The arts flourish in Greater Portland. Live theater, museums, galleries, music venues, and magnificent gardens can be found throughout the region. From Portland’s urban core to rural outskirts, our region hosts all kinds of film, food, beer, wine, and cultural festivals.
One of the oldest art museums in the country, the Portland Art Museum is located in the cultural district of downtown Portland. Past exhibitions range from Rodin and Edward Hopper to Andy Warhol and Native American fashion designers. Other museums in the region include the Oregon Center for Contemporary Art, the Center for Native American Art, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals.
The Portland area is a required stop for most big-name touring musicians, with pop stars and comedians headlining shows at massive amphitheaters in Portland and Ridgefield, as well as the many smaller venues throughout the region. And there’s no shortage of outdoor concert venues, like the sprawling McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, for relaxed summer shows.
Greater Portland is home to several big-league sports teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, one of the top NBA teams in the nation. Our region is full of soccer fans who root for the Portland Timbers and the Portland Thorns. The Thorns have the highest average attendance in the National Women's Soccer League, and regularly win championships.
Hockey fans can cheer on the Portland Winterhawks, and baseball fans can head west of Portland for a Hillsboro Hops game. The Portland International Raceway hosts the IndyCar Series and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. And if you’re looking for offbeat sports, this region has you covered, with popular leagues for roller derby and ultimate frisbee.
Arts & Culture Events
Popular annual festivals and events include the Portland International Film Festival, Feast Portland, Waterfront Blues Festival, Portland Rose Festival, World Naked Bike Ride, Portland Jazz Festival, Shamrock Run, Portland Book Festival, Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, UFO Festival, Crafty Wonderland, Festival of Balloons, Portland Pride Parade, Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, Adult Soapbox Derby, Oregon Brewers Festival, Witches on the Willamette and Rose City Comic Con. See more events here.
Accolades
place for a staycationWalletHub, 2019
summer vacation destination U.S. News & World Report, 2018
emerging fashion hub Fashion United, 2019