Summertime in Portland is packed full of events for everyone. Each year Portland hosts music, beer, wine, and food festivals as well as the annual Rose Festival which includes events across several genres. Events start in May and run all the way through August. I’ve had the pleasure of patronizing several of these events over the years and each one has been quite exciting and memorable! I’ve attended the Blues Festival, which offers great music and wonderful food; the Rose Parade which features floats and local high school marching bands; the Portland Pride Parade; and Fleet Week which provides tours of U.S. and Canadian Navy Ships and Coast Guard Vessels. As a former sailor, Fleet Week is definitely one of the highlights of my summer.
Below I’ve listed the festivals featured this year and the best they have to offer!
Beer:
Oregon Brewers Festival – July 26th – 29th 2012
This festival is one of the longest running craft brewing festivals in the country. Oregon is well-known for its bounty of local breweries and this event features over 80 from all over the country. Live music accompanies the festivities and is located at the Waterfront Park. The event runs Thursday to Saturday from noon to 9pm and Sunday noon to 7pm. Admission is free, however to consume beer, a $6 OBF mug is required as well as $1 wooden tokens to purchase beer. Beers costs four tokens for a full mug or one token for a sample. I’ve personally been to this festival and had a great time truly enjoying the art of beer crafting. http://www.oregonbrewfest.com/index.php
Portland Beer Week – June 7th – 17th 2012
These 10 days encompass several activities including beer & food pairing, tournaments and prizes, and seminars. Featured brewers include The Beermongers, Bridgetown Beerhouse, Burnside Brewing Co., Cheese Bar, Interurban, Migration Brewing, Saraveza, Spirit of 77, Widmer Brothers, and RedHook. A full list of events included dates and costs can be located here: http://pdxpipeline.com/2012/06/07/2012-portland-beer-week-kickoff/
Portland International Beerfest – July 20th – 22nd 2012
This event features rare and exotic beers from 16 countries and is located on the North Park Blocks in the Pearl. Times, costs, and more information can be located here: http://www.portland-beerfest.com/info.php
Food:
Bite of Oregon – August 10th – 12th 2012
This event is a collaboration of all the food Oregon has to offer, celebrity chefs, wineries, craft beer, and entertainment. It’s located at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park and is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary this year. The celebrity chef this year is Aaron McCargo, host of Food Network’s Big Daddy’s House. Their site can be located here: http://www.biteoforegon.com/
Music:
Waterfont Blues Festival – July 4th – 8th 2012
For five days, 20 acts crank out blues music on two stages to patrons seated on blankets and lawn chairs at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. This year, one of my dad’s favorite bands will be performing – the Steve Miller Band. Food vendors will keep you feed and hydrated. A full schedule and costs can be located here: http://www.waterfrontbluesfest.com/
Annual Portland Rose Festival:
Here you’ll fine everything from parades to half-marathons, movie screenings to dragon boat races, and concerts to fireworks. The Rose Festivals has events every month all summer long! The full calendar and description of events can be found here: http://www.rosefestival.org/events/
Fleet Week:
From June 6th – 10th 2012 U.S. Navy Guided Missle Cruisers, Destroyers, and Frigates pull into port on the west bank of the Willametter River and provide guided tours of the vessels. You’ll also find Canadian and U.S. Coast Guard ships. This is a family friendly event and great for all ages. Make sure you arrive early as the lines to see the ships can be several hours long. Complete information can be found on the following page: http://www.rosefestival.org/events/fleet/
Portland Pride Festival and Parade:
June 15th – 17th 2012 and other various dates over the summer. This Festival hosts several Pride events including parades, dancers, movie screenings, music, food, and beer. Folks from all over come here as members and supporters of the LGBTQ community. A full list of events can be located on the following page: http://pridenw.org/
I hope this guide has been very helpful. I’m looking forward to the summer activities and I hope you are too! Portland summers are nothing short of memories in the making!
