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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!

Spring Blooms

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With spring coming in full swing there are so many places to see beautiful flowers throughout the city. Here are my favorites to visit!

Portland Japanese Garden

Located within Washington Park in SW Portland, you can find some stunning blooms and cherry blossoms in this serene and beautiful park.

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

It’s got over 2,500 rhododendrons, all bursting with vibrant colors that’ll leave you in awe. You can stroll around the lake and take in the views, or even bring a picnic and make a day of it.

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Within a short drive, you have the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. With over 40 acres of tulips in bloom. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a rainbow of colors, These are best viewed in mid to late April.

Hoyt Arboretum

Hoyt Arboretum is another must-see. There are over 6,000 trees and shrubs, many of which bloom in the spring. You can take a hike through the trails and sit back for a picnic in numerous places.

Tom McCall Cherry Blossoms

These cherry blossoms are not to be missed. They peak in late March and early April and with the river and city skyline, this is one of the most photographed places in all of Portland. This is also the perfect spot to sit back for a picnic.

International Test Garden

Last but not least, we’ve got the International Rose Test Garden. With over 7,000 roses on display, the aroma alone will make you feel like you’re in a fairytale. Plus, the views of the city are incredible. These roses peak in late April and early May.

Adelman Peonies

This farm is another short drive from Portland, but the stunning peonies are well worth the drive. With 30 acres of peonies you will love exploring these fields. They welcome picnics and animals. These blooms are best viewed in May and early June.

So there you have it, my top picks for catching the spring blooms in Portland. Get out there and explore, and let the beauty of spring bring a smile to your face!

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!

Best Indoor Activities

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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

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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!

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!

Shine Distillery

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Fusing Spirits, Food, and Atmosphere into an Unforgettable Evening

Nestled in N Williams, Shine Distillery isn’t just another distillery. It’s a unique offering in a sea of Portland Distilleries. Me and a girlfriend decided to go and check it out.

In 2019 Jonathan Poteet, a veteran in the brewing world, unveiled his vision for Shine Distillery—a concept that defied the norms. Unlike traditional distilleries, Shine embraced the spirit of a brewpub, offering an expansive food and cocktail menu alongside its lineup of vodka, gin, and whiskey. The outcome? A space that encourages patrons to not only relish the spirits, but to relax in a laid back environment with their favorite foods.

Shine has multiple seating offerings depending on the type of experience that you are looking for. There is a kid friendly dining room and bartop directly across from the distillery on the main floor. There is also a 21+ seating section on the second level and a small bartop. Or you can make the best choice and sit on the roof top patio which is also 21+. We arrived just in time to watch the sunset.

We tried the Pink 75, a twist on my favorite cocktail. The pink gin is flavored with pink hibiscus and it really complemented the lemon and prosecco. This was absolutely one of my favorite 75s. I also tried the Lavender Love made with gin, lavender, lemon and egg white. It was frothy, tart and delicious. We also of course had to try a tasting flight. We were able to sample the gin, hibiscus gin, vodka, and minty vodka. They were all clean, easy to sip, and tasted exactly as the ought to.

We didnt try any food this time around as we really just wanted to enjoy a cocktail but you can find things like burgers, pretzels, artichoke dip, and pasta. They also have a happy hour from 4pm-6pm which we will be coming back to!