Portland and Area Activities Planner - Aug 1-8, 2025

VANPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL
Aug. 1–2
The Vanport Jazz Festival features some of the biggest names in jazz. Grammy winner Avery Sunshine and contemporary jazz pianist Kayla Waters highlight this year’s performers. Come out and enjoy the music, food, and merchandise vendors, as well as Oregon wine and spirits, in an atmosphere that attracts visitors from throughout the United States.

SNEAKER WEEK
Aug. 3–8
From the minds behind Pensole, a footwear design school in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown neighborhood, Sneaker Week curates organic experiences that bring together sneaker enthusiasts, industry influencers, and aspiring creative professionals to Portland, the sneaker capital of the world. Sneaker Week partners with the footwear industry and community to cultivate talent while celebrating creatives.

Sneaker Week is a celebration of all things sneakers in the footwear capital of North America. Curators, fans and collectors will gather to experience music, design, art and education at locations around Portland. Past festival partners have included hip local businesses, like Deadstock Coffee,  so expect lots of good stuff.

Portland is kind of a big deal in sneaker culture — in fact, it’s sometimes called the sneaker capital of America. The Portland area is home to industry heavyweights like Nike’s world HQ, the adidas U.S. headquarters and a new Under Armour campus. Other footwear companies based here include Keen, Mizuno, Columbia Sportswear, Hi-Tec, Bogs and OluKai.

PICKATHON
July 31–Aug. 3
For music fans and performers alike, Pickathon Music Festival feels like heaven. Every August since 1999*, this annual gathering of artists and audiences at Pendarvis Farm. has celebrated the summer with music and revelry.

The three-day festival on 80 acres just outside Portland attracts a range of indie, rock and rap artists as well as the bluegrass troupes that gave the event its name. Pickathon’s lineup is geared toward new music discovery; don’t worry if you haven’t heard of most of the artists — that’s half of the fun! The festival always releases a Spotify playlist so you can hear participating acts beforehand. And once you’re at the fest, Pickathon makes it easy to see all the artists you want. Each act performs two times over the course of the weekend at two different venues.

DAHLIA FESTIVAL
Aug. 1–Sept. 30
You are invited to celebrate the season of Dahlias. Stroll through almost 50 acres of breathtaking fields and a beautiful display garden of stunning dahlias featuring over 375 varieties. Treat yourself to a rainbow of colors by taking photos, shopping in our gift shop, and purchasing fresh-cut dahlias to take home. Select and order your favorite dahlias for spring delivery to enjoy the beauty in your garden the following year. Fill your belly with yummy treats from the food carts, relax and enjoy the live music on the weekend, or take one of the classes throughout the festival dates.

OBON FESTIVAL
Aug. 2
The Oregon Buddhist Temple is proud to announce its Obon Fest 2025, a cherished Japanese and Japanese-American tradition. This free, family-friendly event invites the Portland community to gather in remembrance and celebration.

CHINESE FESTIVAL
Aug. 2
Join the Oregon Chinese Coalition for the Chinese Festival in the Square. Celebrate Chinese American culture and enjoy nonstop entertainment, delicious Chinese food, authentic arts and crafts, and much more

PORTLAND FESTIVAL OF CINEMA, ANIMATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Aug. 6–10
Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation and Technology (PFCAT for short) includes animated features and shorts, as well as visionary cinema from around the world. All screenings and events before 5 p.m. are designed for audience members of all ages.

The festival will show over 150 films and animations from around the globe, with a wide variety of screenings for both adults and children.

The event also includes dome film screenings in the Kendall Planetarium, virtual reality showcases, parties, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, augmented reality demonstrations, and panel discussions on topics ranging from filmmaking to crowdfunding. The festival will conclude with a party and award ceremony in OMSI’s Theory restaurant.

BREWS FOR THE BIRDS
July 25
Raise a pint, enjoy live music, and support local wildlife and educational programs at this free festival.

Event includes:

• Live Local Music including Lloyd Jones + Knuckle Grease Station + JaSkaMon + Mariachi Luz de Oro
• Craft Beer
• Delicious Food Vendors
• Games & Activities

CRAB BOUNTY HUNT
July 4 - August 31
Register and go crabbing for a chance to win the Crab Bounty Hunt

ZOO NIGHTS
June 20–Aug. 22
Nothing says summer in Portland like a warm evening outdoors with good food and live entertainment. On several evenings throughout the summer, the Oregon Zoo hosts Zoo Nights filled with local music, food carts, activities for all ages and the chance to get to know some of the animals active during twilight hours.

Zoo Nights occur from mid-June through mid-August, with live music on the lawn at 6:30 p.m. and activities from 5:30 p.m. Guests will also find tasty food and snacks — plus the ever-popular elephant ears and a selection of local beer and wine for adults.

Zoo Nights is a special event and is not included with regular daytime admission. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.

ORIGINAL PRACTICE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
June 20–Aug 31
OPS Fest brings no-cost repertory Shakespeare to parks and venues all over the Portland Metro area. The company uses the original practice techniques of Elizabethan England: limited rehearsal, scrolls in hand, audience interaction, and an onstage prompter.

In Shakespeare’s Era, the audience knew the actors had not rehearsed and that the only context each had of the play was their own role on a scroll. The play was as fresh to the actors as it was to the audience.

In the Original Practice Shakespeare Company, you’ll NEVER see the same cast do the same play in the same way. Because Shakespeare should be a little dangerous.

PEDALPALOOZA BIKE FESTIVAL
Ongoing
Whether you’re a cycling fanatic, an occasional cruiser or just a lover of fun events, Pedalpalooza  — aka Bike Summer — has something for you. Held all over Portland, this bike- and fun-focused festival celebrates summer’s arrival with over 100 rides throughout town.

Inspired by the success of Bikesummer, a traveling event Portland hosted in 2002, Pedalpalooza (also known as Bike Summer) has entertained bike enthusiasts since 2003. While local bike-fun organization Shift runs the festival’s site and helps with planning, anyone can create and lead a ride.  

ASTORIA REGATTA FESTIVAL
Aug 6-9
The Astoria Regatta is a time-honored community tradition that has become the oldest celebration in Oregon's oldest city and one of the oldest festivals in the West. The festival is four days of fun on land and sea, parades, great food, and unique traditions. The celebrations represent and celebrate a swell of community for Clatsop County and beyond, encompassing the maritime heritage. Most Regatta events are free to the public, but some events have a small fee to help support ongoing Regatta scholarships and education events. One favorite community event includes The Regatta Square Block Party, which features food, beverages, and a family fun zone. 

This event is a designated Oregon Heritage Tradition

BUTTERFLY RELEASE
Aug 1
Welcome to the Butterfly Release event at Wayward Winds Lavender Farm! Join us for a magical experience surrounded by the beauty of nature. Watch as butterflies take flight in a stunning display of colors. Bring the whole family and experience the magic of butterflies taking flight over fields of lavender! Enjoy an evening filled with wonder, fresh air, and community. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to witness the wonder of these delicate creatures up close. Come and create unforgettable memories at our butterfly release event!

ANYTHING GOES
Jul. 31 - Aug. 17
Climb aboard for a tap-filled classic this summer. With music and lyrics by Cole Porter, this voyage of the S.S. American between New York and England is filled with a madcap group of passengers, witty repartee, exceptional songs, and thrilling tap dancing. The 2022 revision includes familiar classics from the Great American Songbook such as “Anything Goes,” “You’re the Top,” and “I Get a Kick Out of You.” This musical will have everyone rooting for true love to win out in the end. It’s delightful, delicious, and de-lovely.

THE WIZARD OF OZ
Aug 1-10
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to an Unforgettable Adventure!

Get ready to be swept away to the magical land of Oz in this spectacular all-youth production of The Wizard of Oz: The Musical! Join Dorothy, a brave young dreamer, as she embarks on a thrilling journey through a world filled with talking scarecrows, dancing lions, and mischievous witches—all brought to life by an incredibly talented cast of young performers!

AMERICANA HARVEST FEST
July 8–Sept 7
Topaz Farm is excited to announce the 2025 Americana Harvest Fest series. The festival features a mix of nationally and internationally known folk, country, and bluegrass artists. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy live music on the farm, surrounded by farm animals, U-pick fields, and the market bar and grill. Come early to enjoy the farm, including the cow train, fresh grilled farm food, craft beer, cider, and more.

JURASSIC WORLD BY BRICKMAN
Mar. 15–Sep. 31
Get ready for an immersive adventure like no other as Ryan ‘Brickman’ McNaught re-imagines Jurassic World, the blockbuster franchise from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, through 6 million LEGO bricks.

It features large-scale LEGO brick dinosaurs, props, scenes, and activities, as well as the newest Jurassic World by Brickman® dinosaur, made from over 100 thousand LEGO bricks, the Baryonyx. Walk through the iconic Jurassic World gates and relive the magic of beloved stories and characters from the Jurassic World franchise, as you embark on a thrilling journey across the Isla Nublar.

Get hands-on with LEGO brick paleontology, mystery mosaics, island-building, hybrid dinosaur creations, and much more. There will be 2.5 million LEGO bricks for you to show off your own building skills.

LINCOLN CITY'S FINDERS KEEPERS GLASS FLOATS 2025
Year-Round
Finders Keepers is Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2025. Be on the lookout for the colorful twinkle of a hand-blown glass float when you’re exploring the beaches of Lincoln City. As the name says, Finders Keepers.

Discover “random acts of findness” in Lincoln City, with —Finders Keepers. Over 3,000 glass treasures are hidden along the town’s seven miles of sandy beach, made by local artisans. If you find a float, it’s all yours. Let your treasure hunt begin. Discover glass treasures every day of the year from Roads End on the north to Siletz Bay on the south.

PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKET
Mar. 1–Dec. 20
Combining the vibes of an art show, a live street concert and an open-air bazaar, the Portland Saturday Market has been a beloved Rose City tradition since 1974, earning it the “Oregon Heritage Tradition” title in 2024. In fact, the market is considered the largest continually operating arts-and-crafts fair in the United States, drawing up to one million visitors during its annual season.

On any given weekend from the beginning of March to the day before Christmas, shoppers can wend their way through the rows of tents of this large outdoor market featuring local makers, artisans, and chefs. A full sensory experience, the sights, and sounds will have shoppers and on-lookers tapping their heels to bluegrass pickers and jazz trios with weekly sets of local musicians performing for market-goers and passersby in Tom McCall Waterfront Park

FARMERS MARKET AT PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Year-Round
The Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University will be open every Saturday, year-round. April through October hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. November through March hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Market at PSU is located in Downtown Portland in the South Park Blocks between SW College & Montgomery Streets.

HOLLYWOOD FARMER'S MARKET
Year-Round
Year-round on Saturdays, the Hollywood Farmers Markets hosts 50+ vendors, bringing you the best of the region’s agricultural bounty.

In addition to amazingly fresh, local food,  you’ll find live music, children’s activities, and fun events throughout the season.

• April through September, every Saturday 8 AM to 1 PM,
• October and November, every Saturday 9 AM to 1 PM,, and
• December through March: 9 AM to 1PM on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month

ST. JOHN'S BAZAAR AND PARADE
May 10
The St. Johns Bizarre is a uniquely crafted celebration that kicks off Portland's summer street fair season. Held annually on the second Saturday in May, the Bizarre brings music, crafts, and food to the crowds who traditionally attended the St. Johns Parade. After the parade, a portion of the business district in St. Johns is closed to traffic and filled with over 135 juried craft vendors, several stages for music, great food, and tons of games and activities.
It’s a fantastic community event with something for everyone.
The event is free.