The arts flourish in Greater Portland. Live theater, museums, galleries, music venues and magnificent gardens can be found year-round. With incredible outdoor sites including the Japanese Garden, known as the most authentic garden outside of Japan, to Forest Park and Mt. Hood, a cyclists and hikers’ paradise, there’s natural beauty for everyone to experience. From Portland’s urban core to rural outskirts, our West Coast region hosts all kinds of film, food, beer, wine, live music, and cultural festivals, staying true to the mantra ‘Keep Portland Weird’.
The Art Scene in Greater Portland
Greater Portland has a rich, diverse arts environment that includes established institutions, public art, galleries, and independent creative spaces. This infrastructure contributes to the city’s attractiveness for talent and culture-minded leaders. Institutions like the Portland Art Museum, one of the oldest art museums in the country, anchor the art community, where past exhibitions have ranged from Rodin and Edward Hopper to Andy Warhol. Additionally, their Native American Arts Council supports local indigenous artists while paying tribute to the region's history.
The city’s Arts District is lined with galleries, performance venues, and public art installations that showcase local and national talent. Contemporary galleries provide opportunities for emerging and established artists alike. Public art, street murals and urban installations also contribute to a strong community of artists and a commitment to supporting the arts.
Other museums in the region include the Oregon Center for Contemporary Art, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the following art events each year:
- Time-Based Art (TBA) Festival: Founded in 1995, this event is known as a ‘seasonal movement’, where art lovers come together to experience contemporary art live.
- Fertile Ground Festival: This annual arts festival is focused on giving visibility to new, local artists, where projects can range from a variety of aesthetics.
- Monthly Art Walk: Taking place monthly throughout the region, this event offers a multitude of exhibits and galleries from local artists, all within street-level view.
Portland's Music Scene
The Portland area is a required stop for most big-name touring musicians. Pop stars and small artists headline shows at massive amphitheaters and small, intimate venues throughout the Pacific Northwest. Large venues like the Keller Auditorium, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and the Moda Center host nationally touring acts and major performances. Clubs and restaurants across the region also support a full calendar of live music.
Portland maintains a reputation for nurturing independent artists. The city provides a platform for various genres, from indie rock and jazz to electronic and folk. Neighborhood venues and niche clubs give emerging talent opportunities to connect with audiences.
Every year, Portland is host to music festivals and celebrations including:
- PDX Jazz Festival: This annual festival is put on by the nonprofit organization ‘PDX Jaz’ and is the single largest organization to present jazz performances and associated education throughout the Pacific Northwest.
- Waterfront Blues Festival: Taking place near the Oregon coast each year, this 4-day festival features a variety of blues musicians.
- Portland Music Month: Hosted by MusicPortland, this vibrant event takes place in the winter each year. Featuring genres from classical to pop to jazz, and over 100 shows, there’s a vibe for everyone.
Catch a Game
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 Portland Winterhawks and collegiate summer baseball with the Portland Pickles extend options for fans. Beginning in 2026, Portland will also welcome a WNBA franchise.
The Portland International Raceway hosts the IndyCar Series and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. If you’re looking for offbeat sports, this region has you covered, with popular leagues for roller derby and ultimate frisbee. No matter the season, locals and tourists can attend sports entertainment year-round.
Beyond professional teams, the city hosts an active recreational sports community. Parks, running and biking trails, and community leagues are readily accessible.
Portland's Food Scene
Portland is nationally recognized for its dining scene. Award-winning restaurants, breweries, food trucks, and farmers’ markets, Greater Portland has it all. The region boasts diverse cuisines, catering to every palate.
There’s an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients that reflect the region’s agricultural strengths and consumer priorities. Sustainability and farm-to-table practices are widely adopted, aligning with the values of Portland’s workforce and residents.
Greater Portland is home to top food festivals and events each year, including:
- Ticket to Dine: Formerly known as ‘Restaurant Week’, this yearly festival highlights over 80 restaurants from all over the city of Portland, ranging from downtown Portland, Old Town Chinatown, Central Eastside, the Pearl District, Nob Hill, the South Waterfront, and more.
- Portland Craft Beer Festival: Established in 2014, this event offers the opportunity to highlight all breweries within the city limits of Portland, and specifically features beers that are primarily brewed in the region.
- Food Cart Week: Over 200 regional food carts come together to celebrate this foodie paradise each year, accommodating many dietary needs and preferences, from veganism to keto.
Learn more about our region’s vibrant food culture
Arts & Culture Events
Throughout the year, Greater Portland is buzzing with activity. Popular festivals and events include the Portland International Film Festival, Feast Portland, Portland Rose Festival, World Naked Bike Ride, The Portland Book 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 all upcoming events in Greater Portland.
Accolades
With a variety of top rankings, it’s no wonder that Greater Portland is loved for authenticity and a vibrant culture that can’t be found anywhere else. The region is continually gaining more accolades, with just a few being: