As
you know, I live in Portland, and I’m pretty proud to call it home. It’s green
and beautiful and feels kind of like a small town, but also like a big city. Named
the number one summer destination for family travel by Travel + Leisure
Magazine, Portland is a busy
place when the weather warms up. Locals break out the shorts and sunscreen and
can be seen riding bikes, sailing, running and populating parks all over the
city. Everyone wants to get outside and soak up the sun.
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Summer festivals give
people a good excuse to enjoy the clear weather and hang out with friends. Here
are five of the city’s must-see festivals:
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RoseFestival and
Grand Floral Parade
Portland’s
TomMcCall Waterfront Park is abuzz all summer long. The festivities kick off
in mid-May and go through mid-June with activities like the selection of the
Rose Festival court, a half-marathon, the popular Grand Floral Parade and
festival village at the waterfront. Highlights of the Rose Festival are
Portland’s largest parade, a fair full of amusement rides and shopping from
area merchants and artisans that bring tons of locals downtown for the
celebrations.
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Festival of
Balloons
After
the Rose Festival, folks head to Tigard,
a Portland suburb, to watch hot air balloons take to the sky and then enjoy a
carnival, food and craft kiosks, a car show and many more family-friendly
events. Start the day off with a hearty pancake breakfast and end it with Night
Glow – hot air balloons touch down with their burners lit amid the live
entertainment and other festivities. The Festival of Balloons has something for
everyone, including a beer garden sponsored by Rogue Ales.
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Waterfront Blues
Fest
If
you love blues music, head down to the waterfront in July for a long weekend of
some of the most well-known and local blues musicians. Recognized as America’s
most popular blues festival, thousands of people come from all over to listen
to artists such as Mitch Kashmar, Eric Burdon and Mavis Staples. Since 1987, the
festival has been entertaining music-lovers and raising money and non-perishable
donations for the Oregon Food Bank.
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Oregon Brewers
Festival
It’s
no secret that Oregon is home to some fantastic breweries
and microbreweries. Almost 100 craft beers from around the world are on tap for
visitors to taste when this late July festival comes to the Portland
Waterfront. The Oregon Brewers Festival is one of the longest-running beer
festivals in the U.S. Admission is free, however you must purchase a festival
mug and tokens for tastings. People are encouraged to bring a designated driver
to prevent drinking and driving. Food is available for purchase from local
vendors or you can grab a frosty mug in the Root Beer Garden, which is free for
designated drivers and minors.
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The Bite of
Oregon
Portland
is full of delicious and multicultural cuisine. It is home to award-winning
chefs and a great mix of fantastic dining establishments from gourmet dining to
food trucks. Each year in August, Portland – the home of fine dining pioneer
James Beard – likes to celebrate the best of the best at The Bite of Oregon. The
theme is different each year, and you’ll find dishes and desserts from the
state’s top restaurants and food carts, as well as Oregon wines and beers.
While noshing on some yummy foods, enjoy music from local artists or take your
children to the Kids Area Stage where they can get their face painted and be
entertained by singers, balloon artists and more.
No
matter what month you visit Portland, you will find interesting events going
on, but summer is definitely packed to the gills. With at least one event
available every weekend, it’s easy to keep your vacation days filled with fun.
Find more things to do outside of your festival plans at Gogobot.
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