That Portland Life

Portland Lifestyle and Real Estate

Contact Us!

portland events

December Events

by Leave a Comment

It’s December which means the holidays are fully upon us! Most of the events happening this month are holiday or light related. We hope you are able to get in the spirit and enjoy many of these events!

Holiday Brew Fest

The Portland Holiday Brew Fest will feature 25+ holiday/winter beers and ciders from around the Northwest

Fremont Holiday Fest

Shop, dine and explore NE Fremont!

  • NE Fremont from 42nd to 50th
  • Free
  • MORE INFO
  • December 1st, 4-7 pm

Scan Fair

ScanFair brings Scandinavia to Portland through traditional food and drink vendors, an entertainment program focused on cultural heritage, games, activities, and crafts

  • Oregon Convention Center
  • pricing varies – TICKETS
  • MORE INFO
  • December 9th and 10th

Holiday Activities

  1. Zoo Lights – Oregon Zoo
  2. Gingerbread Display – Benson Hotel
  3. Festival of Trees – Convention Center
  4. Pittock Mansion Christmas – Pittock Mansion
  5. Holiday Express – Oregon Rail Heritage Center
  6. Winter Wonderland – Portland International Raceway
  7. Christmas Festival of Lights – The Grotto
  8. Silverton Christmas Market – The Oregon Garden
  9. Christmas Ships Parade – Willamette and Columbia Rivers

Holiday Shopping

  1. PDX pop up shops – Downtown
  2. Laurelhurst Winter Bazaar – Laurelhurst School
  3. Crafty Wonderland – Oregon Convention Center
  4. Portland Holiday Market – Veteran Memorial Coliseum
  5. NAYA Native Made Winter Market – Lloyd Center
  6. Portland Bazaar – 1715 NW 17th Ave

We hope to see you at some of these awesome events!

Looking for something else to do? Check out our best of lists!

September Events

by Leave a Comment

The weather is changing, nights are getting cooler, and the summer festivals are coming to an end. We are still holding on to the last bits of summer and we have some fun things for you to do while you take in the last of the warm sunny days.

Grand Prix of Portland

Every fall since 2018, Portland International Raceway has hosted the celebrated open-wheel racing with the Grand Prix of Portland.Held from 1984–2007 under various names, the race is back at Portland International Raceway as the only Verizon IndyCar Series race in the Pacific Northwest.

Portland International Raceway

From $40 – TICKETS

September 1st-3rd

Montavilla Jazz Festival

This year, the festival highlights some of Portland’s jazz scene-makers, with internationally-acclaimed drummer Alan Jones headlining the festival Sunday evening with his quartet featuring Grammy Award-winners Tivon Pennicott and Kevin Hays, joined by NYC bassist Joe Martin.

Various Locations

Pricing Varies by Event – TICKETS

September 1st – 3rd

Dahlia Festival

Celebrate the season of DAHLIAS. A Rainbow of Color. Stroll through almost 40 acres and a beautiful display garden of stunning dahlias featuring over 370 varieties. The beautiful fields are open from August to September each year, closed on Wednesdays. 

Swan Island Dahlias

Free

August 2nd – Sept 30th, 9am – 5:30pm

Chapman Swift Watch

To catch all the avian action, plan to arrive at least half an hour before sunset — that’s about 8 p.m. near the start of September and 7 p.m. by the month’s end. Bring your binoculars, snacks, jackets and something comfy to sit on, and settle in for one of the city’s best free spectator events.

Chapman Elementary

Free

All Month at Sunset

Art in the Pearl

Portland’s Art In The Pearl Fine Arts and Craft Festival celebrates 26 years of bringing art to the community. The distinctly artist-run event has long been a favorite in Portland, and it’s the perfect Labor Day destination to gather and celebrate the end of summer.

North Park Blocks

Free

September 2nd – 4th, 10am – 5pm

First Thursday

Stroll through the art galleries in the pearl for an evening of art, music, and wine! Parking is difficult so public transit is recommended

The Pearl District

Free

September 7th, 5pm – 10pm

Belmont Street Fair

The Belmont Street Fair is one of the largest-attended street fairs in Portland. With food and retail vendors of all kinds, show-stopping performances, and activities for all ages, the Belmont Street Fair is fun for everyone.

SE Belmont st from 31st -39th

Free

September 9th, 10am – 5pm

Dragon Boat Festival

Enjoy Portland’s annual Dragon Boat Festival, featuring dragon boat racing along with food vendors, a beer garden and more. DragonSports USA Portland Dragon Boat Festival features over 40 Oregon, Washington, and California teams.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Free

September 9th-10th, starting at 9am

Mt Angel Oktoberfest

Go and enjoy the largest folk festival in the NW and wander the streets of Mt Angel which are filled with celebration! Join in our German/Swiss festival and see why Mt Angel Oktoberfest is a Touch of Bavaria.

Mt. Angel Oregon

Free to attend

September 14th – 17th

NW Clothing Swap

The BIGGEST Clothing Swap in the Northwest. Two full floors of swapping fun. The Ballroom on the 3rd Floor: The main swap area with tons of clothing sorted into non-binary categories as well as a plethora of shoes and accessories.Plus, a bar. $10 and a bag of clothes get you a WHOLE NEW WARDROBE. 

Crystal Ballroom

$10 – TICKETS

September 17th, 12pm – 3pm

Oaks Park Oktoberfest

Head to Oaks Amusement Park for their annual Oktoberfest, where you can expect several beers on tap, delicious German food, live bands and performances by dance groups.

Oaks Park

Starting at $22 – TICKETS

September 22nd – 24th

The Wedge

The Wedge is a Farmers Market-style festival celebrating cheese and everything with it. Sample and purchase local artisan cheese, specialty foods, beer, wine, and cider. This is a family-friendly event that’s open to all cheese lovers.

Alder Block

Starting at $25 – Tickets on sale soon

September 30th

We hope to see you at some of these awesome events!

Looking for something else to do? Check out our best of lists!

July Events

by Leave a Comment

The heat is here to stay and we have some great musical festivals for you this month! You’ll find a mix of paid events and free events. We hope to see you there!

First Thursday

Stroll through the art galleries in the pearl for an evening of art, music, and wine! Parking is difficult so public transit is recommended

The Pearl District

Free

July 6th, 5pm – 10pm

Blues Festival

the festival is the perfect way to celebrate the Fourth of July Weekend. With family-friendly activities, sunny skies, the world-famous Zydeco dance floor and fireworks over the Willamette River, The Waterfront Blues Festival is not to be missed.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

$50+ per day – Tickets

July 1st – July4th

Comedy in the Park

The blankets drop at 6 p.m.; the show starts at 6:30. stand-up shows featuring Portland’s fave local and national comics every Friday in Laurelhurst Park. 

Laurelhurst Park

FREE

MORE INFO

Fridays nights in July

Rose Cup Races

Fans from across the country will gather to enjoy high-speed racing by seven different race groups, special salutes to the cars, exhibits, displays, vendors and more.

Portland International Raceway

$10+ – TICKETS

July 8th and 9th 8pm

Cathedral Park Jazz Fest

Billed as the longest-running jazz-and-blues festival west of the Mississippi, this annual summer favorite is a prime showcase of Portland’s homegrown talent, natural beauty and neighborly charm. 

Cathedral Park

Free

July 14th-16th starting at 4:30 pm Friday and 1pm Saturday and Sunday

Portland Pride

Known far and wide as a gay-friendly destination, the Rose City is open and accepting to visitors of all stripes. Portland gets friendlier than ever with the annual Portland Pride Festival and Parade, which accompanies LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus) community celebrations all over town.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

FREE

July 15th – 16th

We hope to see you at some of these awesome events!

Looking for something else to do? Check out our best of lists!

Christmas Light Displays

by Leave a Comment

Yay! the holidays, the time of year where it is even more acceptable to snuggle up in a comfy pair of pajamas for the whole day. If you are feeling a bit sick of your house and you want to get out to see some beautiful twinkling lights, this year we have some great ideas for you! (You can decide if you want to take those comfy pajamas off or not). In no particular order, here are some great christmas light displays around Portland!

Zoo Lights

zoo light

Now – Jan 5th

  • Oregon Zoo
  • 4001 SW Canyon rd

5pm – 9pm advance tickets required.

  • $19-$24 for the walking experience
  • $65 for drive-thru
  • *members receive a 20% discount

Buy Tickets

Winter Wonderland

winter wonderland at PIR, Light

Now – Dec. 31st

  • Portland International Raceway
  • 1940 N victory Blvd
  • Mon – Thurs 5-10pm
  • Fri – Sun 4:30-11pm
  • advance tickets required. *wait times can be 50 min during peak days/times*

$43+ per car depending on the day

Buy Tickets

Christmas Ships

christmas ships light

Dec. 4th – Dec. 22nd

around downtown and north portland along the rivers

Varying days and times depending on the river, check the Willamette schedule and the Columbia schedule for specific times

$FREE

Festival of Lights

Now – Dec 30th

  • The Grotto
  • 8840 NE Skidmore

5pm – 9:30pm

  • $14 advance tickets
  • $18 for at the gate tickets

Buy Tickets

Peacock Lane

Dec 15th – Dec 31st

  • Peacock Lane
  • Between Belmont and Stark St.

6pm – 11pm

  • Walk or Drive is available every night

$Free

Holidays at The Belle

Weekends, starting December 3rd

  • The Victorian Belle Mansion
  • 1441 N McClellan st
  • 4 pm – 10 pm

$5 – $20 depending on the event

Buy Tickets

Christmas at the Campground

Nov 25th – Dec 31st

Corner of SE Duke and SE 52nd ave.

  • Dusk Til Dawn
  • *grounds are closed but lights can be seen from the public streets*

$Free

The Holiday Express

Now – Dec 18th

  • Rail Heritage Center
  • 2250 SE Water Ave

Rides are every 90 minutes, tickets must be purchased in advance as they sell out.

  • $28 adult
  • $23 child *2 and under are free*
  • $92 family
  • Buy Tickets

Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!

September Events

by Leave a Comment

Can you believe we have made it to the final stretch of summer? Us Either! We do hope that September stays warm, especially for these great events! There are quite a few fun and free things to choose from this month. Here are our top picks!

First Thursday

Stroll through the art galleries in the pearl for an evening of art, music, and wine! Parking is difficult so public transit is recommended

The Pearl District

Free

  • September 1st
  • 5pm – 10pm though gallery hours vary.

Art in the Pearl

  • Fine Arts and Craft Festival celebrates 26 years of bringing art to the community. The distinctly artist-run event has long been a favorite in Portland, and it’s the perfect Labor Day destination to gather and celebrate the end of summer.
  • Northwest Park Blocks

Free

MORE INFO

September 3rd-5th, 10am – 6pm

Rose City Comic Con

  • While its primary focus is on comics, comic creators and the creative process, Rose City Comic Con also provides its attendees access to gaming, sci-fi, cosplay, anime, fantasy and everything in between. Its goal is to provide you with a rewarding, fun, family-friendly event experience.
  • Oregon Convention Center

starting at $45 – TICKETS

MORE INFO

  • September 9th: 1pm – 8pm
  • September 10th: 10am – 7pm
  • September 11th: 10am – 5pm

Chapman Swift Watch

Join the community for one of Portland’s favorite events. Every year as many as 16,000 birds swarm the old smoke stack at chapman elementary as the migrate from Canada to South America.

Chapman Elementary School

Free

MORE INFO

Evenings in September

Dahlia Festival

  • Stroll through almost 40 acres and a beautiful display garden of stunning dahlias featuring over 370 varieties. You can take home a bouquet, order flowers for spring plantings, or just enjoy the food carts and live music.
  • Swan Island Dahlias

MORE INFO

  • Open everyday except Wednesday
  • 9am-5:30pm

Dragon Boat Festival

  • Enjoy Portland’s annual Dragon Boat Festival, featuring dragon boat racing along with food vendors, a beer garden and more. The event features as many as 96 dragon boat teams from all over the world who race in Taiwan-style dragon boats. 
  • Tom McCall Waterfront Park – (riverplace Marina)
  • *Free*
  • MORE INFO
  • September 10th – 11th

Grand Prix of Portland

  • Every fall since 2018, Portland International Raceway has hosted the celebrated open-wheel racing. Held from 1984–2007 under various names, the race is back at Portland International Raceway as the only Verizon IndyCar Series race in the Pacific Northwest
  • Portland International Raceway
  • Starting at $70 – TICKETS
  • MORE INFO
  • September 2nd-4th

We hope to see you at some of these awesome events!

Looking for something else to do? Check out our best of lists!

August Events

by Leave a Comment

Can you believe we are already nearing the end of summer? Us Either! We do hope though that this lovely warm weather continues through September. We have some fantastic events for you this month and we hope to see you out there enjoying the city!

Pickathon

  • The three-day festival on 80 acres just outside Portland attracts a range of indie, rock and rap artists as well as the bluegrass troupes that gave the event its name. You can camp with a weekend pass, or just do a day pass!
  • Pendarvis Farm – Happy Valley

Weekend passes from $390 and day passes from $170

TICKETS

MORE INFO

August 4th – 7th

Vanport Jazz Festival

  • The Vanport Jazz Festival honors the city of Vanport and the voices that formed Portland’s jazz community.
  • Colwood Golf Center

starting at $60 – TICKETS

MORE INFO

  • August 5th: 6pm – 9pm
  • August 6th: 12pm – 9pm

First Thursday in The Pearl

Stroll through the art galleries in the pearl for an evening of art, music, and wine! Parking is difficult so public transit is recommended

The Pearl District

Free Event

  • August 4th
  • 5pm – 10pm though gallery hours vary.

Bridge Pedal

Join your friends and neighbors for the one opportunity each year to bike or walk on Portland’s car-free streets and bridges. Bridge Pedal is one of the largest community bike rides in the world!!

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Starting at $35 – TICKETS

MORE INFO

August 14th

Hip Hop Week

  • Portland Hip Hop Week is a celebration of Hip Hop culture in the city of Portland. Enjoy great performances from Portland artists and performers who have contributed to Portland’s Hip Hop scene.
  • Multiple Locations

Pricing varies per event – TICKETS

MORE INFO

  • August 20th – 26th
  • times vary

Adult Soap Box Derby

  • Put down your video game controllers and step away from your Mario Kart. The best way to race isn’t on a screen, it’s down an extinct cinder cone volcano in Southeast Portland. This event is so much fun, its a Portland MUST!
  • Mt. Tabor Park
  • *Free*
  • MORE INFO
  • August 20th

Hood to Coast

  • Hood to Coast is the world’s largest running relay race, stretching 200 miles from the top of Mount Hood to the Pacific Ocean in Seaside.
  • Timberline – Seaside
  • Tickets sell out months in advance, but you can watch along the way!
  • August 26th

We hope to see you at some of these awesome events!

Looking for something else to do? Check out our best of lists!

July Events

by Leave a Comment

Happy Summer! Festival season continues and we are so excited about some of the things coming up! Beer, movies, music, e can’t wait to see you at some of these great events.

Blues Festival

  • This music festival is one of the longest running and helps to showcase both local talent and national celebrities. With beautiful views of the willamette and a firework show, this festival is not to be missed!
  • Waterfront Park

$35+ TICKETS

MORE INFO

July 1st – July 4th 9am – 6pm daily

Craft Beer Festival

  • This brewfest is unique in that all the participants are brewed and created within the city limits of Portland!
  • The Fields Park

$30 TICKETS

First Thursday in The Pearl

  • Stroll through the art galleries in the pearl for an evening of art, music, and wine! Parking is difficult so public transit is recommended
  • The Pearl District
  • Free Event
  • July 7th 5pm – 10pm though gallery hours vary.

The Big Float

  • This year is the very last big float (at least hosted by the current organizers) so if you want to get in a floaty and ride across the willamette now is your chance!
  • Tom McCall Waterfront Park
  • $10-$15 TICKETS
  • MORE INFO
  • July 10th 11am-6:30pm

Cathedral Park Jazz Fest

  • This annual summer favorite is a prime showcase of Portland’s homegrown talent, natural beauty and neighborly charm.
  • Cathedral Park

*Free*

MORE INFO

July 15th – July 17th times vary

Cinema Unbound

  • A Portland tradition of watching a film under the stars but make it a little extra, with thematic and experiential surprises galore.
  • OMSI
  • $20-$75
  • GET TICKETS HERE
  • July 7th- July 31st

Fuji to Hood Beer Fest

  • Fuji to Hood is a beer and food festival between 40 like-minded breweries, cideries, and distilleries in the shadow of Oregon’s Mt. Hood and Japan’s Mt. Fuji.
  • The Bindery Annex
  • $30-$40 TICKETS
  • MORE INFO
  • July 16th

Oregon Brewers Festival

  • While we may have many beer festivals, none truly compare to this one. with over 80 different breweries, there are so many beers to choose from and its a must attend event.
  • Waterfront Park

$10 for a mug $2 per token

MORE INFO HERE

July 28th -30th

World Naked Bike Ride

  • This is one of the truly loved Portland traditions. Thousands of people bike around portland naked to protest our dependency on oil.
  • Secret Location TBD

*Free*

MORE INFO HERE

July 30th

Montavilla Street Fair

  • Stroll down Stark Street and enjoy district businesses, a farmer’s market and family-friendly entertainment and activities. 
  • SE Stark st in Montavilla

*Free*

MORE INFO HERE

July 31st 10am-5pm

We hope to see you at some of these awesome events!

Looking for something else to do? Check out our best of lists!

June Events

by Leave a Comment

It’s June! That also means it is the start of festival season! We are kicking things off with the rose fest, pride, and some beer! If you don’t love festivals, we have some other great things to do this month also! We are excited to share these June events!

Peony Festival

  • Visiting the gardens will include walking 25 acres of production fields, strolling through 2 acres of display garden, and enjoying many different colors of gorgeous peonies!
  • Adelman Peony Farm, Salem

*Free*

MORE INFO

May 1st – June 15th 9am – 6pm daily

Rose Festival

  • Parades, rides, fireworks, greasy food, what more could you ask for?
  • Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Parades are free, city fair requires a ticket

Portland Pride Festival

  • Portland is widely known to be a gay-friendly destination, but you can count on us being even more fun for the pride festival and parade!
  • Tom McCall Waterfront Park
  • *Free*
  • MORE INFO
  • June 18th and 19th

First Thursday in The Pearl

  • Stroll through the art galleries in the pearl for an evening of art, music, and wine! Parking is difficult so public transit is recommended
  • The Pearl District
  • Free Event
  • June 2nd 5pm – 10pm though gallery hours vary.

Crush on Oregon

  • Enjoy Wine tasting, local eats, and entertainment at this annual wine festival!
  • Castaway

$50-$70

GET TICKETS HERE

Sunday June 5th

Cider Summit

  • The regions largest cider festival is back! With 150 different selections made by 40 producers, you’ll fund something here to love!
  • The Fields Park
  • $40 for general admission
  • GET TICKETS HERE
  • June 10th and 11th

PDX Beer Week

  • We may not need a special week to drink beer, but this 11 day “week” will feature specials, rare beers, and fun events!
  • Various locations
  • Prices Vary – find all the events on the FB page
  • MORE INFO
  • June 17th -26th

Festival of Balloons

  • Hot air balloons take flight every June and you can enjoy the view with just a quick trip to the south!
  • Cook Park – Tigard

$12

MORE INFO HERE

We hope to see you at some of these awesome events!