With the winter chill (finally) leaving and the spring blooms coming back to life, there’s no shortage of fun activities to take part in near Portland this spring. From enjoying all of the colorful blossoms, to indulging in a beverage outdoors, here are 10 activities that scream “spring is here!”
Visit the International Rose Test Garden
Nestled in Portland’s Washington Park, the Portland International Rose Test Garden showcases 10,000 rose bushes of 610 varieties. The peak time to visit is late May to early June when the blooms are most vibrant. It’s a perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy breathtaking views of the city while also enjoying the beauty of spring. Learn more about the International Rose Test Garden here.
Attend Portland Beer Week Events
Portland Beer Weeks is an annual celebration of the city’s rich craft beer culture, showcasing the finest of breweries in events throughout the week. The 10-day celebration runs from June 14 to June 23rd, 2024. The celebrations features dozens of events city-wide, from interactive tastings, to food pairing experiences and more. Check out the Portland Beer Week website to learn more.
Kayak or Paddle Board the Willamette
Kick back, relax and enjoy views of the skyline from the Willamette River. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker, or a beginner looking to try paddle boarding, the Willamette’s calm waters are suitable for people of all skill levels. If you don’t have your own kayak or paddle board, don’t fret – places like Portland Kayak Company are located right along the Willamette and offer hourly and daily rentals
Day Trip to the Gorge
Taking a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge on a spring day is a perfect escape into the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. From breathtaking waterfalls to colorful wildflowers, there are plenty of sights to see along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or someone just looking for a quick stop along the highway to take in the beauty of the PNW, there are plenty of options for you to enjoy, all within a short drive from the city.
Catch a Pickles Game
As the warm weather returns, so do iconic Portland Pickle’s games. Known for their uniquely themed games (such as Picolas Cage night), there’s always something interesting and fun going on at Lents Park. Catching a Portland Pickles game is a quintessential Portland experience. Head over to Mississippi Ave to check out the Pickles new bar – The Portland Pickles Public House and check out the Portland Pickles Schedule here.
Visit the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
If you’ve never experienced the Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest in Woodburn, add it to your bucket list this spring. Acres of tulip fields create an absolutely beautiful, vibrant scene that truly captures the beauty of spring. Beyond the beautiful blooms, visitors can also enjoy family-friendly activities such as hayrides, a craft market and more. This year, the festival runs from March 22 to May 5. Don’t miss out on this unique experience! Check out the Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest website for more information.
Cathedral Park Jazz Festival
With the beautiful backdrop of the St.John’s bridge, the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival is a free event featuring live jazz music performances, food vendors and family-friendly fun. The three-day event will take place July 19-21. Bring a blanket and some snacks and enjoy a picnic and some good music! Learn more via the Jazz Society of Oregon’s website.
Sign up for a Floral Design Workshop
Embrace the beauty of spring and give a floral design workshop a try! Whether you’re looking to brighten your home or gift a handcrafted bouquet, a floral workshop is a fun and unique way to enjoy the season and get creative. There are many florists who provide unique and fun floral design workshops. Here are a few to check out:
Portland Cinco De Mayo Fiesta
The Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is an annual celebration of Mexican culture that lights up the city with vibrant festivities. This weekend event features live entertainment, authentic food, carnival rides and more. From mariachi bands to mouthwatering tacos, the festival offers a colorful immersion into Mexican heritage and pride, drawing crowds of all ages to join in the lively celebration. The celebration will be May 3-5 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Learn more here!
Attend a Timbers or Thorns Game
Whether or not you’re a soccer fan, attending a Timbers or Thorns game at Providence Park is a perfect way to spend a spring evening. With flags raised high and scarves waving proudly in the air, there’s no shortage of passion and energy at a PDX soccer game. Providence Park features a variety of local food and beverage vendors to enjoy along with some quality soccer. Check out the Timbers and Thorns schedules here.