July Events

In the height of summer are some of Portland’s biggest events, festivals and things to do. Head to Waterfront Park for several of the city’s annual celebrations, like Portland Pride and the Waterfront Blues Festival. Outdoor music continues under the St. Johns Bridge for the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival. Read on for some of our favorite July events and offerings, or check out our full events calendar to see everything on offer.

Portland Craft Beer Festival

Only beers, plus ciders and wine, crafted within the city limits of Portland are featured at the Portland Craft Beer Festival, which makes it unique and different from other beer festivals.

Waterfront Blues Festival

The largest blues festival west of the Mississippi River, Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival rocks crowds with five days of concerts and fireworks every Fourth of July.

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Rose Cup Races

Starting back in 1961, the Rose Cup Races were the first major event ever held at Portland International Raceway (PIR). Today, the event includes high-speed racing from seven different race groups, such as vintage cars, open-wheel and sports racers.

Portland Highland Games

For more than 60 years, the Portland Highland Games have delighted participants with a uniquely Scottish experience featuring Scottish pipe bands, bagpipers and drummers, dancers and athletes. Enjoy a full day of this festival, exploring Scottish clan tents and learning about Scottish history.

Portland Pride Festival

Portland Pride Festival includes a two-day festival at Waterfront Park and an epic, colorful and joyous parade winding through downtown Portland. With food, drinks, live music and nonprofit information booths lining the Willamette River, the festival is a great place to gather, mingle and get more information about local LGBTQ+ groups.

Cathedral Park Jazz Festival

Founded in 1981, the three-day Cathedral Park Jazz Festival is now the West’s largest and oldest free celebration of jazz and blues. Held in Cathedral Park beneath the historic St. Johns Bridge, the scenery is almost enough to steal the show.

Noon Tunes

Pioneer Courthouse Square hosts the Noon Tunes Summer Concert Series on Tuesdays in the summer. Grab lunch at a nearby food cart, sit down in the square (also known as Portland’s Living Room) and enjoy some music from some of Portland’s best regional and local musical talent.

Art Walks and Festivals

Alongside the year-round Monthly Art Walks in Portland, July’s warm sunshine inspires creativity throughout the city. Experience this creativity on display during the Gresham Arts Festival, where you can meet fine artists and artisans.

July Highlights

Explore more things to do and see in July in Portland.

Summer Events

Portland Pride

Every summer, the Portland Pride Festival & Parade makes a name for itself — and LGBTQ+ community members — all over town.

Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival

Every Fourth of July weekend, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes over downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park.

JAW New Play Festival

This annual theater festival invites the public into the creation process.

Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn

With acts that have ranged from Phoebe Bridgers to Stevie Wonder, McMenamins Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn are an annual rite of summer and a hot ticket for cool nights.

Chamber Music Northwest’s Summer Festival

Chamber Music Northwest’s annual summer festival combines high-caliber classical music with a laid-back atmosphere.

Pedalpalooza Bike Festival

Portland's cycling culture peaks during summer's multi-week Pedalpalooza, featuring 200+ local-led, themed rides, all open to the public.

Piano Push Play Brings Music to the People

Piano Push Play invites local artists to transform old, donated pianos into whimsical works of art which are distributed across the city.

Summer Free for All

Portland Parks & Recreation offers over 400 free events including free movie screenings, concerts and rock climbing.

Portland Farmers Market

Enjoy fresh, local produce, meals and treats at every Portland Farmers Market location.