10 Things You HAVE to Do in August

This is the official month for street fairs in Portland. Also, it’s the month for the inaugural ride across the Tilikum Bridge by way of the 20th annual Bridge Pedal. So. Many. Things. To. Do. Here are our top 10 picks for August. 

photo: Courtesy of Alberta Street Fair

Alberta Street Fair
Be one of the over 20,000 visitors expected at this vibrant and artistic street fair. Music performances, artisans, local vendors and eclectic businesses and crafts all in one place equal lots of new experiences and family fun. Sat., Aug. 8, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Free, All Ages. Event details.

FloTrack Throwdown – The Festival of the Fast
Kids ages 5-13, as well as adults, can compete in foot races to see who’s the fastest at this track meet. Or, if they’d rather watch the races will include men and women NCAA champions and Olympians, like Ashton Eaton. A portion of every purchase of food, merch or beer, actually adds to the cash prize for the athletes who “throwdown” the hardest to win. Sat., Aug. 8, 4 p.m., $10/person, All Ages. Event details.

20th Annual Bridge Pedal
The Providence Bridge Pedal Kids Pedal event is just for kids and is a three-mile bike ride across the Hawthorne and Steel Bridges. Adults must be accompanied by children 8 and under. Or, if you’d rather see more bridges, you can try the longer ride, which includes the inaugural ride over Portland’s newest bridge, Tilikum Crossing. Advanced registration is required. Registration includes admission to The Bite of Oregon at Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Sun., Aug. 9, 10 a.m., Free, All Ages. Event details. 

photo: PDX Adult Soap Box Derby via Yelp

PDX Adult Soap Box Derby
Watch as non-motorized vehicles careen, swoosh and glide via the power of gravity down the curvy, paved road on Mt. Tabor. Spectators line the course, sitting in the grass to watch the hilarious and brave racers for this beloved 19th annual event with several races taking place throughout the day. Sat., Aug. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Free, All Ages. Event details.

Hawthorne Street Fair
Shop local at this arts and crafts mecca and explore over 100 businesses that help make this area flourish. In addition to all of the crafty goodness, check out live music on the Main Stage all day, along with kids’ activities at Kids at Heart (35th Ave.) and two beer gardens at Bazi Bierbrasserie (32nd Ave.) and Hawthorne Hophouse (41st Ave.). Sun., Aug. 16, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Free, All Ages. Event details. 

 photo: Port of Portland

Seaport Celebration
Join the Port of Portland for a behind the scenes look at a working marina, take a jet boat ride and listen to live tunes. Parking and admission is free, but those planning on attending should RSVP in advance on the website. Sat., Aug. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Free, All Ages. Event details.

Multnomah Days at Multnomah Village
Kick off this fantastic fair with a Kiwanis pancake breakfast and parade. Then enjoy live music, food and art vendors in this quaint community. Sat., Aug. 15, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Free, All Ages. Event details.

MAX Orange Line Fireworks Spectacular
Celebrate the soon-to-open Tilikum Crossing with a spectacular fireworks show. TriMet will have a public viewing area, Bridgeport beer garden and food for purchase, along with classical music for the fireworks provided by 89.9 FM. BYO lawn or beach chairs. Bikes and public transportation is highly encouraged, as parking is limited in the area. Sat., Aug. 22, 5-9 p.m., Free, All Ages. Event details.

photo: Sunday Parkways by the Portland Bureau of Transportation

Roll and Bounce with Sunday Parkways – Southeast
Bike, walk, skate, run or take your wheelchair through 7 miles of car-free streets in southeast Portland. Hit the parks for a break from the riding and to refresh yourselves with tons of food vendors, live music and bouncy houses. Parks on this route include Laurelhurst, Col. Summers, Seawallcrest and Ivon. Sun., Aug. 23, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Free, All Ages. Event details.

Oregon State Fair
Take a day trip down to Salem to check out the Oregon State Fair, a staple on many families’ summer bucket lists. Thrill rides, family entertainment, a free-range petting zoo and elephant ears will be on hand to fulfill your need for a huge slice of American pie. Fri., Aug. 28 – Mon., Sept. 27, various start times (see website), $5-$8/person ages 6 & up, All Ages. Event details.

Which of these will your family attend? Let us know in the comments below.

—Suzie Ridgway