Summer Concert Round-Up
Savor Portland’s glorious summer with outdoor concerts all around town — many free.
It takes a fair amount of rain to keep Portland’s trees green and flowers blooming, so by June, we’re all more than ready for a long string of warm, sunny days. That pent-up desire for sunny weather may explain our skill at making the most of the long days and warm nights with outdoor concerts. Come summertime, Portland overflows with things to do — especially when it comes to music. Discover some of our favorite summer concert series in The Rose City.
Oregon Zoo Concerts
June–September
The concerts on the lawn at the Oregon Zoo span summer and the decades — 2018 was the 40th year for the beloved series, which draws big names like the Indigo Girls, Trombone Shorty and Chris Isaak. Tickets include full-day admission to the zoo, so you can say hello to the elephants while you’re there.
Summertime Shows
Discover the sounds of summer at these annual concert series around Portland.
Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn
With acts that have ranged from Al Green to ZZ Top, McMenamins Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn are an annual rite of summer and the hottest ticket in town.
Pickathon Music Festival
Every August, Pickathon draws diverse musical performers to celebrate music and the outdoors at the lush Pendarvis Farm just outside of Portland.
Chamber Music Northwest’s Summer Festival
Chamber Music Northwest’s annual summer festival combines high-caliber classical music with a laid-back atmosphere.
Noon Tunes
July–August
For decades, Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland has hosted Noon Tunes, a free lunchtime concert series held every Tuesday of the summer season. In 2022 they are also hosting Opera a la Cart at noon every other Thursday. Bring your own brown bag lunch or buy something to eat at one of the Square’s food carts, then grab a seat on the brick steps to enjoy some midday music.
Music on Main
July–August
Held every Wednesday evening of the summer next to downtown Portland’s historic Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Music on Main fills the city center with the sounds of live music. Food and drink are available for sale, but seating is limited (so arrive early!).
Summer Free for All Concerts in the Park
July–August
Portland comes to life every summer with seemingly endless free and family-friendly things to do, provided by Portland Parks and Recreation’s Summer Free for All program. One of the program’s most popular offerings is the free concerts in public parks around the city, held almost every night in July and August. Enjoy live music along with local food carts and kid-friendly pop-up activities.
Portland Festival Symphony
August
Every summer, the Portland Festival Symphony returns with free weekend concerts performed by a full symphony orchestra. These concerts occur in some of the city’s most gorgeous public parks, so bring your picnic blankets and baskets for a perfect summer evening.
Sounds of Summer
Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn
With acts that have ranged from Al Green to ZZ Top, McMenamins Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn are an annual rite of summer and the hottest ticket in town.
Waterfront Blues Festival
Every Fourth of July weekend, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes over downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park.
Americana Harvest Fest
Topaz Farm is excited to announce the 2024 Americana Harvest Fest series. After last year's series, they are taking it up a notch (or two) for 2024 with a mix of nationally and internationally known folk, country, and bluegrass artists on Thursday nights in July and August. Adult tickets are $20 most nights, and all Thursday nights…
Pickathon
Every August, Pickathon draws diverse musical performers to celebrate music and the outdoors at the lush Pendarvis Farm just outside of Portland.
PDX Live Concert Series
Pioneer Courthouse Square (The Square) and True West, one of the leading independent concert promoters and event producers in the Pacific Northwest, bring back the PDX LIVE concert series. Show schedule: August 7 – Sleater-Kinney / Amyl and the Sniffers August 8-9 – Ween August 10 – Descendents August 11 – The Japanese House August 12 – Sierra…
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