Portland Media Kit

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All Year 'Round (events + festivals)

"Portland and the surrounding region host a number of festivals throughout the year, such as the Cinco de Mayo celebration, the Waterfront Blues Festival and the Portland Rose Festival. These and many other celebrations bring out the true culture and favor of Oregon's largest city."
- Northwest Travel

For a complete listing of events visit our online calendar of events.

 

Events in Portland

Reel Music Festival – January
For 25 years, this film festival has presented movies about music and musicians of every genre and era. Spanning several weeks, the festival often features live appearances by musicians and filmmakers. www.nwfilm.org/festivals

Portland International Film Festival – February
The granddaddy of Oregon film events, the Portland International Film Festival packs 100 films from 30 countries into a busy two weeks every February. The festival celebrated its 31st anniversary in 2008.  www.nwfilm.org/festival

Oregon Seafood and Wine Festival – February
Scheduled smack dab in the middle of the Dungeness crab season, this upscale festival celebrates both the bounty harvested from the Pacific Ocean and the state’s vineyards. More than 130,000 square feet (3,962 square meters) at the Oregon Convention Center allows plenty of room for festival-goers to wander while enjoying great food, wine and live music.  www.oregonseafoodfestival.com

Spring Beer & Wine Fest – March/April
This adults-only beverage exposition celebrates handcrafted microbrews, regional wines and distilled spirits. Dozens of Northwest microbreweries, wineries and distillers offer samples of their wares. The festival also features food and music.  www.springbeerfest.com

Faux Film Festival – April (weekend closest to April Fools’ Day)
If you love counterfeit commercials, phony movie trailers, mockumentaries and other celluloid spoofs, Portland’s Faux Film Festival is the ticket. Filmmakers from all over the world submit their work to this tongue-in-cheek film fest, which takes place annually at northeast Portland’s historic Hollywood Theatre. www.fauxfilm.com

Taste of the Nation Portland – April
Treat your taste buds to the very best at the Taste of the Nation Portland, one of the city’s premier food and winetasting events. This annual adults-only gourmet extravaganza features more than 70 Oregon chefs and restaurants, plus 40 wineries and microbreweries. Add local music and a silent auction for food, wine and travel packages, and you’ve got one unforgettable culinary experience. Plus, 100 percent of the proceeds go toward fighting hunger. www.portlandtaste.org

Portland Farmers Market – Spring-Fall
Most of the area’s farmers’ markets open in May. Among the items featured are fresh produce, flowers, seafood, breads and berries. There are three markets in or near downtown Portland: Saturdays, in the South Park Blocks at Portland State University (downtown); Wednesdays, in the South Park Blocks at Salmon Street (downtown); and Thursdays, at the Ecotrust Building (Pearl District). In addition to shopping, the Portland markets feature chef demonstrations and other entertainment. Dozens of additional markets dot the region.  www.portlandfarmersmarket.org; www.oregonfarmersmarkets.org

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta – May
Each May, downtown Portland’s Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park transforms into a Mexican fiesta, complete with authentic entertainment and music. Billed as the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in North America, the festival attracts performers from Mexico, including many from Guadalajara, one of Portland’s sister cities. www.cincodemayo.org

Portland Indie Wine Festival – May
Sniffing, swirling and sipping, an esteemed panel of national wine experts annually select 40 lucky wineries to present at the Portland Indie Wine Festival. The festival showcases rising-star wineries whose annual production is less than 2,000 cases. Festival-goers not only get to taste jury-selected wines, they can also buy wines on-site and have their purchases shipped direct (state-of-residence regulations permitting). www.indiewinefestival.com

Portland Rose Festival – June
The Portland Rose Festival, which celebrated its centennial in 2007, offers three weeks of family events. Highlights include the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade, the Starlight Parade, a waterfront carnival for families, dragon boat races, concerts and fireworks. www.rosefestival.org

Portland Pride Festival and Parade – June
For more than 30 years, this two-day event has united the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities, as well as their friends and families, in Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park. In addition to the Pride Parade on Sunday, the festival offers live entertainment, a family fun run/walk, and even a pet parade.  www.pridenw.org

Chamber Music Northwest – June-July
Pre-concert picnics are a standing tradition among the enthusiastic followers of this annual chamber music series. Since it was launched in 1971, the festival has grown into one of the most successful chamber music events in the nation.  www.cmnw.org

Waterfront Blues Festival – July
The largest blues festival west of the Mississippi River takes place each year during Independence Day week. Portland’s Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park sets the stage with top national acts performing over five days. Large fireworks display on July 4.  www.waterfrontbluesfest.com

Oregon Brewers Festival – July
Craft breweries from around the United States bring their beers to Portland for this four-day festival, the largest gathering of independent brewers in North America. More than 60,000 beer fans enjoy the atmosphere — and upwards of 70 beers — at Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park the last full weekend of July.  www.oregonbrewfest.com

PDX Pop Now! – July/August
PDX Pop Now! is a free, all-ages music festival that highlights as many as 50 local independent artists at a single venue over the course of two days. The lineup is determined in part by public input; in 2007, fans submitted more than 20,000 requests for bands they wanted to see. The volunteer-driven nonprofit behind the festival also produces an annual compilation CD of local music. www.pdxpopnow.com

The Bite of Oregon – August
Benefiting Special Olympics Oregon, The Bite is one of the “Rose City’s” most popular festivals. Sample food created by local chefs and taste regional wines at the Oregon Wine Garden. Live music by national and local bands, chef demonstrations and family entertainment.  www.biteoforegon.com

Bridge Pedal – August
This annual bike ride across Portland’s bridges cements Portland’s bike-friendly status, as a total of 10 bridges partially close to cars, affording bicyclists rare views and a choice of relaxed rides ranging in distance from 14 to 36 miles (23-58 kilometers).  www.providence.org/oregon/events/bridge_pedal

City of Portland Triathlon – August
This downtown triathlon was launched in 2007 with a uniquely Portland spin: committed to becoming the greenest race in the country, the event uses solar power, recycled materials, bamboo T-shirts and a “living finish line” sculpture planted with native succulents. Starting and ending at Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park, this Olympic-distance race includes a swim in the Willamette River, a bike ride that crosses several bridges, and a run along the river. www.portlandtri.com

Hood to Coast Relay – August
The Hood to Coast is the world’s largest running relay race, stretching 197 miles from the top of Mount Hood to the Pacific Ocean in Seaside, Ore. The overnight event culminates in the West Coast’s largest beach party and draws more than 12,000 runners and 4,800 walkers annually. www.hoodtocoast.com

Musicfest NW – September
This annual festival was established in 2001 to showcase local musicians, bring in national acts and benefit children’s music education in Portland. Downtown becomes a massive block party as wristbanded attendees check out more than 100 bands at nearly 20 venues over the course of four days. www.musicfestnw.com

Portland Lesbian and Gay Film Festival – September/October
This annual festival showcases feature, documentary and short films made by, about, or of interest to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. The festival screens some 100 films and attracts more than 7,000 filmgoers during its nine-day run at Northwest Portland’s Cinema 21.  www.plgff.org

H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival – October
Although less famous than his contemporary, Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft is recognized by fans as an equally talented master of gothic horror. Lovecraft’s stories and poems have provided the inspiration for dozens of films and television episodes — some laughably bad. The annual Lovecraft film fest pays tribute and is held at Portland’s landmark Hollywood Theatre. www.hplfilmfestival.com

Portland Marathon – October
The Portland Marathon, founded in 1972, is considered one of the best in the nation. Named “Most Walker-Friendly Marathon” by Runner’s World magazine, it attracts tens of thousands of spectators and draws participants from around the world. In true Portland fashion, the marathon features 70 performers at various locations along the route — more live entertainment than any other marathon. www.portlandmarathon.org

The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court’s Coronation Ball – October
The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court is Oregon’s oldest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organization, dedicated to having fun while raising money for charities within the LGBT community. The annual Coronation Ball is a drag extravaganza. www.rosecourt.org

Northwest Film & Video Festival – November
This festival presents features, documentaries and short films by independent Northwest film and video makers. The offerings are chosen from more than 300 entries by a prominent member of the independent film community. Past judges have included Gus Van Sant, Matt Groening and Todd Haynes. Founded in 1973, the festival attracts more than 6,000 attendees annually.  www.nwfilm.org/festivals

Festival of Lights at The Grotto – December
An amazing display of more than 500,000 lights illuminates the largest choral festival in the Pacific Northwest. A petting zoo, puppet shows, and seasonal food and beverages also highlight the event.  www.thegrotto.org

Parade of Christmas Ships – December
For more than 50 years, this fleet of 55-60 brightly lit boats has staged performances on the Willamette and Columbia rivers during the holiday season. Visit the Christmas Ships website for dates, times and best viewing locations. www.christmasships.org

ZooLights Festival – December
The Oregon Zoo becomes a holiday fairyland as one of Portland’s largest light displays blazes to life. Decorated train rides, kids’ activities, and music by community groups.  www.oregonzoo.org

First Run & Walk – Dec. 31
Get your New Year off to a healthy start: The First Run & Walk kicks off at the stroke of midnight every New Year’s Eve. The 5k and 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) fitness run/walk routes take participants through downtown Portland, ending with a family-friendly celebration. The run/walk is preceded by a party that starts at 10 p.m. www.racecenter.com/firstrun

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Events Around the Region

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival – March-April
This month-long festival showcases more than 40 acres of tulips and daffodils in bloom at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn, Ore. Weekend events include food, wine, pony rides for the kids, and, of course, tulip viewing. Forty-five minutes from downtown Portland. www.woodenshoe.com

Hood River Valley Blossom Festival – April
A drive through the stunning Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area leads visitors to more than 15,000 acres (6,070 hectares) of fruit trees in full bloom. Although the festival is headquartered near the town of Hood River, Ore., additional celebrations occur along the state’s 35-mile (56-kilometer) Fruit Loop driving tour route. One hour from downtown Portland.  www.hoodriver.org or www.hoodriverfruitloop.com

Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts – June
This event features art demonstrations, an art show and juried craft show with 120 booths, wine, beer, food and entertainment. Twenty minutes from downtown Portland. www.lakewood-center.org

International Pinot Noir Celebration – July
More than 60 Pinot noir winemakers from around the world show up for this event in McMinnville, Ore., located in the heart of the Oregon wine country. This limited-attendance event (small numbers give attendees more one-on-one time with the vintners) features three days of seminars, tastings, tours and fabulous food paired with, naturally, Pinot noir. Forty-five minutes from downtown Portland. www.ipnc.org

Elephant Garlic Festival – August
Fun stinks! In a good way, that is. Plenty of garlic-enhanced food is on hand for this festival, which also features a parade, arts and crafts, and music. Festival takes place in North Plains, Ore., about 35 minutes from downtown Portland. www.funstinks.com

Mt. Hood Jazz Festival – August
Gresham’s Mt. Hood Jazz Festival, held the first weekend of August, has attracted top musicians from around the world for more than 25 years. Held in historic downtown Gresham, 30 minutes east of downtown Portland, the festival spans two days and features performances on an outdoor stage and at nearby restaurants.  www.mthoodjazz.org

Pickathon Roots Music Festival – August
For 10 years, the Pickathon Indie-Roots Music Festival has celebrated the music of Americana. Held at the historic Pendarvis Farm 20 minutes southeast of Portland, this three-day sustainable festival features alt-country, folk, bluegrass, rockabilly, jug bands and more on five stages. And attendees are encouraged to bring their own instruments to play in a variety of workshops and jam sessions. www.pickathon.com

Tualatin Crawfish Festival – August
Good family fun can be found at the Tualatin Crawfish Festival, the nation’s oldest crawfish celebration (much to the chagrin of one Louisiana resident, who in 1976 placed a voodoo curse — unsuccessfully — on the event). Twenty-five minutes from downtown Portland.  www.tualatincrawfishfestival.com

Scappoose Sauerkraut Festival – September
Staged in Heritage Park, next door to the Steinfeld Pickle (and sauerkraut) factory in the Columbia County town of Scappoose, this one-day festival will help you get your fill of fermented cabbage. Thirty minutes from downtown Portland. www.scappoosecommunity.org

Hood River Valley Harvest Fest – October
For those who attended the Hood River Valley Blossom Festival in April, here’s your chance to catch the tail end of the fruit-growing process. The fruit is picked and it’s time to party with music, food, wine and a quilt raffle. One hour from downtown Portland.  www.hoodriver.org or www.hoodriverfruitloop.com

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