Summertime and the pickin’s easy! Every month of summer in Portland offers its own unique events and experiences. From music to craft beer, contemporary art to the internationally acclaimed culinary scene, Portland packs the sunniest season with festivals and events that celebrate the best of the Rose City.
Portland’s festival season kicks off in early June, with outdoor concerts and celebrations that last through much of September. Here’s our top picks for things to do, see and experience during a summertime visit to Portland.
May 27 – June 26
Portlanders and visitors alike are invited to celebrate Portland’s floral heritage and community spirit with the return of the annual Rose Festival. Time-honoured traditions at this 4-week festival include the Grand Floral Parade, Starlight Parade, Junior Parade, Rose Festival Court and Queen’s Coronation.
May 27 – June 12
Considered the “hub” of the annual Portland Rose Festival, CityFair fills Waterfront Park with carnival rides, concerts, food and fireworks for multiple weekends during the festival.
Saturday, June 4
For more than 40 years, Portland’s Starlight Parade has offered funky, eclectic fun for everyone. From traditional marching bands and flood-lit floats to glow-in-the-dark umbrellas and unique hand-built entries, you’ll see the best of Portland’s diverse community groups together in one whimsical pageant.
June 9-13
Since the very beginning of the Rose Festival back in 1907, visiting ships and other fleet-related elements (like submarines) have been making their way to Portland’s waterfront for Fleet Week. The City of Portland is known to be a favorite port of call for military (and non-military) visitors — and citizens enjoy making these visitors welcome! The greatest purpose of Fleet Week is to celebrate and thank our active, reserve and veteran military personnel. The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton, is offering military discounts in honor of Fleet Week. Learn more here.
June – August
Portland’s cycling culture peaks during summer’s multi-week Pedalpalooza, featuring 200+ local-led, themed rides, all open to the public.
June 18-19
The Portland Pride Festival attracts thousands of visitors to Portland each year and brings significant visibility for our region’s LGBTQ+ community. Pride Northwest is particularly committed to providing the Pride celebration in order to create a safe and celebratory environment for our young people. Not only do things get better, Pride is what better looks like!
July 28-30
The Oregon Brewers Festival is one of the nation’s longest-running and best-loved craft beer festivals and is considered a craft beer destination. On a sun-soaked July afternoon, there’s no better place to sip independent craft beers, cider & wine with friends along the banks of the Willamette River, with the Portland skyline as the backdrop.
July 1-4
The Waterfront Blues Festival is Portland’s largest and longest-running music celebration. Feel the energy and experience over 100 acts on 4 stages, over 4 days.
July 1-3
The Portland Craft Beer Festival at the Fields Neighborhood Park features the broadest selection of local beers, ciders and wine, all crafted within the city limits of Portland. Enjoy various genres of fabulous offerings from Portland-based food carts too!
August 4-7
The Pickathon Music Festival is an annual three-day music festival located just outside of Portland in Happy Valley, Oregon on Pendarvis Farm. Occurring every August since 1999, the festival has featured a variety of artists and genres including Indie, Rock, Rap, Folk, and Bluegrass.
Make the most of Portland’s epic summer season right in the heart of the city. The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton offers you comfort, luxury and proximity to your best summertime picks. Click here for a summer offer that even includes free overnight valet parking.
Established in 1913, the historic Benson Hotel is the city’s only premier hotel that unites the charm and civility of the Old World with the elegance of contemporary design and mindful service. In homage to the hotel’s namesake, Simon Benson, guests are invited to experience legendary service, European design, opulently sized guest rooms and suites, five-star dining and an acclaimed lobby bar. The Benson seeks to cultivate the best in all of us.
