August?! Already?! In this final full month of summer, Portland really shines. There are street fairs galore, cultural explorations, music and dance, theater, movies, and active fun. And best of all? All this stuff is free. Check out some of our top picks for free family-friendly fun below.
Movies al fresco. Thanks to PP&R, there are 25 more concerts and movies happening this month — at parks all across the city! And for Vancouver families, don’t miss the Friday Night Movies in the Park. Hillsboro families can enjoy Pix in the Park, also held on each Friday. And if you live in Clackamas County, there’s Movies in the Park. In Tigard, there’s Tigard Movies in the Park. There’s also the Lake Oswego Summer Concert Series.
Lunch time. And speaking of PP&R, there are still several Free Lunch + Play events happening throughout August as well. For Gresham families, there’s SKIP (Summer Kids in the Park), with free lunch and activities.
Pedal power. Can’t get enough family bike rides? There are still plenty of Pedalpalooza events happening this month!
Festival fun. Visit this NE neighborhood on Saturday, August 1 for Fremont Festival. There will be more than 150 local vendors, live music, a bubble parade and drum line, kids’ crafts, food trucks, beer garden and so much more! And for Gladstone families, don’t miss the Gladstone Community Festival, happening Saturday and Sunday, August 1-2.
Things that vroom vroom. Get an up-close look at dozens of big rigs and other specialty vehicles at the annual Big Truck Day at Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center. The Conestoga parking lot will be filled with bulldozers, fire engines, freight trucks, cranes, buses, tow trucks, and other specialty vehicles. Event happens Saturday, August 1, 10 am to 1 pm. Sensory Sensitive Hour: 9 to 10 am.
Set in stone. Head to the Northwest Fossil Fest and experience exhibits displaying exceptional specimens, activities and free fossils for kids, fossil identification, demonstrations, gift ideas and more! Saturday, August 1 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Tualatin Historical Society.
Celebrate Sellwood. The Sellwood Street Fair returns to Portland’s historic Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood on Saturday, August 1. This family-friendly summer celebration features over 150 local artists and vendors, great food, shopping, photo booths, live entertainment, farmer’s market and kid-friendly activities.
Chinese culture. Celebrate the Chinese Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square on Saturday, August 1 with rich cultural heritage with an incredible lineup of performers, hands-on traditional crafts, cultural arts and craft vendors including calligraphy demos, Chinese artisans, Chinese food vendors and more!
Celebrate your ancestors. Head to the Oregon Buddhist Temple on Saturday, August 1 for its annual Obon Fest. Partake in bon odori (Obon dance), and take in all the hanging lanterns and other memorials.
Head to Hawthorne. Then visit the vibrant Hawthorne neighborhood for its Heart of Hawthorne Summer Concerts. These free, family-friendly events happen on Saturdays from 4-6 pm. And on August 23, don’t miss the Hawthorne Street Fair.
Fab storytime. Happening on Sundays at 11 am this month, visit Darcelle XV Plaza downtown for Drag Storytime, an hour of magic, music, and storytelling! A fabulous guest drag queen will lead families through three storybook readings, two dazzling performances, and a sing-along, all wrapped up with an open Q&A.
Roll out. It’s the second to last Sunday Parkways! Head to North Portland from 11 am-4 pm and explore the neighborhood by bike, skates, skateboard, stroller, wheelchair, scooter or foot.
I scream, you scream. Come together in Sellwood Park on Sunday, August 2 for Sundae in the Park. Enjoy live music and entertainment all day, Ice Cream by Dairy hill and free activities for kids and families. All donations support SMILE community events.
Park stories. Also in Sellwood Park, Sellwood Community House’s The Shack has storytime in the morning at 10:45 am. Bring a picnic blanket (or check one out!), grab a snack and settle in for a morning of books, crafts and outdoor play under the shade of the trees. There’s also all ages bingo that happens twice daily!
Playdates. Bridgeport Village Playdates continue this month with weekly Thursday toddler playdates at 10 am. Little ones are invited to explore, play, and make new friends in a relaxed outdoor setting. Located next to the children’s play area on the Village Green.
Cool off. Hot days are made for cooling off at one of Portland’s many splash pads. Here’s where to find one near you! And check out free open play swims at your local pool.
Splash zone. Or get your splashing in at the Audrey McCall Beach Splashdown every Tuesday from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. There will be free life jackets, food carts and a DJ!
Stinky! Have a stinkin’ good time at the Elephant Garlic Festival in North Plains! There’s music, food and fun from August 7-9.
Nature awaits. Learn about PNW nature at Hoyt Arboretum during the thrice-weekly Pop-up Nature! events. Each week is a different theme.
Foster fun. There’s also the Foster Summer Soiree happening on August 9, with live music, food and family fun.
Can’t get enough festivals? One of the oldest street fairs in Portland Multnomah Days is happening August 16!
Farm time. Head to Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island with your little for the weekly Animal Walk with Farmer Kat on Wednesdays. Kiddos will love seeing the farm’s chickens, ducks, goats and more. And don’t miss Storytime with Keely at the farm, on Thursdays and Farm Crafts on Fridays!
Show it off. Cruisin’ Sherwood is on Saturday, August 8 from 9 am to 4 pm. The streets will transform into a showcase of automotive history and craftsmanship with around 400 custom and classic vehicles on display —including hot rods, trucks, and military vehicles.
Get festive at Washington Park. Don’t miss the Washington Park Summer Festival August 8-9.
Try a new park. Visit one of these amazing playgrounds.
Take a hike. We’ve gathered some of our favorites here.
Get on your soapbox. Teams of soapbox car enthusiasts from around Portland can spend months building their contraptions to race in the annual Portland Adult Soapbox Derby in Mt. Tabor on August 15.
Sk8terz. Rockstar Energy Open is an epic three-day celebration of skate culture, all happening Waterfront Park with world-class competitions, live music, art and nonstop energy. The event runs from August 15-17.
Get crafty. Head to the parking lot of Arte Soleil parking for Arts Alive a free, all-ages community arts festival hosted by Free Arts NW in East Portland. The event brings together local artists, performers, youth, and families for a day of creative expression, live music and community connection. Don’t miss the craft swap, kids activities and live music.
Time to jam. Harvest fruit, play games, see a cider press in action during Apple Jam, by Portland Metro. This event is dedicated to reducing waste and increasing access and awareness to resources like the park’s free historic fruit orchard. Music, snacks, and harvest bags will be provided.
Looking for more fun things to do with kids near you? Check out Kids Calendar or our Summer of Fun Calendar with our editors’ daily event picks.