Though Independence Day has passed and we’re officially mid-way through the year, there’s still plenty of summer fun to be had! Check out our list of favorite happenings around the Greater Portland area, Vancouver, and Spokane. And, be sure to check our calendar for updated event dates and times.
Every local has a list of favorite places and landmarks around town. Have you seen them all? Download our checklist and see how many of these iconic places around Oregon and Washington you’ve visited.
July Events in Oregon & Washington
Music on Main – July 5-September 6
Music on Main is one of Portland’s free summer outdoor concert series, presented by Portland’5 Center for the Arts and ArtBar & Bistro. Gather each Wednesday evening on Main Street, between Southwest Broadway and Park Avenues, to enjoy free concerts from a variety of local musicians. Food and beverages are also served from ArtBar & Bistro starting at 4:00 pm.
Lavender Daze Festival – July 7-8
The Lavender Daze Festival is celebrating it’s 13th season. Head to Hood River Lavender Farm for this fun, free lavender celebration. The festival features live music, over 30 arts and crafts vendors, activities for kids, u-pick lavender, and much more.
Gresham Arts Festival – July 14-15
The Gresham Arts Festival is three whole days of fun in Historic Downtown Gresham. The main event is the festival itself, which focuses on 150 juried artists and artisans that fill the downtown streets. Don’t miss the live performances and the “Gresham’s Got Talent” show. The festival will attempt to reclaim their world record of the largest display of chalk pavement art. Free and fun for the whole family!
Sherwood Robin Hood Festival – July 14-16
Head to Old Town Sherwood for the 64th Annual Robin Hood Festival and Archery Tournament. The festival closely follows the traditions of Renaissance Fairs, with live entertainment, medieval reenactments, music, food, castle building contest, and more. Don’t miss the International Archery Tournament with Nottingham on both Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Cathedral Park Jazz Festival – July 14-16
Presented by the Jazz Society of Oregon, the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival is the longest running free jazz and blues festival on the west coat. The festival features the best local jazz and blues musicians over a three-day period. The Cathedral Park Jazz Festival also works to benefit the growing hunger problems of the area by collecting donations for area food banks.
Harvest Days – July 15
“Beautiful, Bold, Brilliant Battle Ground!” is the theme of this year’s Harvest Days and promises to be just that. The event includes the Fred Meyer Grand Parade, musical talent show and musical performances, Xtreme Amateur Games, carnival, and much more. Celebrate the community of Battle Ground and join in on all the fun during this family-friendly festival.
The Big Float – July 15
Join the fun on the Willamette River at The Big Float! This annual event, open to all ages, is a fundraiser for the Human Access Project, and encourages people to get into and on the river. Floaters gather at Poet’s Beach and float down toward Tom McCall Bowl Beach where the event will end with a fun beach party. Early registration is just $5 and $10 for the day of the event.
Camas Days – July 21-22
Historic Downtown Camas is the host of the annual Camas Days celebration. This festival includes a variety of arts and crafts vendors, a parade, concerts in the park, food, beer and wine garden, softball tournament, and even bathtub races!
First City Celebration – July 22
Celebrate Oregon’s first city at the 8th Annual First City Celebration in Oregon City. Featuring live music, the Oregon Trail Brewfest, art, craft, and food vendors, the First City Celebration is a great way to embrace summer at the end of the Oregon Trail.
3 Days of Aloha – July 27-29
3 Days of Aloha, held at Vancouver’s Esther Short Park, is a free event that attracts over 10,000 visitors each year. Tropical festivities include traditional Polynesian singers, hula dancers, raffles, food, and kids activities. The three day event also includes an Aloha 5K Fun Run, hula dancing competitions, and workshops.
Portlandia Mermaid Parade – July 29
The Portlandia Mermaid Parade is described as a grassroots, artistic celebration aimed at connecting the community to Portland’s rivers and history. The parade celebrates all things mermaid and encourages mermaid entertainers in the Northwest to display their mermaid pride. The parade and celebration is free and anyone can join in the fun.
Fairchild Skyfest – July 29-30
The Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane is celebrating it’s 75th Anniversary during the Fairchild SkyFest. Confirmed performers include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Wings of Blue parachute team, and many more.