We’re winding down the final days of summer, so best to soak up the best Portland and the surrounding area have to offer. Here are a few ways to get out and enjoy the season in and around our fair city while the sun is still shining!
Swan Island Dahlia Festival
August through September
Canby, Oregon
Vancouver will skip the fireworks in exchange for a full day of family fun. Head to the Fort Vancouver National Historic site for a free event with bands, food, vendors, a beer and cider garden, magicians, and BBQ. Open to all ages, there is even a dedicated stage for kids music! A movie in the park will begin at dusk.
Portland Parks and Recreation Summer Free For All
All month long
Various locations
Summer Free for All offers up 40+ cultural events across the city — all FREE! Enjoy concerts, art events, comedy, and movie in public parks July-August. Don’t miss out on the screening of In The Heights (August 20, April Hill Park)!
Historic Parkrose Summer Nights
August 10
5pm – 9pm
104th Ave and Sandy Blvd
The final installment of the Historic Parkrose Summer Nights series gives families the opportunity to enjoy sample local food and drink, shop handcrafted items, and enjoy doing family-friendly activities. All ages, free admission!
Zoo Nights at the Oregon Zoo
August 12
Oregon Zoo
Enjoy the final Zoo Night of the 2022 season. These special evenings are the opportunity to enjoy local music, food carts, activities for all ages, and the change to visit the zoo at twilight. Tickets are $19-24 per person. On August 12, enjoy the afrobeat dance party with Jujuba!
India Festival
August 14
11am – 8:30pm
Pioneer Courthouse Square
This family-friendly event is the largest annual festival in Oregon celebrating Indian culture. Enjoy music, food, fashion, and more at the free-admission festival, now in it’s 28th year!
Back-to-School Meet-and-Greet at Columbia Gorge Outlets
August 13
12pm-2pm
Columbia Gorge Outlets
Providence Bridge Pedal and Stride
August 14
Various times
Providence Bridge Pedal and Stride is the only opportunity to bike over Portland’s bridges, which shut down one day per year for this popular biking event! Register for your own or sign up for the free, 3-mile kids pedal. Enjoy the beauty of Portland from two wheels
Free Geek's Annual Block Party
August 21
2:30-6:30pm
Free Geek
1731 SE 10th Ave. Portland
Enjoy live music, food trucks, activities with SCRAP, in-person screen printing, a tech donation station, and several amazing raffles this family-friendly event in support of Free Geek! Admission is free, raffle tickets available at various levels.
