Lazy days by the river, family picnics, campouts with stargazing and s’mores — summer in Oregon is about finding your bliss and chasing your sunshine-fueled passions. Whether you’re ready to enjoy live music or theater outside or attend a fair or rodeo, here’s a look at what summer events are on tap statewide.
All Summer
Iconic events like Portland Saturday Market are summertime favorites, along with unique experiences like art and comedy shows, LGBTQ+ nightlife and more in Old Town Chinatown. In downtown Portland, Mike Bennett’s Dinolandia is a favorite for families — an immersive walk-through two-story museum featuring more than 50 species of dinosaurs.
June
Pride Month Events, all month long (Statewide): Let your colors fly at parades, local businesses, parties and other events in celebration of Pride Month in Oregon. Two major events are the Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade and Wine Country Pride, with promotions and festivities throughout the Willamette Valley all month long.
Portland Rose Festival, all month long (Portland): This Rose City tradition returns to honor the city’s diversity, floral heritage and unity with marquee events like the Grand Floral Parade, Starlight Parade, Junior Parade, CityFair and Fleet Week, and a continuation of the Rose Festival Court and Queen’s Coronation. Check the website for the full schedule and find a way to be part of the action.
Ride the Dirt Wave, Oregon Coast: This brand-new event series showcases some of the best mountain bike trails on the Oregon Coast, and highlights the work of the active bike clubs and trail builders in the area. This inaugural year, Ride the Dirt Wave feature three trail systems on the Oregon Coast, each with its unique set of trails for all levels of riders: Klootchy Creek Trails in Seaside (June), Whiskey Run Trails in Coos Bay (July) and Wilder Trails in Newport (August).
Sisters Rodeo, Sisters: Celebrate “The Biggest Little Show in the World,” a show that’s been entertaining visitors in this Central Oregon town since 1940. Witness the pros bull riding, bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing and more incredible feats.
Waldport Beachcomber Days, Waldport: This vibrant coastal community welcomes visitors to its 66th annual summertime tradition, featuring a three-day timber/logging event, car show, parade, vendors’ fair, live entertainment and other activities.
Juneteenth Celebrations, Statewide: Celebrate and learn more about the history and culture of Juneteenth in Oregon at the annual statewide Juneteenth event, the Freadom Festival, Central Oregon Celebrates Freedom Day or another event near you.
Corgi Beach Day, Seaside: This joy-filled event returns for its 10th year on the Oregon Coast. Having outgrown its usual spot in Cannon Beach, this year’s event will take place in Seaside at the Turnaround off Broadway and the Seaside Aquarium. Bring your beach gear, picnic lunch and your corgis for a day of sand, sun and fun. This event benefits the Oregon Humane Society. Purchase tickets here.
Tigard Balloon Festival, Tigard: Head to the Tualatin Valley for a spectacular site, as about 20 hot-air balloons launch in the pre-dawn hours (weather and pilot permitting). Bring the family for afternoon shopping at craft and vendor booths, food from local vendors, carnival rides and games as well as a night-time event and beer garden.
Oregon Bach Festival, Eugene: The Oregon Bach Festival returns to Eugene with “A Celebration of Voice,” a series of events at Eugene’s Hult Center for the Performing Arts, the historic Beall Concert Hall on the University of Oregon campus, and local churches. The festival will showcase its award-winning choruses and vocal performances.
July
Waterfront Blues Festival, Portland: Celebrating more than three decades of music, the Waterfront Blues Festival is Portland’s largest and longest-running music festivals and one of the most renowned in the world. Rock out to top local, regional and national blues artists on four stages at Tom McCall Waterfront Park; watch the fireworks extravaganza; and enjoy family-fun activities (kids 12 and under are free).
La Pine Rodeo, La Pine: The “Greatest Little Rodeo in Oregon,” part of the Northwest Pro Rodeo Association, is one of numerous summertime rodeos in Oregon, along with Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo, Chief Joseph Days Rodeo and others.
Oregon Country Fair, Veneta: Join longtime festival fans and newcomers for three days of whimsical performances and demonstrations by a full spectrum of local artists.
Pendleton Whisky Music Fest, Pendleton: Nationally known artists will headline this lively event that makes the top of many concert-goers’ annual trips. See the website for info on food trucks, on-site camping, a pre-concert party and more.
Oregon Star Party, Ochoco National Forest and other locations: If you love stargazing, plan your trip now to one of Oregon’s summer star parties — a time for amateur and pro astronomers alike to gaze up to the night sky and appreciate the celestial wonders. Sign up for a night-time canoe or snowshoeing tour or a free ranger-led stargazing event at various Oregon State Parks.
Tamkaliks Celebration, Wallowa: Open to all, the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland invite guests to enjoy three days of song and dance, food and craft vendors capped — all with a traditional service and friendship feast with Native descendants, local residents and visitors. Camping and dancer registration is free, and raffle items include a buffalo hide and a Pendleton blanket.
Paseo, Portland: Inspired by the Spanish custom of the evening walk that re-awakens the city, the Portland Parks Foundation has partnered with arts and social justice leaders from many Portland communities to create a festival of emerging talent designed to not just help “bring downtown back,” but also bring it forward. There will also be a strong presence and focus on BIPOC vendors, parks, health and wellness, and outdoor recreation. It will be held at Portland’s downtown’s South Park Blocks and Directors Park.
August
Pickathon, Happy Valley: It’s a rite of passage for many music fans: A 4-day outdoor concert in the idyllic setting of Pendarvis Farm in Happy Valley, with a cutting-edge lineup of artists. Buy tickets right away, as they won’t last long.
Sneaker Week PDX, Portland: This week-long festival is dedicated to connecting the global sneaker community to Portland’s thriving footwear industry. A variety of passes are available to check out different elements of sneaker culture: music, art, media and content creation, innovation and technology, science, music, food and more.
Theater in the Park, Bend: Experience theater for the first time or the 50th at this beloved live event at Drake Park. Check the website for latest performances and tickets, and look to visit in the midweek for the fewest crowds.
Oregon Wine Experience, Jacksonville: Wine lovers can look forward to this immersive adventure featuring five main events: the inaugural Collectors’ Tasting, Founders’ Barrel Auction, Miracle Auction & Salmon Bake and Grand Tasting. The medal celebration will be broadcast online for all to tune in and enjoy, with an intimate studio audience.
