July event guide: Free comedy shows, music fests and naked bike rides
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Somehow it'll be July next week, and we're ready to fully embrace summer with outdoor comedy shows, free live music, and festivals — so many festivals— that span the cultural spectrum.
- Our cup, it runneth over.
Here are a few of the events we're most looking forward to.
🎸 Blues on the water
One of Portland's biggest downtown events of the year — the Waterfront Blues Festival — returns the weekend of July 4 for two days of music on the banks of the Willamette.
- Tickets: $40 for one-day passes, $74 for both days.
🍻 Locals-only beer fest
Sip on three days of beer, cider and wine-based cocktails — all from artisans within the city limits — at the Portland Craft Beer Festival in Southwest's Elizabeth Caruthers Park from July 4-6.
- Tickets: General admission is $43.
🎶 Music for lunch
Downtown at midday? The Noon Tunes Summer Concert Series will be serenading the lunchtime crowd at Pioneer Square with free live music Tuesdays and Thursdays all month.
🤣 Laughs at Laurelhurst
Kickstand Comedy will bring the funnies to Laurelhurst Park on July 18 at 6:30pm with a free show featuring the "freshest line up of the funniest comedians from Portland and around the world."
🪷 The other White Lotus
Discover local AAPI-owned businesses, vendors and crafters at the White Lotus Market — no murderous intrigue required — hosted by Shun Fat Supermarket at Southeast 82nd and Foster every weekend starting July 12.
🎷 Jazz in St. Johns
If you'll miss the blues downtown, venture north a few weeks later for a full weekend of free tunes under the St. Johns Bridge at the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival from July 18-20.
🏳️🌈 Be loud and proud
July is Gay Pride Month in Portland, and there are enough events to fill a social butterfly's calendar — but the big parade kicks off from the North Park Blocks at 11am July 20.
🍑 Show some skin
Bare it all on a bicycle at the annual PDX World Naked Bike Ride — billed as part protest, part party — July 26, with the exact timing and route to be revealed later in the month.
🔊 Big-name concert
One more big music fest to close out the month: Project Pabst will bring Iggy Pop, Devo, Death Cab for Cutie and Japanese Breakfast to Tom McCall Waterfront Park on July 26 and 27.
- Tickets: $112 for one-day passes, $200 for both days.