This weekend in Oregon is packed with a range of exciting events, offering something for everyone from extreme outdoor sports to family-friendly festivals and music performances.
For those who enjoy classic cars, the Gaston Good Ol’ Days is a much-anticipated event in the town of Gaston. The annual celebration kicks off with a parade at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, followed by a weekend filled with activities including a cornhole tournament, a ‘Loud Pipes’ competition, and a pancake breakfast, among other events. Live music, a beer garden, and a steak feed will add to the festive atmosphere. The car show is not only a highlight but also serves a charitable purpose, with proceeds benefiting local children’s charities and nonprofit agencies. The festivities will take place at Brown Park from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, and from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, with free admission for all guests.
If you’re at the coast and are a fan of chamber and jazz music, consider attending the Siletz Bay Music Festival in the Lincoln City/Newport area. This event spans ten days, featuring performers such as Michelle Chow, JoJo Dimitrov, Katherine Schultz, and Mei-Ting Sun. One of the highlights includes a free family outdoor concert on Saturday at Regatta Park, showcasing Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf.” Concerts begin this Thursday and continue at various venues until August 24, providing an eclectic musical experience for attendees.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the PNW Survival Games 2025 in Molalla offers an immersive experience in wilderness survival. Running from Friday to Sunday, this event gathers hikers, bushcraft lovers, athletes, and educators eager to learn survival skills in off-grid areas. Participants aged 18 and older can partake in hands-on lessons and challenges, while spectators of all ages are welcome to observe. The event will also feature live music, talks with instructors, and options for camping, with day passes available for $50 and weekend passes for $100.
Skateboarding fans should not miss the Rockstar Energy Open Worldclass Skateboarding event, which returns to Portland’s Waterfront Park for a weekend of high-octane excitement. Attendees will witness outstanding performances from top skaters, including Olympic gold medalist Keegan Palmer and defending champion Lazer Crawford. The venue opens at 11:45 a.m. from Friday to Sunday, and the best part is that admission is free for spectators, making it a perfect opportunity for both avid fans and casual observers.
Another unique event is Billy Nation – A Tribute to Billy Joel, taking place on Friday at the Newmark Theatre. Fans of the legendary Piano Man can look forward to a night filled with beloved hits from Joel’s extensive catalog, delivered by tribute act Billy Nation, led by pianist/vocalist Adam Shapiro. Tickets for this nostalgic musical event start at $55.
For those looking for a more quirky experience, the PDX Adult Soap Box Derby promises an entertaining day. This fun-filled adults-only race down the slopes of an extinct volcano has been a favorite for more than 25 years. Racers both professional and amateur will take part, while spectators can enjoy the festivities for free, with donations encouraged to support the ongoing event. The races commence at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Mount Tabor.
Dog lovers will find joy at the 18th Annual Corgi Walk happening Saturday morning as well. With over 100 corgis expected, this event offers a playful atmosphere filled with companionship and a fashion show for the furry participants. Registration is $25 to join in the walk, with all proceeds going to assist owners facing high medical or behavioral costs for their pets.
Art enthusiasts can take advantage of the Family Open Studios workshop on Saturday morning at Walters Cultural Arts Center. This free drop-in event invites families to explore clay sculpting and wheel throwing, guided by talented experts in the field. The workshop is designed for all skill levels, making it a perfect opportunity for budding artists.
Also occurring this Saturday is Multnomah Days, one of Portland’s longest-running street fairs. This community-oriented event includes a parade, live music, street entertainers, food and beverage carts, and an area dedicated to kids’ activities. Happening in Multnomah Village, the event is free to attend and boasts a diverse array of activities suitable for families and individuals alike.
Music lovers can rejoice at the inaugural Summer Shred Music Festival, also taking place Saturday. This festival promises a full day of live performances featuring 14 local rock, metal, and punk bands, as well as food trucks, a beer garden, and artist booths. Admission is free, and the event aims to make live music more accessible to the Portland community. It will run from noon to 11:30 p.m. at an outdoor location near the Morrison Bridge.
Lastly, don’t miss the annual Harvest Fest in McMinnville, organized by the Yamhill County Historical Society. This event offers attendees a glimpse of old-fashioned farm life, featuring demonstrations of horse and mule harvesting, antique farm equipment, blacksmithing, and sawmilling. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, complemented by a vendor market and live music. Admission costs $10, while children ages 11 and under can enter for free.
On Sunday evening, the Portland Wind Symphony will perform at Cathedral Park, creating a delightful ambiance for attendees to enjoy beautiful music under the stars. Conductors Paul Nickolas and Danielle Davey will lead the wind ensemble in a program featuring works by renowned composers such as Leonard Berstein, Percy Grainger, and George Gershwin. The concert starts at 6 p.m. and is free for all ages, providing a lovely way to close out the weekend.
With such a diverse lineup of events this weekend in Oregon, there’s no shortage of opportunities for entertainment, adventure, and community connection.
image source from：oregonlive
