Greater Portland Area Activities and Newsletter - August 28 - September 4, 2026
HOOD TO COAST
Aug. 28–29
The Providence Hood and Portland To Coast Relay is the most popular and largest running/walking relay race in the world, drawing participants from over 40 countries and all 50 states annually. Known as the Mother of All Relays, the event features 8-12-member relay teams traversing the unique and beautiful Oregon terrain, starting at the iconic summit of Mount Hood and ending at the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. This 196-mile relay (128 miles for Portland To Coast) has filled its team limit for the past 37 years and on Opening Lottery Day for 33 consecutive years.
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.
Sep 3-6
Craig Robinson is best known for portraying acerbic Dunder-Mifflin employee Darryl Philbin on the Emmy-winning NBC series “The Office.” He is definitely a world away from his original career intentions; before deciding to pursue his comedy career full-time, Robinson was a K-8 teacher in the Chicago Public School System. It was while he was studying education in Chicago that he also discovered his love of acting and comedy, joining the famed Second City Theatre.
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.
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- 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
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- CRABBING EXPLORIENCE
Sept 3
Enjoy the bounty of Siletz Bay with Explore Lincoln City’s Crabbing Explorience. Hit the sand and catch your own dinner.Before heading out to the shoreline to toss a line, meet a local expert for an overview of Oregon’s crabbing regulations, harvesting methods, identification, cleaning, and cooking techniques. Each crabber can use up to three devices; we recommend a folding crab trap for Siletz Bay crabbing, which can be done right from the shore. The adventure will last approximately one to two hours, is free, and requires no registration.
On September 3rd at 10:30am, meet at the pavilion at the end of SW 51st Street in the historic Taft neighborhood of Lincoln City. Parking can be found between Mo’s Restaurant and the pavilion, with flat access to the bay.
Essential Crabbing Gear
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Crab trap(s)
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Bait (chicken legs work well)
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Shellfish license – for crabbers 12 years or older
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Bucket
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Rubber gloves
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Crab measuring gauge
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*NOTE: Materials and licenses should be purchased prior to attending the Explorience.
PORTLAND JEWISH FESTIVAL
Aug 30
Portland’s first Jewish Festival is open to the Greater Portland community.
Bringing Jewish joy, traditions, and togetherness to Portland for the first time.
Family-Friendly – Kids Activities – Entertainment – Food – Local Vendors
NORTHWEST VEG FEST
Aug 29-30
Northwest’s premier plant-based celebration! This two-day expo brings together the best of vegan culture, featuring inspiring speakers, live chef demonstrations, and the latest in ethical fashion and beauty. Whether you’re here for the fitness workshops, film screenings, or dedicated activities for kids and teens, there’s something to spark curiosity in everyone.
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.
INTERNATIONAL FLY FISHING FILM FESTIVAL
Aug 29
IF4 is the ultimate celebration of fly-fishing culture, featuring a curated collection of world-class films and cinematic storytelling from independent filmmakers worldwide. Rooted in the soul of fly fishing, it brings together powerful stories that capture its heart and adventure. IF4 is a gathering place for the fly-fishing community and a celebration of friendship, stories and stoke.
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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