2025 Portland Summer Festivals

Photo by Tabitha Mort from Pexels

Summer has finally arrived in Portland. With the warm weather and longer days come so many opportunities for us to get out and enjoy everything our city has to offer, including Portland summer festivals.  

Summer in Portland is a season when the city’s vibrant spirit truly comes alive. Portland transforms into a festival haven, offering events that celebrate its unique culture, music, food and community. These summer festivals promise unique experiences and a true taste of the city’s diverse and dynamic charm.

Here’s a full list of must-visit Portland summer festivals. Did I miss your favorite Portland summer festival? Send me an email.

2025 Portland Summer Festivals

Oregon Midsummer Festival

June 27-28

Attend the Oregon Midsummer Festival at Nordic Northwest’ campus in Southwest Portland. Attendees can participate in flower crown making, Viking chess, midsummer dances, a scavenger hunt for gnomes, tug-of-war, arts and crafts, face painting and maypole parading.

One ticket gets you admission to both days of the festival. Tickets are $19 for adults and $10 for kids online in advance.

Good in the Hood Multicultural Music and Food Festival

June 28-29

The annual festival in North Portland sets the stage for locally renowned musicians, artists, small businesses and organizations. The event is free to attend at Lillis Albina Park from noon to 9 p.m. Don’t miss the parade on Saturday!

Helvetia Lavender Festival

July 4-6 and July 11-13

Activities at the Helvetia Lavender Festival include cutting your own lavender, watching lavender distillation workshops and wreath demonstrations, playing at the kids stations, perusing local artisan vendors and listening to live music.

The price is $10 per person. Kids up to age 13 attend for free. Proceeds from ticket sales are donated to Samaritan Ministries in Ukraine.

Portland Samoan Festival

July 12

Portland Samoan Festival showcases the rich traditions of the Samoan community through a dynamic blend of music, dance, art and cuisine from 12-5 p.m.

East Portland Summer Arts Festival

July 12-13

The East Portland Summer Arts Festival at Ventura Park kicks off the season of free event with two performances at Ventura Park. 

This festival is free and open to all. 

Photo courtesy of PDX Jazz

Cathedral Park Jazz Festival

July 18-20

Cathedral Park Jazz Festival brings together our community of music lovers. All ages are welcome. Spread a blanket on the grass or pack along low-back chairs to sit under the stunning St Johns Bridge and enjoy the Jazz and Blues music. This event is free to attend. View the lineup of performers.

Photo courtesy of La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival

La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival

July 19-20

The streets of downtown Hillsboro become a canvas during the La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival. Tualatin Valley Creates is bringing together talented artists that will make the sidewalks come to life with their incredible creations. The event takes place in downtown Hillsboro and is free to attend.

Photo courtesy of the Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade

Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade

July 19-20

Watch live performances on multiple stages while enjoying an array of diverse activities, food and community spaces at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. This event is the single largest visibility opportunity for our region’s LGBTQ+ community organizations and businesses with hundreds of exhibitors and food vendors.

The Portland Pride Parade is Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. View festival activities and the parade route. 

Dahlia Festival

August 1-September 28

Swan Island Dahlias in Canby has been growing beautiful blooms for more than 90 years. The farm hosts an annual Dahlia Festival Wednesday through Sunday. The festival is free and celebrates the blooming season with live music, food carts, local vendors and classes. Parking is free and outside food is allowed. And the trip wouldn’t be complete without buying your very own fresh cut bouquet of dahlias.

Chinese Festival

August 2

Celebrate Chinese American culture while enjoying a full lineup of entertainment, Chinese food, authentic arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities. The Chinese Festival is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is free to attend. 

Obon Fest

August 2

At Obon Fest, you can participate in dance, eat food, play games and appreciate Japanese-American culture from 2 to 9 p.m. View the activities. 

Elephant Garlic Festival

August 8-10

The Elephant Garlic Festival is once again inviting you to stop and smell the garlic in North Plains. If you’re a fan of hometown events filled with music, food and fun, you’ll want to hit up at least one day of this annual festival. The event is free to attend.

Photo courtesy of Portland Parks and Recreation

Washington Park Summer Festival

August 9-10

The beloved Washington Park Summer Festival returns, featuring world-class performances in an inspiring outdoor setting. At 6 p.m. each night, enjoy performances and musicians. See the schedule of performers. 

2019 Portland Adult Soapbox Derby. Photo by Jason DeSomer

Portland Adult Soapbox Derby

August 16

The Portland Adult Soapbox Derby is Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mt. Tabor is transforming into a raceway for the annual Portland Adult Soapbox Derby. Once a year, Portlanders convene on the slopes of the city park. Some are there to put their homemade, human-powered vehicles to the test. Others are there to simply enjoy the show. The event is free and open to all ages. 

Photo courtesy of Beaverton Music Festival

Beaverton Music Festival

August 23

The Beaverton Music Festival is the place to enjoy a full day of music and community from noon to 9 p.m. in the heart of the city. Along with music, the festival features a beer garden, food trucks and vendors. The event is free to attend. View the lineup.

Summer Festival at Portland Japanese Garden

August 23

This Summer Festival, rooted in Japanese Buddhist tradition, serves as both a celebration of life and a means of honoring the spirits of ancestors. Watch multiple interpretations of cultural dance from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Photo courtesy of India Cultural Association

India Festival

August 24

At Pioneer Courthouse Square, join a celebration of India. From 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., the event celebrates culture, music, dance, fashion, art, history and foods from the country. India Festival is free to attend.

Portland Dragon Boat Festival

September 6-7

The Willamette River will come alive with the splash of paddles and the cheers of spectators as dozens of colorful dragon boats race down the waterway in fierce competition at the Portland Dragon Boat Festival from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event is free to attend. 

Multicultural Kids Festival

September 7

At Ventura Park, the free Multicultural Kids Festival brings together kids and adults from different communities for an opportunity to explore cultures, try foods from around the globe and learn about traditions.

Serbian Festival

September 13-14

At the annual Serbian Festival, festival-goers to immerse themselves in culture and traditions, all while enjoying delicious food, lively music, and joyful dance. Hours vary per day. The event is free to attend. 

Portland Middle Eastern Festival

September 20-21

The 46th annual Portland Middle Eastern Festival features authentic cuisine, dancing, kids activities, silent auction church tours and more. The festival is now two days and free to attend. Hours vary each day. 

Festa Italiana

2025 information coming soon.

Enjoy Italian food, wine and beer. Festa Italiana hosts a variety of vendors and children’s activities.​ Enter to win a raffle or auction item, such as baskets of goodies. You can also partake in the wine all where everyone gets a bottle.

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