Portland Events and Festivals 2016

 

Welcome

Each year, Portland's best events and festivals come and go at the blink of an eye, and 2016 will be no exception. Here is a list of Portland's events to help you plan, whether you're visiting Portland and want to make it special or a Portlander who doesn't want to miss out on the fun. Looking for a Portland food festival? How about Feast Portland or ChocolateFest, an entire festival dedicated to fine chocolate. Looking for a music festival? How about MusicfestNW, What The Festival, or Pickathon? Want a more unusual Portland event? Try the Adult Soapbox Derby or the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. There are great film festivals in Portland, too, such as the Portland International Film Festival. And don't forget the epic running events, like the Portland Marathon and Hood to Coast Relay. I suggest you get the 12-month wall calendar that has all the Portland events and their dates on it. (If you don't want to buy it, you can still see all of the events on the BigWeekendCalendars.com website for free).


Adult Soapbox Derby

Only in Portland would adults lovingly build soap box racers and hurl themselves down a volcanic cinder cone. Free.


Art in the Pearl

This massive fine arts and crafts festival in Portland's North Park Blocks includes world music, hands-on activities, and artist demonstrations.


ChocolateFest

Join the chocolate revolution! An adults-only opening-night chocolate party, followed by all-ages tastings of amazing chocolates.


Feast Portland

It's a perfect snapshot of Oregon cuisine: all-star chefs, lots to eat and drink, and proceeds go toward ending hunger in the U.S.


Filmed by Bike

This festival just went international! See why, with an opening night block party, director panels, and about 40 short films dedicated to the art of biking.


Holiday Ale Festival

Celebrate the holidays in Pioneer Courthouse Square with fellow beer lovers and 100s of potent winter ales.

 

 

Hood to Coast Relay

Register a 12-member team to run day and night from Mt. Hood to Seaside. Expect an epic beach party at the end of the 198-mile route.


Kells St. Patrick’s Irish Festival

May the luck of the Irish be there with you, it's Portland's largest St. Patrick's Day party, with a good mix of traditional entertainment for families and revelers.


Lights on Peacock Lane

Head to Southeast's Sunnyside neighborhood to tour an entire street of elaborately decorated Tudor homes. Look for pedestrian-only nights.


Macy's Holiday Parade/Tree Lighting Ceremony

Head Downtown to herald the start to the holiday season, with over 20 floats, 600 costumed characters, and the big man in red.


Mississippi Avenue Street Fair

This huge street fair has something for everyone: 40+ bands, local art, beer gardens, and more. Free.


MusicfestNW

For days, who's who in the independent music scene, from national stars to underground bands, rock Waterfront Park.


Oregon Brewers Festival

For nearly 30 years, it's brought Oregon beer lovers and brewers from around the world together in Waterfront Park.


PDX Pop Now!

Get into the local music scene at one of Portland's most beloved music events. Free, all-ages, and grassroots.


Pickathon Indie Roots Music Festival

Head out to Happy Valley's Pendarvis Farm for this music festival with camping and top indie musicians.

 

 

Pints to Pasta 10k

This scenic, award-winning 10K footrace ends with a pasta-and-beer party on the banks of the Willamette.


Polish Festival

Better begin practicing how to say "cheers" in Polish, this free fest has great food, live polka, dancing, and more. Na zdrowie!


Portland International Film Festival

The largest filmfest in Oregon brings 100s of critically acclaimed movies, by both celebrated and under-the-radar directors, to theaters citywide.


Portland Pride Festival & Parade

Diversity rocks! Party with DJs on Saturday and then, on Sunday, get ready for one of the city's biggest parades


Portland Rose Festival

It's our city's parade! Flower-bedazzled floats, spectacular costumes, marching bands, and more.


Portland Swap Meet

Tour over 3500 vendor stalls to find the rarest and most random car parts. Vintage cars on display, too.


Reach The Beach

Whether a pro or amateur cyclist, ride to the beach and raise money for the American Lung Association.


Waterfront Blues Festival

Blues and rock musicians lay down the jams on dueling stages in Waterfront Park, at this Oregon Food Bank fundraiser.


Sand in the City

View sculptures created using 450 tons of sand in Pioneer Courthouse Square, plus a kids' sandbox, music, and a beer garden.


Shamrock Run

The largest running event in the state always sells out and always ends with brews. Choose half marathon, 5K, 8K, or 15K.


The Portland Marathon

Excellent organization and friendly staff make this one of the best marathons in the nation. Sign up early to ensure a spot.

 

 

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

Watch costumed competitors row across Tualatin Lake in boat-sized pumpkins. Funny-looking fun for everyone.


What The Festival

Experience huge art installations, bands, camping, and gigantic wading pools in the middle of nowhere, east of Mt. Hood.


ZooLights

More than a million lights transform the zoo into another world. Lasts select days all month.