Photo by Josephine Baran.
Tomato season deserves a celebration, and Portland is throwing one—and the whole thing is free. Tomato Fest returns to Wellspent Market in Southeast Portland on Saturday, Sept. 12, bringing together some of the region’s best tomatoes, local food, cooking demonstrations, music, crafts and plenty of opportunities to eat your way through the afternoon without spending a dime to get in.
The annual festival is free and open to everyone, making it an easy (and delicious) way to spend a Saturday in Portland on the cheap.
Here are the details about this year’s event.
2026 Tomato Fest
Photo from Lauretta Jean’s Pie.
This year’s festival includes tomato tastings from Oregon State University’s tomato breeding program, along with dry-farmed tomatoes and melons grown without irrigation.
Beyond the tastings, visitors can check out cooking demonstrations, food vendors, crafts, face painting and a tomato-themed style contest. A DJ will also provide music throughout the afternoon.
Eat, Drink and Explore on the Cheap
There will be plenty of local food to sample while you’re celebrating the humble tomato.
Food and drink highlights include demonstrations from Kachka, Sauvette, Fulamingo and Hot Mama Salsa, along with pies from Lauretta Jean’s, pizza from Scottie’s and gelato from Pinolo.
While food and drinks are available for purchase, admission to the festival itself is free, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy without paying an entry fee.
The event is presented by Wellspent Market and the Culinary Breeding Network.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
- Time: Noon–4 p.m.
- Location: Wellspent Market, 3402 SE Division St., Portland
- Cost: Free
- What: Tomato tastings, cooking demonstrations, food, music, crafts and family-friendly activities
A Free Saturday Afternoon in Portland
Whether you’re a serious tomato enthusiast or simply enjoy a good excuse to eat local food, Tomato Fest has something to offer. With free admission, tastings, music and family-friendly activities, it’s an easy event to add to your Portland weekend plans without blowing your budget.
For the full lineup and more information, visit Wellspent Market.
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