Oregon has many fun events scheduled for the upcoming year, both beloved traditions and many relatively new activities brought to the community. Ranging from music to food to many other eccentric things, Portland has opportunities for all ages.
Chocolatathon, Feb 15
This race to the finish has many options from adult to children chocolate lovers. It includes five-kilometer and ten-kilometer runs, along with a kids’ race and an amazing chocolate bar. With the first run around 8:45 in the morning, breakfast can be found at the starting location with pancakes, cheesecake, and Hollander Chocolate’s supply of hot chocolate. This fun race can be found in Tigard at Cook Park.
Fix-It Fair, Feb 29
This entertaining and free event helps Portlanders learn how to keep the environment safe, stay healthy, and save some money. There is also a repair cafe, where you can bring one broken thing to get fixed by Repair PDX Volunteer, along with free lunch, giveaways, and lead blood testing. It can all be found at Floyd Light Middle School.
Oregon Zoo Rabbit Romp, Apr 11
A sweet celebration for those 10 and under to participate is coming to the Oregon Zoo. Children can participate in candy hunts and coloring activities around 9:30 in the morning, along with an animal meet and greet. While you’re there, check out the rest of the zoo and grab some food at the many food carts the zoo has to offer.
82nd Avenue of Roses Parade, Apr 25
Established in 2007, this beautiful parade was originally started to improve 82nd Avenue’s public image. There, you can find floats, bands, and many marching groups. Socialize at this huge event, watch, and enjoy.
Rose Festival Dragon Boat Race, Jun 6-7
Since 1989, people have been spending their spring days watching these boats. Watch glorious and intricate ships glide upon the Willamette River, near Hawthorne Bridge. Bring some friends and relax in the sun with some snacks and maybe take a dip at the docks while you are there.
Bastille Day Festival, Jul 11
Celebrate Bastille in the July sun while enjoying live music, arts and crafts, French food, and huge prizes. Prizes include two tickets to France, and if you manage to win Portland’s Waiter’s Race, you can win up to 2000 dollars in prizes!
Oregon Star Party, Jul 21-26
Pack up and head around Indian Trail Spring to watch the stars. Do not forget to pack some refreshments and sitting equipment to make your experience better. You may get lucky and catch a nice view of the meteor showers or beautiful stars out in nature.
Greek Festival, Oct 2-4
This festival includes fun Greek foods, intriguing culture, and amusing activities for all ages. “It was a really fun experience and really cool to experience all this Greek culture, and I had a lot of fun making and eating Greek food. Also, it’s a lot of fun for little kids because of activities, like games and […] face painting,” says an anonymous Franklin student who visited the festival when he was younger.
Tofurky Trot, Nov 26
Enjoy this three-mile marathon on Thanksgiving Day, intended to support the health and physical fitness of Portland citizens, as well as raise money for local non-profits supporting a humane vegetarian lifestyle. It is made for multiple levels of comfort and physical fitness in the community by going at your preferred pace. When you finish, enjoy vegan goodies and drinks along with prizes for the top costumes and runners.
Portland Tree Lighting Ceremony, Nov 27
The holidays call for merriment, and Pioneer Square in downtown Portland brings the Christmas cheer. There, Portlanders gather around the tree and light it up, followed by music and joy. “I was seven, I thought it was a wonderful experience, and I would recommend it, especially a visit around Christmas day,” says Luca Morones-Calcagno, a 10th grade Franklin student who appreciates the holidays.
Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition, Dec 11
Starting in the early nineties, this friendly competition has been a battle for the most beautiful rendition of some of the classic Christmas carols. The top three caroling groups will be selected for a “carol-off” for the 2000 dollar reward, determined by crowd applause. It is free to appear and even to register to sing, making this a must-have for the holiday-lovers.
All in all, the 2020 year will be packed with things for you and your family to do. I suggest you keep this list handy and participate in anything that catches your interest.
