The summer months in Portland come with little rain, so it’s the best time to get outside and explore everything the city has to offer. Outdoor events and festivals held throughout the city are the perfect way to do that. Read on for a list of the best summer events and festivals in the best Pacific Northwest city, Portland, Oregon.
Updated March 2023
A biking festival that takes place every summer, PedalPaloozza hosts hundreds of volunteer-organized free events open to the general public. Featured rides include Loud and Lit, a loud and bright dance party ride, and Sunday Parkways, a series Sunday rides that loop through streets in various neighborhoods together via roads closed to car traffic. Check their website for a full calendar of daily events and rides.
An incredible concert lineup livens up Riverfront Park every 4th of July weekend at this annual music festival. You don’t want to miss multiple stages of the country’s best blues & jazz acts, after-show parties, and a spectacular firework display. More details here.
Every summer, concerts and shows happen throughout public spaces in the city. The latest is PDX Live events at Pioneer Square, located in the heart of Downtown Portland. For show dates and tickets, visit their website. Additional outdoor concerts pop up every now and then including Concerts in the Park. Keep an eye on the Oregon Zoo’s website for the return of their summer concerts.
The Portland Saturday Market is a huge artisanal arts and crafts market open every weekend from March to Christmas Eve. Almost everything you see at the market is handmade and sold to you by the person who made it! Stroll through the sprawling market along the riverfront and grab a coffee and snack (or few) at the many food carts available as well. More details here.
While this event was paused for most of the pandemic, outdoor movies in Portland Pioneer Courthouse Square are making a comeback! Bring a chair or a blanket, and enjoy some movies for all ages on the big screen under the stars. The films change every time, but are always family-friendly. More info and details here.
Portland has an amazing beer scene so that means there’s no shortage of beer festivals all summer long. While some have been paused since the pandemic, there are still plenty to choose from including the Craft Beer Festival, PDX Beer Week, and Sip of Spring.
There is no shortage of summer street fairs in Portland! Fairs on Alberta Street, Belmont Street, Hawthorne Blvd, Mississippi Ave, Fremont Street, and more, take place throughout the summer months. You won’t run out of food to try or local shops to check out at these fairs! Head here for locations and details.
Portland is no stranger to art-centric events, especially in the summer. First Thursday in the Pearl is an art walk and shopping event that invites you to walk down a car-free street on the first Thursday of the month. Check out more info here. Last Thursday on Alberta is a 15 block art walk along Alberta Street held in the evening on the last Thursday of the month. More information here.
Summertime is the perfect time to walk around Portland eating and drinking on a food tour! Lost Plate Food Tours runs multiple food tours in the city, including a Portland Food Cart Tour and Downtown Coffee & Donut Tour. You’ll be guided around by a local Portlander and all food and drink are included, making it an awesome value and true Portland experience!
An annual music event held in Portland, Pickathon is an experimental festival where camping meets concerts meets beer gardens meets local food and good vendors. It’s quite the unique extravaganza! Usually taking place early in August, check out their website for more details and tickets.
Patio Season. That’s what Portlanders call the summer months. Since June-August are some of the only months without rain, locals take advantage of it by lounging on patios with an ice cold drink in hand. We recommend checking out the patios and rooftops at Apex Bar, Revolution Hall, Bar Bar at Mississippi Studios, or Lolo Pass. Or join Lost Plate’s Food Carts, Pods, & Patio’s Food Tour for a walking food tour to some of the city’s best patios and outdoor spaces.
You may have to check Craigslist or Facebook groups for tickets to some of these shows! Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn have big acts that come to Portland each summer, and many sell out quickly. But it’s popular for a reason, and one of the best spots to jam out to live music while enjoying locally made beer and noshes. Check out the schedule and ticket info here.
Kickstand Comedy is a local nonprofit theater hosting comedy classes, shows, and more. They first started Free Comedy in the Park during the pandemic, but now continue this popular event every summer. Anyone from local to touring comedians are known to make an appearance. Head to Laurelhurst Park with a chair, blanket, and picnic, and prepare to laugh til your stomach hurts. Go here for show dates and more info.
Much like street fairs, you will not run out of farmer’s markets to shop at in Portland every summer. Almost every neighborhood has a local market, selling everything from fresh produce to handmade goods. For a complete directory and calendar, go here.
Sauvie Island is about 10 miles/16 km north of Portland and has a lot to offer in the summer months. Check out several sandy beaches, go hiking, wine tasting, and berry picking – all in one day! Travel Portland has a great article on Sauvie Island here.
Grab a warm drink and get your cheer on with this list of the best Portland winter festivals and Christmas events happening this holiday season! From lights to trains to parties to extreme sports, Portland is the place to be for the holidays and we’ve got you covered.
What to eat, where to stay, what to do, how to get around; we’ve got it all covered in our free Portland, Oregon Travel Guide.
This is your complete guide to the Portland’s Best Summer Foodie Events and Food & Beer Festivals, brought to you by our team of foodies in Portland, Oregon!
Sign up for our newsletter!
Email: info@lostplate.com
China & Cambodia Tours: +86 156 9210 9030
Portland Tours: +1 503 409 5593
WeChat: lostplate
Join our newsletter for promotions and tour announcements!
