These festivals offer amazing food, and many of them have live music and dancing, arts and crafts, and a glimpse into long-standing traditions.
Chinese New Year Celebration
Where: Portland Classical Chinese Garden, 127 NW 3rd Ave
When: January or February
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Naito Pkwy between SW Harrison St & NW Glisan St
When: The weekend closest to the 5th of May
What: Portland's festival is one of the largest in the country, and has been running for about 25 years. In addition to carnival rides and games, there are multiple entertainment stages, a crafts fair, and activities for kids such as pinata breaking.
Bastille day in the Pearl
When: Where: Jamison Square Park, Pearl District
When: July
What: With more than 5,000 attendees, Portland's Bastille day is one of the West Coast's largest. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille Prison in 1789, which is recognized as the start of the French Revolution. Enjoy French food and wine, plus a hilarious "waiter's race" where traditionally-dressed waiters balance trays as they race around Jamison Square.
Lebanese Food Festival
Where: St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church in SE Portland
When: Check the church website in July/August
Italian Festival
Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square
When: August
What: Celebrate Italian culture with delicious Italian cuisine from local Italian restaurants, plus additional events like a bocce tournament and a celebratory Mass at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, located at 2408 SE 16th Ave. in Portland.
German Oktoberfest
Where: Oaks Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way
When: September
What: Authentic German food and beer, live Oom Pah Pah bands, dancers, wiener dog races, and kids' activities including games and the chicken dance contest.
Mt. Angel Oktoberfest
Where: Mt. Angel, south of Portland, between Woodburn and Silverton
When: September
What: Four stages of live music, beer garden, arts and crafts festival, kids' activities and camping.
Polish Festival
Where: 3900 N. Interstate Ave., between the St. Stanislaus Church and the Polish Library
When: September
What: Enjoy traditional polish dance performances groups and musical acts as well as a polka contest, delicious Polish food and imported Polish beer.
Greek Festival
Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3131 NE Glisan Street
When: October
What: Amazing Greek food is a big draw here, but there's also live dancing performances, Greek music, cooking demonstrations, crafts, and kids' activities like face painting and puppet shows.
Homowo Storytelling Festival
What: The Homowo festival was held in the Portland Park Blocks near PSU for years. We are awaiting details about the new Storytelling Festival.
More Details to Come
Scan Fair
Where:Portland State University
Smith Memorial Center Ballroom, 3rd Floor
1825 SW Broadway
When: December
What: A Scandinavian-style Christmas celebration. The festival includes Scandinavian dance performances, film, arts and crafts, costume displays and gourmet Scandinavian delicacies.
