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June Events

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June is the start of festival season in Portland and we have some good ones to kick things off! Portland’s biggest party is also this month with the kickoff of the City fair and Rose parade! We have all the events happening at the rose festival listed at the bottom of the page!

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

June 6th, 5pm – 10pm

Portland Beer Week

Every June, PDX Beer Week features limited-edition brews, a lineup of events, and beer specials at bars and brewpubs citywide, overflowing with so much hop fever that the “week” spills into ten full days of thirst-quenching fun.

Various Locations

Prices vary – more info coming soon

June 1st

Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and planning for the future.

Albina Park

MORE INFO

June 15th

Festival of Balloons

The Festival of Balloons in Tigard (a suburb 30 minutes southwest of downtown Portland by car) brings more than a dozen brightly colored, colossal hot-air balloons to the sky every June.

Cook Park, Tigard

$15 – TICKETS

MORE INFO

June 21st – 23rd

Festival of the Arts

For more than 50 years, the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts has proudly presented unique art exhibits including more than 600 local, national, and international artists. Visitors can also experience live music on two stages, performances, kids’ activities, artist demos, and a variety of food. It’s free to the public (donations encouraged) and attracts thousands of festival-goers each year.

Lakewood Center for the Arts, Lake Oswego

FREE

June 21st – 23rd

Rose Festival Events

  • Celebration of Oregon Brewers Festival – May 24-27, May 31-June 2, June 7-9
  • City Fair, carnival and entertainment – May 24-27, May 31-June 2, June 7-9
  • Opening Night and Fireworks – May 24th
  • Rose Fest Wine Walk – May 30th
  • Starlight Run – June 1st
  • Starlight Parade – June 1st
  • Fleet Week – June 5th – June 9th
  • Junior Parade – June 6th
  • Grand Floral Showcase – June 8th- June 9th
  • Dragon Boat Race – June 8th
  • Rose Garden Contest – June 18th
  • Milk Carton Boat Race – June 23rd

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

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

May Events

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Get ready for the fantastic weather to start! May brings back the farmers markets, the rose festival, and it’s wine month! With so many exciting events it was hard to pick but here are some of our favorites.

Oregon Wine Month

  • There are so many events going on at different wineries so be sure to check out as many as you can!
  • Willamette Valley

Prices Vary

MORE INFO HERE

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

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
  • May 2nd 5pm – 10pm

Cinco de May Fiesta

  1. The fiesta boasts three full days packed with festivities and culturally immersive programming. During the event, festival-goers can experience the spirit of Mexico through music, arts, dance and sport.
  2. Tom McCall Waterfront Park
  3. $10 – $25 TICKETS
  4. More Info Here
  5. May 3rd – 5th, 11am – 11pm

Portland Derby

  • Celebrating the greatest two minutes in sports, the “Run for the Rose City” is the social event of the spring. A day for fashion, mint juleps, roses, ponies and dancing.
  • The Redd on Salmon St.
  • $35 TICKETS
  • MORE INFO
  • May 4th, 11am – 6pm

Unique Markets

  • Discover the best of Portland’s independent designers, artists and emerging brands in a festive indoor setting. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, lounges, photo booths, creative DIY activities, arcade games, music and more
  • Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum
  • $12- $40 TICKETS
  • MORE INFO
  • May 11th – 12th, 10am – 4pm

Coffee, Beer, and Doughnut Festival

  • The 8th Annual Baker’s Dozen melds three things Portland does best: coffee, beer, and doughnuts. Each brewer uses beans from a different roaster. 
  • Culmination Brewing
  • $40+ TICKETS
  • MORE INFO
  • May 11th, 11am – 2pm

UFO Festival

  • Second in popularity only to the UFO festival in Roswell, New Mexico, Oregons annual celebration features days full of parades, costume contests, expert speakers and family fun.
  • McMinnville

Prices vary based on event

MORE INFO

May 17th and 18th

Rose Festival

  • Portland Rose Festival features multiple parades, waterfront carnival rides, concerts, races, fireworks and plenty of roses. Opening night even features a fireworks show!
  • Tom McCall Waterfront Park
  • MORE INFO
  • May 24th 5pm – June 9th

Farmers Markets Starting Back up This Month

  • Shemanski Park
  • Portland State University
  • Hollywood
  • St John’s
  • Portland Waterfront

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

Astral and Duality

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Welcome to the ultimate hotspot of the week, where teamwork takes center stage! Picture this: Duality Brewing crafting sensational beer and playing host to natural wines, alongside Astral’s mastery of fresh, delectable small plates. We recently experienced this dynamic duo on a sun-soaked day, and let me tell you, the patio was an absolute paradise.

We started off with a glass of pinot gris, perfectly complementing the sunshine. The rice lager that we tried out next surprised us with its hoppy twist, and felt like a great balance of flavors.

Now, let’s talk about the food – on this visit we tried so many delicious dishes! The Dungeness crab tostada was outstanding, with a swath of avocado mousse, tons of fresh crab, and bursts of rainbow trout roe atop a blue corn tostada. It was sunshine on a plate, fitting for an Oregon spring day. Following suit, the dry-aged Kanpachi crudo was bright and fresh, served with an aguachile of carrot habanero, serrano oil, and shiso, with a rice crisp to scoop it up. For a heartier small plate, we added the nixtamalized sunchokes – rich, earthy, and accompanied by a green goddess dressing and bonito flakes that danced in the breeze. And oh, the grilled fish taco! A generous filet of striped bass, grilled to perfection on their tiny outdoor grill, was a testament to their dedication to freshness and quality.

Every bite and sip at Duality and Astral was a pure delight, heightened by the unbeatable patio setting on a beautiful Portland day. We’re already counting down the days until our next visit, eager to explore more of their menu or simply unwind with a refreshing drink.

You can find more info about Duality Here and Astral Here. Have you checked them out yet? Let us know in the comments!

April Events

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Spring is finally here! We all know that April is likely to bring many showers our way, but we need them to ensure we have those may flowers! Speaking of flowers…there are so many amazing places to see them around town! Head over to our spring blooms post, to see the full list!

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

April 4th, 5pm – 10pm

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Just a short drive outside of Portland, this tulip farm is a stunning sight to see in the spring. With over 40 acres of tulips in bloom, you’ll feel like you’re walking through a sea of color. Make sure to bring your camera, as the photo opportunities are endless.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm – Woodburn

$15 – TICKETS

MORE INFO

Through May 5th, 9am -6pm

Trillium Festival

Welcome back Spring. The Annual Trillium Festival at Tryon Creek State Natural Area is an educational event for the whole community that celebrates the season of renewal in the forest and beyond. 

Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Free

MORE INFO

April 6th 9am – 2pm

Bridge to Brews

Join the annual 8k and 10k walk/run over 4 of Portland’s iconic Bridges. After the race, there will be a beer/cider-tasting event on the waterfront. Sip on some of Portland’s best beer and cider while enjoying live music, games, and goodies from local vendors.

SW Waterfront

$20+ – TICKETS

MORE INFO

April 21st

TEDx Portland

Year 12 is inspired by the unlimited potential and endless possibilities revealed through the alchemy of ideas. Twelve speakers, represented by 12 vibrant colors and unique symbols, will demonstrate how essential we all are in catalyzing change—in the Rose City and beyond.

Keller Auditorium

$89-$179 – TICKETS

MORE INFO

April 27th 9am

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

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

March Events

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The beginning of spring brings back some of our absolute favorite events! There are also a ton of activities to help celebrate St. Patricks Day! We hope that march brings about some warm and drier weather for us and we hope to see you at some of these events!

Ticket to Dine

Ticket to Dine restaurant month is back for it’s second year. Eat at one of the particiapting restaurants and win a scratch off tickets for a chance at a litany of prizes ranging from freed drinks to sporting event tickets.

  • Multiple Locations
  • Pricing Varies
  • MORE INFO
  • March 1st – March 31st

Portland Seafood and Wine Festival

Enjoy fresh Oregon seafood (at the peak of Dungeness Crab season) as well as wine, craft beers, cider, and distilled spirits as you browse the myriad of exhibitors. Over 30 of Oregon’s finest wineries (and 20 other beverage makers) offer you tastings of their very best. 

Winter Music Festival

Celebrating over ten years of music and still going strong. This festival gives you great entertainment for a few hours and a chance to get out of the house before spring begins and help the community.

SheBrew

The 9th Annual SheBrew Festival is a family-friendly beer and cider festival showcasing over 50 professional female brewers and 10 homebrewers from the Pacific Northwest.

Bricks Cascade

Head to the Oregon Convention Center for the annual Bricks Cascade, Portland’s premier public LEGO event. See creations from hundreds of builders from the Pacific Northwest and worldwide in this two-day event. 

St. Patricks Day Events

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

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

February Events

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The beginning of February brings about some of Portlands favorite annual events. We have the celebration of black history month, the winter light festival, and Oregon craft beer month! Let’s get into some of the things we are most excited for!

Cascade Festival of African Films

The festival is a tribute to the filmmakers whose dedication and creativity have brought extraordinary stories to life. It’s an ode to the audience whose appreciation and support fuel African cinema’s continued growth and evolution. 

  • Multiple Locations
  • Free
  • MORE INFO
  • Feburary 2nd – March 3rd

Portland Winter Light Festival

The festival’s theme in 2024 is Glowing Under Pressure, exploring the mysteries of the deep sea and inspired by bioluminescent wonders. There is no centralized location this year so check the website for the schedule.

  • Various Locations
  • Free
  • MORE INFO
  • February 2nd – 10th

Dumpling Week

A citywide celebration featuring inventive dumpling creations that you won’t find anywhere else. Participating restaurants will serve up special dumplings unavailable on their regular menus for dining in, take-out and/or delivery.

  • Various Locations
  • pricing varies
  • MORE INFO
  • February 4th – 10th

Lunar New Year at Lan Su Chinese Gardens

Welcome the Year of the Dragon at Portland’s most iconic Lunar New Year celebration experience. witness the garden aglow with hanging red lanterns, illuminating sweeping rooflines while Lake Zither reflects the lights of large-scale floating lantern sculptures. They are also offering special holiday teas in the newly reopened tea house!

  • Lan Su Chinese Garden
  • pricing varies
  • MORE INFO
  • February 7th – 28th

SW Washington Wine and Chocolate Festival

Visit individual tasting rooms in Clark and Cowlitz counties to sample local wines paired with artisan chocolates for Southwest Washington Winery Association St Valentine’s Wine and Chocolate Festival.

  • Various Locations
  • Wine tastings vary by location
  • MORE INFO
  • February 9th – 18th

Mardi Gras Ball

The New Orleans Times-Picayune has listed Portland’s annual Mardi Gras Ball as one of the top five most authentic Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States outside Louisiana.

Trail Blazers Celebration of Black History

Join Portland’s NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers, at their annual Celebration of Black History. This event honors the city’s Black and African American community and celebrates their contributions nationwide.

  • Moda Center
  • Cost Varies
  • MORE INFO
  • February 10th

Mardi Gras Parade

Each year the Mysti Krewe of Nimbus hosts a free, family-friendly  Mardi Gras parade for everyone. The parade steps off at 7:00 pm starting near Humboldt St and proceeds down Mississippi Avenue to Cook St.,  just past Fremont.

Portland Jazz Festival

The Biamp Portland Jazz Festival is a two-week multi-venue celebration of jazz presented in Portland, Oregon. The Festival is dedicated to evolving America’s art form, featuring recognized jazz masters and rising jazz stars, alongside local jazz heroes.

  • Various Locations
  • Pricing Varies
  • MORE INFO
  • February 16th – March 2nd

Zwicklemania

Named after the “zwickel,” a German word for the sample port found on fermentation vessels, Zwickelmania is an annual celebration of craft beer in Oregon. The Oregon Brewers Guild is pleased to announce that more than 50 breweries are participating in this tradition. 

  • Wonder Ballroom
  • Free tastes at most breweries
  • MORE INFO
  • February 17th

Highball Week

Get ready for an ENTIRE WEEK of specially crafted, original cocktails mixed by the best bartenders in town… and get this; they’re only $8 each.

  • Various Locations
  • $8 per cocktail
  • MORE INFO
  • February 20th – 26th

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

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

Han Oak

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As a fervent lover of Korean cuisine, I’m always on the lookout for places that capture its essence and authenticity. In my culinary adventures across Portland, Han Oak has emerged not just as a restaurant, but as a celebration of Korean flavors, marrying tradition with modernity. This gem in Portland is a testament to the versatility and richness of Korean cuisine, and my recent visit there was nothing short of spectacular.

jessica berger, han oak
The Ambiance: A Blend of Tradition and Modern Comfort

Han Oak is not your typical dining venue. It brings Korean-inspired cuisine to life in a setting that’s both intimate and inviting. The ambiance of the restaurant is akin to dining in a stylish, welcoming home. The decor is a thoughtful mix of minimalist and cozy, creating an environment where every meal feels like a special occasion.

The dining experience at Han Oak is further elevated by its exceptionally relaxed yet attentive service. The staff was knowledgeable, not only about the menu items but also in their tips on crafting the perfect gimbap roll and suggesting flavor combinations. Their attentiveness shone through as they were quick to refill our sides and ensure that every aspect of our meal was taken care of, enhancing the overall enjoyment of our dining experience.

Cocktails and Starters: A Prelude to the Feast

Our evening began with an exploration of Han Oak’s cocktail menu, featuring the “On Screen Chemistry” and “You’ll Be Hearing From My Lawyer.” Each cocktail was a masterful blend of flavors, setting a high bar for the meal to come. The banchan selection was our first foray into the meal, with each small dish – from the beets in miso ginger vinaigrette to the silken tofu in chili vinegar – showcasing the depth and variety of Korean cuisine.

cocktails, han oak
banchan, han oak
The Gimbap Party: A Culinary Adventure

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the Gimbap Party Menu. Served in a sizzling stone bowl, the selection included beef bulgogi, pork shoulder, and a delightful assortment of pickled vegetables. However, the star of the show was the cured scallops, which added an exquisite touch to our DIY gimbap rolls. The interactive nature of this meal not only allowed for personalized flavors but also added a fun and engaging element to our dining experience.

gimbap roll, han oak
Final Reflections on Han Oak

Han Oak is a place where my love for Korean cuisine is not only met but exceeded. From the harmonious ambiance and impeccable service to the innovative dishes and fun-filled karaoke, Han Oak stands as a beacon of culinary excellence in Portland. It’s a must-visit for anyone who shares a passion for Korean cuisine and looks for an experience that goes beyond just dining.

December Events

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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!