Best time to go to Portland

4th of July 2024

Patriotic weekend is packed with fun events for all ages

Dates: July 1–July 4

4th of July
4th of July

The annual Independence Day celebrations in Portland offer an array of great activities and events. Thousands of Portland residents and guests flock downtown to the Waterfront Blues Festival, while many families opt to get out of the city to enjoy local celebrations in St. Paul, Fort Vancouver, and the wine country.

Waterfront Blues Festival (July 1–4, 2023)

The Waterfront Blues Fest at Tom McCall Waterfront Park is the most significant rhythm & blues, soul, and funk event west of the Mississippi. It also hosts the most amazing fireworks display over the Willamette River. The four-day festival is filled with music acts on four stages, vendors, cruises, and great food. Previous lineups of the festival included Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Luther Allison, Solomon Burke, Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters, George Thorogood & the Destroyers, The Mavericks, Steve Miller Band, John Hiatt, James Cotton, Irma Thomas, Robert Cray, Robben Ford, Magic Slim, and many others.

Fireworks

Many local parks host Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks after dark, including Mt. Tabor, the International Rose Test Garden, Sellwood Park, and Oaks Amusement Park. The Oaks Amusement Park offers a picnic area, roller-skating, and its own fireworks show.

Hood River Fireworks (July 4, 2023)

Hood River is an excellent 4th of July destination near Portland. Visitors can watch a community parade as well as participate in various social events during the day and watch one of the largest fireworks shows on the West Coast during the night. The spectacular 25-minute display is synchronized with classical music if you watch from the Hood River Event Site at the Waterfront Park. Admission is free, but parking is available for a fee.

Summer Fest at Fort Vancouver (July 1, 2023)

Fort Vancouver National Site is famous for its spectacular 4th of July celebration every year. Take a blanket and a picnic and head to the Fort Vancouver Historic Reserve for a full day of fun for all ages. Activities include two stages with live music, lawn games, magic tricks, and face painting. The celebration runs from 11 am to 8 pm.

St. Paul Rodeo (June 30–July 4, 2023)

St. Paul Rodeo is one of the most popular rodeo events in Oregon taking place annually during the 4th of July weekend in St. Paul, Oregon. It features competitions in barrel racing, classic saddle bronco riding, team roping, bareback riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, tie-down roping, and others. A traditional Old West event offers a thrilling experience of spectacular professional rodeo, not for the faint-hearted.

Portland Craft Beer Festival (June 30–July 2, 2023)

Portland Craft Beer Festival is undoubtedly one of the most popular Fourth of July events. Thanks to the four-day event, Portland continues to hold the title for The Best Beer City in the World according to magazines like Travel and Leisure, Matador, and Beer Connoisseur. With over 70 craft breweries presenting their best beverages, the biggest outdoor party at the Fields Neighborhood Park will be as great as always.

Last updated: by Olha Savych