Summer Events Guide 2025: More than 55 fairs, festivals, rodeos, other top events

Who’s ready for summer? We certainly are, and our calendars are ready to be filled with all the fun events we enjoy every year, and maybe some new ones. We’ve put together more than 55 events that span entertainment options from live outdoor music festivals to mermaid parades. Many of these are located in the metro area, but if you feel like a road trip, we’ve included several regional events from horse shows to quilt fairs to sandcastles on the beach. Sure, you can’t attend everything, but you can have a lot of fun trying!

June

Portland Rose Festival

This city-wide institution is coming up on 120 years old and has been Portland’s calling card – a festival highlighting not only roses, but community pride. All your old favorites are on the schedule in 2025 including CityFair, which opens May 25, the Starlight Parade on May 31, the Junior Parade on June 4, and the Grand Floral Parade, moving back to a downtown route, on June 7. There will be plenty of other satellite events as well. Take a look at the schedule on the website for details.

May 25-June 9 (Milk Carton Boat Race is June 22), at venues around Portland; admission charged for CityFair; rosefestival.org

Oregon Renaissance Faire (Canby)

What makes this festival a bit different from most you’ll encounter this summer is it’s held every weekend in June. Missed the opening? No big deal, you’ve got four more weekends to head to Canby to celebrating the art, culture, and spirit of the Renaissance period. Expect plenty of live entertainment, artisan crafts, fun food and a wide variety of activities and attractions.

Every Saturday-Sunday in June (7-29), Clackamas County Fairgrounds, 694 N.E. Fourth Ave., Canby; single-day admission starts at $21; oregonfaire.com.

Parkersville Day

This fairly new event (this will be its third year) celebrates the history of Parkersville - the first town in today’s Washougal area, a registered National and State Historic and Archeological Site. The event promises family fun including live entertainment, face painting, an art contest and community booths.

June 7, Parkers Landing Historical Park, 24 S. A St, Washougal; free admission; facebook.com/events.

Sisters Rodeo

If you’ve not enjoyed the big cowboy vibe of the small Sisters Rodeo you’re missing a really good time. The event normally sells out, and lines up traffic along the highway just south of the town on Sisters. Get your tickets early for one of four days of events in early June. Wednesday night features “Xtreme” bull riding. Thursday and Friday offer one performance in the evening. The weekend includes a parade and two rodeos Saturday, and the whole thing ends with an afternoon rodeo on Sunday.

June 11-15, Sisters Rodeo Grounds, 67637 OR Highway 20 just south of Sisters; tickets start at $30 and some performances were already sold out by late April; sistersrodeo.com/rodeo-schedule.

WasabiFest

Want to spice up your summer? This could be the perfect event for adventurous eaters who love bold flavors. WasabiFest debuts a new type of food festival that spotlights wasabi as a dynamic and versatile ingredient beyond its traditional role in Japanese cuisine. Sample the flavor in a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet, with the added bonus of premium saké samplings from both Oregon and Japan. 21 and older only.

June 14, The Redd, 831 S.E. Salmon St.; early bird tickets start at $35; wasabifestpdx.com.

The Everything Under the Sun Parade

Feeling burned out or isolated? This 2-year-old Sellwood neighborhood parade aims to gather community members for a fun day of outdoor activity and provide ways to connect with your neighbors. The Everything Under the Sun Parade is a people-powered celebration of radical joy and community connection. The route loops through the Sellwood neighborhood led by a giant papier-mâché sun puppet. Sign up to parade or just line the streets as a spectator.

June 14, starting at north end of Sellwood Park, Southeast Seventh Avenue and Miller Street; free; everythingunderthesunparade.org.

Eight Seconds Rodeo

This tribute to the historic contribution of Black cowboys and cowgirls promises rodeo thrills and a bit of a history lesson. Organizers say Black women and men have been cowboying since the advent of U.S.’s western expansion and have a thriving culture today. Watch as brave riders take on the nastiest bulls in a battle of wills. You can also sample tasty foods, do some line dancing, and listen to live music. Competitors have a shot at $60,000 in prize money. The event is now held in the Memorial Coliseum to allow for more spectators.

June 15, Memorial Coliseum, One Ramsay Way; tickets start at $30 and were limited as of early May; 8secondsrodeo.com.

Sandcastle Contest (Cannon Beach)

The Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest has been an ongoing tradition in Cannon Beach since 1964 when an earthquake in Alaska triggered a tsunami that hit the Oregon Coast. Locals organized a community activity while waiting for the north-end bridge to be fixed. Sand artists and curious beachgoers gather this weekend for a day of fun where the ocean meets the sand.

June 21, on the beach in Cannon Beach; cannonbeach.org/events-and-festivals.

ilani Resort’s BBQ Fest

Is your dad a fan of barbecue? This could be a great event to celebrate dad on Father’s Day. Enjoy brews, bourbons and smoky bites from restaurants and food trucks. There will also be cooking demonstrations, competitions, live music and more. 21 and older only.

June 14-15, at the resort, 1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield; tickets start at $20 and are required for one of two sessions Saturday, one session Sunday; ilaniresort.com.

Silverton Hills Strawberry Festival

Silverton has been hosting a celebration of luscious summertime strawberries since 1951 and welcomes the community, as well as visitors for biscuits and ice cream on Father’s Day. Kids 2 years old and younger and seniors 80 or older get a free strawberry shortcake.

June 15, Coolidge Park, 300 Coolidge St, Silverton; $8; homerdavenport.com/strawberry-festival.

Juneteenth Parade

Portland’s Clara Peoples Freedom Parade marches down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard each year in celebration of Juneteenth. It’s Portland’s largest celebration of the holiday and offers live music in the park as well as the parade beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday on the grounds of King School. Festival events are held at Lillis-Albina Park and include vendors, kid’s area, and food for purchase.

June 21, Lillis-Albina Park, North Flint and Russell streets; free; juneteenthor.com.

Tigard Festival of Balloons

If you can’t get up early enough for the highlight morning hot air balloon launches (weather permitting), there’s still live music, vendors, a car show (Sunday only), pancake breakfast, carnival rides and games, a beer garden, and the popular night glows (also weather permitting). Remember that parking and admission is by debit or credit card only in advance. No cash accepted.

June 20-22, 2025; Cook Park, 8680 S.W. Durham Road, Tigard; admission $15 is good for all three days; tigardballoon.org.

Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts

The festival’s 2025 featured exhibit is all about stop-motion animation and will show works by area favorites including Laika Studios, Shadowmachine, and Tippit Studio. More details on the festivals other attractions will be released closer to the event date.

June 20-22, at both Lakewood Center for the Arts and in George Rogers Park; free admission; lakewood-center.org/festival-of-the-arts.

The Gorge Blues & Brews

The lineup of bands for 2025 includes the Big River BluesBand, Blue Healers, Sonny Hess Band, and Lloyd Jones. Enjoy hours of great music to go along with tap pours of beer from breweries including Walking Man,Backwoods, Thunder Island and others. The event is 21 and older only, and no pets are allowed. Follow the link for information on camping at the site.

June 21-22, Skamania County Fairgrounds,710 S.W. Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson, Wash; tickets $15-$30; tickettomato.com/event.

Lincoln City Summer Kite Festival

Got wind? Ocean beaches and kites come together for the annual Lincoln City Kite Festival happening late in June on the beach at D River State Recreation Site. There are two days of kite flying where you can watch huge and colorful kites soar over the ocean. Other activities include kite-making workshops, stunt kite demos, carnival games, art displays and more.

June 21-22, D River and other venues, Lincoln City; free; explorelincolncity.com/events.

Latino Cultural Festival

The Hillsboro Hops baseball team hosts this annual festival that features culturally rich connections with the community. There’s a colorful parade with dancers and musicians, area youth performers, food vendors, an art village, and futsal tournament boasting more than 200 players. Last year’s event attracted about 10,000 attendees.

June 22, Ron Tonkin Field, 4460 N.E. Century Blvd, Hillsboro; free parking and admission; washingtoncountychamberor.com/lcf.

Chamber Music Northwest Summer Festival

Summer is filled with festivals that feature family fun and outdoor activities. But classical music doesn’t sleep just because the sun is out. Chamber Music Northwest’s annual summer festival’s theme in 2025 is “Echoes of Bach,” and teaches how the music of yesterday and today has continually drawn inspiration from and built upon Bach’s revolutionary ideas and sounds. Enjoy both well-loved and new music by today’s living composers - inspired by Bach. Flip through the festival’s offerings to see who is playing this year and plan for the performances you most want to hear.

June 20-July 27; ticket prices vary. Check out the full schedule here: cmnw.org/concerts-events/2025-summer-festival.

Jackalope Jamboree (Pendleton)

Pendleton’s country and Americana music blowout returns this summer in the Happy Canyon Arena. Bands scheduled to perform include Midland, Paul Cauthen, 49 Winchester, and Sarah Shook & The Disarmers. In addition to performances on the festival grounds, each day will kick off and conclude with pre-party and after-party shows downtown at on Main Street outside of the Rainbow Café. All those shows are free and open to the public.

Concerts kick off June 26 and continue daily through June 28, Happy Canyon Arena, 1114 S.W. Court Ave., Pendleton; tickets start at $55; jackalopejamboree.com/tickets.

Oregon Midsummer Festival

Celebrate midsummer in the Nordic tradition with pole decorating and raising, flower crowns, plenty of live music and performers including Viking re-enactors. There’s also games, crafts, and tasty Nordic foods. Vendors will sell Nordic-themed wares.

June 27-28, Nordic Northwest Campus, 8800 S.W. Oleson Road; tickets $19 in advance; oregonmidsummer.com.

Good in the Hood

The multicultural music festival spans two days offering non-stop entertainment for families. Do you have a talent that’s longing for the spotlight? Sign up (at the website) for the Good in the Hood Talent Show and shine! There’s also a parade, vendors, family activities and more.

June 28-29, Lillis Albina Park, North Russell St. at Albina Avenue; free; goodnthehood.org.

World Beat Festival (Salem)

This year’s World Beat celebrates Turtle Island and the indigenous peoples of North and South America. Salem‘s Riverfront Park comes alive with the music, dance, food, and traditions of more 70 nations and cultures. The festival kicks off with a Children’s Parade at 9:45 am on Saturday. Full entertainment schedule will be available at the website closer to the event date.

June 28-29, Riverfront Park, 230 Front St. SE, Salem; admission TBA; salemmulticultural.org/festival/world-beat-festival.

Fort Vancouver Rose Society Rose Show

Portland isn’t the only local city that loves roses, the Fort Vancouver Rose Society has been growing and celebrating the flowers for more than 70 years. Beside the lovely displays of roses of unlimited variety this year’s event will also host a showing of juried rose photography. The event has changed venues to the Clark County Events Center this year to allow for a bigger audience.

June 28, new venue Clark County Events Center, 17402 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield, Washington; free admission fortvancouverrosesociety.org.

Oak Grove Festival

The schedule for the 2025 festival in Oak Grove hadn’tbeen updated by press time, but last year’s event featured vendors lining Oak Grove Boulevard, lots of live music, a car show, and free kids’ entertainment.

June 28, Southeast Oak Grove Boulevard where the Trolley Trail crosses with Arista and Oak Grove Boulevard; free; hdog.org

July

St. Paul Rodeo

Oregon rodeo fans make the trek to this mid-Willamette Valley farming community for some of the best rodeo you’ll see in the Pacific Northwest. Events include steer roping, bareback and bull riding, barrel racing, and more. This annual event also features a midway with rides, amazing barbecue, and fireworks shows after evening performances.

July 1-5, Rodeo arena at Main Street and Park Avenue N.E., St. Paul; tickets start at $26; stpaulrodeo.com/p/tickets.

Waterfront Blues Festival

One of Portland’s most iconic festivals is trimming down to only two days this year, so make sure you’ve got it on your calendar correctly. But don’t worry. There’s still a stellar line up of musical acts, and a fireworks show at dusk on the Fourth of July. Enjoy world-class blues, soul, funk, Americana, and R&B performances set against the stunning backdrop of the Willamette River. Artists on the schedule include Allen Stone, The Main Squeeze, The Record Company, The Motet, Southern Avenue, Son Little, Low Cut Connie, Oh He Dead, Come to Mama - Etta James Celebration, Psychedelic Soul Revue, Ben Rice & The PDX Hustle, and Portland favorite Norman Sylvester.

July 4-5, Waterfront Park south end; single day early-bird tickets start at $65; waterfrontbluesfest.com/tickets.

Salem Fourth of July Fireworks

The Salem Fourth of July Spectacular is a lot more than just lights in the sky. Events prior to the evening fireworks show include a demolition derby, VIP party zone, live music, activities for kids and more. The fun starts midafternoon and continues into the evening.

July 4, Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St. N.E. Salem; fireworks show is free, but other events require admission, parking $10; oregonstateexpo.org/calendar.

Hillsboro Rotary Fourth of July Parade

Pick your spot along the parade route (to be announced closer to the date), and watch as firetrucks, marching bands, equestrian units, antique vehicles, and more celebrate Fourth of July during this annual 10 a.m. parade that’s been happening for 99 years!

July 4, downtown Hillsboro; free; hillsbororotary.org/parade.

Roseburg Graffiti Weekend

This multi-day event includes a variety of activities even before the weekend gets started. There are several days of car shows and a show-and-shine, a burnout competition, a dance-off, an ice cream social, dirt track racing, live music, and more in a tribute to the car culture of the ‘50s and ‘60s.

July 9-13 at various locations around Roseburg: many events are free; graffitiweekend.com/calendar.

Oregon Country Fair (Veneta)

This Oregon summer favorite encourages you to let your inner child run free, dance and sing outdoors in veritable fairyland of sights and sounds. There are stage shows all day, and strolling performers line the pathways. From puppet shows to poets, and jugglers to jam bands, there’s something for just about anyone. Shop booths of more than 300 artisans that sell their hand-crafted goods, some only available at this event. As always, tickets are not available at the gate. Visit the website for ticket and parking info.

July 11-13, Veneta; early bird single day ticket purchase $50.Ages 12 and younger are free with paying adult. Tickets are not available at the gate; oregoncountryfair.org

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show

Quilting fans from all over the country head to the tiny central Oregon town of Sisters for this annual outdoor quilt show. This year the show celebrates its 50-year anniversary with special events (some require tickets) before and after the free outdoor show. Visit the website for details.

July 12, Sisters, on U.S. Highway 20; free; soqs.org/2025events.

Mississippi Street Fair

This historic business district is vibrant all times of the year, but in July it shines with live music on multiple stages, a wide variety of local vendors offering goods and food, and a kids’ zone bringing together the community it serves. The fair is known for its eclectic mix of entertainment and the large crowds (it’s been known to attract 30,000 visitors).

July 12, located along North Mississippi Avenue at Shaver Street; free; mississippiave.org/streetfair.

High Desert Classic (Bend)

Fans of hunter/jumper horse shows gather in central Oregon to marvel at world-class riders from the U.S. and Canada competing in this Heritage Horse Show event. As many as 600 horses compete. The Classic is held over two weeks and raises money for J Bar J Youth Services. Admission is free, but you can support the non-profit with your purchases at participating vendors. Bring your own chair.

July 16-20 and July 23-27, J Bar J Youth Ranch, 62895 Hamby Road, Bend; oregonhighdesertclassics.org.

Harefest (Canby)

Can’t stop believin’? The mother of all tribute band festivals returns for a 13th year, bringing 24 acts to the Clackamas County Fairgrounds days of nonstop rock. Expect tributes to Journey, AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac, Def Leppard, and more across two stages, plus nightly laser-lit finales.

July 17-19, Clackamas County Fairgrounds, 694 N.E. Fourth Ave., Canby; tickets $34-$175; harefest.com.

Sherwood Robin Hood Festival

Looking for some summer fun with a Medieval flare? This is your weekend. The annual Robin Hood Festival offers a professional archery tournament, live music, stage shows, a parade, plenty of food booths (including whole barbecued turkey legs), a Maid Marian contest, and more.

July 18-19 throughout Sherwood; free admission; robinhoodfestival.org.

Washington County Fair

It’s been 20 years since this county fair started offering free admission to all. This year’s entertainment schedule isn’t ready yet, but visitors can expect live music and family entertainment daily, as well as carnival rides, 4-H displays, livestock barns open to the public, and more. Get your corndog-loving heart to a county fair this year.

July 18-27 Westside Commons, 801 N.E. 34th Ave., Hillsboro; free admission; bigfairfun.com.

Portland Pride Festival and Parade

Organizers say Portland’s festival is one of the largest donation-based Pride Festivals in the United States. And while a donation of $10 is requested at the gate, no one is turned away due to lack of funds. The Waterfront Festival will offer vendors and live entertainment as well as a welcoming atmosphere for all community members. The parade is Sunday morning beginning in the north Park Blocks and ending on Southwest Naito Parkway.

July 19-20, Tom McCall Waterfront Park; $10 donation suggested. Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 20; portlandpride.org.

Cathedral Park Jazz Festival

The Jazz Society of Oregon is still working on the annual festival’s line up of musical acts, but each year of this 45-year-run has come up with some great names in jazz music to play under the open sky at north Portland’s lovely Cathedral Park. Last year’s schedule included Johnny Wheels and the Swamp Donkeys, Lauren “Lo” Steele, Bobby Torres, and Jujuba. Bring a low chair or a blanket, and plenty of sunscreen. Vendors will offer food and drinks. Alcohol can only be consumed in the beer and wine garden.

July 18-20, Cathedral Park, 8706 N. Bradford St.; free; jazzoregon.org.

Portland Highland Games canceled for 2025

This long-standing tradition held in Gresham announced it will not host a festival in 2025. This year will be a “restructuring” time. Visit facebook.com/PDXHighlandGames/ for details.

La Strada Chalk Art Festival

The annual chalk art festival takes over the streets of downtown Hillsboro in July offering stunning works by professional artist who are only using a bucket of colorful chalk and a chunk of sidewalk. There will even be space for visitors to try their hand at it. Also enjoy live performances, dance groups, demonstrations, kids’ activities and food sales.

July 19-20, Downtown Hillsboro in the Cultural Arts District; free admission; tvcreates.org.

Forest Grove Concours D’Elegance

The longest-running Concours d’ Elegance in the Pacific Northwest offers more than 300 classic and modified cars on the tree-lined campus of Pacific University. This year’s theme is 50 years of the turbo-charged Porsche. There is also live music, food, and a beer garden. All proceeds benefit Rotary Club Foundation Scholarships and community service projects.

July 20, Pacific University, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove; early-bird tickets start at $17 but go up in price after June. 1. Ages 12 and younger are free; forestgroveconcours.org.

Portlandia Mermaid Parade & Festival

What’s new this year? Well, for starters, the festival is three days and includes a kickoff Siren’s Ball. And of course, there’s the Saturday parade that’s free and open to all ages. The weekend will end with a one-day mermaid convention at an aquatic center with open swims (in tails), workshops, training, vendors, and panels on Sunday. Check the website for a complete schedule.

July 25-27, parade at Japanese Historical Plaza along Tom McCallWaterfront Park, between Northwest Davis and Burnside streets; portlandiamermaidparade.com.

Project Pabst Festival

Let’s see who’s on stage this year at this fun outdoor music festival. Well, there’s DEVO (whip it good fellas), Iggy Pop (does he still have a lust for life?), Death Cab for Cutie (do they possess your heart?), and Japanese Breakfast (should be sweet). Get your tickets early.

July 26-27, Waterfront Park, Southwest Naito Parkway; single day passes start at $95; projectpabst.com.

Opera in the Park – “Carmen”

This summertime opera fan favorite returns in 2025 with Georges Bizet’s iconic work featuring a full cast and live orchestra. Grab your picnic blanket and head to Peninsula Park for a night of wonderful music and theater.

July 27, Peninsula Park, 700 N. Rosa Parks Way; free; operaintheparkportland.org.

August

Pickathon

It’s August, and that means: Pickaton. The vibe is so much more than just a music festival. Imagine something less like a huge open field with bodies crammed in for a show, and something more like a series of interconnected, magical villages offering a vibrant, four-day city. Bands scheduled to perform include Portugal. The Man, Taj Mahal, Julien Baker & TORRES, Fruit Bats,Haley Heynderickx, Reyna Tropical, Ocie Elliott, and Surprise Chef. Get in on it this year.

July 31-Aug. 3, Pendarvis Farm, 16581 S.E. Hagen Road, Happy Valley; single day tickets start at $223; pickathon.com.

Vanport Jazz Festival

Spend a weekend honoring the legacy of Portland’s jazz experience and the people who made up the Vanport community with jazz greats including Leela James, Norman Brown, Kayla Waters and others. The festival moves to a new venue this summer on the campus of the University of Portland. Tickets available now.

Aug. 1-2, University of Portland, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd.; general admission starts at $75; vjf.tickettomato.com/event.

Beatles vs. Stones Tribute Concert

The musical argument that looks likely to never die gets its own live stage show touring 125 cities this summer, including Portland. Are you camp Beatles or solidly Stones? The musical showdown highlights the beating heart of the British Invasion with the stylings of tribute bands Abbey Road and Jumping Jack Flash.

Aug. 1, Newmark Theatre, 1111 S.W. Broadway; tickets start at $55; portland5.com/newmark-theatre.

Homer Davenport Days (Silverton)

This mid-Willamette Valley town celebrates its special native son, the political cartoonist Homer Davenport. There’s a parade, food booths, craft vendors, a beer fest, and the peculiar tradition of the Davenport races, when locals dress up couches, put them on wheels and race down the street. You can even win some cash by coming up with your own award-winning political cartoon (the subject matter is seemingly endless!) and entering it before the July deadline. Read more here: tooncon.homerdavenport.org.

Aug. 2-4, mostly held in Coolidge-McClaine Park, 303 Coolidige St., Silverton; free admission; homerdavenport.com/homer-days.

Tillamook County Fair

This Blue-Ribbon fair offers Open Class and 4-H/FFA exhibits that Tillamook County residents have prepared all year for, as well as free entertainment and concerts, a demolition derby, Pig-and-Ford races, live exotic animal displays, and plenty of traditional fair fun.

Aug. 6-9, Tillamook County Fairgrounds, 4603 Third St., Tillamook; free admission; tillamookfair.com.

Vancouver Craft Beer & Wine Fest

Come enjoy local craft brews, wines, spirits, craft cocktails and live music in the beautiful setting of Esther Short Park. This event has been an annual tradition for 12 years in 2025, and a Vancouver favorite. Have a seat in the shade and enjoy adult beverages and plenty of food. Performers include cover bands playing a lot of Gen X favorites including Queen Mother, Revisiting Creedence, and Candy-O.

Aug. 8-9, Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St., Vancouver; admission prices vary by day, and don’t include drink tokens; thecraftwinefest.com

Junction City Scandinavian Festival

Each year Junction City offers a four-day event with each day honoring one of these four countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The days rotate each year. Expect music, traditional dances, costumes, and of course the delicious foods common in those regions.

Aug. 14-17, in various venues around Junction City; free admission; junctioncityscandia.org

North Plains Elephant Garlic Festival

This annual ode to garlic in all its odiferous glory fills North Plains with the scents and sounds of a summer festival. The entertainment lineup will be set later in the summer, but you can expect plenty of food booths with garlic as a central ingredient, a parade, live music, craft vendors, beer and wine garden, a car show, and a book sale.

Aug. 9-11, Jessie Mays Community Park, 30975 N.W. Hillcrest St., North Plains; free admission; funstinks.com.

Washougal Art Festival

As of press time, the festival was still allowing application to show at the event, but generally a few dozen visual artists gather and meet other artists and community members interested in their work one day each August. The festival also provides a way for local residents and visitors to become engaged with art in a more hands-on way.

Aug. 9, Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main Street, downtown Washougal; free admission; washougalarts.org/washougal-art-festival.

Englewood Forest Festival (Salem)

Head to Salem and find a full day of music and dance performances on two stages, as well as local art vendors and presentations from organizations with an aim forward environmental education. Performers will be announced later in the summer. Learn what you can do in your own yards, gardens, and local streams to protect trees, birds and water. The free family-friendly event takes place in the historic tree-filled Englewood Park.

Aug. 9, Englewood Park, 1260 19th St. N.E. Salem; free; englewoodforestfestival.org.

Providence Bridge Pedal

Portland is filled with bridges, but two of the largest are generally closed to anything other than motorized vehicles. The annual Bridge Pedal is the one day each year bicyclists and even pedestrians get to take in the views from the top decks of both the Marquam and Fremont bridges. There are several ride lengths to choose from. Don’t have a bike? You’re in luck, the “Bridge Stride” is for walkers and crosses the Fremont Bridge.

Aug. 10, most rides (but not all) kick off from Southwest Naito Parkway, registrations fees vary; providence.org/lp/bridge-pedal.

Clackamas County Fair and Rodeo

This annual county fair offers all the fun things you’d traditionally see at a county fair. The daily rodeo performances are a big draw as well as a kiddie parade, days with discounts for seniors and first responders, live music and other entertainment, carnival rides and games, and livestock displays and showing.

Aug. 12-16 at the fairgrounds, 694 N.E. Fourth Ave., Canby; ticket prices TBA; clackamascountyfair.com/fair.

Gaston Good Ol’ Days

This annual event features a car show – a summer staple –drawing fans to the town of Gaston in August. Events include a parade (6:30p.m. Friday), cornhole tournament, “Loud Pipes” competition, live music, keynote car show, a beer garden, and steak feed. Proceeds from the event benefit local children’s charities and other nonprofit agencies.

Aug. 14-16, Brown Park, 105 S.W. Gaston Road, Gaston; free admission; gastonknights.com/2025-wapato-showdown.

Rockstar Energy Open World Class Skateboarding

Building on the momentum of last year’s groundbreaking inaugural event, which attracted 25,000 fans and featured more than 100 skaters, Portland will once again host a masterclass in skateboarding culture and talent at Waterfront Park. Watch as the world’s best boarders including an Olympic gold medalist Keegan Palmer and defending Street Final champion Lazer Crawford compete on custom-built courses designed to showcase the highest level of progression and creativity. Best of all? Admission is free to spectators!

Aug. 15-17, Tom McCall Waterfront Park; details theplatfrm.com.

PDX Adult Soap Box Derby

In a city where wacky events are actually fairly common, this adult race that careens down the side of an extinct volcano is certainly up there in terms of strange. But it’s so beloved that it’s been going on for more than 25 years. About 40-45 racers participate every year. Spectator donations help keep this event on its wheels.

Aug. 16, Mount Tabor, Southeast 60 Avenue and Salmon Street; freeto spectate; soapboxracer.com.

Multnomah Days

One of Portland’s oldest street fairs, Multnomah Days, fires up again the third Saturday in August for an open-air family event that includes a community parade, live music, street entertainers, art shows, food and beverage carts, and a Kids Zone at the Multnomah Arts Center.

Aug. 16, Multnomah Village, mostly on Southwest Capitol Highway between the bridge and Southwest 31st Avenue; free admission; mnapdx.org/events/multnomah-days.

Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival

This summer must-do in Vancouver celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025. The talent lineup had not been set by press time, but usually includes national acts and plenty of local talent. The festival also features local wines, art shows, food booths and more. Ages 12 and younger are free with paying adult.

Aug. 22-24, Esther Short Park, Eighth and Columbia streets, Vancouver; tickets start at $35; vancouverwinejazz.com.

Oregon State Fair

Have you had enough of county fairs at this point? We hope you saved some room because the Oregon State Fair is the crown jewel of all the fairs happening this summer. The headlining musical acts have not been announced, but of course the fair will also offer all the things you love about fairs including livestock showing, carnival rides and games, 4H and FFA events, and family entertainment daily.

Aug. 22-Sept. 1, Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St. NE, Salem; admission to be announced; oregonstatefair.org

Art in the Pearl

This is Portland’s largest community event held over Labor Day weekend and invites everyone to view the work of more than 100 artists. It also offers hands-on activities for all ages, live music, and other entertainment. This event has been going strong since 1997.

Aug. 30-Sept. 1, on the North Park Blocks between northwest Flanders and Davis streets; free admission; artinthepearl.com.

- If you have events you’d like to see highlighted at OregonLive.com or in the weekly printed A&E section of The Oregonian, please email submissions to events@oregonian.com at least three weeks prior to the start of your event. Digital images or links to videos are helpful.

— Rosemarie Stein

503-221-4376, events@oregonian.com; @trafficportland

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscribertoday at OregonLive.com/subscribe