Summer Events Round-Up
Portland embraces summer sunshine with fun festivals and more.
When the sun finally comes out, Portlanders celebrate with their favorite things: music, beer, art and food. Here are some of Portland’s best outdoor events in July, August and September.
July Events
Oregon Zoo Concerts
Music is in the air here — even at the zoo. The Oregon Zoo Summer Concerts run from June–September and feature national artists like the B-52s, Indigo Girls and more. Arrive early to stake out a spot on the lawn, then see the animals before the show.
On the Water and out of Doors
The Big Float
Every summer since 2011, thousands of people swim and float in the Willamette River for the annual Big Float event.
Pedalpalooza Bike Festival
Portland's cycling culture peaks during June's multi-week Pedalpalooza (returning June 1–30, 2019), featuring 200+ local-led, themed rides, all open to the public.
Portland Street Fairs
Come summer, many of Portland’s neighborhoods put on local parties with live music, food and fun.
Waterfront Blues Festival
The Waterfront Blues Festival — the largest blues festival west of the Mississippi River — rocks crowds on the riverbank at Waterfront Park and on the water with five days of top national acts, as well as spectacular fireworks on July 4.
Oregon Brewers Festival
Craft breweries from around the United States bring more than 80 beers to the Oregon Brewers Festival, the largest gathering of independent brewers in North America, held in downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park.
Sounds of Summer
August Events
Pickathon
Since 1999, the Pickathon Indie Roots Music Festival, a celebrated six-stage folk festival at the bucolic Pendarvis Farm just outside Portland has attracted headliners like Feist and Andrew Bird while establishing itself as the nation’s greenest music festival.
September Events
Time-Based Art (TBA) Festival
During the Time-Based Art Festival, presented by the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA), visual artists, musicians, dancers and other creatives from all over the world push boundaries with installations, performances and interactive art experiences.
Imbibe
Oregon Brewers Festival
Portland hosts dozens of beer festivals every year, but none compares to the Oregon Brewers Festival. With offerings from 80 craft brewers, the event draws nearly 70,000 attendees to the downtown waterfront every July.
Feast Portland Food and Drink Festival
This foodie festival, held every September, has cemented Portland’s reputation as a culinary capital of the world.
Support Black-Owned Restaurants Week
African-American-owned restaurants are featured during Portland's Support Black-Owned Restaurant Week, but they shine all year long.
Feast Portland
International culinary festival Feast Portland taps into the wealth of renowned Portland chefs — and welcomes noted culinary stars from around the world — to make the most of Oregon’s bounty. In addition to events at restaurants around town, you’ll find happenings at Director Park, Pioneer Courthouse Square and Ecotrust.
Events by Month
June Events
Portland's "festival season" warms up every June with Rose Fest, Pride, outdoor concerts and beer.
July Events
July in Portland is a busy time, with a variety of live music, beer fests and film events to take in.
August Events
Biking across bridges and cheering on soapbox racers are two of many great August events in Portland.
More Summer Events
Portland Saturday Market
Portland Saturday Market, the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the United States, opens every Saturday and Sunday from March–December. The market combines the vibes of an arts show, a live street concert and an open-air bazaar, this riverside market has been a beloved Rose City tradition since 1974. In fact, the market is considered the largest…
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Shop for handmade crafts, snack on traditional recipes and enjoy entertainment straight from Guadalajara at this popular Cinco de Mayo festival.
Pedalpalooza
Every year, Pedalpalooza brings over four weeks of biking fun with special rides and events throughout Portland. With over 100 different events (most organized by individuals), bikers of all persuasions are likely to find many events of interest. Nearly all events are free.
PDX Beer Week
Portland Beer Week spotlights Portland’s breweries, high-quality brews and vibrant beer culture.
Portland Pride Festival
Every June, the Portland Pride Festival & Parade makes a name for itself — and LGBTQ+ community members — all over town.
Festival of Balloons
At the 35th Festival of Balloons in Tigard, the hot air balloons are definitely the featured attraction, but it’s more than balloons! The Festival of Balloons is a place for families and friends to gather, play and relax. Join up in the pre-dawn hours as approximately 20 hot air balloons launch into the morning sky…
Peacock in the Park
Sequins, boas and a rainbow of talent mark LGBTQ variety show Peacock in the Park’s takeover of Washington Park.
Waterfront Blues Festival
Every Fourth of July weekend, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes over downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park.