports and the return of Portland Saturday Market, March events in Portland blossom with the return of spring.

a field of wildflowers

April Events

April in Portland means heading outside to enjoy gorgeous blooms and epic views, along with plenty of cultural offerings.

person buying fresh produce from a farmers market vendor

May Events

From farmers’ markets to fiestas, there’s plenty to do in Portland in May.

Upcoming Spring Events

Enjoy these springtime events and festivals in and near Portland.

More Portland Events

Visit our events calendar to discover even more things to do in Portland. Search by date, event type and more.

See All Events

Spend Spring Break in Portland

Plan an epic spring break in Portland with our list of activities for families, friends, couples and solo travelers.

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