2023 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. 

I’ve gathered a list of Portland summer festivals you won’t want to miss. These all ages activities range from free to cheap. 

Did I miss your favorite Portland summer festival? Send me an email.

2023 Portland Summer Festivals

Photo courtesy of Tigard Festival of Balloons

Tigard Festival of Balloons

June 23-25

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 23-24

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 $15 for adults and $10 for kids online in advance.

Good in the Hood Multicultural Music and Food Festival

June 24-25

The annual two-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 kicks off with a parade on Saturday. The event is free to attend. View the full lineup of musicians and entertainment.

Helvetia Lavender Festival

June 30-July 2 and July 7-9

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 8-9

The East Portland Summer Arts Festival at Ventura Park celebrates black excellence with music and dance performances, a movie, and arts activities. The event headliner is PJ Morton, the multiple Grammy Award-winning keyboardist for Maroon 5.

This festival is free and open to all. 

Photo courtesy of PDX Jazz

Cathedral Park Jazz Festival

July 14-16

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.

La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival

July 15-16

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.

Dahlia Festival

August 2-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.

2019 Portland Adult Soapbox Derby. Photo by Jason DeSomer

Portland Adult Soapbox Derby

August 19

The Portland Adult Soapbox Derby is Saturday, August 19, 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. 

India Festival

August 6

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.

Washington Park Summer Festival

August 11-13

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. 

Elephant Garlic Festival

August 11-13

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.

Festa Italiana

August 20

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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