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. But many families opt to get out of the city to enjoy local celebrations in St. Paul, Fort Vancouver, Beaverton and Hood River.
St. Paul Rodeo Show & Parade (July 1–6, 2024)
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, team roping, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, and others. A traditional Old West-themed event offers a thrilling experience of spectacular professional rodeo, not for the faint-hearted. The celebration kicks off with Hall of Fame Induction BBQ at 5 am on July 1st.
Another tradition of St. Paul Rodeo for the 4th of July is to host a patriotic parade. The participants gather from all over North Willamette Valley to celebrate their country's independence with color guard processions, cowboy outfits, and horseback riding. This year's theme for the parade is "A Portrait of St. Paul", the point of which is to embrace the city's roots. The event begins at 10 am.
Waterfront Blues Festival (July 4–7, 2024)
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 over 100 music acts on four stages, vendors, cruises, and great food. This year's lineup includes Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals, Say She She, Greensky Bluegrass, Bombino, Jackie Venson, The Rumble, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Bobby Rush & North Mississippi Allstars and many others.
Entertainment Program
In between seeing your favorite acts perform, feel free to explore the venue and participate in dancing classes, where you can try your hand at Zoomba or West Coast Swing. If you're traveling with children, your little ones will enjoy The Playin' Ground with face painting, music lessons, and games. And don't forget to hop on the Blues Cruise—an exclusive venue with its own stage and a stellar lineup of blues musicians.
Tickets and Scheduling
The venue's gates open at 11 am and close at 10:30 pm every day of the festival, but with an early entry pass you can enter at 10:30 am. The performances begin at 12 pm. The prices of one-day tickets start at $45, while the four-day passes range from $210 to $1450.
Oaks Park Fireworks Spectacular (July 4, 2024)
While many local parks, including Mt. Tabor, the International Rose Test Garden, and Sellwood Park, host 4th of July celebrations and fireworks after dark, the Oaks Amusement Park is one of the best and most anticipated in the area. The pyrotechnics show will begin at 9:45 pm. Until then, the ticket also includes access to a picnic area, rollerskating, and a variety of thrilling rides.
Hood River Fireworks Show (July 4, 2024)
Hood River is an excellent Fourth 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 15-minute display begins at 10 pm and is synchronized with classical music if you watch from the Hood River Event Site at the Waterfront Park. Admission is free, but parking might be subject to a fee.
Hood River 4th of July Parade (July 4, 2024)
The Hood River 4th of July Parade is an annual tradition for the local community where the public gets to march along the streets of their city with patriotic floats and decorated vehicles in tow. The one-hour parade starts at 10 am from Pacific Avenue & 12th Street and ends at Hood River Aquatic Center. If you'd like to participate in the parade, come to Elliot Drive at 8 am.
Beaverton 4th of July Celebration (July 4, 2024)
Just 8 miles west of Portland, the city of Beaverton hosts its annual Independence Day concert at the local Veterans Memorial Park. The venue will be full to the brim with family-friendly entertainment, such as face painting, outdoor games and inflatables. The admission is completely free, however, bring your own blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the show comfortably. The event begins at 11 am and ends at 2 pm.
Portland Craft Beer Festival (July 4–July 6, 2024)
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 many craft breweries presenting their best beverages, the biggest outdoor party at the Elizabeth Caruthers Park will be as great as always.
The festival runs from 12 pm to 10 pm. Children and individuals under 21 are welcome to attend the venue on July 4th, but on July 5th and 6th, the event is strictly for people 21 years of age and older. The admission to entry the park costs $40 and includes a souvenir cup and ten tasting tickets for the whole weekend.
Summer Fest at Fort Vancouver (July 6, 2024)
Fort Vancouver National Historic 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 6 pm.
