Spring Events in Oregon & Washington
Spring has sprung in the Portland, Vancouver, and Spokane areas! Take a look at our calendar for any updated event dates and times.
MARCH
Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival – March 9-11
Portland Oregon Women’s Film Festival, or POWFest, is Portland’s only film festival to highlight women directors and bring to light the gender inequality that still exists within the film industry. The festival works to create networking and mentorship opportunities for female filmmakers for any discipline or skill level. This year’s schedule features special screenings and workshops, as well as screening work that features non-binary video and music video art.
Winter Blues Music Festival – March 10
Shake off your winter blues just in time for spring at the Winter Blues Music Festival. The festival features seven bands and two stages during the one day indoor event. This year the festival is helping give back to the Youth Music Project and the Oregon Food Bank. Attendees are asked to donate four cans, plus the cost of admission.
Kells St. Patrick’s Irish Festival – March 16-18
Enjoy live music, traditional Irish dancing, food and more at the 27th Annual Kells St. Patrick’s Day Festival. Events and activities will take place at both Kells Irish Pub and Kells Brewpub from Friday to Sunday in Downtown Portland. Family Day is on Sunday and includes arts and craft, dancing, and plenty more fun for kids.
Shamrock Run – March 18
The 40th Annual adidas Shamrock Run includes running events for all ages and levels. Oregon’s largest running event boasts a draw of over 30,000 participants. Register for the competitive 5k, 8k, 15k or half marathon runs. The event also includes a 5k fitness walk, the Shamrock Stride, and a 1k run/walk for kids, known as the Blazers Leprechaun Lap. The events end a celebration for all participants, including a beer garden, hot soup, and live entertainment.
Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest – March 23-April 29
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest begins March 23rd and is open daily from 9am to 6pm through April 29th. The festival features a beautiful 40 acres of tulips, which is a view you don’t want to miss. Just 45 minutes outside of Portland, the festival includes food from a variety of vendors, wine tasting, and activities for the whole family. And, bring a bouquet of spring home with you; the farm offers a u-pick garden and fresh cut flowers in their gift shop.
Rabbit Romp – March 31
Celebrate Easter at the Oregon Zoo’s Rabbit Romp. This popular egg hunt is for children 10 and under and is free with zoo admission. The event also includes an animal petting zoo at the Family Farm, bunny crafts, games, and great photo opportunities.
APRIL
Vancouver Brewfest Spring Edition – April 13-14
The spring edition of the Vancouver Brewfest brings a great craft beer selection to Esther Short Park and the community of Vancouver. Each Vancouver Brewfest celebrates local craft beer while supporting area charities. Bring your own food to the event or sample some great bites from Vancouver Brewfest vendors.
Earth Day Fair – April 21
Enjoy the Oregon Garden on Earth Day – the only day of the year for free admission! The 19th annual celebration includes fun educational activities planned around the Earth Day event, not to mention plenty of local food vendors and entertainment.
SOLVE IT for Earth Day – April 21
Give back to your planet this Earth Day by joining SOLVE (Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism) and volunteering around the state of Oregon. SOLVE IT for Earth Day has grown to be the state’s largest Earth Day event with over 112,000 participants. Find a list of organized clean-ups here and join fellow Oregonians in helping to keep our state green.
Spring Paddle Festival – April 28-29
The Spring Paddle Festival is a free event offered by Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe. The festival offers a wide variety of clinics and demonstrations for all levels experience over the course of two days. Try before you buy from over 100 kayaks, canoes, and SUPs.
MAY
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta – May 4-6
The Cinco de Mayo weekend kicks off at the Waterfront with the Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association’s 34th Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta! The fiesta includes live entertainment, authentic Mexican cuisine, free arts and crafts activities for kids, an Artisan Village, and much more.
Doggie Dash – May 12
Dog lovers unite at the Oregon Humane Society’s Doggie Dash at Waterfront Park on May 12th. This year marks the special 150th anniversary for OHS, and all registration fees are waved for participants. The walk/run and features a pet-friendly festival with live music, food, and more. The Doggie Dash is a great fundraising cause and has a goal of raising $600,000 to help shelter animals and fight animal cruelty. Start fundraising for the Doggie Dash by forming a team or simply donate to the cause by visiting their website.
Camas Mother’s Day Plant & Garden Fair – May 12
Grab your favorite mom or mother figure and head to the Camas Plant & Garden Fair, held the day before Mother’s Day. This popular plant fair draws thousands of visitors each year and offers a huge selection of plants, trees, garden art, and expert local growers and vendors. A portion of the proceeds of each sale go toward providing educational scholarships to local women who are continuing their education.
UFO Festival – May 17-19
Plan for plenty of weird and otherworldly fun at the 19th Annual UFO Festival in McMinnville. Put on each year by McMenamins, the festival includes live music and entertainment, parade with a pet costume contest, 5K fun run, costume ball, new wine tasting event, and much more.
Spokane Lilac Festival Parade – May 19
The Spokane Lilac Festival has been an integral part of Spokane’s history since 1938. The festival works to promote outstanding youth through it’s Royalty program and showcase and honor Spokane’s military population. The Spokane Lilac Festival has many events throughout the month of May, ending with the spectacular 80th Annual Armed Forces Torchlight Spokane Lilac Festival Parade, which draws over 150,000 people each year.
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