Festivals And Events In Portland, Oregon, USA

Portland, Oregon: A Vibrant Calendar of Local Festivals and Events

Welcome to Portland, a city known for its unique charm, thriving arts scene, and love for all things local. Throughout the year, Portland hosts an array of fascinating festivals and events that showcase its diverse culture, food, music, and more. Here’s a brief guide to some of the most popular events in the City of Roses.

  1. Portland Rose Festival (June) The city’s namesake event, Portland Rose Festival is a month-long celebration featuring parades, concerts, coronations, and a grand flower show. The highlight is the Starlight Parade, one of the largest nighttime parades in the U.S.

  2. Waterfront Blues Festival (July) Music lovers unite for this four-day event at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, featuring top blues artists from around the world. The festival is also famous for its BBQ cookoff contest and fireworks displays over the Willamette River.

  3. Portland Pride Festival & Parade (June) Celebrating LGBTQ+ culture, this annual event includes a parade through downtown Portland and a weekend-long festival at Tom McCall Waterfront Park filled with music, dance, food, and vendors.

  4. PDX Pop Now! (July) A showcase of some of the best independent musicians in Portland, PDX Pop Now! offers several free concerts across various venues throughout the city.

  5. Portland Japanese Garden’s Sakura Matsuri (April) Experience Japan right in the heart of Portland during this annual cherry blossom festival at the beautiful Portland Japanese Garden. The event includes traditional music, dance, food, and craft demonstrations.

  6. Victorian Celebration at the Pittock Mansion (December) Step back in time as you explore the historic Pittock Mansion during this festive event, featuring live music, dancing, caroling, and delicious holiday treats.

  7. Portland Sunday Parkways (May-September) Portland’s largest traffic-free streets event encourages residents and visitors alike to walk, bike, rollerblade, or jog on select Sundays throughout the summer months while enjoying live music, food carts, and activities along the route.

  8. First Thursday Art Walk (Monthly) On the first Thursday of every month, galleries in Portland’s Pearl District stay open late for an evening art walk that showcases local artists and their work.