Where To Play This August in Portland: Events, Dining & Local Picks
Portland's bridges connect walkable neighborhoods full of food carts, microbreweries, vintage shops, and indie theaters. This month, Portland offers a cultural kaleidoscope: from indie music and motorsports to Renaissance choirs and sneaker culture.
Here’s your curated guide for where to eat, stay and play this August in Portland.
🟢 Where To Eat
Eem
3808 N Williams Ave | eempdx.com
Thai barbecue and tiki drinks? Yes, please. Eem is vibrant, unfussy and packed with big flavor. Order the brisket curry and settle in.
Lovely's Fifty Fifty
4039 N Mississippi Ave | lovelysfiftyfifty.com
A Portland classic. Seasonal wood-fired pizzas and housemade ice cream make this spot a dreamy stop before or after Fremont Fest.
Mucca Pizzeria
1026 SW Morrison St | muccapizzeria.com
Authentic Neapolitan style pizza in the heart of Portland, Mucca offers fresh pasta specials, panini sandwiches, and house made gelato.
🔵 Where To Stay
The Jupiter NEXT
900 E Burnside St | jupiterhotel.com
Urban, art-forward and perfectly located for easy access to festivals and late-night bites. Bonus: the onsite bar Hey Love is a local favorite.
Hotel Grand Stark
509 SE Grand Ave | palishotelgranstark.com
Eclectic yet elegant, this hotel marries vintage vibes with modern touches. The perfect launchpad for exploring central eastside culture.
🟡 Where To Play
PDX Live Concert Series
Pioneer Courthouse Square | August 6–21
Downtown Portland's biggest outdoor concert series returns, transforming the heart of the city into a summer stage. With artists like Waxahatchee and Jamie xx headlining, it’s the best of live music and warm-night ambiance. More info
Credit: Courtesy of IndyCar
Grand Prix of Portland
Portland International Raceway | August 8–10
For pure adrenaline, nothing beats the roar of Indy-style cars zipping around PIR. But this race weekend is also a community party with music, food trucks and family-friendly activities. More info
Sneaker Week
Various Locations | August 3–8
Celebrating Portland’s streetwear legacy and future, this multi-day event fuses design, innovation and sneaker culture. Expect art shows, panel discussions and limited-edition drops. More info
White Lotus Summer Market
SF Supermarket | Saturdays through August 31
Celebrate AAPI artisans, makers and flavors in this dynamic outdoor market. Expect live performances, cultural workshops and a rotating cast of local vendors. More info
William Byrd Festival
Various Locations | August 1–17
Sacred spaces. Soulful voices. This Renaissance music festival features moving choral performances, scholarly talks and candlelit services in some of Portland’s most acoustically stunning churches. More info
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This article was created with editorial assistance from AI.
