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City Cast Portland

Find the best that Portland has to offer.

Giulia Fiaoni

Last week on the podcast, I got together with host Claudia Meza and executive producer John Notarianni to break down 

 — tips for cooling down on hot days, favorite patios, the perfect picnic, and our can't-miss events. Here's how to do Portland summer justice this year.

The hotter months can sometimes feel endless — especially if you don't have AC at home. And even for those of us who do, sitting at home in a dark, cold room day after day isn't exactly my idea of fun. Instead, I indulge in subtle cosplay by taking a slow walk through the luxurious grocery aisles at

Zupan's on Burnside, only stopping for samples (I swear their AC is indestructible). But if that feels too ridiculous, here are some other recommendations.

 on Southeast Hawthorne has pool and shuffleboard, and feels like you're inside a concrete ice box.

 for a discounted afternoon screening. A personal favorite of mine is 

Our city has an excess of wonderful outdoor patios and parks for summer picnics. Here are some standout favorites of ours.

 on North Albina has the cutest grass lawn to lounge on.

 on North Lombard for a place that feels "just like your weird uncle's backyard…it's sort of ramshackle, but super comfy."

 on NE Marine Dr. " It's literally all patio and right on the Columbia," she says.

 on Northeast Fremont, but stopping at the Whole Foods conveniently on Northeast 15th and Fremont first.

Everyone has that one summer event or tradition they simply cannot go without. Here are our picks for things we must do or summer won't feel complete.

Mine is a dreamy summer night that includes a walk or MAX ride to a sunset at 

 tiki and karaoke lounge for a couple of rounds of songs and drinks.

 in Yacolt, Wash. "It's just this gorgeous swim area. There's a short hike in. There's a bunch of swimming holes, and there's all these places where you can do little cliff jumps," he says.

Claudia has her sights set on a couple of local music festivals this year: the 

The City Cast Portland team shares their favorite Portland summer hacks — tips for cooling down on hot days, favorite patios, the perfect picnic, and their can't-miss events. Here's how to do Portland summer justice in 2026.

Getting the Most Out of a Portland, Oregon, Summer

Tips For Getting the Most Out of Summer

Find the best of everything that Portland has to offer.

Portland’s Best

Portland's Best

City Cast Portland staff

The sun is out. The weather is warm. To remind you of the obvious, a Portland summer is 

Bike Summer (also known around town as Pedalpalooza) 

. And for the next few months there are bike rides on every imaginable theme — including, no doubt, your favorite hobby or interest.

City Cast Portland contributor Alex Frane has a couple picks:

. It’s the seventh-annual version of this ride. People wear cat paraphernalia, stop along the way to schmooze with kitties, and (yes) bring along their own pets.

. Two classic Pedalpalooza rides meet up for a dance-off.

City Cast Portland will also be co-sponsoring a ride this summer: Come join us for 

, which is a tour of some of the city's most delightful little free libraries filled with puzzles, art, and poetry, instead of books.

Mapping the city’s most delightful sidewalk attractions

If you haven’t ever been swimming in the Willamette River, maybe you want some company going for a first dip. Human Access Project holds swim parties at Audrey McCall Beach on Tuesday and Fridays. The 

. You don’t even have to actually swim: There’ll be food and music, too.

Plus: As you may have caught in a recent newsletter, there’s a new sculpture in St. Johns. And, on Saturday, June 20, there will be 

 to reveal Willie the River Dragon to the rest of Portland.

There are, of course, the traditional ways to enjoy parks. You can go for a hike. And we have a couple tips on that:

🗺️ If you’re looking for the best trails and backcountry maps, you may want to 

But summer means a whole range of activities in parks:

 at Overlook Park, which is features live performances of synthesizer music. (And don’t forget about 

🌳 Or check out the events calendars at 

Plus, don’t forget to eat some fresh Oregon strawberries! 🍓

 A previous version of this article included the wrong date and link for the Sidewalk Joy Ride. We regret the error.

What To Do in Portland, Oregon, in June 2026

What To Do in Portland in June 2026

May is such a lovely month. Here are some ways to make the most of it:

The City Cast Portland-inspired holiday to celebrate our city is back — on Sunday, May 3 (5/03), in honor of the area code. This year, Ankeny Alley and the Portland Bureau of the Transportation are 

 — like what we had last year. Karaoke From Hell as well as City Councilor Jamie Dunphy are among the performers. The mayor’s going to be there 

to ceremonially light up the new Pink District

 will have a brunch cocktail — called a Think Pink Martini — for $5.03 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

 is going to offer two Voodoo Dolls for $5.03 (regularly priced at $5 each); they’ll have a 503 Day message on them. At 

, tap beers and well drinks will cost just $5.03.

🌷 Mother’s Day Brunch | Sun., May 10

If you’re looking to treat Mom mom right, there are some fancy options available for brunch:

 has a three-course Mother’s Day weekend brunch ($55).

 with the chef of a classic New England diner — 

run-down of other tasty ways to treat Mom.

. There are competitive primary elections in some Oregon statehouse races as well as some judgeships. As always, it’s a good idea to consult the state 

 (it’s more like a book — you learn a surprising amount). And there are county specific ones (

Newspaper’s editorial board endorsements:

 I recommend a read of the endorsements — even if you don’t necessarily agree with who they picked, you’ll learn something. The Oregonian has already 

published their endorsement issue yesterday

Look for a newspaper box around town, since their website can be buggy.

Also happening this month are the downtown 

centennial celebration of the Burnside Bridge

events listings for more events throughout the month

From Mother's Day brunches to 503 Day celebrations to the Primary Election, there's going on in Portland this month.

Your Guide to May 2026 in Portland, Oregon

Your Guide to May 2026 in Portland

Out on the Oregon Coast, April means it’s time to 

celebrate the puffin’s seasonal return to Cannon Beach

It’s also time to pay taxes (including the 

local ones for arts, homeless services, and preschools

Here’s some other happenings this month:

There are plenty of reasons to be excited about food and drink this month, starting today:

This afternoon, you can sample sourdough bread from the best bakers around. It’s the second annual celebration of National Sourdough Day. (We’re so into sourdough, shouldn’t this be an official city holiday?)

There are plenty of bagel shops around town (I like 

), but everyone seems to hope for even better options. Baker Madilyn Gibbons has been 

selling her bagels at farmers markets and Puff Coffee

, but now will have her own shop in the Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood.

most anticipated restaurant and bar openings

 coming this spring and summer — including one that opened in the last several days: 

Get yourself some crab at this local festival on the Oregon Coast. (Hat tip to our contributor Brianna Wheeler for this one.)

There are a couple chances to make sure your voice is heard this month:

The city is preparing for its next budget year by hearing from Portlanders. (Hat tip to senior creative producer Giulia Fiaoni for this one.)

Catch the one in your district (District 2 already hosted one this past month):

 | April 4 | Portland Building (Downtown)

 | April 8 | Marysville Elementary School (Foster-Powell)

 | April 13 | Sacramento Elementary School (Parkrose Heights)

 for the May primary. If you’re new to town, it takes just a few minutes. And the May primary is scheduled to include 

Other Fun and Quirky Happenings Around Town

Of course, we’ll have more things to do in our daily events listings. But here are a few particularly intriguing ones to start filling in your calendar for the month.

 | Starting April 5 | Portland Art Museum

 80s Video Dance Attack 21st Anniversary Party

For more ideas for the month, check out the 

City Cast Portland podcast’s guide to the month

Out on the Oregon Coast, April means it’s time to celebrate the puffin’s seasonal return to Cannon Beach, which will host an annual Puffin Welcome Ceremony on April 13. It’s also time to pay taxes (including the local ones for arts, homeless services, and preschools). And watch out for April Fools Day!

Your Guide to April 2026 in Portland, Oregon

Your Guide to April 2026 in Portland

, I've been thinking a lot about our city's hotel bar scene. For me, the best of the best make you feel as though you're transported through a secret portal to another world. Here are a few I think are some of the most extraordinary:

This is my go-to for a spontaneous Monday night out because of their all-day happy hour. Their $11 cheeseburger does it for me, but I wouldn't hesitate to throw in an order of their extra crispy skinny fries with a side of fancy sauce. You'll have to walk past the hotel's front desk to find the bar — it's discreetly tucked away in the back of the lobby, making it extra cozy.

If you like raw fish, this place is a dream. Run by executive chef Adán Fausto of celebrated pop-up 

, they serve delightful coastal Mexican seafood dishes with a fabulous array of cocktails to pair. You'll access the bar from a side door off of Northwest 5th Avenue, descend an unassuming flight of stairs, and enter into an intimate basement-level space with kind and attentive servers. I am obsessed with this place.

Tucked away to the left in the hotel lobby, Driftwood Room has been serving expertly crafted cocktail classics since 1954. If you're looking for something especially luxurious, I highly recommend ordering their absinthe served from a fancy French fountain — yes, they bring the entire fountain to your table, so that you can enjoy the alluring drip. The environment makes me feel like everyone should be wearing delicate gloves and smoking long cigarettes from holders. Like their website claims, it's truly magic.

? Please share yours with us. And we’ll share your picks in a future newsletter.

With the opening of Damian Lillard's shiny new bar at the Benson Hotel, I've been thinking a lot about our city's hotel bar scene. For me, the best of the best make you feel as though you're transported through a secret portal to another world. Here are a few I think are some of the most extraordinary:

Where to Find the Best Hotel Bars in Portland, Oregon

Where to Find Downtown Portland's Best Hotel Bars 

The yearly cherry blossom bloom along the waterfront is one of the rare times you'll see a crowd in our city outside of a scheduled event (well, aside from the weekend line-up at 

 in the fall). The blossoms are typically their most beautiful around mid-March to early April, but with the unexpectedly warm weather this season, there's a chance for 

. Here are some spots to take in the puffy pink magic this year:

The cherry blossoms lining the riverfront at 

 in Tom McCall Waterfront Park are likely the most popular place to enjoy the bloom. Although crowded, that doesn't mean it's not worth a visit. Did you know the trees were a gift from the Japanese Grain Importers Association back in 1990 

to remember those forced into internment camps

Cherry blossom trees can be found all around the University of Portland campus, but you'll want to head to the 

 to get an extra special view. The grassy green quad is lined with trees and looks like the perfect place to enjoy a lunch outside this spring.

The cherry blossoms at the Portland Japanese Garden tend to bloom later than those down at the waterfront, due to their higher elevation and forested environment. There is a cost of admission, so check out their 

 to see when the best time to visit will be.

The yearly cherry blossom bloom along the waterfront is one of the rare times you'll see a crowd in our city outside of a scheduled event (well, aside from the weekend line-up at your favorite brunch spot or watching the Vaux's swifts roost in the fall). The blossoms are typically their most beautiful around mid-march to early April, but with the unexpectedly warm weather this season, there's a chance for an earlier bloom. Here are some spots to take in the puffy pink magic this year:

Where To Indulge in the Cherry Blossom Bloom This Year in Portland, Oregon

Where To Indulge in the Cherry Blossom Bloom This Year in Portland

But to start, here’s something you may not be looking forward to. 

, set your clocks forward an hour. Yes, most people agree our system of a twice-a-year time change should end, and yet our elected officials haven’t gotten it together to actually do that. But spring’s daylight saving time does mean later sunsets with more light in the evenings. And spring also means 

 is back. More than 100 restaurants are offering three-course meals. Some are offering a $35 option; others, $55 meals. They look delicious.

It’s Portland Mercury Sandwich Week right now, with 

 in the Pearl District, replaced a champagne bar, and 

 opened in the brick-and-mortar location next to Holy Ghost bar. [Portland Monthly]

It’s a good time to line up a CSA for the summer. It’s 

 and support local farms. If you don’t have a favorite farm picked out, there’s a 

 with lots of options to explore. [Bridgetown Bites]

If you’re looking to turn over a new leaf this spring, Portland Community College’s continuing education courses offer some fun options to go back to school. There’s everything from 

standup paddleboarding to astrology and tarot classes

. Registration for the spring term for noncredit classes begins March 4.

, a critically endangered antelope species.

. (Expect a crowd of your fellow Portlanders.)

. Portland Nursery has an official planting schedule.

More March Tips

There’s plenty to look forward to in March in Portland. But to start, here’s something you may not be looking forward to. This Sunday, at 2 a.m., set your clocks forward an hour.

What To Do in Portland, Oregon, in March 2026

What To Do in Portland in March 2026

Natalia Aldana

 The City Cast Portland team recently got together to explore 

 and what defining characteristics a bar should (and shouldn’t) have, to make it worthy of being a neighborhood fave. To add to the thirsty debate, we asked you, the City Cast Portland listeners and readers, for your favorites. Here are a few of those places:

We love this neighborhood bar for its thoughtful nonalcoholic cocktails. City Cast Portland producer Giulia Fiaoni raves about finding persimmon juice on their menu. Plus, Dear Sandy was 

 submitted favorite amongst City Cast Portland listeners. Bri M. shared that the staff “wear their hearts on their sleeves and I love how actively involved they are in the community.”

This is the quintessential neighborhood cocktail bar. Their menu is short and spirit-forward. The Baso Profundo cocktail with mezcal, tequila, cynar, amaro, and ancho chiles is a favorite of City Cast Portland executive producer John Notarianni. Our friend @criblyfe on Instagram loves that Wilder is super cozy inside, but has learned that they’re expanding into the former bakery space next door.

We think this spot hits all the marks of a great neighborhood bar: it’s kid-friendly, accommodating family-style options, and a wide variety of drink options. LaVerne’s also has great food, with a menu that features Yucatan-style rotisserie chicken.

Go here for the incredible whiskey selection, solid beer list, and good cocktails. Things can get pretty busy and loud here, but kids are still welcome before 9 p.m. Their entree salads are also totally respectable.

 | 2524 SE Clinton St. (Hosford-Abernethy)

This neighborhood bar provides everything you want and need it to do. Grab a quick drink before heading to see a movie at the nearby Clinton Street Theater, pop in for fun vibes, and get some great Italian food.

Another great characteristic of a neighborhood bar is its events calendar, and Mosaic hosts fun events, including drag bingo. While it doesn’t have a cocktail list, check out their beers on tap.

More Favorites Spots 🎧 

What makes a bar a true neighborhood bar?! The City Cast Portland team recently got together to explore why we love our local digs and what defining characteristics a bar should (and shouldn’t) have, to make it worthy of being a neighborhood fave. To add to the thirsty debate, we asked you, the City Cast Portland listeners and readers, for your favorites. Here are a few of those places:

Neighborhood Bars in Portland, Oregon, That Are Worthy of the Love

Portland Neighborhood Bars That Are Worthy of the Love

Is Portland the best gluten-free city in the world? 

He bases that on the relatively large number of completely gluten-free establishments — 20 to 25 bakeries and restaurants — and on the wide variety among them, including gluten-free breweries. You can also find gluten-free fish and chips, fried chicken, Thai noodles, and, of course, doughnuts.

Hansen, who has celiac disease, shares his picks for the 

most delicious Portland restaurants that have no gluten

Wheat flour is entirely unnecessary to produce excellent fried fish and chips. Bonus: “Their fries are amazing,” says Hansen.

They’ve got gluten-free noodles plus gluten-free sauces, which can be an unexpected pitfall at Thai restaurants.

Sushi can also pose an unexpected problem: Soy sauce and tempura can come with a side of wheat, but not here.

Besides being one of the best restaurants in the city, the upscale Haitian restaurant is entirely gluten-free (

Portland’s food truck scene also doesn’t disappoint:

If you’re looking for Indian flavors, this is a good option. Hansen’s favorites: Cardamom chai chicken and pickled vegetables.

Note: Located currently at the Prost! food cart pod, it’ll soon relocate to Southeast Division Street.

It’s not usually possible to find corndogs and funnel cakes in gluten-free form. But here you can.

Of course, Portland also excels at gluten-free pastries and breads:

The bakery has good bread, pizza, and bagels. “I've been around the world eating gluten-free food — that's what I do for work — and I have never had gluten-free bread that is better than New Cascadia,” says Hansen.

Visit for sweet treats of all kinds — and on Saturdays and Sundays, doughnuts.

This spot has crossover appeal. For wheat eaters, it might be a surprise, but this Vietnamese bakery is safe for the gluten-free. “ I love Berlu,” says Hansen. “That's the place out of all the places I'm talking about that we go the most often.”

Ice cream becomes a wheat hazard when there are cones around and flavors like cookies-and-cream. Kate’s is another spot that’s both dairy-free and gluten-free.

The brewery is gluten-free. But the best part: It offers fresh, hot doughnuts straight out of the oven Saturdays through Mondays.

Is Portland the best gluten-free city in the world? Travel writer Matt Hansen thinks so. He bases that on the relatively large number of completely gluten-free establishments — 20 to 25 bakeries and restaurants — and on the wide variety among them, including gluten-free breweries. You can also find gluten-free fish and chips, fried chicken thai noodles, and, of course, doughnuts.

Portland's Best

Tips For Getting the Most Out of Summer

What To Do in Portland in June 2026

Your Guide to May 2026 in Portland

Latest articles

Your Guide to April 2026 in Portland

Where to Find Downtown Portland's Best Hotel Bars

Where To Indulge in the Cherry Blossom Bloom This Year in Portland

What To Do in Portland in March 2026

Portland Neighborhood Bars That Are Worthy of the Love

Portland Has the World's Best Gluten-Free Food Scene

What To Do in Portland in February 2026