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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 events in June, July, August and September. All summer long there is something new to experience and explore while enjoying the wonderful weather.
Know Before You Go
As of June 30, 2021, COVID restrictions have been lifted in Portland and the state of Oregon. While events are now allowed, some events may still be canceled, postponed or held virtually. Please check the event website for the most up-to-date information.
Summer Markets
Saturday Market
A beloved Rose City tradition since 1974, the Portland Saturday Market showcases handmade arts and crafts. On any given Saturday from spring through the day before Christmas, shoppers can tap their heels to bluegrass pickers and jazz musicians, or sample ethnic eats like falafel or kielbasa, while browsing wares sold by the makers themselves.
Farmers’ Markets
Portland’s dining scene is legendary. But not every great meal is served at a restaurant or a food cart. Each spring, the city’s farmers’ markets come to life, creating a food lover’s paradise. On Saturdays year-round, the Portland Farmers Market at PSU boasts 140 farmer and vendor stands. The smaller Shemanski Park Farmers Market runs on Wednesdays from May through October and is tucked behind the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, only three blocks from Pioneer Courthouse Square. You’ll find more farmers’ markets all around the city.
Street Markets by Produce
On the weekends in Old Town Chinatown, in the heart of Portland’s streetwear district, Produce Portland hosts a street fair to showcase local brands. The Street Market by Produce features local apparel, craft goods and music every Saturday and Sunday in the summer with special events such as a collaboration between Produce and Marino Skate culminating in an exhilarating skate competition.
My People’s Market
In early August, the North Park Blocks will host My People’s Market, where shoppers get a chance to discover the diversity of Portland. Connect with BIPOC entrepreneurs, makers, artists and culinary wizards while experiencing the sounds of local Portland artists and performers, curated by Young, Gifted and Brown. All summer long, you can shop from local BIPOC makers at MPM Window Shop at 10Y in downtown Portland. Check out items in the window, then purchase them by scanning a QR code that leads to the My People’s Market virtual gallery.
Outdoor Performance Venues
The Lot at Zidell Yards
The Lot at Zidell Yards brings the best of Portland together in the city’s premier socially distanced, outdoor performance venue. In a summer-long collaboration with Hollywood Theater, a series of films and music will be featured at the venue. Also, members of The Oregon Symphony will be showcased at the venue, as well as a long list of locally and nationally acclaimed musical performers. Stay up to date by keeping an eye on the event calendar.
More Outdoor Concerts
Neighborhood favorites Alberta Street Pub, Laurelthirst Public House, The 1905 and the World Famous Kenton Club are all hosting regular outdoor concerts this summer.
Sounds of Summer
Summer Concert Round-Up
Portlanders' pent-up desire for sun may explain our skill at making the most of summer's long days and warm nights with outdoor concerts.
Chamber Music Northwest’s Summer Festival
Chamber Music Northwest’s annual summer festival combines high-caliber classical music with a laid-back atmosphere.
Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival
Every Fourth of July weekend, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes over downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park.
Drive-In Movies
A number of events let you enjoy movies on the big screen from the comfort of your car. Check out the PDX Drive-in Movie Spectacular at the Portland Expo Center, Top Down: Rooftop Cinema at Lloyd Center and screenings at South Portland’s Lot at Zidell Yards.
The Green Loop
The Green Loop is a planned 6-mile linear park that will improve access to and link attractions, cultural institutions and shopping districts. The Green Loop will connect to places within and beyond Portland’s downtown neighborhoods and the Willamette River. Part of the Central City 2035 Plan, the loop is being activated in a number of ways in summer 2021.
South Park Blocks
This 12-block area was planned and named the South Park Blocks in 1852 is the first official greenspace of Portland. Public art can be found throughout the South Park Blocks as well as vibrant community events and programs such as Portland Paseo, a two-day evening stroll through artisan markets, music, art and performances.
Ankeny West
A new food cart pod, dubbed Ankeny West, will open at the end of the South Parks in July 2021. With room for 26 food carts, this new, city-funded location will provide a home for many carts displaced by construction in 2019.
North Park Blocks Plaza
The plaza at the North Park Blocks, located between NW Park Avenue and NW Flanders Street, is dedicated to Black and Indigenous communities of color, with activations June 4 through Sept. 6. In June, this plaza hosted the History is Now exhibit, part of the Vanport Mosaic Festival.
The Tilikum Plaza
Dedicated to Portland’s diverse arts and culture communities, the Tilikum Plaza is located at SE Second Place and Caruthers at Tilikum Crossing. In June, the plaza featured a community street mural painting by the Latino Network, performances by the Portland Opera; an artistically renovated piano is available to play from Piano Push Play and in July; and, in September, the plaza will host the Portland Indigenous Marketplace.
Festivals
Feast Portland
Since 2012, international food festival Feast Portland has tapped into the wealth of renowned Portland chefs — and welcomed noted culinary stars from around the world — to make the most of Oregon’s bounty. In 2021, Feast has pivoted to “Summer of Feast,” presenting a series of events, including Feast Family Reunions and Claima Stories: Feast Edition.
Waterfront Blues Festival
This year, the Waterfront Blues Festival — the largest blues festival west of the Mississippi River — moved south of its usual downtown site to The Lot at Zidell Yards. The festival included performances from amazing local, regional and national artists. Livestream tickets let fans near and far can join the fun.
Cathedral Park Jazz Festival
The Jazz Society’s Cathedral Park Jazz Festival is a free concert open to the public and held over three days in mid-July at Cathedral Park at the base of the St. Johns Bridge in the Cathedral Park neighborhood. Nearing four decades of history, the festival is the longest-running jazz and blues festival west of the Mississippi River.
Vanport Jazz Festival
The Vanport Jazz Festival honors the city of Vanport and the voices that formed Portland’s jazz community. Near the site of the historic 1948 flood, the event transforms Colwood Golf Course into a cultural revival, welcoming nationally renowned artists and breathing new life into Portland jazz.
Bike Around Portland
Bridge Pedal
Portland’s annual Bridge Pedal is a community celebration of the city’s iconic bridges and biking culture. Join thousands of fellow bicyclists in crossing Portland’s car-free streets and bridges (including the upper decks of both the Marquam and Fremont bridges). The Bridge Pedal is both one of the largest community bike rides in the world and one of the city’s favorite summertime traditions.
Pedalpalooza
Whether you’re a cycling fanatic, an occasional cruiser or just a lover of fun events, Pedalpalooza has something for you. Extended throughout June, July and August in 2021, this bike- and fun-focused festival celebrates summer with over 100 rides throughout town.
Around the Neighborhoods
The Pearl
The Art in the Pearl annual fine arts and crafts festival occurs every year on Labor Day weekend in the Pearl District’s North Park Blocks. The free event has been named one of the top such festivals in the country, where you can find art, theater, music, and hands-on activities for people of all ages.
Central Eastside
Across the Willamette River from downtown, the Central Eastside area blends industrial Portland with new restaurants, microbreweries and riverside recreation. The neighborhood hosts the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) as well as the monthly Flea + Food Market. For those who like an evening shopping experience, check out the Street Bazaar at the Electric Blocks and the Portland Night Market.
Further Out
Venturing beyond the borders of the central city, visitors can also find enjoyable events. Multnomah Days in Multnomah Village is one of Portland’s oldest street fairs. The St. Johns neighborhood hosts a yearly St. Johns Art Walk to showcase creative makers in the neighborhood. Reed College, in the southeast, hosts the yearly Chamber Music NW Summer Festival. Or, located even farther afield at McMenamins Edgefield, visitors can catch a Concert on the Lawn or imbibe at the Edgefield Brewfest.
Events by Month
June Events
Portland's "festival season" warms up every June with the Portland Rose Festival, Portland Pride Parade and Festival, plentiful outdoor concerts and celebrations of craft 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
Pedalpalooza
Portland’s cycling culture peaks during summer’s multi-week Pedalpalooza, featuring 200+ local-led, themed rides, all open to the public.
Piano Push Play
Piano Push Play invites local artists to transform old, donated pianos into whimsical works of art which are distributed across the city.
Last Thursday Event – "Mountain Madness"
Featuring mixed media and watercolor artist, Michelle Purvis and reclaimed wood artist, Heather Kolbo Artists’ Reception 7/29/21. 5 to 8pm Mountains, mountains, mountains. So much mountain art it’s madness. Don’t miss the epic show depicting beautiful mountains by mixed media and watercolor artist Michelle Purvis and reclaimed wood artist, Heather Kolbo.
Last Thursday Event: "Glittering Flight"
Featuring Ceramics by Veronica Arquilevich Guzman and Jewelry by Leslie McMillan Artists’ Reception 7/29/21. 5 to 8pm Leslie transforms silver, copper and brass into wearable art that has a subtle simplicity. Verónica creates unique ceramic pieces using a wheel first and then forming them into whimsical animals or nature-inspired pieces.
Sakha Aesthesis: A Solo Exhibition by Yulia Pinkusevich
Sakha Aesthesis At MinEastry of Postcollapse Art and Culture Opening reception: Friday, July 23, 2021 at 5pm-8pm MinEastry of Postcollapse Art and Culture is pleased to present Sakha Aesthesis, a solo exhibition by Yulia Pinkusevich. Oakland-based artist, Yulia Pinkusevich’s research-based and deeply personal presentation of the Sakha Earth, Mother, and Air spirit worlds pays homage…
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.
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 al fresco picnic. (Wednesdays…
Resound: Angélica Maria Millán Lozano + Frankie Krupa Vahdani
Resound Angélica Maria Millán Lozano + Frankie Krupa Vahdani (Portland, OR) Fuller Rosen Gallery is thrilled to announce Resound, a two-person exhibition of new and recent work by Angélica Maria Millán Lozano and Frankie Krupa Vahdani. Resound features drawings, paintings, mixed-media work, and fabric pieces infused by the unique cultural hybridity of each artists’ heritage…
Last Thursday Art Walk on Alberta
This boisterous street fair attracts independent artists, performers, local bands, troupes of acrobats, buskers, makers and more to celebrate their art on Northeast Alberta Street. Held year-round, the event is biggest from June through August, when the street is closed to traffic during the festivities from 15th Avenue to 30th Avenue.
Feast Flicks
To kick off the Summer of Feast, Feast has teamed up with PDX film legends at the Hollywood Theatre to create an outdoor movie series featuring favorite food films paired with the dreamiest menus from chefs and restaurants. Each night will feature a delightful food and drink experience inspired by the film–all to be enjoyed…
Summer of Feast
Projecting hope and joy after a tumultuous year, Feast is back for 2021. Reflecting the needs of the community right now, Feast is back in a way that brings Portland together over the thing this city loves most — food. Celebrating the city and the hard work everyone is doing to make the community better,…
Phoenix Fridays
Following a fantastic First Thursday Street Gallery comes an exciting new inaugural event from the Urban Art Network. Pheonix Fridays, art walks on NW 13th Ave on all Fridays in summer, designed to bring Art, Food, Music and Local Businesses together. They will be every Friday evening beginning on July 9th on NW 13th from…
Portland Saturday Market
Open every Saturday from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.
Market by Produce
Weekend street fair in Old Town featuring local vintage and streetwear brands along with other apparel and craft goods. This event is hosted by Produce Portland and the Old Town Community Assocition and it takes place in the heart of Portland’s streetwear district. Follow @produceportland on Instagram for event details.
SKATEMOBILE Pop-Up @ North Park Blocks
Skate Mobile series is stopping in North Park Blocks. Join us for skating, music spun by Carlos the Rollerblader and bike-powered smoothies provided by Street Trust. Bring your own roller skates to this free, all-ages event. If you need to rent a pair, please use the discount code HAPPYSUMMER at checkout to get 50% off…
Top Down: Rooftop Cinema
The Cinema Unbound Summer Movie Series, running July, August, and September 2021, welcomes guests to safely gather and experience the power that truly radical and entertaining cinematic storytelling can bring. Unbound from the traditional movie theater setting, Cinema Unbound is creating new venues throughout the city starting with the Open-Air Rooftop Cinema at the Lloyd…
Summer Camp Brunch
Welcoming campers to a Summer Camp-inspired Brunch every Sunday in July! Choose your camp name and enjoy a coursed meal that hits all your favorite summer camp meals: cereal & milk, blueberry pancakes, bacon, fresh fruit, yogurt, eggs, toast, hot dogs, & potatoes! Full menu below! SUMMER CAMP BRUNCH MENU cereal milk pudding shot camp…
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.
Sneaker Week
Sneaker Week offers fun events for sneaker addicts and footwear newbies alike.
Twelfe Night Presented by Original Practice Shakespeare Festival
Twelfe Night in 50 words or less: Orsino loves Olivia (unrequitedly). Twins, Viola and Sebastian, are shipwrecked. Viola cross-dresses, works for Orsino, and Olivia falls in love with her/him. Olivia’s dr-uncle and friends trick Malvolio into thinking Olivia loves him. Olivia (confused) marries Sebastian. Twins reunite, Malvolio’s gulling and Viola’s gender are revealed, Orsino proposes…
Zenger Farm Community Chef Dinner: Flavors of Jamaica
Join Zenger Farm for our second Community Chef Dinner, featuring Community Chef Jeniffer Kirton-Bernard of Jenny’s Jamaican Kitchen. Chef Jenny will create a delicious meal centered around the flavors of her Jamaican roots. This dinner will feature Community Chef Jeniffer Kirton-Bernard sharing her knowledge, culture and stories through the process of making and sharing Jamaican…
My People’s Market
My People’s Market showcases local entrepreneurs and makers of color, connecting them with industry professionals and consumers.
Comedy in the Park w/ Kickstand Comedy
Kickstand Comedy is proud to present Comedy In The Park, bringing FREE live shows back to Portland audiences all Summer long feat. the PNW’s favorite comics performing in one of the city’s most beautiful spaces – Laurelhurst Park. Blankets drop at 6pm, show starts @6:30pm. #comedyinthepark #portlandcomedy #youcaninportland #laurelhurstpark
As You Like It Presented by Original Practice Shakespeare Festival
As You Like It in 50 words or less: Frederick exiled the rightful Duke to the Forest of Arden. Orlando’s brother won’t raise him right. Orlando and Rosalind fall in love. Frederick banishes Rosalind. The girls escape to Arden (Rosalind cross-dressed). Rosalind gets Orlando to pretend she/he is Rosalind and woo her. A god appears…
Smash it – Taste it – Touch it – Feel it – Eat it
Pop-up Photo Gallery and Exhibition Award-winning photographer Isabella Cassini presents selected works of her fine art and food photography. Opening night Friday, August 6 2021 at 7pm. Runs through the month of August with special events and food offerings every Friday night. This pop-up gallery is constructed inside a repurposed warehouse set for demolition in…
Sunset Tipsy Tour
Enjoy an evening on the farm with a cold drink in your hand as the sun sets. Come for a guided fun farm tour that takes you up close and personal with the lovely farm animals. The farm has alpacas, goats, chickens, ostriches, peacocks, horses, and more. There is even a chance to feed some….
Obon Fest
Obonfest (Obon) is a traditional summertime Japanese (and Japanese-American) festival commemorating one’s ancestors. In their honor, lanterns are hung, Bon Odori (Obon dance) is performed, memorial visits are made and food is offered. Central to Obonfest is Bon Odori (Obon dance). These joyful dances invite the community to celebrate and pay tribute to ancestors and…
Vanport Jazz Festival
The Vanport Jazz Festival is scheduled to return Aug. 7, 2021. See website for details. The Vanport Jazz Festival honors the city of Vanport and the voices who formed Portland’s jazz community. Near the site of the historic 1948 flood, the event transforms Colwood Golf Course into a cultural revival, welcoming nationally renowned artists and…
Chinese Festival
Chinese Festival is back. As Oregon reopens the Chinese Festival is returning to Pioneer Courthouse Square. This year celebrate, once again, Chinese culture and community. Coming back are the spectacular performances, delicious Chinese food, music and arts from local artists and more. Come celebrate with a full day of programming suitable for all ages.
The Tragedie of Romeo and Juliet Presented by Original Practice Shakespeare Festival
The Tragedie of Romeo and Juliet in 50 words or less: The Capulets and Montagues hate one another. Romeo (Montague) sneaks into a Capulet party and meets Juliet (Capulet). They marry in secret. Juliet’s cousin challenges Romeo. Romeo kills them and is banished. Juliet fakes death. Romeo doesn’t realize, takes poison, and dies beside the…
Bridge Pedal
The Bridge Pedal is scheduled to return Aug. 8, 2021. Please visit the event website for current information. Portland’s annual Bridge Pedal is a community celebration of the city’s iconic bridges and biking culture. Join your friends and neighbors for the one opportunity each year to bike or walk on Portland’s car-free streets and bridges…
Love’s Labour’s Lost Presented by Original Practice Shakespeare Festival
Love’s Labor’s Lost in 50 words or less: Forgetting the French Princess is arriving soon, King Ferdinand and friends swear off women, The courtiers are smitten. Letters are sent and confused. Berowne reasons ways out of the oath. The French court departs, but will return in one year to marry the King and courtiers… if…
The Lot with Hollywood Theatre: Stand By Me
The Lot with Hollywood Theatre presents a series of film and music. Join us on Monday, August 9th for the 1986 classic Stand By Me and a special performance by The Shivas, presented by Oregon Film. Rated R, 1h 29m. $35-50 per person. All tickets sold as 2, 4 and 6-person seating pods. VIP seating…
The Lot with PDX Kids Film Festival presents the Best of the Festivals Short Films
The Lot with PDX Kids Film Festival presents a series of shorts – The Best of the Festivals Short Films. Join in on Tuesday, August 10 for nine amazing short films for kids, curated by the team at PDX Kids Film Festival. Gather the kids for an afternoon of fun, inspiring and clever short films…
The Lot with PDX Kids Film Festival presents The NeverEnding Story
The Lot with PDX Kids Film Festival presents; The Neverending Story Directed by Wolfgang Petersen PG | 1h 42min | Adventure, Drama, Family | USA | 1984 Drive-In at Zidell Yards: March 12 | 6:30 PM PST A lonely young boy with a love of books becomes drawn into a timeless world of fabulous creatures–a…
The Comedie of Errors (Abridged) Presented by Original Practice Shakespeare Festival
Comedie of Errors in 50 words or less: Two sets of identical twins, masters (Antipholus) and servants (Dromio), were separated by a shipwreck. Antipholus of Syracuse arrives in Ephesus and Adriana mistakes him for her husband (E.Antipholus).. S.Antipholus gets a gold chain E.Antipholus ordered, but then E.Antipholus is arrested for not paying. Confusion reigns until…
Live at The Lot: Deep Sea Diver
Live at The Lot on Thursday, August 12: Deep Sea Diver. The third full-length from Deep Sea Diver, Impossible Weight is a work of sublime highs and mesmerizing lows, its restless intensity both unsettling and transcendent. For bandleader Jessica Dobson, the album’s sonic and emotional expanse stems from a period of sometimes-brutal self-examination—a process that…
Elephant Garlic Festival
The 23rd Annual Elephant Garlic Festival is a three-day festival celebrating, you guessed it, elephant garlic. The family-friendly event includes a parade, 10K run, live music, kids play area, crafts vendors and more. Fun stinks.
Macbeth Presented by Original Practice Shakespeare Festival
The Tragedie of Macbeth in 50 words or less: Scottish lords Macbeth and Banquo meet witches who predict Macbeth will be King and Banquo father of kings. Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to kill King Duncan. Prince Malcolm escapes and Macbeth takes the throne. Macbeth orders Banquo killed. Lady Macbeth goes mad. Malcolm raises an English…
Rosemaling For Beginners
Rosemaling is Norway’s traditional decorative folk painting that was used to decorate wooden items commonly used in daily life, such as ale bowls, stools, and chairs. Using stylized techniques made up of fantasy flowers, scrollwork and fine line work, and flowing patterns give rosemaling its unique feel. In this beginner-level class, you will learn about…
The Lot Summer Music Festival: Saturday Afternoon
The Lot Summer Music Festival kicks off on Saturday, August 14th with an all-star lineup (no seriously…so many stars) of soul-drenched beats with Fritzwa, glassy dream pop with Pure Bathing Culture, a showcase from People Music, one of Portland’s most exciting music collectives featuring Lo Steele, Rasheed Jamal, Kiho, Danielle Barker, Blossom, Noah Simpson, and…
The Lot Summer Music Festival: Saturday Evening
The Lot Summer Music Festival kicks off on Saturday, August 14th with an all-star lineup (no seriously…so many stars) of soul-drenched beats with Fritzwa, glassy dream pop with Pure Bathing Culture, a showcase from People Music, one of Portland’s most exciting music collectives featuring Lo Steele, Rasheed Jamal, Kiho, Danielle Barker, Blossom, Noah Simpson, and…
Milan Patel Live Comedy at the Siren Theater
Milan Patel is headlining The Siren Theater for one night. Featuring some of Portland’s best comedians: Amanda Arnold Jake Silberman Chris Johnson Jason Traeger Doors at 7:30 Show at 8:00
Outdoor Film Screening: The Apple War
No summer is complete without an outdoor movie. Join the Nordia House for an outdoor film screening of The Apple War (1971). Bring a blanket and enjoy this great Swedish film. Enjoy an introduction from Tom Birnie and a Q & A after the film, professor of Scandinavian literature and film at PSU. Doors open…
The Lot Summer Music Festival: Sunday Afternoon
The Lot Summer Music Festival on Sunday, August 15th welcomes a star-studded, dare you to stay in your seat, kind of line up. Welcoming the Latinx-powered dance vibes of DJ Mami Miami, the toe-tapping, guitar-strumming tunes of Sallie Ford’s newest project, The Barbaras, the ecstatic thump and frenetic rhythms of Orquestra Pacifico Tropical and the…
The Lot Summer Music Festival: Sunday Evening
The Lot Summer Music Festival on Sunday, August 15th welcomes a star-studded, dare you to stay in your seat, kind of line up. Welcoming the Latinx-powered dance vibes of DJ Mami Miami, the toe-tapping, guitar-strumming tunes of Sallie Ford’s newest project, The Barbaras, the ecstatic thump and frenetic rhythms of Orquestra Pacifico Tropical and the…
A Midsommer Night's Dreame Presented by Original Practice Shakespeare Festival
A Midsommer Nights Dreame in 50 words or less: Hermia loves Lysander (requitedly). Helena loves Demetrius (unrequitedly). Pucke (a fairy) accidentally makes Lysander and Demetrius love Helena. Chaos ensues. King Oberon bespells Queen Titania to love an actor transformed into an ass. The fairies reconcile. Pucke fixes the spells (except Demetrius). Everyone gets married and…
Portland Burger Week
The Portland Mercury’s Burger Week returns every August with dozens of restaurants, bars and brewhouses across Portland offering one-of-a-kind burgers for only $6. These special edition burgers are designed especially for the Mercury’s Portland Burger Week and are only available for one week, so dig in while you can. Tips for Portland Burger Week: Be…
Portland Fashion Week
Portland Fashion Week, the Sundance™ of Fashion Weeks, is the 3rd oldest fashion week series in the United States, TIME ™ Magazine’s “BEST Indie Fashion Week in the USA since 2012, and the only carbon-negative fashion week in the world as outlined by The Huffington Post. From top-of-the-line eco-chic fashion experiences to our support for…
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.
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