Summer in Portland

Summer in Portland may be one of the world’s best-kept secrets. Days are long and dry, temperatures are comfortably warm, and the city makes the most of these conditions with outdoor celebrations and exciting things to do running well into September. There’s no better time for hikes, taking a dip in the Willamette River or heading to a nearby farm to pick (and devour) delicious berries. Meanwhile, annual summertime events and festivals include the joyous Portland Pride Parade and Festival in June, the epic Oregon Brewers Festival in July and Pickathon Music Festival in August. Read on for our top picks for things to do, see and experience during a summertime visit to Portland.

Summer Weather

During Portland’s summers, the days are warm (average high 78° F/25° C) with blissfully low humidity. Rain is rare and the evenings are long (the sun doesn’t set until around 9 p.m. in June and July).

What to Pack

If you’re visiting Portland in the summertime, we recommend packing typical warm weather attire (think shorts, t-shirts and open-toed shoes) along with a few layers (like a light jacket) for cooler evenings spent outside.

Favorite Summer Events

Experience the best of summer in Portland at these annual warm-weather events.

Full Events Calendar

Summer Free for All

Portland Parks & Recreation offers over 400 free events including free movie screenings, concerts and rock climbing.

Piano Push Play Brings Music to the People

Piano Push Play invites local artists to transform old, donated pianos into whimsical works of art which are distributed across the city.

Portland Sunday Parkways

This family-friendly bike ride features local vendors and live entertainment.

Fourth of July Events

There’s nothing more American than fun, family and, of course, fireworks. Pack all of that into one weekend with these July 4 events.

Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival

Every Fourth of July weekend, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes over downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park.

The Big Float

Every summer since 2011, thousands of people swim and float in the Willamette River for the annual Big Float event.

Portland Adult Soapbox Derby

The PDX Adult Soapbox Derby at Mt. Tabor Park pits grown-up kids against each other every August in pursuit of speed and laughs.

Pickathon Music Festival

Every August since 1999, Pickathon draws diverse musical performers to celebrate music and the outdoors at the lush Pendarvis Farm just outside of Portland.

Oregon Zoo Summer Concerts

Musicians and fans alike flock to concerts at the Oregon Zoo each summer to enjoy live music, sunshine and friends.

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.

Summer Events Round-Up

When the sun finally comes out, Portlanders celebrate their favorite things: music, beer, art and food.

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.

Events By Month

Every month of summer in Portland offers its own unique events and experiences.

Full Calendar

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.

Summer Activities

Make the most of Portland's epic summer season with these local activities.

The Berry Best in and Around Portland

If you find yourself in Portland during berry season (June­–August), don’t leave without sampling the Pacific Northwest’s sweet summer bounty.

Favorite Hiking Spots in Portland

Put on some comfortable shoes and start walking — you’ll be surprised how easy Portland makes it.

Amusement & Water Parks

Portland and the surrounding region offer a variety of amusements and entertainments for the young and young at heart.

Outdoor Adventure in Columbia County

Bird-watch on Scappoose Bay, cruise around on a path or exploring the historic community of St. Helens – Columbia County offers countless family-friendly activities.

Windsurfing in the Columbia River Gorge

Grab your board and head to the Columbia River Gorge, the windsurfing capital of the world, located a short drive east of Portland.

Farm Loops Near Portland

Only 15–45 minutes from Portland, three self-guided tours let you choose your own farm-to-table adventure amid bucolic gardens, ranches and vineyards.

North Willamette Valley Winery Tour

This Forest-Grove-based tour features picturesque wineries, an authentic sake brewery and a lively lodge.

A Perfect Day at Portland Farmers Market

Portland’s flagship farmers' market perfectly embodies the city’s foodie sensibilities and independent spirit.

Summer Events and Activities in Downtown Portland

The city’s sunniest season makes it easy to fill your calendar with summer fun.

Portland Street Fairs

Come summer, many of Portland’s neighborhoods put on local parties with live music, food and fun.

Farm Dinners Around Portland

Eat local by visiting Portland-area farms that bring the dinner table to the fields!

Portland Soccer: Timbers and Thorns

With a fervent following, every Portland Timbers and Thorns match has a festive atmosphere that's enjoyable whether you're a soccer fan or not.

Baseball in Portland

The Portland Pickles and Hillsboro Hops are two local baseball teams pitching summery good times.

Make a Splash

Beat the heat like a local by jumping into the nearest river, lake or fountain in Portland.

Go To Water Activities

Swimming Holes Near Portland

Stay cool all summer long at these serene swimming spots, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest — and all less than an hour away from Portland.

Make a Splash in the Willamette River

The river, which bisects the city into east and west sides, is a virtual aquatic playground, with kayakers, fishers and swimmers enjoying the water.

Portland’s Public Fountains

Cool off with free fun at these kid-friendly fountains in Portland.

Upcoming Summer Events

Enjoy these summertime events and festivals in and near Portland.

Full Calendar

Canceled

July 2–5, 2021

Waterfront Blues Festival

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Every Fourth of July weekend, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes over downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park.

Canceled

Festivals

Music

Summer

Canceled

July 28–31, 2021

Oregon Brewers Festival

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

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.

Canceled

Beer

Festivals

Summer