Events
Events listed on the Portland Events 2012 Wall Calendar
- 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade
This parade draws thousands of people, with marching bands and more. Catch the first sight of the Rose Festival Princesses.
southeastuplift.org - Bridge to Brews
The race begins and ends at Widmer Brothers Brewery, and it crosses the Fremont Bridge. Enjoy 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 decided 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 include lectures on wine-making.
dundeehills.org - Filmed by Bike Film Festival
Eight minutes or less, bicycle-centric films are shown at the Clinton Street Theater. Opening night = wild block party.
filmedbybike.org - Hood River Valley Blossom Festival
The 47-mile route bursts with pear, cherry, and apple blossoms. Food, quilts, and crafts, too.
hoodriver.org - KidFest Northwest
Finally, a festival just for kids! It’s educational and fun, with enough cool toys to keep it hoppin’ for two days.
kidfestnw.com - 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, south of Portland.
oregongarden.org - Oregon Orchid Show & Sale
It’s the largest orchid show in the NW, featuring garden walks, plant sales, and thousands of stunning flowers for more than 65 years.
oregonorchidsociety.org - Oregon Zoo Rabbit Romp
Go to the zoo around Easter, and this celebration is included with admission. Candy egg hunts for kids and a rabbit petting zoo.
oregonzoo.org - Portland Swap Meet
The largest on the West Coast, this automotive swap meet has more than 1,200 vendors supplying hard-to-find parts for classic cars.
portlandswapmeet.com - Rice Northwest Museum Easter Egg-stravaganza
Children of all ages can win precious gems while hunting for Easter eggs at the museum.
ricenorthwestmuseum.org - Spring Beer & Wine Fest
Who wants to choose? This event offers beer AND wine, plus fine cheeses, cooking seminars, music, and chef demonstrations. Free admission for the first two hours of every day.
springbeerfest.com - Stumptown Comics Fest
Finally, a chance to get all comic-related questions answered. Meet artists and authors in the flesh.
stumptowncomics.com - Walk MS
If you can raise $100, you can be a part of one of the largest MS fundraisers in the country. Walks take place across the state.
walkorc.nationalmssociety.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 10, this fair lasts all day, with even more beer gardens, vendors, and live music than usual.
albertamainst.org - Banks Bar-B-Que and Tractor Pull
Life as it should be: tractors hauling thousands of pounds, farming equipment getting destroyed in a derby, and lots of grilled meat. All in Sunset Park in the town of Banks.
bankssunsetpark.com - Bones and Brew
Raise money for the Oregon Zoo while drinking Rogue Brewery’s excellent brews. Cooking and eating competitions, too.
rogue.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 - Festa Italiana
Three days of Italian music, food, wine, and fun in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Free admission.
festa-italiana.org - Hawthorne Street Fair
This boulevard’s artistic side really comes out with music, face-painting, puppet shows, excellent drink specials, and more.
hawthornestreetfair.com - Hood to Coast Relay
The most popular relay race on earth, it’s 197 miles from Mt. Hood to the beach, and 15,000 runners participate each summer. The beach party at the finish touts bands, food, and libation.
hoodtocoast.com - India Festival
India comes to Pioneer Courthouse Square, with traditional food and performances. Free admission.
icaportland.org - Northwest String Summit
A three-day event dedicated to string instruments with optional camping in North Plains, what’s not to love?
stringsummit.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
With great indie roots music at the Pendarvis Farm, this music fest is one of Portland’s most important and nationally relevant.
pickathon.com - Providence Bridge Pedal
One of Portland’s most popular events, in which more than 18,000 bikers enjoy great views from the city’s famous bridges (some of them rarely open to cyclists).
providence.org/bridgepedal - Rice Northwest Museum’s Summer Festival
A celebration of everything mineral – jewelry, fossils, petrified wood, and more. Free hot dogs for kids.
ricenorthwestmuseum.org - Safeway Classic
The longest-running event on the LGPA tour, this tournament features some of the best women golfers.
safewayclassic.com - Street of Dreams
This charity event takes you inside innovative, upscale homes decked out with the latest in suburban interior design.
streetofdreamspdx.com - The Bite of Oregon
A plethora of wineries, breweries, restaurants, and food carts come together in Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Iron Chef Oregon is just one of the many competitions.
biteoforegon.com - The Columbia Gorge International Film Festival
Too good to be true, but it is: This 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 it all ends with the Vegan Prom.
tryveganpdx.com - Tualatin Crawfish Festival
Crawfish holds the seat of honor, but there’s also a parade, pinata breaking, music, and games. Free admission the first day.
tualatincrawfishfestival.com - Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival
As good as it sounds: Drink wine while listening to world-class jazz musicians lay down killer grooves.
vancouverwinejazz.com - William Byrd Festival
Celebrate the music of Renaissance composer William Byrd with lectures and performances featuring the Cantores in Ecclesia choir and guest composers.
byrdfestival.org - Champagne Ball
For more than 20 years, this huge party downtown has rung in the New Year in Portland. Happy New Year!
champagneball.com - Christmas Ship Parade
More than 50 boats decked out in Christmas lights cruise the Willamette and Columbia rivers. Check the website for a schedule of locations.
christmasships.org - Crafty Wonderland
Sometimes local creativity is beyond belief. This show proves it.
craftywonderland.com - 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
The boulevard turns into a holiday party, with free movies, apple cider, vendors, and more.
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 includes St. Paul Bridge and ends with seasonal ales, warm food, and eggnog.
foottraffic.us/holiday - Jingle Bell Run/Walk
Begin giving a little early this year 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. The lane is pedestrian-only for one night every year. However, traffic can be thick other nights, so you’re better off parking and walking.
peacocklane.net - SantaCon
Ever wanted to wear a Santa suit and roam Portland? Why not do it en mass?
santacon.info/Portland-OR - ScanFair
Get your Scandinavia on, with traditional food, arts, music, and a Pippi Longstocking room for kids.
scanheritage.org - Cascade Festival of African Films
Travel to Africa for free! A whole month of African-focused films and discussions with the filmmakers.
africanfilmfestival.org - Hagg Lake Trail Run
If you like to get muddy, this trail race comes in 50K and 25K versions.
haggmud.com - Mardi Gras Ball in Portland
Authentic food and reggae music can get anyone in a New Orleans mood. It’s one great party.
portlandmardigras.com - Portland Arts & Lectures
Pulitzer Prize winners, filmmakers, and authors discuss today’s most fascinating subjects. See website for fall schedule.
literary-arts.org/pal - Portland International Film Festival
The largest film fest in Oregon, it premieres over 100 international films. Highilghts include shorts, interviews with directors, and foreign film Oscar nominations.
nwfilm.org - Portland Jazz Festival
With Stevie Wonder and Regina Carter on its roster of past headliners, this jazz fest is at the top of the game. Performances take place in venues throughout the city, and the smaller venues are sometimes free.
pdxjazz.com - Portland Seafood & Wine Festival
This event brings wine country into Portland. Dungeness crab, Oregon Pinot Gris, and oysters are some of the biggest stars. Upscale fun for a reasonable price.
pdxseafoodandwinefestival.com - Portland Showcase of Wine & Cheese
Indulge in the world of fine wine and cheese pairing 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 enticing drink specials.
oregonbeer.org/zwickelmania - Unique Animal Expo and Pet Fair
Admire or purchase one of the strangest animals you’ve ever seen at this Hillsboro fair.
uniqueanimalexpo.com - ChocolateFest
Sample local and international chocolates while viewing demonstrations and even chocolate clothing.
chocolatefest.org - Fertile Ground Festival
Ten massive days of new, Portland-made artworks and performances in dance, theater, and stage readings. Workshops, music, comedy, and all-around parties abound at venues throughout the city.
groundfertilegroundpdx.org - Fix-It Fairs
Join your neighbors and learn about energy-saving techniques, recycling, gardening tips, and more.
portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?c=41892 - 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 are designed for NW cruising.
portlandautoshow.com - Portland Music Awards
A Grammy-style awards show with Portland-based bands, radio stations, venues, and more, and you get to vote for your favorites.
portlandmusicawards.com - River City Music Festival
The premier event for bluegrass lovers, this fest features an eclectic mix of roots, Americana, and more during its three days. The parties and jams begin Thursday evening.
rivercitybluegrass.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
Run or walk at the first second of the new year. Music, food, and a healthy start.
racecenter.com/firstrun - Palmer/Wirfs Antique & Collectible Show
Thousands of antiques and vintage items sold, with on-site experts to provide professional appraisals.
palmerwirfs.com - Bastille Day Festival
Viva la France! Celebrate the French revolutionary inside. 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 Marathon
This flat course on Sauvie Island is strikingly beautiful. Run or walk either a full- or half-marathon.
www.foottraffic.us/flat - Forest Grove Concours d’Elegance
One of Portland’s most popular car shows, with profits going to local charities.
forestgroveconcours.org - JAW: A Playwrights Festival
Put on by Portland Center Stage, this free event features brand-new plays in the Armory. Select dates; some require reservations.
pcs.org - Mississippi Avenue Street Fair
More than a hundred vendors, several musical acts, and free admission makes this one of Portland’s most popular street fairs. Don’t miss the Rib-Off Competition or the Local Brew Garden.
mississippiave.com - Oregon Brewers Festival
Drink craft beer in Tom McCall Waterfront park. It’s free to wander the grounds and check out home-brew demonstrations and book signings.
oregonbrewfest.com - Oregon Craft Beer Month
An entire month of beer, this is the time to do all the beer-related things you’ve put off, including brewery tours and beer tastings. Meet the artisan brewers, and enjoy good discounts and bargains all around.
oregoncraftbeermonth.com - PDX Pop Now!
Up-and-coming bands and artists from around the NW are showcased during this free grassroots festival.
pdxpopnow.com - Pix Ice Cream Social
Don’t miss “The Foghorn,” 22 scoops of ice cream served in a hollowed-out watermelon. Dainty ice creams also served.
pixpatisserie.com - Portland Highland Games
Friendly competitions such as bagpiping, dancing, and kilt races bring Scottish culture to Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham. Psst: Tickets are cheaper if you buy them online.
phga.org - Portland Historic Races
Enjoy this rare opportunity to see historic cars race, then talk with the drivers and crews.
portlandhistorics.com - Sand in the City
The key ingredient is 650 tons of sand plopped down in the center of Portland. Sand sculpture competitions draw more than 65,000 people every year.
sandinthecitypdx.com - St. Paul Rodeo
Since 1935, this rodeo has featured the daring feats of America’s best cowboys and cowgirls. Lots of fireworks, fried food, and farm animals, too.
stpaulrodeo.com - Tour de Cure
Ride to cure diabetes in this noncompetitive event designed for everyone, from pro to amateur cyclists.
tour.diabetes.org - Tuesdays by Twilight Concerts
Enjoy a variety of musical styles in the beautiful setting of the Chinese Garden. Food, sake, and wine also available.
portlandchinesegarden.org - Waterfront Blues Festival
Leading blues musicians get together to rock on the banks of the Willamette River. Bands play after-hours sessions and even take stage on the Portland Spirit cruise ship. Bring a couple of cans of nonperishable food to donate and receive a discount.
waterfrontbluesfest.com - Cathedral Park Jazz Festival
The largest and oldest free jazz festival east of the Mississippi lasts three days!
cpjazz.com - Flicks on the Bricks
You never know what they’ll show; once a week during the summer in Pioneer Square.
pioneercourthousesquare.org - Noon Tunes Concert Series
Bringing the funk for more than 20 years, this series takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays, July-August.
pioneercourthousesquare.org - PDX Bridge Festival
The bridges get glammed-up at this engaging festival of music, art and film.
pdxbridgefestival.org - Top Down: Rooftop Cinema
Watch quirky movies, handpicked by the NW Film Center, on the panoramic roof of the parking lot of Hotel deLuxe.
nwfilm.org - Edgefield’s Concerts on the Lawn Summer Series
A beautiful outdoor setting, big name acts, and plenty of local beer in Troutdale.
edgefieldconcerts.com - Chamber Music Northwest Summer Festival
The world’s best musicians meet at Reed College to perform concerts that thrill and delight. Listen carefully, and you might catch the free shows.
cmnw.org - Cruisin’ Sherwood
Hundreds of freshly polished hot rods take center stage. Burn Out and Engine Blow competitions included.
cruisinsherwood.com - Festival of Balloons in Tigard
Beginning in the wee morning hours, when hundreds of balloons take flight, this festival’s food, carnival rides, car show, and more continue for days.
tigardballoon.org - Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts
All art forms, from dance to sculpture, are presented in venues around the city. 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 - No.Fest
Hosted by not-for-profit InterArts, enjoy free art and tons of bands for two days in St. Johns.
nofest.net - North American Organic Brewers Festival
Why not join them for an organic beer or cider? It’s located in Overlook Park, next to mass transit, and it celebrates sustainability.
naobf.org - Oregon State Parks Day
With free camping and free use of day facilities, it’s time to take advantage of all those nearby state parks!
prd.state.or.us - People’s Co-op Summer Street Party
Live music, a beer garden, and free food samples, all provided by People’s Co-op on Inner Division Street.
peoples.coop - Portland Buddhist Festival
This is an opportunity for local Buddhists and those interested in Buddhism to get together, and it features keynote speakers and workshops dedicated to sharing philosophies.
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 - Portland Track Festival
Don’t miss this unique track event that features some of the fastest young athletes in the U.S.
portlandtrack.org - Rose Festival Dragon Boat Race
Attendance is free for this race on the Willamette River. It features Taiwanese dragon boats darting around the bridges.
rosefestival.org/events/dragonboatrace - Starlight Run
This nighttime 5K event is as much about costumes as it is running. Spectators are likely to have as much fun as the participants. Well, almost.
starlightrun.com - Faux Film Fest
Have a good laugh watching films that make fun of everything, from fake music videos and ads to full-length comitrocities.
fauxfilm.com - Kells St. Patrick’s Irish Festival
Everything Irish and then some: pipers, traditional food and beer, dancers, and merriment.
kellsirish.com - Northwest Quilters Quilt Show
A chance to talk shop and admire hundreds of quilts. You might even see a quilted Volkswagon Bug.
northwestquilters.org - 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 and take a tour of the SE art scene. Studios and galleries open their doors and reveal the creative energy that has percolated all winter.
snackword.netfirms.com/seportlandartwalk.com - Shamrock Run
These group-oriented walk and run races, which come in a variety of lengths, are a great way to get in shape with friends and family.
shamrockrunportland.com - Sip – The McMinnville Wine & Food Classic
Visit the Evergreen Space Museum, listen to live music, and chat with chefs while sampling the best local wines and cooking ingredients.
sipclassic.org - Whale Watching Weeks
Head to the coast to see gray whales! Volunteers are stationed throughout the state parks to provide information.
whalespoken.org - Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
More than 45 acres of tulips bloom at the Wooden Shoe Farm each spring, with Mt. Hood snow-capped in the distance. The event lasts a month and a half.
woodenshoe.com - Campus Rail Jam Tour
This ski and snowboard tour brings the snow with it, and the national finals are always in Portland!
campusrailjamtour.com - Ceramic Showcase
Hundreds of ceramic artists sell their works and perform demonstrations at this free event hosted by the Oregon Potters Association.
ceramicshowcase.com - Global Cannabis March
This march is for the legalization of marijuana. Marchers, bands, and speakers convene in Pioneer Courthouse Square.
ornorml.org - Indie Wine & Food Festival
Showcasing handpicked Oregon wineries, this fest puts you in touch with rare wines in an intimate setting.
indiewinefestival.com - Jewelry and Metal Arts Show
Thousands of unique pieces of jewelry and metal artworks on display at the Portland Convention Center.
cmaguild.org - McMenamins UFO Fest
Some of the world’s strongest proof of extraterrestrial life was found in McMinnville. Celebrate with a UFO costume parade, live music, and kids’ crafts.
ufofest.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 in riding to work.
bikeleague.org - Oregon Trail Rally
Hundreds of extreme motorsports racers from all over the country race 115 miles of gravel roads.
oregontrailrally.com - Reach the Beach
For both pro- and amateur-distance cyclists, the courses vary in length but always end at the beach. The event raises money for the American Lung Association.
action.lungusa.org/site/TR?fr_id=3050&pg=entry - 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 - The Northwest Pet and Companion Fair
The largest of its kind, this fair has pet competitions and adoption services.
nwpetfair.com - 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 or other thrill rides at Waterfront Park.
rosefestival.org - America’s Largest Christmas Bazaar
More than 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 sacred site. There’s a lot to see, and it’s all outdoors. Dress warmly.
thegrotto.org - Coffee Fair
Sip and compare coffees from around the world, and learn how they are produced from start to finish.
worldforestry.org - Holiday Ale Festival
With around 50 powerful ales to sample, this beer festival will get you warmer faster than you think. Heated tents make it all the more comfortable.
holidayale.com - Holiday Food & Gift Festival
With over 300 exhibitors, this festival provides one-of-a-kind gifts and gourmet food.
hfgf.com - Jubitz 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 - Macy’s Holiday Parade
Ushering in the holiday season, the massive parade winds through downtown with floats and marching bands.
macys.com/events - Northwest Filmmakers’ Festival
World-famous judges choose around 300 of the best movies made in the Northwest for your viewing pleasure.
nwfilm.org - Pioneer Square Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nothing says Christmas like the lighting of Portland’s biggest Christmas tree. Arrive early to get a good seat.
pioneercourthousesquare.org - Ride the Holiday Express
Meet Santa on a decorated, vintage train while raising money to help preserve Oregon’s historical locomotives.
orhf.org - Turkey Trot at the Zoo
This family-friendly race gets going before the mashed potatoes and gravy start flying on Thanksgiving morning. The races are for runners, walkers, and kids, and they provide a great opportunity for you to wear your best Thanksgiving-related costume.
orrc.net - Verboort Sausage Festival
Get your share of 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 their works inspired by nature. Art books are one of the highlights during the silent auction.
wildartsfestival.org - Wine Country Thanksgiving
A unique opportunity to visit smaller wineries in the Willamette Valley while holiday shopping for wine-lovers. Check out each winery’s events on the website.
willamettewines.com - Zoolights
Don’t miss this unique sight: zoo animals frolicking among a million holiday lights.
oregonzoo.org - Doggie Palooza
Doggies get all the attention, with a parade, a 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 barbecue, live entertainment, and plenty of games for the kids. Don’t miss the onion-eating contest.
sherwoodchamber.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 - 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 - Reel Music Film Festival
Films that explore the world of music from all angles. Shown at the Whitsell Auditorium in the Portland Art Museum. Double features just cost an extra $3.
nwfilm.org - Spirit of Halloween in Saint Helens
To celebrate the filmings of Halloweentown and Twilight, the businesses in St. Helens’s Olde Towne turn into haunted houses, with costumed employees Friday-Sunday and discounts for dressed-up shoppers all month.
travelcolumbiacounty.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 - Wooden Shoe Pumpkin Fest
Pumpkins shot from a cannon? This fest is a little out of the ordinary. It features hay rides, a paintball gallery, and pick-your-own pumpkins.
woodenshoe.com - Wordstock
The city becomes an open book, with authors doing readings in venues around the city. It’s a chance like no other to connect with literature.
wordstockfestival.com - Art in the Pearl
This festival in Northwest Portland Park Blocks is like having every First Thursday rolled into three days, with live bands, hands-on activities, and theater performances.
artinthepearl.com - Clackamas Down the River Clean Up
Keeping the environment happy has never been so fun! Go marauding for trash with hundreds of others!
welovecleanrivers.org - Dancing in the Square Pow-Wow
This free event takes place in Pioneer Courthouse Square. The pow-wow features Northwest tribal leaders, who raise awareness of their culture using traditional costumes and drums.
npaihb.org - French Prairie Gardens Fall Harvest Festival
Fun for the whole family: Cheer at the Pigtucky Derby, pet Dolly the Llama, but don’t miss the Swine and Stein opening party.
fpgardens.com/french_prairie_fall_festival.htm - MusicfestNW
Indie, hip-hop, and punk bands, both famous and not-so-famous, play at clubs all over they city, making it one of the top indoor music festivals in the country.
musicfestnw.com - Northwest Quilting Expo
Just in time for the coming fall, the expo has classes, a Best of Show contest, and hundreds of beautiful quilts.
nwquiltingexpo.com - Oktoberfest in Mount Angel
If you can’t make it to Munich, this Oktoberfest celebration is the next best thing. Homes are decorated, flags fly, and German beers flow.
oktoberfest.org - Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival
Lively livestock competitions and activities, such as sheep shearing, along with food, workshops, music, and more.
flockandfiberfestival.com - Polish Festival
Traditional Polish costumes, dancing, music, and plenty of world-class food and drink are offered to about 10,000 people each year.
portlandpolonia.org/festival - Portland Pirate Festival
Thousands of pirates participate in pirate activities, such as shooting cannons, sword fighting, and competing in friendly games, all in Cathedral Park. Great for families and renegades.
portlandpiratefestival.com - Portland VegFest
The largest vegetarian event in the state features cooking demonstrations, lectures by famous cookbook authors, and delicious food.
nwveg.org/vegfest - Scappoose Sauerkraut Festival
Try the famous Scappoose Sandwich, go cabbage bowling, rock out to bands, and much more at this free festival in Scappoose.
scappoosecommunity.org - Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Of all the cities on the West Coast, Portland has one of the highest turnouts for this race. Participants walk, run, cheer, or volunteer to help raise money for breast cancer research.
komenoregon.org - The MAiZE at the Pumpkin Patch
Test your navigation skills in this giant corn “maize” on Sauvie Island. It’s known to be haunted too.
portlandmaze.com - Time-Based Art Festival
Don’t miss this massive convergence of daring artists from around the nation, all working 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
