Now that social activities are making a comeback, we can spend some time enjoying our summer again. From farmers markets to summer concerts, there are plenty of great activities to check out near Portland this summer. Here are a few of our favorites!
Blues Festival
Spend your Fourth of July outdoors, enjoying some music at the Waterfront Blues Festival! The Blues Festival is back and celebrating their 35th anniversary at the Waterfront this summer. Enjoy some food, beverages and good music July 1-4 – tickets are on sale here.
Saturday Market
The Portland Saturday Market is recognized as the largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market in the U.S. Check out local artists, enjoy some live music and fresh, local food. The Saturday Market is open every Saturday from March to December from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Cart Blocks
The Cart Blocks have a new and improved location. The collection of food cart pods that were once located on 10th and Alder have now relocated to West Burnside and Park Avenue. This is one of Oregon’s more popular and well-known collection of food carts, and as of summer 2021, they are back up and running. From bento, thai food and burritos, there are plenty of great options to try at the Cart Blocks this summer.
Have a Picnic
Grab some of your favorite snacks and head outdoors to enjoy the Portland summer. Portland has tons of great community parks to set up the perfect picnic, here are a few to check out this summer:
- Laurelhurst Park
- Mt.Tabor
- George Rogers Park
- The Lawn at the Oregon Zoo
- Eastbank Esplanade
- Washington Park
Take a Food Tour
Portland does food and beverages pretty well, and at times it’s tough to decide where to eat! Luckily, Portland has a few local food tours that help you experience the city’s cuisine. Lost Plate has a variety of tour options, from their food carts and patios tour, downtown coffee and donut tour and Willamette Valley wine tour. Check out all Lost Plate has to offer here.
First Thursday
Like the name might imply, First Thursday is held on the First Thursday of each month. Check out art galleries from local artists accompanied by food and drink in the heart of the Pearl District.
Brewers Festival
Microbreweries have definitely taken off since the first Oregon Brewers Festival in 1988. The Brewfest is located on the Portland waterfront on the west bank and features a ton of local breweries as well as 6 local food carts. Tickets are $30 with the option to purchase additional drink tickets.
The Big Float
Grab your best floaty and a lifejacket and head to the Willamette for the Big Float! Each year, thousands of people float the Willamette River during the month of July to celebrate the summer. The event typically begins with a morning beach clean up before the float begins. Enjoy live music on the floating music barge and soak up the sun. It is recommended that you pre-register for the event, and don’t forget your lifejacket, as they are required!
Zoo Nights
Starting on June 17, the Portland Zoo will kick off a series of “Zoo Nights” – an event with live music, food carts, activities, local beer and wine and fun discussion about wildlife. These events will take place every other Friday from mid-June to mid-August, and they are family friendly, with activities for those of all ages. Find more information and purchase your tickets here.
