Summer in Portland
Portland packs the sunniest season with festivals celebrating the city's music, craft beer, contemporary art and internationally acclaimed culinary scene.
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.
Events By Month
Every month of summer in Portland offers its own unique events and experiences.
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.
Make a Splash
Beat the heat like a local by jumping into the nearest river, lake or fountain in Portland.
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.
Portland Rose Festival
Portland Rose Festival features multiple parades, waterfront carnival rides, concerts, dragon boat races, fireworks and plenty of roses.
CityFair
EVENT POSTPONED. Please visit the event website for current information. Considered the “hub” of the annual Portland Rose Festival, CityFair fills Waterfront Park with carnival rides, concerts, food and fireworks for multiple weekends during the festival.
Portland Saturday Market
Open every Saturday and Sunday from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.
Rose Festival Starlight Parade
EVENT POSTPONED. Please visit the event website for current information. For more than 40 years, Portland’s Starlight Parade has offered funky, eclectic fun for everyone. From traditional marching bands and flood-lit floats, to glow-in-the-dark umbrellas and unique hand-built entries, you’ll see the best of Portland’s diverse community groups (and surrounding Northwest region) together in one…
Pedalpalooza
UPDATE: In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Pedalpalooza 2020 will emphasize individual rides rather than encouraging people to bike in groups. Visit the Pedalpalooza website for more details. 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…
Fleet Week
EVENT POSTPONED. Please visit the event website for current information. Since the very beginning of the Rose Festival back in 1907, visiting ships and other fleet-related elements (like submarines) have been making their way to Portland’s waterfront. The City of Portland is known to be a favorite port of call for military (and non-military) visitors…
Portland Rose Society Annual Spring Rose Show
EVENT POSTPONED. Please visit the event website for current information. This annual rose show is the nation’s largest and long-running rose show, bringing more than 4,000 blooms to Lloyd Center in Northeast Portland. Explore a huge variety of roses, from the quarter-inch micro-minis to the 8 inch standard blooms.
Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn
Since 2008, McMenamins Edgefield, a bucolic venue located 15 miles east of Portland in Troutdale, has welcomed musical acts to its Concerts on the Lawn series, which is a local rite of summer.
Rose Festival Dragon Boat Races
EVENT POSTPONED. Please visit the event website for current information. The Rose Festival is proud to host the Portland Rose Festival Dragon Boat Races, an event that has been bringing an exciting Chinese tradition to Portland for more than two decades, beginning in 1989. Held on the Willamette River near the Hawthorne Bridge, the races…
Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade
EVENT POSTPONED. Please visit the event website for current information. A cherished highlight of the Portland Rose Festival, this popular procession is more than a spectacular floral-filled parade; it’s a beloved annual tradition. For more than 100 years, Portland families, visitors and community groups have been making memories at the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade….
Crush On Oregon
Enjoy a full day of wine tasting, local eats, and entertainment at the annual Crush On Oregon winetasting event. Attendees will have a chance to taste wine from 35+ Oregon winemakers, with representation from around the state — and see for themselves why Oregon’s wine is so highly acclaimed. If that isn’t exciting enough, a…
PDX Beer Week
Portland Beer Week spotlights Portland’s breweries, high-quality brews and vibrant beer culture.
Portland Pride
Every June, the Portland Pride Festival & Parade makes a name for itself — and LGBTQ+ community members — all over town.
Delta Park Powwow and Encampment
All are welcome and invited to the 50th Annual Delta Park Powwow and Encampment on June 19-21, 2020 at East Delta Park in Portland, Oregon. The event is a free and family-friendly celebration of Native American culture. The Delta Park Powwow and Encampment is an annual Portland tradition that draws Native American, and non-native participants…
Portland International Beerfest
Portland International Beerfest (PIB) is a three-day specialty beer festival held in the Pearl District’s North Park Blocks. PIB showcases hard-to-find beers and ciders from all over the world. Sample everything from classic styles (pilsners, pales, et cetera.) to exotic new world hybrids (barrel-aged hoppy farmhouse sours, et cetera.)
Turn the Radio Up!
Join Portland’s Gay Men’s Chorus at their annual Pride Month concert! In 2020, the theme is “Turn the Radio Up,” featuring some of the best pop hits from the 1980s through today (think Madonna, Cher, George Michael, Jennifer Lopez, Lizzo, Pink, Taylor Swift and Whitney Houston). Joined by a cappella super group Cascade and dance…
Summer Free For All
Portland Parks & Recreation offers over 400 free events including free movie screenings, concerts and rock climbing.
Chamber Music Northwest Summer Festival
Chamber Music Northwest’s annual summer festival combines high-caliber classical music with a laid-back atmosphere.
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 Albera 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.
Festa Italiana
Bring family and friends to enjoy non-stop Italian food, entertainment, dancing, vendors, wine and beer gardens at the annual Festa Italiana.
Festival of Balloons
Hot-air balloons take flight mere minutes from downtown Portland every summer.
World Naked Bike Ride
Every June, thousands of cyclists cruise commando through Portland streets as part of the World Naked Bike Ride.
Edgefield Brewfest
This June, we’re throwing the third-ever Edgefield Brewfest, and this is one you cannot miss! On the same lawn where Edgefield Concerts take place, we’re bringing together more than 100 of Oregon and Washington’s best breweries & cideries for a day full of merriment. Wander the rows of taps to find your new favorite, or…
Portland Sunday Parkways
This family-friendly bike ride features local vendors and live entertainment.
Sunday Parkways: North Portland
UPDATE: The June Sunday Parkways event will be digital-only due to the coronavirus pandemic. See the Facebook events page for details. Join Sunday Parkways in this 9.5-mile loop of North Portland, which will pass by Arbor Lodge Park, Peninsula Park & Rose Garden, Kenton Park, McCoy Park and Columbia Annex. An accessible ride (by EveryOne…
Peacock in the Park
Sequins, boas and a rainbow of talent mark LGBTQ variety show Peacock in the Park’s takeover of Washington Park.
Portland Craft Beer Festival
The Portland Craft Beer Festival brings a huge outdoor party to the Fields Neighborhood Park, along with a huge selection of local beers, ciders and wine, originating from Portland, Oregon breweries. Only beers, plus ciders and wine, crafted within the city limits of Portland are featured at the PCBF which makes it unique and different…
Noon Tunes Summer Concert Series
The Noon Tunes Summer Concert Series will return for its 30th year on Tuesdays in July and August! From noon-1:00pm enjoy music from some of Portland’s best regional and local musical talent. With eight FREE concerts, dancing, some of Portland’s favorite food vendors at Carts on the Square and interactive activities, the Square is sure…
Harefest
The annual Harefest music festival in Canby presents the Northwest’s best tribute bands performing on three stages over two days. The Harefest experience has been described by many attendees and performers as “adult summer camp” not only for the fun-loving, good-natured attendees, but also because of its rustic location and tent camping around the festival…
Rose Cup Races
Celebrate racing history at Portland International Raceway’s 60th annual Rose Cup Races! Enjoy great racing, pageantry and honoring an iconic family-friendly event in the Pacific Northwest.
Oregon Country Fair
Delight in the Oregon Coutnry Fair’s world class entertainment, handmade crafts, delectable foods, educational displays and magical surprises at every turn of the path. The Oregon Country Fair is nestled in a wooded setting 13 miles west of Eugene, Ore., and offers an other-worldly path ambience, parades and more. The Oregon Country Fair creates events…
Portland Zine Symposium
The Portland Zine Symposium is an organization that hosts, among other events, a yearly free conference and zine social exploring facets of independent publishing and DIY culture. This event has been held in Portland, Oregon every summer since 2001 and hosts over 150 tablers from around the world each year, as well as many free…
The Big Float
Every summer since 2011, thousands of people swim and float in the Willamette River for the annual Big Float event.
Portland Picnic Wine Tasting Festival
Bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the fourth annual Portland Picnic in Westmoreland Park. Featuring tastings from an array of 100 wines from around the world. There will also be beer available from Level Beer and nonalcoholic beverages to enjoy. A great selection of local vendors will be offering tasty food, live music, and…
Fete de la Bastille & Waiters Race
The Fete de la Bastille is the West Coast’s largest Bastille Day celebration. The festival is free and open to the public and attracts as many 8,000 participants. A fun tradition during this festival is the Annual Waiters Race. The popular Portland Waiters Race returns to Bastille Day and will start at 2 p.m. Racers…
Northwest String Summit
The annual Northwest String Summit celebrates Bluegrass, roots, and Americana sounds during its multi-day festival in North Plains, Oregon. Visit their website early to purchase tickets, as they usually sell out fast.
Flicks on the Bricks
On five Friday evenings in July and August, the Square will be transformed into Portland’s largest outdoor movie theater for the entire community to enjoy! Flicks on the Bricks will kick-off on Friday, July 17 and continue through August 14 on Friday nights. IKEA will offer movie-goers a chance to sit in the “Best Seat…
Portland Highland Games
For more than 60 years, the Portland Highland Games have delighted participants with a unique, Scottish experience featuring incredible Scottish pipe bands, bag pipers and drummers, dancers and athletes. Come enjoy a full day of this Scottish festival. Explore Scottish clan tents and learn about your Scottish history (you may be surprised to find a…
Oregon Northwest Merfest
Oregon Northwest Merfest is a festival for the entire family that brings awareness to conservation with a fun “under the sea” theme. Join Oregon Mermaids for a day of mermaids, pirates, sea-themed entertainers, puppet shows and ocean-themed yoga. Oregon Mermaids impart their love of the briny deep, its wildlife, the ocean beaches and conservation information…
Sunday Parkways: Gateway
Head to Gateway in Northeast Portland for Sunday Parkways’ 4.8-mile loop of the neighborhood. One of the shorter routes of the summer, Gateway’s Sunday Parkways is a great option for families and friends who want to walk (instead of bike) at the event. Parks along the route include Hazelwood Hydro Park, Gateway Discovery Park, Knott…
Portland Sketch Comedy Festival
It’s time once again for The Siren Theater to be taken over by sketch comedy troupes from all over North America! Ten troupes. Nine shows. Three nights. Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver B.C., Seattle and Portland, all in one spot. The Portland Sketch Comedy Festival was created in 2017 to celebrate the theatrical art form…
Division/Clinton Street Fair and Parade
Celebrate the funky charm of one of Southeast Portland’s oldest neighborhoods at the Division/Clinton District’s annual Street Fair and Parade. The morning parade along Division and Clinton Streets will kick off a full day of live music, family fun, children’s events, great food, interesting art, craft and community booths, sidewalk sales for bargain hunters, and…
Montavilla Street Fair
Stroll down Stark Street and enjoy district businesses, vendors, a farmer’s market and family-friendly entertainment and activities.
Pickathon
Every August since 1999, Pickathon draws diverse musical performers to celebrate music and the outdoors at the lush Pendarvis Farm just outside of Portland.
Chinese Festival
Join the Oregon Chinese Coalition for the city’s annual Chinese Festival in the Square! Celebrate Chinese American culture and enjoy nonstop entertainment, delicious Chinese food, authentic arts, crafts and much more.
Vanport Jazz Festival
THE 2020 EVENT IS CANCELED. 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,…
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 $5! These special edition burgers are designed especially for the Mercury’s Portland Burger Week and are only available from Aug. 3-8, 2020, so dig in while you can! Tips for Portland Burger Week:…
Sneaker Week
Sneaker Week offers fun events for sneaker addicts and footwear newbies alike.
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!
Bloody Mary Festival
The Bloody Mary Festival scours Portland for the craftiest and most delicious Bloody Marys. Your ticket includes over two hours enjoying Portland’s most creative and innovative Bloody Marys, created by the finest restaurants, bars and bottled mix companies, along with yummy food and drink tastes from local artisans. Also, you’ll get one vote for the…