2024 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.

2024 Portland Summer Festivals

Photo courtesy of Tigard Festival of Balloons

Tigard Festival of Balloons

June 21-23

The Tigard Festival of Balloons is at Cook Park in Tigard. While hot air balloons are the main attraction at the event, there’s also craft and vendor booths, food vendors, carnival rides and games, a beer garden, a car show, and live music. 

A three-day weekend pass is available online for $15 per person. Kids 6 and under attend for free. View the full schedule.

Oregon Midsummer Festival

June 28-29

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.

Helvetia Lavender Festival

July 5-7 and July 12-14

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 will be donated to Samaritan Ministries in Ukraine.

East Portland Summer Arts Festival

July 6-7

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 19-21

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 20-21

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 20-21

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 21 at 11 a.m. View festival activities and the parade route. 

Obon Fest

August 3

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 9-11

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 10-11

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

2019 Portland Adult Soapbox Derby. Photo by Jason DeSomer

India Festival

August 11

At Beaverton City Park, 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 Adult Soapbox Derby

August 17

The Portland Adult Soapbox Derby is Saturday, August 17, 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. 

Festa Italiana

Date TBA

At Cedarville Park in Gresham, 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. Admission is $5

Dahlia Festival

Dates TBA.

Swan Island Dahlias in Canby has been growing beautiful blooms for more than 93 years. The farm hosts an annual Dahlia Festival. 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.

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