The area where Montavilla exists today gets its name from the first subdivision built in the neighborhood, a contraction of Mount Tabor Village Addition. Long a stopover for travelers between Hood River and Portland, the farmland increasingly turned to homes after the construction of the streetcar line in 1892. Today it’s certainly a crossroads of cultures and camaraderie, and every summer, it’s on full display.
Why You Should Visit This Week: Taking It to the Streets
Building on last year’s record-setting event, the Montavilla Street Fair will return for the 13th time on Sunday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More than 200 vendors will line Southeast Stark Street between 76th and 82nd avenues for this family-friendly celebration of community and creativity.
Not only is it a great chance to directly support local community organizations and small businesses — from restaurants and clothing boutiques to artists and antiques sellers — there are also four live music stages to enjoy across the neighborhood’s historic downtown. Catch smaller, intimate performances at the Plaza Stage, larger acts will roll through the Brewery Stage and Main Stage, and the Honk Stage will be your go-to for all-acoustic tunes (think big street-band energy).
Visitors will also be able to peruse the produce, flower vendors, and hot food options at Montavilla Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Eat & Drink: Montavilla’s Melting Pot
This neighborhood was built by immigrants, and today that influence lives on via an incredible local food scene.
🏮 Named after the bustling Bangkok road that anchors the Thai city’s Chinatown, Yaowarat blends flavors with zeal. You’ll encounter yellow curry, char siu pork, lemongrass, and Sichuan peppercorn along the way, and the Crispy Bean Curd Dumplings are non-negotiable — order them!
🥨 You can’t help but say ja to the breads and pastries at Fressen Artisan Bakery, which implements German traditions and techniques to make the Swabian-style pretzel, a Franconian rye, vollkornbrot, and more multigrain goodness.
🌮 Mexican cuisine is often covered with broad strokes, but Tierra Del Sol paints a vivid scene of Oaxacan food with its signature dishes such as tlayuda, tetelas, and mole enchiladas, incorporating the fresh blue corn tortillas as much as possible.
🥙 At Ya Hala, Chef Mirna Attar brings Lebanon to life through delicious mezza and kabob plates, lemon chicken, and delicate baklava. Check out the prix fixe menu and communal dining options in the Fairuz Room, too.
🍻Threshold Brewing & Blending certainly pushes the boundaries in several directions, including IPAs, fruity sours, and bourbon barrel-aged beers. Owner Jarek Szymanski shares a taste of his homeland by brewing with Polish hops paired with zapiekanka, toasted open-face sandwiches that are a popular street snack.
Fun & Games: The Sidewalk Friends
Portlanders are creative, and they tend to be good neighbors as well. That translates to lots of sidewalk joy across the map. In Montavilla in particular, you’ll find plenty of interactive stations that go beyond the usual book swap.
- 🐈 Cat Toy Library: Find something frisky for your feline friend.
- 🎥 Free Blockbuster Portland: Rewind the clock for a bit of nostalgia at this movie swap.
- 🐦⬛ Crow Treasures Cabinet: You want a corvid sidekick? These trinkets will help.
- ☕ PDX Mug Swap: Freshen up your morning brew with new ceramicware.
- ⛳ Twin Pines Country Club: Play six free holes of mini golf in the side yard; call the number for the gate code.
We know there’s much more magic to find in Montavilla. Share your favorite part of the neighborhood with us.
