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City Cast Portland

Find the best that Portland has to offer.

John Notarianni

🗳️ Election Day Is Almost Here — Get Out and Vote!

For all you procrastinators out there, we've put together 

 to Tuesday's election. It's probably too late to put your ballot in the mail, so make sure you sign the back of the envelope and drop yours off at an 

If you're feeling anxious after you drop off your ballot, Write Around Portland is hosting a virtual 

There are also a pair of events to break down the results and look toward the future happening on 

City Club of Portland and the League of Women Voters are hosting a 

 event at University Place Hotel & Conference Center.

Oregon's climate justice and environmental community are hosting a 

 with Secretary of State Tobias Read at Waverly United Church of Christ.

Whether or not you're familiar with opera music, checking out a performance by the Portland Opera is always a treat. They're a wickedly talented group of musicians and vocalists, and it's a perfect excuse to get dressed up and go downtown. City Cast senior producer Giulia Fiaoni recommends Giuseppe Verdi's 1853 three-act romantic tragedy 

 which will be at the Keller Auditorium on 

. The performance is in Italian, but there are English subtitles to follow along. The arts organization is downsizing and will only have 

 this season (in December and March), so go see them while you can! 

🦃 Order Your Thanksgiving Feast (and Plan a Trot)

It's no surprise that a holiday based around seasonal eating is a perennial Portland favorite, so it's time to start thinking about what you're putting on your table on 

. Bridgetown Bites has a great round-up of 

 to order your Thanksgiving spread — I've got my eye on that confit turkey leg from 

Plus, there's plenty of options to burn off a few calories before the big meal: On the day before Thanksgiving, 

 is hosting a Turkey Trot among the holiday lights at the Portland International Raceway. On Thanksgiving day, the 

 are hosting their Turkey Trot at the Portland Zoo, and 

 plant-based Tofurky Trot starts at OMSI.

Embrace November in Portland with our guide to Election Day, opera performances, Thanksgiving feasts, and holiday turkey trots.

What To Do in Portland, Oregon, in November 2026

What To Do in November

Find the best of everything that Portland has to offer.

Portland’s Best

Portland's Best

Rachel Monahan

It’s hard to think of a more classic fall activity. Contributor Brianna Wheeler has some picks for places to go on Sauvie Island. Her pro tip: Go early in the season to avoid the crowds.

 has the Maize — your classic Portland outing.

’s maze always has a message. This year’s is “

 Check out their events and “the best elote” — says Brianna. Their farm stand alone is a reason to go.

The leaves are turning. It’s time to get out into nature. Here are some options:

 (Forest Park). The leaves are already turning.

 (Gifford Pinchot). Maple and larch trees, along with huckleberry bushes, turn the landscape a beautiful color.

 takes over the region, as subalpine larches paint the landscape a golden yellow!

The month ends with Halloween, but plenty of houses are already decked out. Some local bars are getting in the spirit too — Dear Sandy becomes 

 is hosting “Pass the Hatchet,” which they call a Bayou-Gothic Halloween event that promises a “spooky menu.” McMenamins has multiple 

Check out these classic October outings in Portland, including corn mazes, fall foliage viewing, and Halloween celebrations.

What To Do in Portland, Oregon, in October 2026

What To Do in Portland in October 2026

 was upended two years ago, when the swifts 

. No one knows exactly why the swifts abandoned the spot, where thousands had roosted for decades on their fall migration. Last year, the biggest group of them chose Abernethy Elementary School. No word yet on their preferred 2026 roosting spot.

 The local advocacy group the Bird Alliance of Oregon is offering a 

 The Bird Alliance is also asking for help 

 — fill out the form. Plus, the group has volunteer opportunities for anyone willing to get trained and survey sites 

 The number of birds flying through Oregon skies reaches its peak later this month and into the next — roughly Sept. 19 - Oct. 19. And humans can help out by turning off unnecessary lights outdoors and keeping your shades closed at night. (Learn more about the 

🦹 Rose City Comic Con and Geek Week Hit Town

A couple weeks ago, culture reporter and contributor Alex Frane offered a guide to 

 (Sept. 11 - 20) on the podcast — it’s the 

 if you want to give it a listen. Key tip: An easy entry point for Rose City Comic Con is all the artists' booths. And don’t forget to look for the more casual events of Geek Week all around town. Or if you just find yourself wondering what all those people are doing in costume around the Oregon Convention Center, now you have your answer.

The apple harvest is coming! Maybe it’s time to find a new favorite apple. 

 has some very descriptive — and opinionated — ratings. (I’ve already found an apple I want to seek out; thanks to Althea Billings for this suggestion too.) Apple picking is a classic end-of-September activity.

 if you’re planning a day trip — or a weekend. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Kiyokawa Family Orchards’ Honeycrisp Harvest

September brings migrating swifts, Comic Con, Geek Week, and the start of apple-picking season, with plenty of ways to enjoy Portland’s fall traditions.

What To Do in Portland, Oregon, in September 2026

What To Do in Portland in September 2026

Every summer, pianos are decorated by local artists, given a name, and scattered throughout Portland, creating opportunities for an impromptu concert. There are six out there, as of now — recent locations have included 

 planned at Sellwood Riverfront Park. (Hat tip to City Cast Portland contributor Brianna Wheeler for this idea.)

Portland’s summer is filled to the brim with organized (and spontaneous) bike rides. But among the peak moments is the once-a-year chance to bike the upper decks of the Marquam and Fremont bridges — no cars in sight. There are multiple routes, but the longest — 23 miles — 

Since the summer of 1997, Portlanders (age 21 and over) have been racing their creative, gravity-powered, custom-built contraptions down the curves of Mt. Tabor. An extinct volcano seems a fitting spot for these kinds of shenanigans. Past years’ entrants have included a 

. Come to cheer them on and dream about entering in future years (signups are in April).

We have some ideas for how to make this month in Portland more exciting, easier, and just an all-round good time.

What To Do in Portland, Oregon, in August 2026

What To Do in Portland in August 2026

A quarter millennium ago, the United States got its start. Since then, we've experienced all the promises and disappointments of our country's lofty rhetoric about freedom — and mixed results in delivering on that. And yes, Portland will celebrate this year with the 

There’s also the option of enjoying the 

small-town atmosphere of the city within Portland

, including a parade. [City Cast Portland’s Weekly Wander ✏️]

It’s Portland’s Pride Month! To avoid competing with the Rose Festival, organizers moved our local celebrations to July. The 

Plan for Your Summer Food Festival Calendar

Some of the best food festivals are still two months away, but now’s the time to get your tickets. Food writer Brooke Jackson-Glidden 

shared her favorite summer food festivals

 on the podcast earlier this week: [City Cast Portland 🎧]

A quarter millennium ago, the U.S. got its start. Since then, we've experienced all the promises and disappointments of our country's rhetoric about freedom.

What To Do in July

What To Do in Portland in July 2026

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

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!

Portland's Best

What To Do in November

What To Do in Portland in October 2026

What To Do in Portland in September 2026

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What To Do in Portland in August 2026

What To Do in Portland in July 2026

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What To Do in Portland in June 2026

Your Guide to May 2026 in Portland

Your Guide to April 2026 in Portland

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