
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.
I’ve gathered a list of summer festivals you won’t want to miss. These all ages activities range from free to cheap.
Did I miss your favorite summer festival? Send me an email.
2022 Portland Summer Festivals

Photo courtesy of Tigard Festival of Balloons
Tigard Festival of Balloons
June 24-26
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 3 day-weekend pass is available online for $12 per person. Kids 6 and under attend for free. View the full schedule.
Good in the Hood Multicultural Music and Food Festival
June 24-26
The annual three-day Good in the Hood Festival in Northeast Portland sets the stage for locally and nationally renowned musicians, local artists, small businesses and organizations. The event is free to attend. View the full lineup of musicians and entertainment.
Lavender Festivals
If you’re up for a short drive outside Portland, plan on attending one of these lavender festivals:
Clackamas County Lavender Festival
June 25-26
The Oregon Lavender Farm in Oregon City hosts this annual community festival to enjoy the season’s lavender blooms, learn about sustainable agriculture and showcase local small businesses. The Clackamas County Lavender Festival is free to attend. Parking is $5.
Helvetia Lavender Festival
July 1-3 and July 8-10
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. This year, all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Samaritan Ministries in Ukraine.

2019 Portland Adult Soapbox Derby. Photo by Jason DeSomer
La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival
July 16-17
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.
Portland Adult Soapbox Derby
August 20
The Portland Adult Soapbox Derby is Saturday, August 20, 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 PDX Jazz
Cathedral Park Jazz Festival
July 15-17
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.
Dahlia Festival
August 1-September 30
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.
Elephant Garlic Festival
August 12-14
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.
India Festival
August 14
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.
Festa Italiana
August 21
At Cedarville Park in Gresham, Enjoy Italian food, wine and beer from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 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
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