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Things to Do in Portland Today
Today is a beautiful day to explore all that Portland has to offer. This page lists the best Portland events, festivals, concerts, tours and exhibitions that are happening today. Scroll down to see our top picks. To find even more events, search the full events calendar and see our picks for Things to Do in Portland Tomorrow and Things to Do in Portland This Weekend.
Events in Portland Today
Tours
Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour
Prepare to journey back in time to the birth of the Cascade Mountain Range, where lava and pyroclastic matter oozed and flowed, creating a solid layer of basalt rock that coated Western Oregon. Fast forward to the Pleistocene Ice Age, and witness the epic Lake Missoula Flood, which carved out the majestic Columbia River Gorge,…
Portland City Tour
Get ready to explore the heart and soul of Portland with a half-day City Tour. This isn’t your average tour; you'll be takn on a journey through the city’s charming streets and reveal its laid-back atmosphere. Brace yourself for an amazing tour of Portland’s must-see spots like the International Rose Garden (seasonally), the World Forestry…
Full Day Columbia River Gorge Tour
Jump into a day-long adventure and discover what makes the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area a true gem. Be awed by the majesty of the USA's second tallest waterfall, witness the incredible salmon journey at the Bonneville Dam Complex, catch some windsurfing thrills in the windsurfing capital of the USA, and explore the official…
Mt. Hood Loop Tour including Multnomah Falls
Buckle up for an epic journey as you are whisked away from Portland to the spellbinding Mt. Hood. With passionate and well-informed guides leading the way, you’ll have plenty of chances to snap up some breathtaking shots of the majestic landscape and soak up the mesmerizing history of this iconic mountain. Enjoy a full day…
Oregon Coastal Tour
Maximize your beach time while at the Oregon Coast Oregon’s coastline is graced with unforgettable vistas: dramatic cliffs, offshore rocks and sea lions, wide sandy beaches, majestic capes, historic lighthouses, enchanted forests and lovely small beach towns which artists and artisans make their home. Locations we may visit include: Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, Short Sand…
Portland City Tour & Gorge Waterfalls Combo
Ready for an adventure? Join the ultimate tour of Portland and the Columbia River Gorge. You'll see the must-see sights in Portland and then be whisked away to the stunning Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Discover the magic of the waterfalls, soak in breathtaking views, and dive into the history of the area’s top attractions….
City of Roses Tour
In this 3-hour sightseeing tour, we will explore some of Portland's most iconic sites, including the picturesque International Rose Test Garden, the Pearl District, the historic Pittock Mansion, the cultural district, the government district, Mt. Tabor, and more. Cross the oldest truss bridge in operation in America. Your tour guide will share stories and insights…
Waterfalls and Wonder tour
In this 3-hour sightseeing tour, travel a historic highway — an engineering marvel — and view spectacular sights along the astounding Columbia River Gorge; visit the famous Vista House and fascinating Women's Forum Park; feel the spray of majestic Northwest waterfalls, Latourell and Multnomah. Your tour guide will share stories and insights on this beautiful…
City of Inspiration: A Walking Tour of Downtown Portland
Explore downtown Portland, and learn about the history and culture of one of this country's most talked about cities. During the ~1.5-mile (2.4 km) walk, you will experience famous historical sites, vibrant public squares, hilarious trivia, hidden artwork, innovative parks, magical city-planning concepts, the tiniest park in America, and more. Pick up in front of…
Private Elevated Wine Tour Experience
Oregon is home to some of the most beautiful vineyards in the world, not only known for its distinctive pinot noir but many other varietals such as pinot gris, chardonnay, riesling and more. Your experience will take place in the heart of the Willamette Valley, home to renowned, award-winning wineries. Oregon's Willamette Valley has elevated…
Willamette Valley Wine Tour
In this 7-hour sightseeing tour, travel in cozy comfort through idyllic Willamette Valley with its quaint villages and rolling landscape. Your tour guide will share history and insights on Oregon and the wine industry. Stop at some unique boutique wineries, plus local specialty shops. Lunch is included. Wine tastings can be purchased at each winery…
Oregon Wine Tasting Tour
Sip your way through Oregon’s finest wines on an extraordinary tasting tour, only a day trip away from Portland. Discover the stunning Willamette Valley, and be guided through the best wine experiences it has to offer. Soak up the breathtaking views, visit three amazing vineyards, and unveil the secrets behind the perfect Oregon Pinot Noir….
Half Day Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland
Species seen nowhere else in the world, dramatic basalt lava flows nearly a mile deep, and some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls are a few of the sights that await you on this tour. Experience the grandeur of the Columbia River Gorge, one of the United States’ most photographed National Scenic Areas. We will…
BeerQuest Haunted Pub Tour
Uncover Portland’s dark side on this spine-tingling walking pub tour. In the early 1900s, unsuspecting sailors were often ruthlessly abducted and whisked away through the notorious Shanghai Tunnels. Tour guides will tell you how notorious criminals kidnapped thousands of people and why their ghosts still haunt Portland today. This is Portland’s longest-running ghost tour with…
Exhibitions
Celebration of the Chrysanthemum
Step aside, pumpkins — it's chrysanthemum season. In November, Lan Su celebrates the beauty of chrysanthemums and their cultural significance in perfect harmony with the traditional Chinese Double Ninth Festival. These exquisite flowers hold a rich and storied history in Chinese culture, symbolizing traits such as longevity, nobility, and endurance. Enjoy a series of horticultural…
A Pittock Mansion Christmas
Pittock Mansion transforms into a Winter Wonderland for this year’s Christmas display. Experience this beloved Portland tradition and celebrate the season with the festive and fantastical displays created by volunteer decorators. A Pittock Mansion Christmas: Winter Wonderland will be on view November 19, 2023, through January 4, 2024, at Pittock Mansion (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day…
Black Artists of Oregon
Black Artists of Oregon, highlighting and celebrating the work of Black artists in and outside the collection, will deepen awareness of the talented artists that have shaped and inspired artists regionally and nationally. The exhibition is the first of its kind to consider the work of Black artists collectively in Oregon, often underrepresented and unacknowledged….
Social Forms: Art as Global Citizenship
This free, citywide art exhibition features 50+ local and global artists at 15+ venues across Portland and promises an exciting opening weekend. Through the theme of Social Forms: Art as Global Citizenship, this year’s biennial is a curated showing of the world’s leading contemporary artworks — some of which will debut for the first time…
Africa Fashion
The Portland Art Museum is pleased to present Africa Fashion, a major exhibition from the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London that will celebrate the richness and diversity of African creativity, cultures, and histories, using fashion as a catalyst. Spanning the mid-twentieth century to contemporary designs, Africa Fashion explores the vitality of a fashion…
Veteran's Showcase
The Gallery at the Oregon Society of Artists is proud to present an exhibition dedicated to the artwork produced by US Military Veterans. For over six years, the Oregon Society of Artists has partnered with various foundations to provide free art classes to military veterans. Each November The Gallery is dedicated to showcasing the wonderful…
A Question of Hu: The Narrative Art of Hung Liu
Groundbreaking Chinese American artist Hung Liu (1948–2021) made highly narrative images that foregrounded workers, immigrants, refugees, women, children, and soldiers in haunting, incandescent portraits that mingle Chinese and Western artistic traditions. Liu was born in Changchun, China, and her childhood and youth coincided with one of the most tumultuous periods in Chinese history. After she…
A Sense of Place: the Art of George Tsutakawa
The Japanese American Museum of Oregon presents A Sense of Place: The Art of George Tsutakawa, a career-spanning exhibition of the influential Seattle artist’s paintings, sculptures, and fountain designs. Inspired by his life in the Pacific Northwest and his Japanese heritage, Tsutakawa (1910-1997) was fascinated with the natural forms and aesthetics he encountered in both…
Ceramics Northwest
Pop-up store featuring work by over 35 OPA members in a range of styles. Great gifts for friends, family and yourself. The Oregon Potters Association supports opportunities to advance creativity through activities with clay.
Leonard Baskin, the Great Birdman
Leonard Baskin’s Orthodox Jewish upbringing and deep knowledge of Jewish texts and history are evident throughout his oeuvre. His art, expressed in sculpture and painting, and the printing techniques of lithography, woodcut, etching, and engraving, carries multiple sources of inspiration, including monumental Egyptian and Mesopotamian sculpture, classical Greek mythology and literature, and portrayals of Native…
Mundos posibles / Possible Worlds
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at PSU is pleased to present Mundos posibles / Possible Worlds, featuring collaborative and participatory work by Mexican artist Nuria Montiel. The exhibition is on view from October 12 through December 2, 2023, with a conversation with the artist and reception on Thursday, November 16 from 5:00-7:00 PM, at…
All Other Events
Benson Hotel Annual Gingerbread Display
The Benson Portland Curio Collection by Hilton invites the public back once again for a live unveiling of the 2023 Gingerbread Masterpiece, a 52-year beloved holiday tradition. The architectural feat promises only one hint to this year’s theme: “A famous example of romanticism, this beautiful sight inspired one dreamer and creator to capture the imaginations…
Small Shops Big Hearts: Win Big
Portland’s small business community is coming together to put the fun back into holiday shopping. The annual Portland tradition, Win Big! returns for the 2023 holiday season with more than 100 participating independent retailers and pop-up shops. To participate, download the Win Big Shop Small app to discover participating retailers or pick up a Discover…
PDX Pop-Up Shops
Announcing the exciting unveiling of the lineup for this year’s holiday PDX Pop-Up Shops. This program transforms vacant retail spaces in downtown Portland into vibrant, temporary destinations for local designers and artists. It is a wide range of businesses, from streetwear, ceramics, and gourmet dog treats to a spooky-themed coffee bar. Black Santa and his…
Portland Night Market
The Portland Night Market showcases many unique businesses that call Portland home. Blending food, culture, music, drinks and retail for an adventurous evening in the Central Eastside. Meet some of Portland's best makers and creators. With almost 200 hundred makers, the Night Market offers food carts, drinks, clothing, lifestyle goods, home goods, body care and…
Winter Wonderland
Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi”, Winter Wonderland will grab your attention with glimmers and glows around every corner. Since 1993, a journey through Winter Wonderland has become a holiday tradition for many families, friends, and social organizations to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season….
ZooLights
Kids and adults agree: it wouldn't be the holidays in Portland without a visit to ZooLights. Enjoy an immersive and dazzling display of millions of lights. Not able to commit to a timed-entry ticket? This year features the ZooLights Any Night ticket, which can be purchased in advance and used spontaneously for any night and…
Christmas Festival of Lights
Presenting the sights, sounds and sensations of the season, The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. The festival features nearly 160 indoor holiday concerts performed by many of the region’s finest school, church and civic choirs. Offering a family-oriented blend of traditional celebration and serene reflection, the…
Silverton Christmas Market
Join an awe-inspiring light display and market at the Oregon Garden Resort. This annual event offers a joyous and magical holiday experience for all ages. Stroll along immersive paths draped in more than one million lights. Explore the authentic German Christmas Market for gifts from artisan vendors and imported German nutcrackers, smokers and ornaments. Visit…
Black Nativity
PassinArt: A Theatre Company presents Black Nativity by poet and playwright Langston Hughes. Based on the traditional Nativity story, the spirit-filled, inspiring gospel songplay features traditional Christmas carols performed in a gospel style with a few new songs specifically for the show. Directed by Jerry Foster
Portland Latin American Film Festival
The Portland Latin American Film Festival announces its XVII Season at the Hollywood Theatre, featuring feature films, documentaries, and short films from Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay and the USA. Please visit the event website for information on additional screenings. PDXLAFF is a cultural promoter under the guidance of Hollywood…
Light Up St. Johns Ugly Sweater Holiday Events
Join one of Portland’s most charming neighborhoods and Light Up St. Johns with Ugly Sweater Holiday Celebrations. The St. Johns Boosters and local businesses present a series of celebrations to revel in the most festive of seasons: 11/6-1/1 | St. Johns Ugly Sweater Holiday Window Displays | Stroll the St. Johns Business District to see…
Sippin' on Sixth
Open only from November 20-December 31, Sippin' on Sixth at the Courtyard City Center is a holiday bar with a decidedly tiki twist: think kitschy, over-the-top tropical decorations, festive original cocktails served in holiday mugs and plenty of good cheer. Opening Night 11/20: Each specialty cocktail purchase includes a complimentary lei with cranked-up holiday tunes…
Throughlines: Connections in the Collection
Throughlines embraces wonder and curiosity, bringing together artworks from across the Museum’s collections to explore the range of artistic innovation. From diverse geographies, cultures, and time periods, artists have consistently created images, objects, and experiences that ask us to consider ourselves and the world from different perspectives. Visitors will encounter playful groupings that reveal how…
Veganizer: World Vegan Month
This November, celebrate World Vegan Month with Veganizer PDX and 20+ Portland restaurants and carts. Participating locations will serve food/drink specials and donate a portion of sales from their special to a nonprofit of their choice. Dine at participating locations and complete a World Vegan Month dining passport (8 stamps) for a chance to win…
El Día del Mate / National Mate Day
Join Edúcate Ya to celebrate Argentina’s favorite drink. Mate holds great cultural, social, and economic importance to Latin America’s largest Spanish-speaking country. Attendees at Edúcate Ya’s Día del Mate festival will hear from the resident Argentinian about the health benefits and social significance of this bitter drink, and thanks to sponsor Guayakí, there will be…
Live~with Sonic Arts and Music Production Students
SAMP students perform Live Sets with Electronics, featuring custom-made tools and plugins. Dream of producing music? PSU School of Music’s latest program, Sonic Arts and Music Production, might perfectly fit your interests and talents. An exciting combination of music technology and creative inspiration, you’ll get the chance to flex your professional chops with unparalleled opportunities…
John Pelham Memorial Tournament of Champions
One of the largest annual racquetball tournaments in the Pacific Northwest is dedicated to honoring the legacy of U.S. Army Specialist John A. Pelham and our nation’s heroes. Enjoy an unparalleled experience that combines fierce competition with a heartfelt cause. Witness the best in racquetball while supporting charities like The Oregon Youth Challenge Program and…
The Makers Fair Holiday Market at Rejuvenation
Support Portland's local makers with one-of-a-kind and easy-to-find holiday gifts with purpose all season long. It features 140 of Portland’s best local makers, artists and craftspeople under one roof, seven days a week from October 10 through December 23. The market includes a curated selection of specialty hand-crafted candles, gifts, fine and fashion jewelry, ceramics,…
PDX Urban Wineries Holiday Pop-Up Shop
This unique Holiday pop-up brings wines from member wineries for tasting and purchase all in one location. Fifteen member wineries will feature three of their Portland-Made Wines. There will be a rotating list of Five wines each day to taste, with all wines available for purchase. Mix and match your favorite wines to get discounts…
The Gift Show
One-of-a-kind gifts made by artists for a special someone. Opening Friday, November 24 and continuing through the Holidays with a special event on Saturday, December 9 with Live Music and Refreshments.
Visits with Santa
Schedule your magical time with Santa at Bridgeport Village. Reservations required. Your $20 deposit will be applied toward your Photo and or Digital Download (with copyright release) purchase at your visit. Santa's Gingerbread Cottage is located near Regal theater. Also, capture some memorable holiday photos with your furry best friend. Schedule your pet photos with…
Yishai Jusidman, Prussian Blue
Yishai Jusidman’s Prussian Blue is a series of paintings rendered almost exclusively in one of the earliest artificially developed pigments used by European painters—Prussian Blue. The chemical compound that makes up this pigment happens to be related to the Prussic acid in Zyklon B, the poisonous product deployed at some of the Nazi concentration and…
PSU Noon Concert Series Fall 2023
The Noon Concert Series is a weekly opportunity to experience the sounds of the PSU School of Music and Theater. Join Thursdays during fall, winter, and spring terms for a diverse program of concerts featuring students, faculty, and special guests. The general public is welcome in Lincoln Hall to watch the series live. You'll also…
Liberace & Liza Holiday at the Mansion (A Tribute)
Don’t miss this exhilarating parade of musical and comical fireworks. Local favorites David Saffert and Jillian Snow have dazzled audiences from New York to Portland. Get ready for nonstop glamor and glitz as they take the stage as Liberace and Liza Minnelli. Featuring rousing musical numbers, enchanting costumes, and unforgettable laughs, this cheeky and delightful…
Anthony Jeselnik
Anthony Jeselnik is a stand-up comedian from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is currently seen on his podcast, THE JESELNIK AND ROSENTHAL VANITY PROJECT, alongside co-host Gregg Rosenthal. His most recent stand-up special, FIRE IN THE MATERNITY WARD, premiered on Netflix to critical acclaim. Anthony was also the creator, host and producer of his series, GOOD TALK…
Events by Month
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