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Summer Free for All
Enjoy live music, movie screenings and kids’ games in Portland’s public parks.
Zak Griffler
Know Before You Go
The 2023 season of Summer Free for All will host events on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from July 8th to September 2nd. Check the Portland Parks website for more details.
Portland’s parks offer plenty of free fun anytime of the year, but Portland Parks and Recreation’s Summer Free for All program ups the ante, offering hundreds of free events from July to September. The entertainment at parks across the city includes free movie screenings, concerts, cultural exchanges and classes. Here are some highlights of the summer festivities in the parks.
Movies in the Park
Launched in 2007, Movies in the Park consists of free screenings hosted at green spaces across Portland. The evenings begin at 7:30 pm with pre-movie performances by local musicians and free popcorn for attendees, with the movie beginning at sunset.
Closed captioning, sign language interpreters and FM loop amplifiers are available for all events. Make sure to bring a jacket or extra blanket in case it gets chilly. Previous film selections have ranged from classics like The Sandlot to animated treats like Coco and Moana.
Concerts in the Park
Know Before You Go
Note: The usual ban on alcoholic beverages in city parks is waived only during Concerts in the Park events, so feel free to stock your picnic basket with a bottle of Oregon Pinot.
For over a century, local musicians of all genres and traditions have been entertaining crowds in Portland parks every summer. Listen to diverse beats — like improvisational African jazz or Celtic folk-rock — and enjoy a bite from local food vendors like Pip’s Original Doughnuts as you jam out with other community members. Throughout the summer, dozens of concerts attract tens of thousands of concertgoers, so be sure to arrive early and bring a comfy seat of your choice. Check the Summer Free for All website for more information.
Washington Park Summer Festival
For those looking to enjoy a musical experience on a bigger scale, time your visit to catch the performances at the Washington Park Summer Festival. In August, the Washington Park Rose Garden Amphitheater hosts an array of acts, including multicultural music, opera, flamenco and African dance. Parking is usually limited, so consider taking MAX light rail.
Free Open Play Swimming and Rock Climbing
If you’re looking to beat the heat or get fit in the fresh air, the Summer Free For All includes free open swimming at a number of community pools as well as free outdoor fitness classes, like Zumba and Tai Chi. (Note: fitness classes are free, but you must register online first to participate.)
Whether you’re looking to take in the local arts and culture or get active in the sunshine with the whole family, the Portland Summer Free For All has something for everyone. To plan your summertime fun in Rose City, check out Portland Parks and Recreation’s website for more information. Who says the best things in life aren’t free?
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