Events
Events listed on the Portland Events Wall Calendar
- 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade
Excellent for car enthusiasts and everyone with SE pride, this parade draws thousands of people, with marching bands and more. Catch first sight of the Rose Festival princesses, too.
southeastuplift.org - The Gathering of the Guilds
The Oregon Potters Association and Ceramic Showcase bring 300 exhibitors together, sharing jewelry, metal arts, fine woodworking, and more.
cmaguild.org - The Northwest Pet & Companion Fair
The largest of its kind, the fair has pet competitions and adoption services.
nwpetfair.com - Bridge to Brews
The race begins and ends at Widmer Brothers brewery and crosses the Fremont Bridge. Two complimentary beers, if you’re over 21.
terrapinevents.com - Cheers to Belgian Beers
A great opportunity to taste beer the way monks intended it. Local brewers offer Belgian-style beers alongside the real deal. The people get to decide in the People’s Choice Award.
oregonbeer.org - Dundee Hills Passport Tour
Purchasing the passport gets you tasting discounts at wineries around Dundee Hills. Each winery sets up its own tour, and some give the inside details on winemaking all month.
dundeehills.org - Filmed by Bike Film Festival
Eight minutes or less, cycle-centric films are shown at the Clinton Street Theater. Opening night = wild block party.
filmedbybike.org - Hood River Valley Blossom Time & Festival
For three weekends in April, this 35-mile route bursts into blossom with roadside attractions, farms, craft shows, and much more. April 20-21 is Traditional Blossom Fest Weekend.
hoodriver.org - Kitchen Revival Tour
Want some ideas for renovating your kitchen? Inspire your inner chef by visiting restored, historic kitchens throughout the city.
visitahc.org - Oregon Garden Brewfest
Featuring local breweries, live music, and the almighty Homebrew Competition, in the town of Silverton.
oregongarden.org - Oregon Orchid Show & Sale
It’s the largest orchid show in the NW, and it has featured garden walks, plant sales, and stunning flowers for over 65 years.
oregonorchidsociety.org - Portland Swap Meet
The largest on the West Coast, this automotive swap meet has over 4,000 vendor stalls supplying hard-to-find car parts.
portlandswapmeet.com - Walk MS
All it takes is raising $100 and you can be part of one of the largest MS fundraisers in the country.
walkorc.nationalmssociety.org - Bridgetown Comedy Festival
For four days, comedy takes over bars and theaters on Hawthorne Street. National comedians with a talent for pushing the boundaries of comedy are given the spotlight.
bridgetowncomedyfestival.com - Eat Mobile
A great way to check out Portland’s food cart scene: The ticket price gets you samples from every food cart inside. Beer flows and proceeds go to Mercy Corps NW.
wweek.com - Pinbrawl
All out pinball war and fun at this tournament at in Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade in downtown.
groundkontrol.com - Columbia River Gorge Passport Weekend
Experience big wines and views while visiting Washington and Oregon wineries in the Gorge. Passports provide tasting discounts.
columbiagorgewine.com - Red Dress Party
Celebrating gender equality, everyone wears red dresses at this annual party, which typically draws more than 1,500 attendees.
reddresspdx.com - Northwest Quilters Quilt Show
A chance to talk shop and admire hundreds of quilts. You might even see a quilted Volkswagen Bug.
northwestquilters.org - Cocktail Camp
Drink it up: Expert mixologists reveal the science behind making cocktails. A delectable combination of information and drink samples.
cocktailcamp.net - PDX Bridge Festival
Celebrate the Broadway Bridge’s 100th birthday on April 22nd! Many creative activities to follow. Check the website for details.
pdxbridgefestival.org - Adult Soapbox Derby
The wackiest minds in the state organize on Mt. Tabor to create the most bizarre gravity-powered vehicles in history. Plenty of beering, cheering, and blood smearing.
soapboxracer.com - Alberta Street Fair
Last Thursday times ten, this fair lasts all day, with even more vendors, performers, beer gardens, and artists than usual.
albertamainst.org - Banks Bar-B-Que and Tractor Pull
Now this is a BBQ: tractors hauling thousands of pounds, farming equipment getting destroyed in a derby, and lots of grilled grub—all in Sunset Park in the town of Banks.
bankssunsetpark.com - Bones and Brew
Raise money for local charities while drinking Rogue’s and other microbrews. BBQ cooking and eating competitions, too.
rogue.com - Fremont Fest
Celebrated for over 25 years, this street fair has a parade, pet contests, 5k run, pub crawl, and more.
businessonfremont.com - Elephant Garlic Festival
This festival in North Plains is free to attend and includes music, wine, and thousands of cloves of garlic. Garlic beer anyone?
funstinks.com - Hawthorne Street Fair
This boulevard’s artistic side really comes out with music, face painting, puppet shows, terrific drink specials, and more.
hawthornestreetfair.com - Hood to Coast Relay
The most popular relay race on earth, it’s 200 miles from Mt. Hood to the beach. The beach party touts bands, food, and libation.
hoodtocoast.com - SMMR BMMR
Fuzz-smothered rock, punk, and power-pop bands draw fans out of the sun and into the garage.
dmmrbmmr.com - Obonfest
This Japanese festival commemorates one’s ancestors and features great food, free dance lessons, and hundreds of decorative lanterns.
oregonbuddhisttemple.com - Pickathon Indie Roots Music Festival
At the Pendarvis Farm, this music fest is one of Portland’s most important and nationally relevant.
pickathon.com - Providence Bridge Pedal
It’s one of Portland’s most popular bike events: More than 18,000 bikers enjoy great views from the bridges, most of which are closed to car traffic.
providence.org/bridgepedal - Rice Northwest Museum’s Summer Festival
A celebration of everything mineral, displaying jewelry, fossils, petrified wood, and more. Free hot dogs for kids.
ricenorthwestmuseum.org - The 48 Hour Film Project: Portland
Watch astonishingly well-made shorts produced in just 48 hours by local filmmakers.
48hourfilm.com - The Bite of Oregon
Portland’s entire food scene convenes in Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Iron Chef Oregon is just one of the many spectator events.
biteoforegon.com - The Columbia Gorge International Film Festival
Too good to be true, but it is: This Vancouver festival features hundreds of films from around the world and admission is free.
angaelica.com - Try Vegan Week and Prom
This week is full of bike rides, film screenings, happy hours, discussions, and lots of eating, and ends with the Vegan Prom the final night.
tryveganpdx.com - Tualatin Crawfish Festival
Celebrate the town of Tualatin’s 100th anniversary! Crawfish holds the seat of honor, but there’s much more. Free admission the first day.
tualatincrawfishfestival.com - Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival
Just as good as it sounds: Drink wine while listening to world-class jazz musicians lay it down.
vancouverwinejazz.com - Portland Twilight Criterium
One of the fastest bike races all year, professionals race around the Park Blocks.
portlandtwilight.com - Portland Pirate Festival
Thousands of pirates participate in pirate activities, such as shooting cannons and sword fighting. Great for both families and renegades.
portlandpiratefestival.com - Art in The Pearl
This festival in Portland’s North Park Blocks has live bands, hands-on activities, and theater performances.
artinthepearl.com - Oregon State Fair
The pickled peaches aren’t going to eat themselves: Enjoy horse shows, amusement rides, live music, free parking, and more at this Salem event.
oregonstatefair.org - Champagne Ball
For over 20 years, this huge party has rung in the new year in Portland. Happy new year!
champagneball.com - Christmas Ship Parade
Over 50 boats get decked out in Christmas lights and cruise the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Check the website for a schedule of locations.
christmasships.org - Providence Festival of Trees
See Christmas through a magnifying glass while wandering among hundreds of decorated trees. Proceeds benefit Providence Health & Services.
providence.org/oregon/events/festival_of_trees - Hawthorne Holiday Stroll
With extended business hours, games for kids, carolers, and free hot apple cider and snacks, this boulevard turns holiday shopping into a community celebration.
thinkhawthorne.com - Ho Ho 5K
Get into shape and the holiday spirit by running or walking this “festivous” race in Tigard.
xdogevents.com/hoho.php - Holiday Half
This half marathon crosses St. Paul Bridge and ends with seasonal ales, warm food, and eggnog.
foottraffic.us/holiday - Jingle Bell Run/Walk
Begin giving a little early by running or walking for a good cause. Courses are 5k or 1k and begin downtown.
portlandjinglebellrun.kintera.org - Lights on Peacock Lane
Tudors and Christmas lights, every house on this street shines for two and a half weeks. Check for pedestrian-only nights.
peacocklane.net - SantaCon
Ever wanted to wear a Santa suit and roam Portland? Why not do it en masse?
santacon.info/Portland-OR - Holiday Express
Meet Santa on a decorated, vintage train while raising money to help preserve Oregon’s historical locomotives.
orhf.org - ScanFair
Get your Scandinavia on! Food, arts, music, and a Pippi Longstocking room for kids.
scanheritage.org - Christmas Fantasy Trail
NOTE: only Mon-Sat and closed Dec 24-25. For over 20 years, the Wetzel family has decorated a 1,000-ft path with lights, glittering gingerbread houses, and even a full-size Christmas castle.
fantasytrail.com - “The Handmade NW Formal Holiday Artisans Fair
Shop for stunningly creative gifts made by local artisans in a sophisticated and stylish setting.
handmadenw.com - Fremont Festival of Lights
Santa & Mrs. Claus ride in on a fire engine, bands play, stores stay open late, and much more.
businessonfremont.com - Holiday Ale Festival
With around 50 powerful ales to sample, this beer festival will get you warm fast. Heated tents make it all the more comfortable.
holidayale.com - PDX Cartathlon
Do you have a deep love of Portland and craving for mobile cuisine? Grab four friends and join this citywide scavenger hunt to win free food-cart food for a year!
wweek.com - Hagg Lake Trail Run
If you like getting muddy, this is the race for you. 25K and 50K versions.
haggmud.com - Mardi Gras Ball in Portland
Louisiana-style Cajun and zydeco music served with authentic food can get anyone in a New Orleans mood. It’s one great party.
portlandmardigras.com - Portland International Film Festival
The largest film fest in Oregon, it premieres over 100 international films. Foreign film Oscar nominations and interviews with directors, too.
nwfilm.org - Portland Jazz Festival
Past acts have included Regina Carter and hometown sensation Esperanza Spalding, putting this jazz fest at the top of the game. Performances in venues throughout the city, some for free.
pdxjazz.com - Portland Seafood & Wine Festival
This event brings wine country and the coast to Portland. Dungeness crab, Oregon pinot gris, and oysters — upscale fun for a good price.
pdxseafoodandwinefestival.com - Portland Showcase of Wine & Cheese
Indulge in the world of fine wine and cheese while supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs.
bgcportland.org - Worst Day of the Year Ride
Not as bad as it sounds, it’s all about warm drinks, yummy food, and crazy costumes!
worstdayride.com - Zwickelmania
It’s your chance to hang with Oregon’s brewers, who will welcome you to their breweries with a list of drink specials.
oregonbeer.org/zwickelmania - Wurstfest in Mount Angel
For those who missed Oktoberfest, Wurstfest serves another round of German sausage, family fun, and first-rate German beer.
mtangelwurstfest.com - Polar Plunge
Jump into chilly water to raise money for the Special Olympics Oregon. Sorry, no wetsuits, just freezing fun!
plungeoregon.com - Mini Bike Winter
On the long list of PDX bike events, this bike party stands out as one of the craziest. Check out the Chariot Wars. Wear padding.
zoobomb.net - Great Balls of Fire Fundraiser
Order Salvador Molly’s über hot Great Balls of Fire all month to help the Oregon Heat charity, then watch the pros go at it during the King of Heat contest.
salvadormollys.com - Chinese New Year
To celebrate the Year of the Snake, organizations around the city host dinners, fairs, and activities over 15 days. - Cascade Festival of African Films
Visit Africa for free! A whole month of African-focused films and discussions with filmmakers. Select dates.
africanfilmfestival.org - Unique Animal Expo and Pet Fair
Admire or purchase the strangest animal you’ve ever seen at this Hillsboro fair.
uniqueanimalexpo.com - Mochitsuki
Celebrate Japanese New Year while making and eating mochi. Games and performances for kids, too.
mochipdx.org - Portland Bridal Show
Get inspired by tasting wedding cakes, watching fashion shows, meeting local stationery suppliers, and more!
portlandbridalshow.com - ChocolateFest
Sample local and international chocolates while viewing demonstrations and even chocolate clothing.
chocolatefest.org - Rose City Classic
It’s one of the largest dog shows in the country, featuring approximately 3,300 exhibitors and 160 breeds, with competitions for both family and professional pets.
rosecityclassic.org - Portland Boat Show
Walk among sailboats and pleasure boats and speak with their owners about all things nautical.
otshows.com/pbs - Portland International Auto Show
See the latest models, learn about eco-friendly advancements, talk shop, and drive cars from around the world, many of which were designed for NW cruising.
portlandautoshow.com - Stitches in Bloom Quilt Show
Dedicated to documenting the history of NW quilt making, this event has seminars and stunningly crafted quilts.
oregongarden.org/Quilt-Show - The First Run & Walk
It begins the first second of the new year. Here’s to music, food, and a healthy start.
racecenter.com/firstrun - Fertile Ground
Eleven massive days of new, Portland-made artworks, stage readings, and performances in dance and theater. Workshops, music, comedy, and parties abound at venues throughout the city.
fertilegroundpdx.org - Fix-It Fair
Join your neighbors and learn about energy saving techniques, recycling, gardening tips, and more. Look for a second fair in February.
portlandonline.com - Portland Arts & Lectures
Pulitzer Prize winners, filmmakers, and authors discuss today’s most fascinating subjects. September-Apr.
literary-arts.org/pal - Palmer/Wirfs Antique & Collectible Show
Thousands of antiques and vintage items sold, with on-site experts to provide professional appraisals. Several shows through the year.
palmerwirfs.com - Bastille Day Festival
Vive la France! Celebrate the French revolutionary inside in Director Park. Activities include the Portland Waiters Race and plenty of French food and wine.
afportland.org - Division/Clinton Street Fair and Parade
Get loud and proud: This street fair is known for its wacky parade and a whole day of dancing in the street.
divisionclinton.com - Foot Traffic Flat
This flat course on Sauvie Island is beautiful. Run or walk either a full or half marathon.
foottraffic.us/flat - Forest Grove Concours d’Elegance
One of Portland’s most popular car shows, and profits go to local charities.
forestgroveconcours.org - Mississippi Avenue Street Fair
Over a hundred vendors and multiple musical acts make this one of Portland’s best attended street fairs.
mississippiave.com - Oregon Brewers Festival
Drink craft beer with fellow revelers in Tom McCall Waterfront Park. It’s free to wander the grounds and check out homebrew demonstrations and book signings.
oregonbrewfest.com - PDX Pop Now!
Up-and-coming bands and artists from around the NW are showcased during this free, all-ages, grassroots festival.
pdxpopnow.com - Portland Highland Games
Friendly competitions, such as bagpiping, dancing, and kilt races, bring Scottish culture to Gresham. Pssst: Tickets are cheaper if you buy them online.
phga.org - Fueled by Fine Wine Half Marathon
Run through Willamette-Valley vineyards on this challenging half marathon course, then enjoy a wine-tasting with local winemakers.
fueledbyfinewine.com - Sand in the City
The key ingredient is 450 tons of sand plopped down in the center of Portland. Sand sculpture competitions draw over 65,000 people every year.
sandinthecitypdx.com - St. Paul Rodeo
Since 1935, this rodeo has featured the daring feats of America’s cowboys and cowgirls. Fireworks, fried food, and farm animals.
stpaulrodeo.com - Waterfront Blues Festival
Leading blues musicians rock on the banks of the Willamette River. Bring a couple cans of non-perishable food and get a discount.
waterfrontbluesfest.com - Portland International Beer Festival
Featuring beers from all over the world in the North Park Blocks. Many are rare, specialty brews.
portland-beerfest.com - Oregon Lavender Festival
Lavender farms across the state open their doors with fine art, live music, craft-related classes, and, of course, lavender-centric products.
oregonlavenderdestinations.com - Sherwood Robin Hood Festival
Now in its 60th year! Celebrate with costumes, a parade, and more, followed by the International Archery Tournament between Sherwood, Oregon and Nottingham, England.
robinhoodfestival.org - Washington County Fair and Rodeo
Enjoy good ol’ fashioned fun with carnival rides, animal shows, motorsports, and more. Free admission.
faircomplex.com - The Big Float
What better way to celebrate the Willamette River than jumping in with an elaborately decorated inner tube?
thebigfloat.com - Portland Latino Gay Pride
Community leaders, performers, and artists convene to celebrate Portland’s diversity with a dance party, Latin-style food, performances, and more.
latinogaypridepdx.com - Jewish Film Festival
Watch films from around the world that explore Jewish identity and spirituality.
nwfilm.org - Portland Historic Races
Enjoy this rare opportunity to see historic cars race, then talk with drivers and crews.
portlandhistorics.com - Saké Fest PDX
Learn how to pair sakes from Japan and the U.S. with multi-course meals, then enjoy the after party. Price includes sake and food.
sakefestpdx.com - Rose City Used Book Fair
Used bookstores from all over the West Coast offer their best books for great prices.
pauba.org/book-fair.php - Cruisin’ Sherwood
Hundreds of hot rods – freshly polished – take center stage. Burn Out and Engine Blow competitions included.
cruisinsherwood.com - Portland Track Festival
Don’t miss this unique track event that features some of the fastest young athletes in the U.S.
portlandtrack.org - Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts
All art forms, from dance to sculpture, are presented in venues around Lake Oswego. Free admission to most.
lakewood-center.org - Mount Angel Abbey Festival of Arts and Wine
Taste Oregon wines and view local art at the beautiful Mount Angel Abbey, located an hour south of Portland. A silent auction raises money for the Abbey Library.
mountangelabbey.org - Oregon State Parks Day
With free camping and free use of day facilities, today’s the day to visit the state parks!
prd.state.or.us - Portland Buddhist Festival
An opportunity for local Buddhists and those interested in Buddhism to get together, it features keynote speakers and workshops dedicated to sharing spiritual ideas.
portlandbuddhistfestival.com - Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade
Attend the big party on Saturday, featuring many live performers, to get warmed up for the parade on Sunday.
pridenw.org - Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade
This parade lives up to its name: Marching bands, flowers, and floats appear in full force! Arrive early to get the best spot on the route and enjoy the sweet scents of spring.
rosefestival.org - Rose Festival Dragon Boat Race
This free-to-attend race features Taiwanese dragon boats darting around the bridges.
rosefestival.org/events/dragonboatrace - Starlight Run
This nighttime 5k event is as much about costumes as running. Spectators are likely to have as much fun as the participants. Well, almost.
starlightrun.com - Recycled Arts Festival
A great event for families and art lovers, this huge event features the Tossed & Found, live music, and recycled-art-making activities.
recycledartsfestival.com - World Naked Bike Ride in Portland
Known among many as the Naked Bicycling Capital of the World, Portland has is the largest WNBR in North America.
pdxwnbr.org - Bites for Rights
Raise money and awareness for LGBT organizations by eating at participating Oregon restaurants, coffee shops, and more.
basicrights.org - PDX Beer Week
Perform beer-related research attending beer dinners, tasting seminars, pub crawls, and much more.
pdxbeerweek.com - Chamber Music Northwest Summer Festival
The world’s best classical musicians meet at Reed College to thrill and delight. Listen carefully, and you might catch the free shows. Select dates.
cmnw.org - Spring Beer & Wine Fest
Who wants to choose? This event offers beer AND wine, plus fine cheeses, cooking seminars, music, and performances by chefs. Free admission for the first 1,000 people each day.
springbeerfest.com - Portland Lindy Exchange
Put on your dancing shoes for three days of great jazz and swing bands in venues throughout the city.
pdxlx.com - PDX Bicycle Show
See why Portland’s bike artisans draw crowds from all over the world and experience the latest in bike fashion and technology with a demo center, bike swap, and more than 100 booths.
pedalnationevents.com - Faux Film Festival
Have a good laugh watching films that make fun of everything. Full-length features as well as mock music videos and ads.
fauxfilm.com - Portland Urban Iditarod
The snowless version of dog sledding, tethered humans pull shopping carts on a four-mile course with plenty of beer-pouring checkpoints.
keepportlandweird.org/urbaniditarod - SE Portland Art Walk
Grab a map on-site and tour the SE art scene. Studios and galleries open their doors and reveal the creative energy that has percolated all winter.
seportlandartwalk.com/ - Shamrock Run
These walk and run races come in a variety of lengths. Prepare for a wild after party.
shamrockrunportland.com - Sip – The McMinnville Wine & Food Classic
Visit the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, listen to live music, and chat with chefs while sampling the best local wines and cooking ingredients.
sipclassic.org - Vampire’s Masquerade Ball
For over 10 years, this event has featured haunting music, costumes, and performances. Don’t miss the chocolate fountain: It’s next to the “fresh blood.”
vampireballpdx.com - Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival
POWFest shows shorts and full-length films made by a mix of Oscar-winning and independent filmmakers.
powfest.com - Kells St. Patrick’s Irish Festival
Everything Irish and then some: pipers, traditional food and beer, dancers, and merriment.
kellsirish.com - Oregon Zoo Rabbit Romp
Especially great for kids and toddlers, this event includes candy-egg hunts and a rabbit petting zoo. Free with zoo admission.
oregonzoo.org - Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Over 45 acres of tulips bloom at the Wooden Shoe Farm each spring, with Mt. Hood snowcapped in the distance. Event runs every day till May 5th.
woodenshoe.com - Whale Watching Week
Head to the coast and see gray whales! Volunteers are stationed throughout the state parks to provide information. Watch for a 2nd week in December.
whalespoken.org - 10 Cane Rum Run
Race around Tualatin’s man-made lake then enjoy a Caribbean-themed after-party featuring mojitos and music. This run is fun for everyone, and runners with strollers are welcome.
10krumrun.com - Global Cannabis March
This march is for the legalization of marijuana. Marchers, bands, and speakers convene downtown.
ornorml.org - St. Johns Bizarre
Keep St Johns Bizarre! Top-notch local bands, craftmakers, food carts, and more in conjunction with the St Johns Parade.
stjohnsbizarre.com - Indie Wine & Food Festival
Showcasing handpicked Oregon wineries, the event puts you in touch with rare wines in an intimate setting.
indiewinefestival.com - Memorial Weekend in the Wine Country
Even small wineries will have their doors open with tours, barrel tastings, food, and live music. A portion of proceeds goes to local charities.
willamettewines.com - National Bike to Work Day
Promote a healthy body and environment by joining fellow bikers and riding to work.
bikeleague.org - Oregon Trail Rally
Extreme motorsports racers from all over the country race more than 100 miles of gravel roads.
oregontrailrally.com - Reach the Beach
The courses vary in length but always end at the beach. Help to raise money for the American Lung Association.
lungusa.org - Taste of the Nation Portland
Portland’s premier culinary event lets you sample beer, wine, cocktails, and divine dishes while raising money to feed the hungry.
strength.org/portland - Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Be whisked away to southern climes during this multi-day fiesta. Amusement rides, lucha libre, authentic dress, dance, and food with a lime chaser.
cincodemayo.org - Friar Trot
This not-for-profit 10k race takes place at the St. Francis School in Sherwood.
thefriartrot.com - Wonder Northwest
Superheroes, film geeks, pirates, and comicbook nerds wear costumes and prepare to party at “Portland’s Pop Culture Expo.”
wondernorthwest.com - Sasquatch! Music Festival
One of the best music festivals in the nation takes place on the Washington side of the Gorge.
sasquatchfestival.com - Festival of Flowers
More than a flower show, flowers become fine art in Pioneer Square.
thesquarepdx.org - Portland Rose Festival
Portland’s official festival has almost a month’s worth of events! Stop and smell the roses or dare to hop on the Big Sling and other thrill rides.
rosefestival.org - Crafty Wonderland
Sometimes local creativity is beyond belief. This show proves it. It’s as though Etsty.com came to life, with locally made jewelry, mustache embroidered wallets, vintage clothing, and much more.
craftywonderland.com - Coffee Fair
Sip and compare coffees from around the world and learn how they are produced start to finish.
worldforestry.org - Holiday Food & Gift Festival
With over 300 exhibitors, the festival provides a plethora of unique gift and gourmet food possibilities.
hfgf.com - Macy’s Holiday Parade
Ushering in the holiday season, the massive parade winds through downtown with floats, marching bands, and the big man in red.
macys.com/events - Northwest Filmmakers’ Festival
World-famous judges gather and present roughly 300 of the best movies made in the Northwest for your viewing pleasure.
nwfilm.org - NW Wine and Food Festival
Gourmet fun! It serves up approximately 600 carefully chosen wines, displaying the West Coast’s broad range of styles, and food from 50 local restaurants.
nwwinefestival.com - Pioneer Square Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nothing says Christmas like the lighting of Portland’s biggest Christmas tree. Arrive early to get a good seat.
thesquarepdx.org - Turkey Trot at the Zoo
This family-friendly race gets going before the mashed potatoes and gravy start flying on Thanksgiving morning. An opportunity to wear your best Thanksgiving-related costume. Races for runners, walkers, and kids.
orrc.net - Verboort Sausage & Kraut Dinner
Get your share of the sauerkraut: a day of traditional games and homemade sausage sales that culminates in a massive dinner.
verboort.org/dinner - Wild Arts Festival
Over 100 artists, craftspeople, and poets share works inspired by nature. Art books are one of the highlights during the silent auction.
wildartsfestival.org - Wine Country Thanksgiving
Choose from over 160 wineries in Willamette Valley, and go holiday shopping for wine lovers.
willamettewines.com - America’s Largest Christmas Bazaar
1,000 vendors dedicated to Christmas set up shop at Portland’s Expo Center. That’s a lot of gift ideas.
expochristmasbazaar.com - Christmas Festival of Lights
Half a million Christmas lights and the largest choral performance in the Pacific Northwest are featured at The Grotto. There’s a lot to see and it’s all outdoors. Dress warmly.
thegrotto.org - Winter Wonderland
A chance to show kids of all ages the largest display of Christmas lights “west of the Mississippi,” located at Portland International Raceway.
globaleventsgrouppdx.com - ZooLights
Don’t miss this unique sight: zoo animals frolicking in the form of a million holiday lights.
oregonzoo.org - Boogie Nights Halloween Party
This annual bash includes DJs, dancing, and costume contests in the best, funniest, and sexiest categories. Tickets tend to sell out fast.
boogienightsportland.com - Run Like Hell!
Zombies are a key motivational factor: Run 5K or 10K races through downtown dressed in your Halloween costume.
terrapinevents.com - Doggie Palooza
Doggies get all the attention, with a parade, fashion show, and guided walks at the World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum.
worldforestry.org - Great Onion Festival
The city of Sherwood is the largest shipper of onions on the West Coast, and it celebrates with BBQ, live entertainment, and plenty of games for the kids. Don’t miss the onion-eating contest.
sherwoodchamber.org - Portland Erotic Ball
The largest Halloween party in Portland is proud to be risqué, with DJs, costume contests, and plenty of out-of-this-world performers.
portlanderoticball.com - Portland Tattoo Expo
Tattooists from around the world show off their latest designs. Get a tattoo or just admire the work.
portlandtattooexpo.com - The Portland Marathon
Run your 26.2 miles downtown, alongside the river, and through historic neighborhoods. Sign up early to ensure a spot.
portlandmarathon.org - Halloween Fantasy Trail
This haunted-woods trail, full of scary sounds and critters, is fun for all ages. It’s operated by Wenzel Farm in Oregon City.
fantasytrail.com - Reel Music Film Festival
Films that explore the world of music are shown at the Whitsell Auditorium in the Portland Art Museum.
nwfilm.org - Wooden Shoe Pumpkin Fest
Pumpkins shot from a cannon? This fest is a little out of the ordinary. It features a paintball gallery along with hayrides and pick-your-own pumpkins.
woodenshoe.com - Portland Open Studios
Purchase a map and tour 100 jury-selected art studios. Proceeds help fund scholarships for emerging Portland artists.
portlandopenstudios.com - Jackpot Records Film & Music Festival
Jackpot Records keeps the 10th anniversary of this multi-night festival simple: Watch cutting-edge films about music for free. All ages.
jackpotrecords.com - Fun on Foster
Stretching over 40 blocks, it includes multiple stages, a block party, the annual cruise-in, shopping, food, and lots of entertainment for kids.
fosterarea.org - Clackamas Down the River Clean Up
Keep the environment happy: Choose your vessel and go marauding for trash with hundreds of others.
welovecleanrivers.org - Dancing in the Square Pow-Wow
Northwest tribal leaders use traditional costumes and drums at this dazzling event. Free.
npaihb.org - MusicfestNW
Indie, hip-hop, and punk bands, both famous and not-so-famous, play at clubs all over the city. One of the country’s top indoor music festivals.
musicfestnw.com - Northwest Quilting Expo
In preparation for the chilly wind of the coming fall, the expo has classes, a Best of Show contest, and hundreds of beautiful and warm quilts.
nwquiltingexpo.com - Oktoberfest in Mount Angel
Can’t make it to Munich? This Oktoberfest celebration is the next best thing. Homes are decorated, flags fly, and German beer flows.
oktoberfest.org - Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival
Lively livestock competitions and activities, such as sheep shearing, along with food, workshops, music, and more in Canby.
flockandfiberfestival.com - Polish Festival
Traditional Polish costumes, dancing, polka, and plenty of world-class food and drink provided for 10,000 people each year.
portlandpolonia.org/festival - Portland VegFest
The largest vegetarian event in Oregon features cooking demonstrations, lectures by famous cookbook authors, and delicious food.
nwveg.org/vegfest - Pints to Pasta 10K
Voted the best 10K for 10 years in a row, this race takes place downtown and ends with beer and pasta.
runwithpaula.com/pints-to-pasta - Scappoose Sauerkraut Festival
Try the famous Scappoose Sandwich, go cabbage bowling, and hear live music at this free festival in Scappoose.
scappoosecommunity.org - Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Participants walk, run, cheer, or volunteer to help raise money for breast cancer research.
komenoregon.org - Time-Based Art Festival
A massive convergence of daring artists from around the nation, all working together to push art’s boundaries.
pica.org - Tour de Lab
Don’t miss one of the last cycling events of the season. This one combines a pub crawl with exercise.
tourdelab.com - AIDS Walk Portland
Thousands walk through downtown to raise much-needed money for AIDS research and those infected with the virus.
cascadeaids.org - Warrior Dash
Are you a warrior? The “battleground” course includes barbed wire and fire jumping, and ends with turkey legs and free beer.
warriordash.com - Hempstalk
This free festival promotes the use of hemp products, including hemp fiber, fuel, and medicine, and rocks all day with live music.
hempstalk.org - The MAiZE at the Pumpkin Patch
Can you navigate this giant corn “maize” on Sauvie Island? It’s known to be haunted.
portlandmaze.com
