things to do in pdx

March Events

February 29, 2024 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

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.

Portland Expo Center
$16+ TICKETS
MORE INFO
March 1st – 3rd

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.

Milwaukie-Portland Elks Lodge
$40 TICKETS
MORE INFO
March 9th

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.

The Redd on Salmon
$30 – $65 TICKETS
MORE INFO
March 10th

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.

Oregon Convention Center
$16 TICKETS
MO RE INFO
March 23rd – 24th

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!

Best Indoor Activities

February 20, 2024 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

February in Portland often reaches the point where the relentless rain starts to wear on everyone. While some escape to sunnier destinations, others find joy right here in the city, exploring Portland’s amazing indoor activities. If you’re looking to shake off the dreary weather without leaving town, you’re in luck. Here are some of our favorite things to do away from the rain.

Museums

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): A family favorite, OMSI is an educational wonderland. Here, hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium, and even a submarine tour offer an exciting and informative experience for visitors of all ages.
Portland Art Museum: A serene haven for art aficionados, this museum boasts a diverse collection that spans ancient artifacts to contemporary art pieces. It’s a tranquil spot for adults to immerse themselves in the world of art and creativity.
Hopscotch PDX: For those seeking a unique, artistic escape from the rain, Hopscotch PDX offers an immersive art experience that’s sure to captivate. This interactive exhibit blends visual art, technology, and soundscapes to create a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Escape Rooms

Escapology Renowned for its highly immersive and challenging escape rooms, Escapology offers an array of themed adventures, perfect for puzzle enthusiasts looking for a thrilling experience.
Escapism Step into captivating environments with complex puzzles, offering a memorable and exciting escape room experience.
Escape Games PDX Test your wits in unique themed rooms ranging from the mysterious Sherlock Holmes to the quirky Portlandia.
Hour to Midnight Known for its meticulously crafted sets and engaging storylines, this venue provides an interactive and engaging adventure for all.

Wine Tasting Rooms

Enso Winery SE: This cozy urban winery offers a relaxing atmosphere and a diverse selection of local wines, perfect for unwinding.
Erath Winery NW: A pioneer in Oregon winemaking, Erath Winery is known for its exceptional Pinot Noir and a wide range of varietals that showcase the unique terroir of the region.
Boedecker Cellars NW: Renowned for its elegant and expressive wines, Boedecker Cellars provides an intimate setting to explore some of Portland’s finest locally crafted wines.
Battle Creek Cellars NW: Step into this inviting cellar to sample an array of exceptional wines from the Willamette Valley.

Indoor Climbing Gyms

The Circuit Bouldering Gym NE: A world-class bouldering gym offering challenges for all skill levels.
Movement Portland NW: Features quality climbing routes and bouldering areas, suitable for both novices and experts.
Portland Rock Gym NE: Enhance your climbing skills with a variety of courses and training programs at this premier gym.

We hope some of these things help you to beat the grey weather. Let us know your favorite things to do on rainy days. Looking for other lists of things to do? Find those HERE

February Events

February 1, 2024 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

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.

Wonder Ballroom
$30 – TICKETS
M ORE INFO
February 10th

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 I NFO
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.

N Mississippi
Free
MORE INFO
February 13th

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 I NFO
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!

December Events

November 30, 2023 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher 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

Pioneer Square
$10-$30 – Tickets
MORE INFO
December 2nd and 3rd

Fremont Holiday Fest

Shop, dine and explore NE Fremont!

NE Fremont from 42nd to 50th
Free
M ORE 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 – TI CKETS
MORE INFO
December 9th and 10th

Holiday Activities

Zoo Lights – Oregon Zoo
Gingerbread Display – Benson Hotel
Festival of Trees – Convention Center
Pittock Mansion Christmas – Pittock Mansion
Holiday Express – Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Winter Wonderland – Portland International Raceway
Christmas Festival of Lights – The Grotto
Silverton Christmas Market – The Oregon Garden
Christmas Ships Parade – Willamette and Columbia Rivers

Holiday Shopping

PDX pop up shops – Downtown
Laurelhurst Winter Bazaar – Laurelhurst School
Crafty Wonderland – Oregon Convention Center
Portland Holiday Market – Veteran Memorial Coliseum
NAYA Native Made Winter Market – Lloyd Center
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

August 31, 2023 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher 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 1984â€“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 Portlandâ€™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 â€” thatâ€™s about 8 p.m. near the start of September and 7 p.m. by the monthâ€™s end. Bring your binoculars, snacks, jackets and something comfy to sit on, and settle in for one of the cityâ€™s best free spectator events.

Chapman Elementary

Free

All Month at Sunset

Art in the Pearl

Portlandâ€™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 itâ€™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.Â 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.Â 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.Â

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 – TICKE TS

September 22nd – 24th

The Wedge

The Wedge is a Farmers Market-style festival celebrating cheese and everything with it.Â Sample and purchase local artisan cheese, specialty foods, beer, wine, and cider.Â This is a family-friendly event thatâ€™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

June 28, 2023 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher 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 theÂ 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 Portlandâ€™s fave local and national comics every Friday in Laurelhurst Park.Â

Laurelhurst Park

FREE

MOR E 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+ – TI CKETS

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 Portlandâ€™s homegrown talent, natural beauty and neighborly charm.Â

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.Â Portland gets friendlier than ever with the annualÂ Portland Pride Festival and Parade, which accompanies LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus) community celebrations all overÂ 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!

Celebrating Queer-Owned Restaurants

June 1, 2023 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Discover the vibrant culinary scene of Portland through a celebration of queer owned restaurants. In this blog post, we are excited to showcase some exceptional establishments that have become integral parts of the city’s inclusive and diverse culture. Join us as we delve into the contemporary delights of Kann and Can Font, indulge in the comforting flavors at Farmhouse Kitchen and Friendship Kitchen, and explore the fusion creations at Clark Lewis and Siam Umami. These queer-owned restaurants not only offer unforgettable dining experiences but also embody the spirit of creativity, inclusivity, and celebration that defines Portland’s culinary landscape.

Kann

Experience avant-garde cuisine at Kann, a queer-owned restaurant that thrives on innovation. With a constantly evolving menu and a commitment to inclusivity, Kann tantalizes your taste buds with daring flavor combinations and artistic plating. Whether you’re a passionate foodie or an adventurous eater, Kann promises to surprise and delight, earning its place as a beacon of queer culinary excellence in Portland.

548 SE Ash st.

Farmhouse Kitchen

Embark on a culinary adventure at Farmhouse Kitchen, a queer-owned gem that draws inspiration from Thai street food. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, this cozy restaurant delivers the vibrant flavors of Thailand to the Pacific Northwest. Indulge in green curry, pad Thai, and heavenly coconut-based desserts, all while celebrating the cultural influences that shape Portland’s diverse dining scene.

3354 Se Hawthorne Blvd

Can Font

Savor the fusion of Catalan and Northwest flavors at Can Font, a queer-owned restaurant that seamlessly blends tradition with local ingredients. From the tantalizing aroma of roasted meats to the delicate balance of flavors, Can Font offers an elegant dining experience. Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of culinary influences while celebrating the queer-owned heritage that thrives within this Portland establishment.

1015 NW Northrup St

Clark Lewis

Clark Lewis is a queer-owned culinary haven that crafts menus inspired by the seasons and local ingredients. The talented queer chef behind this restaurant combines classic flavors with contemporary techniques to create unforgettable dishes. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, Clark Lewis invites you to savor their wood-fired delicacies and revel in their commitment to culinary excellence.

1001 SE Water Ave

Friendship Kitchen

Step into the warm and inclusive space of Friendship Kitchen, a queer-owned restaurant that celebrates comfort food from diverse cultures. With a menu featuring gourmet burgers, mouthwatering pastas, and vegan delights, Friendship Kitchen caters to all palates. The passionate queer owners ensure that each visit feels like dining among friends, fostering a sense of community that is as satisfying as the food itself.

2333 NE Glisan St

Siam Umami

Experience the epitome of queer-owned culinary creativity at Siam Umami. Inspired by the fusion of Thai and Japanese cuisines, this extraordinary restaurant captivates diners with its unique creations. From Thai-infused sushi rolls to curry bowls with Japanese flavors, Siam Umami takes your taste buds on a captivating journey. Embrace the passion and dedication of the queer-owned spirit behind Siam Umami as they push the boundaries of flavor in every dish.

4237 S Corbett Ave

Siam Umami:

Portland’s queer-owned restaurants represent a dynamic and inclusive culinary landscape, showcasing the creativity and talent of LGBTQ+ chefs and owners. From innovative menus to comforting flavors, each establishment mentioned – Kann, Farmhouse Kitchen, Can Font, Clark Lewis, Friendship Kitchen, and Siam Umami – offers a unique dining experience that embodies the essence of Portland’s diverse culture. Indulge in the culinary delights of these queer-owned gems, and let your taste buds celebrate the spirit of inclusivity, community, and culinary brilliance that thrives within the Portland dining scene.

If we missed your favorites, please let us know! If you are looking for other best of lists, you can find those HERE

Christmas Light Displays

December 1, 2022 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher 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!