Portland events: may 2025
Here’s what I’m getting up to in May!
Wildflower Hike
Columbia River Gorge
Discover the floral wonders of the Gorge! Over 800 flower species thrive here, including 15 found nowhere else. We love driving the hairpin turns of Rowena Crest for botanical views from the Rowena Plateau. Alternatively, Catherine Creek offers trails for all skill levels, weaving through vibrant Balsamroot, Lupine, and Shooting Stars.
Analog Social
Sellwood House
This tech-free event offers cozy vibes, snacks, and real conversation—one of their many enriching, all-ages events designed to engage, entertain, and bring people together.
Sunday Parkways Ride
Southwest Portland
The beloved series begins its 2025 season with a scenic 2.5-mile route along the neighborhood greenways near Multnomah Village. It features two of our favorite family parks: Gabriel Park and Spring Garden! Enjoy car-free streets offering music, food, community and plenty of places to stop and play.
Vanport Mosaic Festival
Various Locations
This memory activism event honors Vanport’s history through storytelling, art, film, and community dialogue—a powerful way to reflect on Portland’s past and envision a more inclusive future. I’m especially excited for “Not a Fad or Frill: A Love Letter to Vanport’s Music Teachers.”
UFO Festival
McMinnville, OR
Step into the spectacular, where aliens, parades, and shimmering tinfoil hats celebrate secrets beyond the stars. From costume contests to thought-provoking panels, every moment is extraordinary.
Oregon Humane Society Doggy Dash
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Join thousands of animal lovers for a scenic waterfront walk, followed by the fun-filled Pet Festival. Our best pal, Twyla, can’t wait to make new friends and strut her stuff in the pet/owner look alike contest. Proceeds benefit the Oregon Humane Society, where we found our sweet Buttercup!
neighborhood highlight: beaumont-wilshire
Sweeping skyline views, dramatic elevation changes, literary associations, a probably not haunted mansion—if your neighborhood has all four of these things, then you probably live in Beaumont-Wilshire. Situated atop the Alameda Ridge, this area, which means “beautiful mountain” in French, offers a cozy mixture of serene residential streets and local business districts, most notably NE Fremont St. Beverly Cleary fans will smile when they happen upon Klickitat Street and the beautiful, imposing Barnes Mansion (which, in its unkempt days, served as the inspiration for the haunted house that scared Ramona and Beezus). Though the Barnes Mansion was most recently listed at just under 5 million, the median neighborhood list price is a slightly more reasonable $755k.
Some of my favorite Beaumont Wilshire gems:
Prince Coffee: This sun-bathed shop is an irresistible invitation to sit and savor a cup of specialty coffee, Bakeshop pastries or a glass of natural wine. They always have new and interesting beans to try, and I love getting distracted by their shelves of beautiful coffee making supplies.
Loncheria Los Mayas: Affectionately known as “the orange cart,” this family-run business has been sharing recipes from their hometown in Yucatán, Mexico, the indigenous land of the Mayans, since 2016. Lisa and I love eating the panuchos and reminiscing about one of our favorite adventures road tripping around the Yucatan Peninsula.
Wilshire Park: If Twyla could speak, she would sing the praises of this park, which is well suited for long, sun-dappled walks beneath the trees. We especially love strolling through the park’s NatureSpace, a native plant garden featuring species such as salmonberry, sword fern, and bleeding heart.
Perch Furniture: In a world where just about everything seems mass-produced and disposable, Perch Furniture proves that there is a different way to approach home furnishing. We have the biggest crush on their custom handmade furniture (we love our cozy Perch sofa 😊), and popping into their elegant showroom on Fremont to talk to their designers is always a treat.
Pacific Holiday: Lisa, a lifelong devotee of vintage and secondhand fashion, includes this beautifully curated shop in her treasure-hunting circuit. From timeless capsule pieces to one-of-a-kind accessories, she never leaves without finding a special piece to add to her collection.
Red Sauce Pizza: I’m not going to do a neighborhood highlight and not talk about pizza, and when it comes to the pizza of Beaumont-Wilshire, Red Sauce has my whole heart. Their charred, bubbly crust pies are deservedly one of my favorites in all of Portland, but the seasonally focused salads, soft serve, and Snoopy phone make our family's hearts sing.
portland events: april 2025
Here’s what I’m getting up to in April!
Harney County Migratory Bird Festival
Burns, OR | April 10th–13th
From hot springs and wild mustangs to Alvord’s white sands and the stunning Steens Mountain, this corner of Oregon is dear to me. What better way to experience the breathtaking high desert than by witnessing thousands of migrating birds? Stay up late for a spectacular view of the stars!
OMSI After Dark: PNW Forests
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry | April 23rd
Celebrate Earth Day with a night of interactive exhibits, live DJs, drinks, and science demos highlighting the Pacific Northwest’s unique forest ecosystems. For an especially tree-riffic evening, don’t miss OMSI’s current exhibit, Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest.
Millionth Tree Events
Various locations | Through April
Friends of Trees is celebrating an incredible milestone—planting their millionth tree! This special lineup of events, including tree walks, tree talks, and volunteer opportunities, invites the community to join in the celebration and take part in the collective effort that’s been growing for over three decades.
Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Woodburn, OR | Through April
Our family welcomes spring by wandering through 40 acres of vibrant blooms with breathtaking Cascade Mountain views. Be sure to take a hot air balloon ride and order your tulip bulbs for fall!
Just Playin’ Around
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art | Through April 26th
Maddie loved this immersive art show, which invites visitors of all ages to engage with art through play and creativity. Featuring interactive works, story times, and installations, "Just Playin' Around" encourages imagination and exploration, reminding us that play isn’t just for children—it's a vital part of the human experience.
TedX Portland
Keller Auditorium | April 26th
TEDxPortland, now in its 13th year, is North America’s largest TEDx event. I’m especially looking forward to hearing from Christine Sinclair and Ivan McClellan.
Neighborhood highlight: richmond
Sunny weekends call for a stroll around one of my favorite neighborhoods: Richmond! Richmond will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I bought my first home, and during the 18 years I lived there, I loved being right in the middle of a million wonderful things. Quick history fact: Did you know that Richmond was born from the ashes when an 1846 forest fire razed the land? Despite its calamitous beginnings, the area has flourished into a hub for small businesses, creative spaces, and lush neighborhood streets filled with character. With an average home value of $667k, could this be the spot for you?
Some of my favorite Richmond gems:
Secret Room Press: In the old home of my beloved Little Otsu, this funky riso studio and shop is a perfect brain snack—zines, prints, art supplies, and eccentric treasures galore.
Cornet Custard: We’re longtime fans of the founding chefs behind this scoop shop, which serves swoon-worthy flavors in cones imported from Rome. Maddie gives the PB&J two thumbs up. We’re also excited to visit L’Echelle opening right next door later this spring.
Someday: Nestled in a pink alleyway, Someday feels resplendently cozy and offers something for everyone on its tasty food and drink menu. Whether your evening requires a candlelit hideaway or a sunny patio, visiting this little bar always feels like a treat.
Tomorrow Theater: Located in a 100-year-old building with a colorful history, Pam Cut’s Tomorrow Theater offers an array of programming centered on cinematic storytelling.
Loprinzi’s Gym: Speaking of history, I could not talk about Richmond without mentioning Loprinzi’s gym, which was opened in 1948 by “The Strongest Family in America.” With the world’s first mass-produced Nautilus machines, original equipment made here in PDX, and walls lined with vintage portraits of bodybuilders, Loprinzi’s is a paradise for fitness buffs AND history buffs.
The Turning Peel: Three-day proofed sourdough pizza with seasonal toppings in a charming old house covered in wisteria vines. I’m not sure if it gets any better than this.
Portland Events: march 2025
Here’s what I’m getting up to in March!
A Day at the Beach
Rice Museum of Rocks and Minerals | March 1st
Shake off the winter blues with a seaside escape—no travel required! Explore the brand-new fossil crab exhibit, learn the art of sand collecting with the International Sand Collectors Society, and make your own beach-inspired sand art. Perfect for families, rock lovers, and anyone craving a little sunshine!
Silent Sky
Oregon Museum of Science & Industry | March 6th–9th
Experience the inspiring story of pioneering astronomer Henrietta Swan Leavitt in this intimate play performed inside the Kendall Planetarium. Featuring stunning celestial visuals and live piano music, Silent Sky brings to life the women “computers” who transformed astronomy. Don’t miss this magical blend of history, science, and storytelling under the stars!
Shebrew Festival
The Leftbank Annex | March 8th
Raise a glass to women in craft brewing at Shebrew! This lively festival showcases talented female brewers and cider makers, along with a nationwide homebrewers competition. Enjoy great drinks, family-friendly fun, and a welcoming community atmosphere—all in celebration of women in the industry.
ja’ / buuts’ / t’aan // (Water / Smoke / Word)
Portland Institute for Contemporary Art | Opening March 13th
Explore the power of language, memory, and identity in this immersive video and sound installation at PICA. Created by Patricia Vázquez Gómez in collaboration with Mayan youth in Portland, this multimedia experience examines the challenges of preserving Indigenous languages. Open through May 31st.
Spring Whale Watch Week
Oregon Coast (various locations) | March 22nd–30th
Witness one of nature’s greatest migrations as gray whales journey north along the Oregon coast. Traveling over 10,000 miles from Baja to Alaska, these majestic mammals are best spotted in late March. Catch a glimpse of them from prime viewing points along the shore!
Everybody Reads // Solito
Multnomah County Library | March 1st–31st
Join the community-wide reading of Solito, Javier Zamora’s memoir of his 3,000-mile journey from El Salvador to the U.S. as a child. Check out the book in English or Spanish and hear from the author in person on March 11 at An Evening with Javier Zamora at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
Neighborhood Highlight: St. Johns
Tucked away on the northernmost tip of the peninsula, St. Johns offers a cozy small-town feel despite being a quick 15-minute drive from downtown. Its proximity to Sauvie Island also makes it the perfect home base for anyone who daydreams about weekends filled with berries, summer concerts at Topaz Farm, or picnics with birds. Fun fact: Did you know that the St. Johns Bridge was painted green to harmonize with nearby Forest Park? The median home value of $453k (compared to the city's median of $529k) also makes it a great spot to look for a starter home.
Here are just a few of my favorite St. Johns spots:
Gracie’s Apizza: A wood-fired pizza shop that nails both the classics and inventive seasonal flavors. I became a fan of Gracie’s when they started as a food truck walking distance from my house and love visiting the brick and mortar. (Lonesome Pictopia dogwood wallpaper by our dear friend Melanie!)
Starter Bread: The best way to start a Sunday is a visit with clients and friends Matt and Zena for their tasty seasonal treats made from local whole grains. Maddie especially loves the pretzels and making friends with everyone in line. Our family has been bread subscribers of their sourdough loaves for years and you should subscribe too!
Blue Moon Camera and Machine: A love letter to all things analog, Blue Moon is a must-visit for film photographers and has the kindest, most knowledgeable staff around. Every visit is a treat.
Cathedral Park: The views of Forest Park and the newly built Nature Path bring the wild and the industrial together beneath the graceful arches of the bridge. Cathedral Park is a truly unique Portland experience.
Wonderwood Springs: Where else can you go that has mini golf, ice cream sundaes, and Bard Bingo? (Portland favorite Mike Bennett is the creative behind Wonderwood.)