Greater Portland Area Activities and Newsletter - August 21-28, 2026
A DAY IN THE GROVE
Aug. 25
Classic rock jams and family-friendly fun collide in the Pacific Northwest’s newest music amphitheater! McMenamins Grand Lodge Concerts in the Grove presents a summer celebration evoking the free-spirited energy of ’70s and ’80s music festivals, featuring electrifying tributes to Led Zeppelin, The Police and Fleetwood Mac. Bring the whole family out for a day of live music and fun in the sun, with lawn games, face painting and much more. And for your pre- and post-show consideration: Just feet away from the concert grounds lies the endless adventures of McMenamins Grand Lodge.
You are invited to celebrate the season of Dahlias. Stroll through almost 50 acres of breathtaking fields and a beautiful display garden of stunning dahlias featuring over 375 varieties. Treat yourself to a rainbow of colors by taking photos, shopping in our gift shop, and purchasing fresh-cut dahlias to take home. Select and order your favorite dahlias for spring delivery to enjoy the beauty in your garden the following year. Fill your belly with yummy treats from the food carts, relax and enjoy the live music on the weekend, or take one of the classes throughout the festival dates.
June 19–Aug. 21
Nothing says summer in Portland like a warm evening outdoors with good food and live entertainment. On several evenings throughout the summer, the Oregon Zoo hosts Zoo Nights filled with local music, food carts, activities for all ages and the chance to get to know some of the animals active during twilight hours.
Zoo Nights occur from mid-June through mid-August, with live music on the lawn at 6:30 p.m. and activities from 5:30 p.m. Guests will also find tasty food and snacks — plus the ever-popular elephant ears and a selection of local beer and wine for adults.
She’s practically perfect in every way. Get ready for Mary Poppins to fly onto the stage at the Foster Theater with Motive Theatrics this summer. This family musical has captivated audiences for generations, and now the enchanting story, unforgettable songs and breathtaking production numbers will dazzle and delight theatergoers of all ages. Experience the magic and discover a world where anything can happen if you let it.
SIGN SQUAD AT THE WOODSTOCK CAFE (SIGN LANGUAGE CAFE)
On-going
Sign Squad is a popular, inclusive weekly American Sign Language (ASL) meetup where Deaf individuals, beginners, and experienced signers gather to socialize and practice signing. It is an all-ages, no-pressure environment. The Sign Squad community meets at Woodstock Cafe, a beloved gathering space for the local Deaf community, famous for taking orders in sign language and providing an accessible, welcoming environment. Affectionately called the Sign Language Cafe, Woodstock café offers a space for Deaf and hearing individuals to communicate and collaborate seamlessly, supporting community bonds through shared interests.
FUSED GLASS SUNCATCHERS CLASS AT LA PROVENCE
Aug. 28
Spend a creative evening surrounded by the charm of La Provence while designing beautiful fused-glass floral suncatchers inspired by the colors of summer. In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn the basics of fused glass art as you cut, layer, and arrange colorful glass pieces into blooming floral designs. Choose to create one 4-inch suncatcher or two 2″ x 4″ suncatchers to brighten a window, garden space, or gift to someone special. While you create, feel free to order food and beverages from the La Provence menu.
No experience is needed. Ages 12+.
After class, your pieces will be kiln-fired and ready to pick up in approximately one to two weeks.
What’s Included with Your Ticket:
•All materials and step-by-step guidance for creating your unique suncatcher
• Complimentary Macaron
• 10% off your total food/beverage purchase at La Provence during the event
Excludes Alcohol
Aug 22
An uncanny tribute to beloved master singer/songwriter/performer, American pop icon Neil Diamond – Super Diamond has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, CNN, VH1, Fox News, and Comedy Central, and has been featured in publications such as Rolling Stone Magazine, The New York Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle
For three decades, San Francisco’s Super Diamond has become one of the most popular live shows at major nightclubs, theaters, ballrooms, festivals, and public events throughout the United States
PORTLAND HIP-HOP WEEK
Aug 20-26
What started as a single-day event on the steps of Portland City Hall has evolved into a full week of powerful programming that celebrates the depth, beauty, and diversity of Hip Hop culture. From the rhythms of music, Emcees, and dance to the brilliance of visual art and knowledge-sharing, each event over the years has helped carry forward the message that love, respect, and unity are not only possible within Hip Hop—but necessary.
This year marks the 11th Anniversary of the Portland Hip Hop Day/Week Celebration. What an incredible journey it’s been.
HILLSBORO HOPS
July 21–Sept. 6
The Hillsboro Hops are a High-A minor league baseball playing at Ron Tonkin Field since 2013. Their name honors Oregon’s reputation as a top hop-growing state, and the team made an instant mark by winning the Northwest League title in its debut season. Catch a fun, affordable, family-friendly game and experience the thrill of minor league ball.
BLUEGRASS & BREWS
On-going
Every Tuesday, something pretty special happens at Tomorrow’s Verse Taproom. Musicians pull up a chair, listeners grab a pint, and for a couple of hours the room turns into the kind of community space that’s getting harder and harder to find. No stage, no spotlight, no barriers—just people sharing songs, stories, and a love of live music.
Whether you play, listen, or just enjoy being around good people, Bluegrass and Brews is a place to connect. Discover your new favorite musician, catch up with neighbors, and support a group of local pickers who keep traditional music alive, one tune at a time.
Pull up a chair. Order a pint. Stay awhile. The music’s better when the room (or courtyard) is full.
PORTLAND FESTIVAL OF CINEMA ANIMATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Aug. 18–23
The six-day Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation and Technology (PFCAT) will showcase more than 150 independent and visionary films and animations from over 30 countries. The festival is also one of North America’s largest animation-focused events, featuring more than 100 animated shorts and feature films.
Throughout the week, audiences can enjoy screenings, filmmaker discussions, presentations, workshops, networking opportunities, parties, and events celebrating creativity, storytelling, and cutting-edge technology in film and animation. Family-friendly programming is offered daily before 5 p.m.
A featured community event during the festival is the PFCAT Creator Expo. Free with advance registration, the Expo connects filmmakers, animators, students, and creators with organizations, educational programs, and industry resources. Attendees can participate in hands-on activities, meet industry professionals, and explore pathways into creative careers.
PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKET
Ongoing
Nationally recognized as the largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market in the country, the Portland Saturday Market Combines the vibes of an art show, a live street concert and an open-air bazaar. has been a beloved Rose City tradition since 1974 — in 2024, the market celebrated its 50th anniversary and earned the “Oregon Heritage Tradition” title. It’s considered the largest continually operating arts-and-crafts fair in the United States, drawing up to 1 million visitors during its annual season.
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