Summer is here! And Portland and the surrounding areas are just overflowing with movies and theater in the park, music. festivals, street fairs, farmers markets, water activities, and just general outdoor fun! Below is our list of summer fun for 2012. Let us know what we’ve missed so we can keep everyone in the know!
Grady at Yoshida’s Sand in the City 2011
Movies
Theater
Music
Festivals
Celebrations
Street Fairs
Outdoor Fun and Activities
Water
Exhibits
Other Resources (Farmers Markets and Summer Camps)
Movies
Portland Summer Free for All Movies
Beginning June 29 and continuing through September 8 in parks throughout Portland. Often with a pre-movie band or other entertainment.
Free!
Movies in the Park – Lake Oswego
Enjoy a movie under the stars every Thursday night.
Movie series starts July 19 and goes until August 30. Movies begin at dusk.
Millennium Plaza Park, Lake Oswego
Admission is free!
Movies at Esther Short Park (Vancouver)
Movie series starts July 6 and runs through July 20. Movies begin at dusk.
Esther Short Park, 400 W. 6th St. Vancouver
Free!
Flicks on the Bricks
On four Friday evenings in July and August, the Square will be transformed into Portland’s largest outdoor movie theater for the entire community to enjoy!
The movie series will kick-off on Friday, July 27th and continue through August 17th on four Friday nights accompanied by live pre-movie entertainment provided by KINK.fm.
Free!
Movies at LeRoy Haagen Memorial Community Park (Vancouver)
Movies run July 27 and August 3 at dusk.
LeRoy Haagen Memorial Community Park, NE 9th St west of NE 136 Ave
Free!
Flicks by the Fountain
A wonderful way to spend a night out with your family. Bring a blanket, chairs and snacks. Food will also be available for purchase.
August 3rd, 10th, 17th, & 24th. Pre-movie entertainment begins at 7; movie at dusk.
Beaverton City Park, Beaverton
Admission is free!
$1 Movies at Regal Cinemas
Participating Regal Cinemas show G and PG rated movies every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 for $1.
Theater
8th Annual Twilight Tragedie: Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
Presented by Portland Actors Ensemble
Various dates in June and July at Lone Fir Cemetery – SE 26th Avenue and SE Washington Street, Portland
*with some special shows throughout the city
All shows are free unless otherwise noted
43rd Annual Shakespeare-in-the-Parks: Twelfth Night, or What You Will
Presented by Portland Actors Ensemble
Performances run various dates July-September all throughout the city
All shows are free unless otherwise noted
Music
Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn
This year kicks off with John Fogerty and the rest of the line up is just as good! with big names like Ben Harper, Emmylou Harris and The Avett Brother, this year is sure not to disappoint.
Shows start in June and they run through September
Ticket prices vary. Kids under 3 do not require a ticket.
Summer Concerts in Scott Park (Milwaukie)
Enjoy a wide variety of music!
Every Wednesday from June 13-August 29 at noon
Free!
Oregon Zoo Summer Concert Series
The Zoo brings in the hottest names in music from past and present. Musicians include B-52s and of course Pink Martini
Concerts run from June – August
Follow above link to a full list of shows and prices
*new this year – sunset at the zoo, with kid-friendly music and other activities. Every other Wednesday in July and August starting July 11 and free with admission.
Kruger’s Farm Summer Concerts
Head on over to Sauvie Island for good food and good music. A different act every Thursday.
Thursdays from 6:30-9:30, June 21-August 30
$10/car
Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival
Help out the Oregon Food Bank while enjoying five days of amazing music.
July 4th-8th 2012 – Safeway Waterfront
Suggested donation of $10 (more if you can) plus two cans of nonperishable food per person, per day. Weekend passes are also available.
Concerts on the Columbia at Skamania Lodge
Patrick Lamb, Michael Allen Harrison & Julianne Johnson, Soul vaccination, the Divas of Soul
July 4, July 27, August 24, August 31, 7-9 PM at Skamania Lodge, Stevenson WA
$8-$15
Music in the Park at Lake Oswego
Tons of music!
Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from July 6-August 29 at Millennium Plaza, Westlake Park, and Foothills Park
Free!
PlazaPalooza by the Oregon Convention Center
From R&B to Punk, something for everyone!
Every Thursday in the OCC Plaza from July 12-August 30, 5-7 PM
Free!
Portland Summer Free for All Music
There’s a concert featuring different type of music (Celtic, funk, mamba, swing, to name a few) almost every day of the week in Portland parks from July to August.
Free!
Sundown at Ecotrust
A unique series of free outdoor concerts each Thursday in July. Enjoy local performances, weekly themes, delicious food and frosty beverages.
Every Thursday in July from 5:30 – 8:30 pm – Ecotrust 721 NW 9th Avenue, Portland
Admission is free
Music on Main Street
Presented by Portland Center for the Performing Arts
Every Wednesday 5pm-7pm, during July and August, PCPA closes Main Street between SW Broadway and Park for an evening of live music, food and fun.
All shows are free
Music at Esther Short Park (Vancouver)
Two options – Six to Sunset concerts from July 5 to August 9 from 6 to 8 PM and Noon Concerts from July 11 to August 15 at 12. The noon concerts are preceded by science in the park at 11.
The park is located at 400 W 6th St in Vancouver
All shows are free.
Bridgeport Village Summer Concert Series
Every Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 from July 12 through August 30, a different band rocks out at Bridgeport Village in Tigard.
Shows are free!
Forest Music Series
The Friends of Tryon Creek State Park host free concerts with a different music venue each week
Saturdays from July 14-August 18 at 6:30 at Tryon Creek Park
Free!
Cathedral Park Jazz Festival
This free jazz event is celebrating its 32nd year!
July 20-22, all day.
Free!
Music at Tanner Creek Park (West Linn)
A different musical act every week
July 26-August 30, 6:30-8:30 PM
Free!
Portland Festival Symphony
Experience the beauty of classical music being played live in Portland’s parks.
First Show will be Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 6:00 pm – Cathedral Park, Portland and shows continue through September
Concerts are free
Pickathon
Camp out in the woods and enjoy a weekend of amazing music, lush meadow, hiking, local food and vendors.
August 3rd-5th 2012 – Pendarvis Farm 16581 SE Hagen Road, Happy Valley
Adult weekend pass $190 – Children 12 and under are free
Washington Park Summer Festival
From August 2-12, listen to a wide variety music in the beautiful Washington Park.
Free!
Pioneer Courthouse Square has a number of events throughout the summer, including free Noon Tunes. Running every Tuesday and Thursday from 12-1 on July 10 to August 16, it’s a great chance to get outside and hear some new music, or hear some music from local favorites like St. James Gate. They also typically host flicks on the bricks, a great chance to see some free movies outside!
Director Park also has a number of events throughout the summer, like free dancing, opera, Shakespeare, and music from July to September.
Festivals
Festival of Birds
Come celebrate migratory birds with family friendly activities, bird walks, educational and interactive displays.
Saturday, May 12, 2012, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at Sellwood Park
Admission is free!
13th Annual Pioneer Family Festival
This three day event at Clackamette Park is fun for the entire family. Featuring: a huge carnival and midway; entertainment area with live music; skateboard competition; BMX competition; large vendor and food booth areas; history displays; and the Teddy Bear Parade.
May 18-20 at Clackamette Park, Oregon City
Free!
Festival of Balloons in Tigard
Weekend events will include a carnival, Twilight Run, Festival of Cars, premiere youth soccer tournament, Rouge Beer and of course hot air balloons!
June 22, 23, & 24, 2012 – Cook Park 17005 SW 92nd Avenue, Tigard
3- day passes are $7, kids 6 years and younger are free. Carnival rides are extra.
Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts
Art demos, Dragon puppet theatre, gymnastics, and other activities for the whole family
June 22-24 at the Lakewood Center for the Arts and other locations
Free, with suggested $5-10 donation
Summer Kite Festival – Lincoln City
The weekend includes feature flyers, family friendly activities – kite making, a kid’s kite parade and a mass ascension.
June 23-24, 2012 – Lincoln City
Admission is free – some events may have a nominal fee
PDXPopNow Summer Festival
An all-access, all-ages celebration of music
July 20-22, Refuge PDX, 116 SE Yamhill
Free!
Oregon Berry Festival
Taste and buy some of the season’s best! There will be children’s activities, live entertainment and Portland Restaurant Berry Bramble.
July 20 & 21, 2012 – NW 10th and Johnson, Portland
Admission is free
Sherwood Robin Hood Festival
Renaissance reenactments, family stage activities, archery competition, parade….
July 20 & 21, Downtown Sherwood
Admission is free!
Yoshida’s Sand in the City
Come to the beach in downtown Portland! Enjoy entertainment, food, children’s activities, contests and so much more while also supporting a great cause; Kids on the Block.
July 20-22, 2012 – Pioneer Courthouse Square
Oregon Brewers Festival
Sample more than 80 craft beers from around the country and enjoy local fresh food.
July 26-29, 2012 – Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland
Admission into the festival grounds is free. In order to consume beer $6 souvenir mugs are required. Beer tokens are $1 a piece.
Milwaukie Daze
Parade, vendors, food, and lots of other activities for the whole family.
July 27-29, 10 AM – 10 PM in and around downtown Milwaukie
Free!
Day in Damascus
Fun, affordable, kid-focused activities and creates a family-oriented, solicitation-free zone where community members can enjoy a day together.
July 28, 10 -4, Damascus Centennial Park, 20100 S.E. Highway 212, Damascus
Free!
Clark County Fair
Pirates, petting zoos, music, monster trucks, and all you’ve come to expect from this county fair!
August 3-12, Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield WA
$0-10 depending on age. Some activities have an additional charge.
Sundae in the Park
This Sellwood tradition includes cheap ice cream, music, games, and lots of outdoor fun.
August 5, 12-11, Sellwood Park
Free!
Clackamas County Fair
A good ol’ fashioned country fair, August 14-19
$5-8
India Festival
Get a taste of Indian culture and a glimpse of the growing Indian community
August 19, 11-9, Pioneer Courthouse Square
Free!
Fiesta Italiana
This annual event is packed with great food, live entertainment and fun for the whole family.
August 23-25, 2012 – Pioneer Courthouse Square
This event is free
Portland Pirate Festival
Arrr! come enjoy swashbuckling sword fights, cannon shows, historical enactments and games and activities for the whole family.
September 1 & 2, 2012 in Historic St. Helens
Adult one day tickets are $12, two days $20. Youth one day tickets are $6, two days $10. Children 2 and under are free
Art in the Pearl
Not only will there be over one hundred artists showing and selling their work there will be music, theater, food and an education pavilion featuring arts and crafts for the whole family.
Labor day weekend – Northwest Park between W Burnside and NW Glisan
Admission is free
Polish Festival
The Polish Festival is an event for everyone! Great food, music and dancing.
September 22-23, 2012 – 3900 N. Interstate Avenue, Portland
Admission is free
PDX Bridge Festival
More information to come
Celebrations
Kids at Heart Toys is turning 25! Come celebrate our birthday with a big bang at The Hawthorne Street Fair. We’ll have free face painting, live music, entertainment for the whole family, puppet shows, bubbles and a side walk sale. Thanks for making us your neighborhood toy store!
Street Fairs
Children’s Nature Fair
Join Leach Garden for insect arts and crafts, storyteller Ann Penfound, the Bug Chicks, slug races, music, and so many more fun activities for the whole family.
May 19, 2012 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Leach Botanical Garden 6704 SE 122nd Avenue, Portland
This event is free – *donations are encouraged
Last Thursdays on Alberta
Although not limited to the summer, the summer is the perfect time to check out the vibrant Alberta Arts District
Last Thursday of every month on NE Alberta between about 15th and 30th
Free!
Kenton Street Fair
Explore this North Portland neighborhood while partaking in crafts, music, and food
May 20, 10 AM – 6 PM – N. Denver Avenue between N. Schofield & N. Willis.
Free!
Good in the Hood
This is a multicultural music and food festival. There will also be a KidsSpace arts and craft area and an Ethnic Marketplace.
June 22, 23 & 24, 2012 – Lillis-Albina Park N. Flint and Russell Street, Portland
This is a free event
Mississippi Avenue Street Fair
This annual event is a community-building event that celebrates neighbors, business and organizations. There will be food, vendors and lots of family fun.
July 14, 2012 – On Mississippi Avenue between N. Fremont and N. Skidmore
This event is free
Discover Montavilla Street Fair
There will be a beer garden in the lot behind Bipartisan Cafe (7901 SE Stark St.), a live music stage on 79th, and across Stark Street on 78th Ave., another stage featuring all ages performances. Craft and prepared vendors will be located on both closed streets as well as the parking lot of Mr. Plywood.
July 22, 10-4 – Montavilla neighborhood
Division – Clinton Street Fair
This annual event offers a community parade, vendors, food, fun, kids activities, and an opportunity to check out what’s going on in the district.
July 28, 2012
This event is free
Fremont Festival
There will be a bike and pet parade, vendors, salsa challenge, awesome food and people.
August 4, 2012 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm – Festival will be on Fremont between NE 42nd and NE 52nd
This event is free
Alberta Street Fair
Enjoy music, food, venders and historic Albert Street shops.
August 11, 2012
Free
Multnomah Village Days
Have a fun afternoon in Multnomah Village with a parade, vendors great food and entertainment.
Saturday, August 18, 2012 – Multnomah Village 31-39th & Capitol Hwy, Portland
This event is free
Hawthorne Street Fair
You can’t beat live music, vendors, kids activities and all your favorite stores on Hawthorne.
August 26, 2012 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm – On Hawthorne between 12th – 51 Avenue
This event is free
West Linn Arts Festival
Come celebrate and support over 100 artists, great music, delicious food and Youth Art Show.
September 8-9, 2012 – Willamette Park, West Linn
This event is free
Belmont Street Fair
A full day of fun for the whole family with live music, art, entertainment, shopping, food, and drink
September 8
Ramona Street Fair
Information still to come
Outdoor Fun and Activities
Leach Garden Honeybee Hikes
Every Wednesday, walk the garden looking for wildlife, visiting the bees, listening to a story or making a craft item
Wednesdays 10-1, $2 per child (ages 2-6)
Leach Garden Weekend Guided Tours
Every Saturday join one of the garden’s volunteers for an informative guided tour of the garden.Weekly themes vary.
Saturdays 11:00 am – 12:00 pm – Leach Botanical Garden 6704 SE 122nd Avenue, Portland
These tours are free – *they are first come first serve
Ladybug Nature Walks
Discover nature in Portland’s parks. Walk through parks, garden’s and natural areas with your youngster and a nature guide. You’ll get to touch limy slugs, smell tree bark, feel crinkly and soft leave and hear musical bird songs.
Summer walks start June 22nd and are every Friday through November 2 at 10am rain or shine! Check out link above for full list of parks
$3 per child *adults are free
Sunday Parkways
Explore your neighborhood or discover a new part of the city while promoting healthy, active living through a series of events opening the city’s streets ti walk, bike, roll.
May 13, 2012 (NE) June 24, 2012 (N) July 22, 2012 (SW) August 26, 2012 (SE) September 30, 2012 (E)
All events are free!
Tree-Mendous Second Saturday
Celebrate trees with crafts, activities, hikes, storytelling and more!
Second Saturdays – World Forestry Center 4033 SW Canyon Road, Portland
Water – We’re talking outdoor pools, fountains and splash parks
Check out guide here.
Exhibits
Focus on Nature: Wildcats of the World
For the first time ever, all 36 species of wildcats from around the world are represented in one exhibit. “Focus on Nature: Wildcats of the World” is a collection of 36 framed prints from various artists.
May 26 – July 22, 2012 – World Forestry Center 4033 SW Canyon Road, Portland
Exhibit is included in museum admission
Timberrr! A Nostalgic Look Back at Working in the Woods
Take a journey through the last few centuries of the timber industry. In this exhibit you’ll see vintage photographs and rare motion picture films.
August 4 – December 31, 2012 – World Forestry Center 4033 SW Canyon Road, Portland
Exhibit is included in museum admission
The Wonder of Learning: The Hundred Languages of Children
A unique exhibit exploring the fundamentals and philosophies that inspire us.
February 3 – June 24, 2012 – Portland Children’s Museum 4015 SW Canyon Road, Portland
Included with regular admission price
Other Resources
Be sure to check out our guides for:
And also be sure to check out Portland Parks & Rec’s summer playground program – free lunches, games, activities, and even sometimes special appearances by members of the Trailblazers. Here’s the schedule.
And kids can bowl free at a number of locations across Oregon. Here’s the list.
Fiesta Italiana
This annual event is packed with great food, live entertainment and fun for the whole family.
August 23-25, 2012 – Pioneer Courthouse Square
This event is free
compiled by Ali Wilkinson
