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How to Enjoy Portland This Summer

Posted on June 14, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025

Rachel Monahan

river and bridge with skyline in the background

How are you going to keep cool this summer? (Rachel Monahan/City Cast Portland)

Rain has ended early. The sun is out. It’s time to think about how to enjoy the summer ahead.

Here are some ideas of what not to miss:

🍓 Enjoy the berries. Find yourself a pint of Hood strawberries (right now). Pick blueberries on Sauvie Island (July). Visit the Portland Farmers Market at PSU or your local neighborhood spot (all summer long).

🎵 Picnic at a Zoo concert (Fridays), or check out the Waterfront Blues Festival (July 1-4) or the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival (July 14-16), or find your favorite musician at Edgefield.

🚲 Bike a Pedalpalooza ride (all summer long), or Sunday Parkways (June 25 or Sept. 10), ride over the bridges during Bridge Pedal (Aug. 13).

🌊 Swim at an outdoor pool, opening in Portland June 21, or in the Willamette River.

🎡 Ride the Ferris Wheel at Oaks Park anytime — and eat some curly fries or elephant ears.

🎆 Catch some fireworks.

🧺 Hike up Mount Tabor and watch the sunset from the top.

What’s Your Favorite PDX Summer Plan? Email Me
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