Skip to main contentJune 27-29: North American Organic Brewers Festival
There's only one organic beer festival on the continent—of course it's in Portland. The organic beer movement was pioneered in the Northwest, where local hop growers and brewers first started crafting chemical-free brews 20 years ago. A handful of European breweries that have adopted organic brewing practices will be in attendance, along with the predominantly Northwest roster of American brewers. Overlook Park, North Interstate Avenue and Fremont Street, naobf.org. 3-9 pm Friday, noon-9 pm Saturday, noon-5 pm Sunday. $5 tasting glass, $1 sample tickets. Children welcome with guardians.
July 5: Lake Oswego Ski Show
Reviving the '50s art of synchronised waterskiing, Portland Water Spectacular will be jumping, barefooting and creating giant human pyramids on the waters of Lake Oswego, all while being dragged by a boat. To bring it into the 21st century, there will also be a wakeboard competition and exhibition. Millennium Plaza Park on Lakewood Bay, 200 1st St., Lake Oswego, portlandwaterspectacular.com. 2-8:30 pm Saturday.
July 18-20: Portland International Beerfest
Along with a selection of American beers, the PIB will feature a slew of European breweries and even a couple from Asia and Africa. Drinkers who want to expand their global beer repertoire without shelling out for a whole bottle, this place is for you. North Park Blocks, Northwest Park Avenue between Ankeny and Glisan Streets, seattlebeerfest.com. 4-10 pm Friday, noon-10 pm Saturday, noon-7 pm Sunday. $20 for a tasting glass and 10 sample tickets, additional tickets $1 each. 21+.
July 24-27: Oregon Brewers Festival
The granddaddy of beer fests! Celebrating its 21st year, the OBF is older than many of the breweries it showcases: 73 of them from across Oregon and the nation. Bring a taste for beer, a hunger for beer culture, and hell, you can even bring the kids. Waterfront Park, Southwest Oak Street and Naito Parkway, oregonbrewfest.com. Noon-9 pm Thursday-Saturday, noon-7 pm Sunday. $5 tasting glass, $1 sample tickets. Children welcome with guardians.
Aug. 2: Red Bull Flugtag
Teams spend weeks designing and building homemade aircraft and then push them off a giant platform into the water. Whoever makes it farthest wins, but most fun is had watching nutty designs fall directly downward into the sludge. Waterfront Park, redbullflugtagusa.com. Start time TBA.
Aug. 10: Portland Bridge Pedal
The nation's largest community cycling event returns, closing every bridge in the city to motorized traffic for one morning. Rides of varying skill levels are offered, the family-friendly six-bridge pedal to the epic 37-mile ride over every bridge from Sellwood to St. Johns. Various starting points, providence.org/bridgepedal. Various starting times between 6:30 and 9:30 am. Registration $15-$50.
Aug. 20-24: Dive-in Movies
Portland Parks and Rec pairs your local pool with the silver screen. Come armed with a suit and an inner tube to see Bee Movie while lounging in the warm water. Various locations, check portlandonline.com/parks for list of pools. 8 pm. $5 adults, $3 children.
Aug. 23-24: Great American Distillers Festival
The burgeoning world of craft distilling has found a happy home in Portland. The GADF, put together this year by Rogue's fledgling distillery, was created four years ago to celebrate our love of hooch. The event is packed full with seminars, live music, and a mixologist competition. Gerding Theater, 128 NW 11th Ave., roguespirits.com. 1-9 pm Saturday, 1-7 pm Sunday. $20. 21+.
Aug. 31: Portland Triathlon
Sitting behind a computer all day doesn't help you sympathize with those who compete in triathlons. It's even harder to understand those who choose to brave the Willamette's murky waters in the first leg of the Portland Triathlon. Cheer them for their bravery and their ability to keep down their lunch as they paddle, pedal and plod. Finish line is at the west end of the Hawthorne Bridge, portlandtri.com. Starting gun at 7:30 am Sunday. $95 registration fee until July 31, $110 after.
Sept. 6: Portland Paddle
The conservationists at Willamette Riverkeepers have created an aquatic event for the whole family. An informative tour will be given, from canoes, about our aquatic ecosystem. Enjoy a day on the water paddling from the Hawthorne Bridge, around Ross Island and back again. Departs from the Portland Boathouse, Southeast Clay Street and Water Avenue, portlandpaddle.com. 9 am-2 pm Saturday. Free.
WWeek 2015