What to do in Oregon in August
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Celebrate the end of summer at the Oregon State Fair in Salem this month. Photo: Courtesy of Oregon State Fair
August marks the last month of summer — if you use Labor Day as your barometer and not the outside temperature — so close it out by remembering why you live here: Community bike rides, carnival foods and silly city traditions.
Here are seven events you shouldn't miss this month.
Summer Free for All
Through Aug. 31
Many of Portland's city parks come alive every evening with free music, performances and movie screenings. Don't miss Opera in the Park at Peninsula Park on Aug. 4 and The Kidz Outside Festival at George Park on Aug. 24.
Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks
Through Aug. 11
It's your last chance to see futuristic kicks — designed by fashion icons like Rick Owens and Stella McCartney, as well as AI — in person at the Portland Art Museum.
Bridge Pedal
Aug. 11
It's the only day of the year where you can bike across eight of Portland's iconic bridges without dodging vehicles. Join your neighbors in a 20-mile, car-free ride celebrating our city's biking culture.
- If the main ride seems too long for your legs, there are also family and kid-friendly routes plus a walking path.
Portland Adult Soapbox Derby
Aug. 17
This is real-life Mario Kart — impassioned Portlanders build their own derby cars, decorate them wildly, then barrel down Mount Tabor in a race where the real winner is declared based on the crowd's laughter.
PDX Hip Hop Week
Aug. 20-26
This annual festival started as a way to foster communication between the city's hip-hop community and various government agencies. It's since evolved to highlight Portland's up-and-coming artists.
- The "Skate n Shake" roller-disco party at Oaks Park is a crowd favorite.
Hood to Coast
Aug. 23-24
Participate in this 196-mile relay race that goes from — you guessed it — Mount Hood's Timberline Lodge to Seaside.
- Try to spot local celebrities like James Beard award-winning chef Gregory Gourdet and foodie influencer Em Daugherty along the way.
Oregon State Fair
Aug. 23 to Sept. 2
Everything we love about Oregon in one place: Great music, Ferris wheel rides, cotton candy and fried food, rodeo races, and more farm animal competitions than you can practically go to.
- You'll have so much fun dancing to headline acts like the Goo Goo Dolls and Ludacris that you'll forget you have to drive home from Salem after.