At Gartner’s, we’re all about good food, good weather, and good company. This summer, check out some of these locally loved outdoor activities happening in the Portland and Vancouver areas.
Cathedral Park Jazz Festival – St. Johns (July 18–20, 2025)
Celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, the longest-running free jazz festival west of the Mississippi. Held beneath the iconic St. Johns Bridge, this three-day event features a diverse lineup of jazz, blues, and soul performers. Bring a picnic, relax on the lawn, and enjoy the music in an iconic Portland setting. You can find more information on the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival here.
Edgefield Brewfest – Troutdale, OR (June 21, 2025)
Hosted at McMenamins Edgefield, this brewfest offers a full lineup of local and regional beers, cider, and wine. Enjoy the beautiful grounds at Edgefield, live music, and food options—all just 25 minutes from Portland. It’s a great day trip for beer lovers who want something scenic and low-key. Learn more and purchase tickets to the 7th annual Edgefield Brewfest here.
Grill + Chill in Your Own Backyard
No traffic, no stress—just you, your friends, and a fully stocked cooler. Stop by Gartner’s for house-made brats, marinated short ribs, or our pre-made burger patties and make your backyard the best spot for a summer hangout. You can order all of your Gartner’s favorites directly online here.
Movies in the Park – Portland Parks (Various Dates in July & August)
Check out the full schedule for Portland’s Movies in the Park series. Grab a blanket, some snacks, and catch family-friendly films like The Goonies or Barbie under the stars in our beautiful Portland parks.
Kayak or Paddleboard at Vancouver Lake
Only 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Vancouver Lake Regional Park is a relaixing place for a weekend paddle or even a picnic by the water. It’s got fewer crowds than popular spots like Sauvie Island and plenty of space to soak up the sun.
Pick-Your-Own at Sauvie Island Farms (July–August)
Sauvie Island isn’t just for pumpkin patches—summer is prime time for U-pick berries, peaches, and even sunflowers. Make it a morning outing and bring home ingredients for a fresh summer dessert!
Forest Grove’s McMenamins Grand Lodge Concerts (Ongoing)
Catch local artists and regional bands in a chill, outdoor setting with food, beer, and shaded lawns. You can even make it a mini getaway with an overnight stay at the lodge. Find the full lineup of concerts and other events here.
First Fridays in Downtown Camas (Starting June 5)
Enjoy a small-town summer evening with themed art walks, live music, local vendors, and kid-friendly activities. It’s the perfect relaxed vibe with good food and friendly community energy—just a short drive across the bridge. Learn more about Camas First Fridays here.
Attend the Mississippi Street Fair (July 12, 2025)
This one-day festival brings live music, local vendors, and food carts to one of Portland’s most iconic streets. It’s a local favorite with a great neighborhood feel. Enjoy the eclectic energy of Mississippi Ave while indulging in local shopping and dining. Learn more about the Mississippi Street Fair here.
Sunset Walk at Wintler Park or Broughton Beach
Need something simple? Grab a cold drink and head to the waterfront for a sunset stroll. Wintler Park in Vancouver and Broughton Beach in NE Portland both offer beautiful views with less foot traffic than the downtown waterfront.
Bring the Flavor with Gartner’s
Whether you’re headed to a night market, planning a block party, or just grilling at home—we’ve got everything you need to elevate your summer eats. Stop by Gartner’s Meats to stock up before your next summer outdoor activities!