Ok, so June was… weird. Not always the most awesome. We may be living in a social apocalypse, but on top of that it rained all month and then blasted us with a heat wave. Seriously, July. We’re counting on you to right this ship.
Let’s see what you’ve got cooking.
July 1-4
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Marking it’s 35th year, the Waterfront Blues Festival is back with an awesome line-up of 100+ blues, funk, and R&B artists. Enjoy the music, food, family-friendly activities, and, of course, fireworks over the Willamette as this popular festival celebrates its triumphant return in 2022.
Vancouver Summer Fest
July 3
11am – 8pm
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
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
July 9 – September 3
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. Of particular interest to families, there will be a screening of Encanto in Cully Park on July 16 and Sing 2 will be shown on July 21 at Grant Park. Bring a blanket and enjoy the show!
Mississippi Street Fair
July 9
10 a.m. – 9p.m.
N. Mississippi Ave
This family-friendly fair was put on hiatus in 2020 and 2021, but it’s back and filled with vendors, food, and fun for the 2022 edition. Stop by the different stages for live music, or hit up the Kid Zone for family fun! Or, who knows, maybe you’re just there for the ribs — the Grandfather’s Rib Competition is not to be missed! This event can get pretty crowded, so best to go early if you plan on taking little ones.
Sherwood Robin Hood Festival
July 15-16
Sherwood
Since 1954, the Sherwood Robin Hood Festival has brought fun to the community. Enjoy food, vendors, music, a parade, and – YES! – archery at this medieval festival. There is even a knighting ceremony, swordplay and fencing lessons, and a petting zoo, too!
Washington County Fair
July 21-30
Hillsboro
10 days of “big fair fun” await you and your family at the Washington County Fair. Enjoy animals, music, vendors, exhibits, carnival rides, and special stage events, including a hypnotist, a reptile presentation, and so much more!
Canterbury Faire
July 23-24, 30-21
Silverton
Intended to replicate a summer fair during the era of “Good Queen Bess” (Elizabeth I, 1558-1603). Renaissance England comes to Silverton! Enjoy the immersive experience with your family in 1-day, 2-day, or 4-day ticket options!
Portlandia Mermaid Parade
July 30
12 p.m.
Begins at Poet’s Beach
This year’s theme is Rainbow Waters. From the Portlandia Mermaid Parade 2022 website: “A shellabration of Queer menfolk in Portland, and the efforts being made to cultivate equity, inclusion, and human rights for LGBTQ+ communities. The Portlandia Mermaid Parade stands together for trans rights, visibility, and compassion.”
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