Portland’s Must-Attend Summer Festivals and Events

Summer is the time of the year when friends and family create some of the best memories of their lives. In Portland, the season brings a vibrant array of festivals and events that reflect the community's spirit.

This blog will guide you through the diverse offerings that make summer in Portland special. Whether you're seeking entertainment, cultural experiences, or simply a way to enjoy the warm weather, you'll find plenty of options to explore. Let’s delve into the events that make summer in the city a time to remember.

Portland Craft Beer Festival

When: July 4-6, 2024

Where: 3508 S Moody Ave, Portland, OR 97239

The Portland Craft Beer Festival transforms The Fields Park into a massive outdoor celebration. It features a vast selection of beers, ciders, and wines brewed specifically by Portland, Oregon breweries. This unique focus sets it apart from other festivals and it kicks off Oregon Craft Beer Month.

Hawthorne Street Fair

When: August 25, 2024

Where: SE Hawthorne Blvd Hawthorne & 34th Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Hawthorne Street Fair is a summer festival with local flair. This August, explore over 200 businesses in a car-free zone on Hawthorne Boulevard, stretching from SE Cesar Chavez to SE 30th Avenue. Enjoy vendors, food, music, and entertainment throughout the day. This year’s fair is a great way to experience Portland's vibrant shopping district.

Waterfront Blues Festival

When: July 4-7, 2024

Where: 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204

The Waterfront Blues Festival is a four-day Independence Day celebration in Portland with over 64 blues, soul, funk, and R&B artists performing on four stages. The festival also features local music legends and Portland's favorite food trucks, breweries, and wineries. Held at Tom McCall Waterfront Park with stunning riverfront views, the festival includes family-friendly activities, a Zydeco dance floor, and fireworks over the Willamette River.

Mississippi Street Fair

When: July 13, 2024

Where: N Mississippi Ave between N Fremont & Skidmore, Portland, OR 97217

Mississippi Street Fair, the city's biggest street fair, is back for a day of summer fun. The fair takes over North Mississippi Avenue, closing it to traffic for booths overflowing with crafts and delicious food.

Live music fills the air from three stages, while the Grandfathers Rib-Off Competition promises mouthwatering barbecue. Don't forget to bring the kids – there's a dedicated zone with activities just for them. This is your chance to explore the neighborhood shops and restaurants, all in a festive atmosphere.

Americana Harvest Fest

When: June 28 – August 29, 2024

Where: 17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd, Portland, OR 97231

Topaz Farm presents the Americana Harvest Fest series, featuring folk, country, and bluegrass artists every Thursday night from late June to August. Enjoy established musicians under the summer sky. Bring your blanket or lawn chair and settle in next to farm animals, u-pick fields, and the market bar and grill. Arrive early to explore the farm before the music starts at 6:30 p.m. and discounted tickets are available for children on Thursdays.

Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts

When: June 21-23, 2024

Where: 368 S State St, Lake Oswego, OR 97034

Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts offers a vibrant summer celebration. Over 600 artists showcase their work alongside live music, performances, and kid-friendly activities. You can enjoy artist demonstrations and a variety of food vendors. It’s free to the public but donations are encouraged.

Oregon Midsummer Festival

When: June 28-29, 2024

Where: 8800 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223

Celebrate summer with Nordic tradition at the Oregon Midsummer Festival! Decorate poles, craft crowns, enjoy live music, devour Nordic delicacies, play games, and explore Viking culture at the Nordic Northwest Campus. This two-day festival is a fun-filled way to experience Portland's rich Nordic heritage.

Cathedral Park Jazz Festival

When: July 19-21, 2024

Where: Cathedral Park, Portland, OR

Cathedral Park Jazz Festival is a free, three-day concert in the city featuring the region’s best jazz and blues musicians. Held in mid-July at Cathedral Park, it's the longest-running festival of its kind west of the Mississippi. You can enjoy music, scenic views from beneath the St. Johns Bridge, and support the local community. This is a must-attend summer event as it fosters cooperation and pride in the North Portland neighborhoods of Cathedral Park and St. Johns and recognizes and promotes the community’s local businesses.

Viking Beer Fest

When: August 23-24, 2024

Where: 8800 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223

The Viking Beer Fest is a two-day, 21+ ticketed festival celebrating Viking heritage. Sample craft beers while watching Viking reenactors battle and explore a Viking ship replica. Enjoy live music, traditional Nordic food, and unique festival-brewed ales. This year, the festival will unveil a giant recycled art troll sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

Multnomah Days

When: August 17, 2024

Where: SW Capitol Hyw between SW 31 Ave and SW 37, Portland, OR 97219

Multnomah Days at Multnomah Village is a beloved annual open-air street fair, featuring live music, a community parade, and over 125 vendor booths. There's also a Kids Zone and an art fair to explore. Food and drinks (outdoor street dining) are plentiful, with options from both restaurants and food carts.

As summer unfolds in the city, the variety of events and festivals ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy. Hopefully, this guide helps you make the most of the season and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

Embrace the opportunities, connect with the community, and savor every moment of this vibrant time of year. Here's to a memorable summer in Portland!