Monday

06-30-2025 Vol 2007

Exciting Events in Portland: A Summer Celebration of Culture, Commerce, and Community

As summer unfolds in Portland, a variety of engaging events are taking place across the city, celebrating culture, creativity, and community spirit.

One highlight of the weekend is the Oregon Midsummer Festival, set to take place at Nordia House, located at 8800 SW Oleson Road. This vibrant event celebrates traditional Nordic cultural practices.

Attendees can expect flower-crown making, dancing around the Midsummer pole, gnome scavenger hunts, face painting, lawn games, and crafts.

Foodies will be delighted by the offerings of Nordic cuisine and beverages, including Swedish pancakes, mead, and artisan chocolate.

With over 50 vendors, there will be plenty of opportunities to shop for unique items such as Magical Fairy Hair tinsels and Scandinavian soaps.

The festival runs from 5 PM to 9 PM on Friday, June 27, and 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday, June 28. Tickets are priced between $5 and $19, with free admission for children under 12. You can find more information at oregonmidsummer.com.

In another celebration of local talent, My People’s Market returns for its ninth year, showcasing a vibrant range of artists and entrepreneurs of color from the community.

Hosted by DJ AmBush and Morgan Jones, this year’s market is themed around flowers and will feature over 150 small businesses.

From funky tote bags by Bagong Buhay Upcycle to beaded floral earrings from Morenita Linda, and delicious treats from Cake’N it Better, there is something for everyone.

With options ranging from self-care products to home decor, handmade clothing, and specialty food items, attendees will have a plethora of choices.

The market takes place at Rose Quarter Commons, 300 N Ramsay Way, from Noon to 6 PM on Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29.

Admission is free with RSVP. Follow them on Instagram @mypeoplesmarket for more updates.

Sports enthusiasts should not miss Picklefest, a lively celebration of Portland’s own collegiate summer baseball team, the Portland Pickles.

This year’s festivities kick off at the Portland Pickles Walker Stadium at 4727 SE 92nd Ave. on Saturday, June 28, starting at 4 PM.

The event promises a variety of pickle-themed fun, alongside beer tastings, tattoo booths, food samples from Fire on the Mountain, and exciting activities like a Hot Chicken race and a Hopscotch Pickle Juice Chug.

Starting at just $14, attendees can enjoy classic baseball fare like hot dogs, peanuts, and popcorn, making it a perfect day for families and friends alike.

For music lovers, Punk in the Park, a full-day event celebrating the punk rock genre, is set to debut this weekend at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

Featuring a lineup of legendary bands such as Descendents, Screeching Weasel, 7Seconds, Mustard Plug, and Swingin’ Utters, this festival is a must-attend.

Attendees can also enjoy unlimited beer tastings for just $15, making it an impressive deal for a festival setting.

The event will run from Noon to 10 PM on Saturday, June 28, with tickets starting at $59.99. More details can be found at punkinthepark.com/portland.

Comedy lovers will revel in the You Oughta Know Pride Show, taking place at the Curious Comedy Annex Theater, 5229 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

This unique panel show features comedians discussing niche topics they are passionate about, from Twilight to pro wrestling. This month, the lineup will be all-queer, adding a special touch for Pride Month.

The show runs from 7 PM to 10 PM on Saturday, June 28, with tickets priced between $10 and $15.

Lastly, Carioca Bowls is hosting their 10th Anniversary Party on the Patio on Sunday, June 29, from 8 AM to 4 PM.

This celebration features live music from Johnny Franco and His Real Brother Dom, along with a variety of activities such as free patio yoga and arts & crafts sessions.

For $10, attendees can enjoy delicious Carioca Bowls all day, along with Brazilian cheese breads and the chance to win one year of free açaí bowls.

With such an exciting lineup of events, Portland is truly buzzing with summer activities, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all!

image source from:wweek

Benjamin Clarke