PORTLAND, Ore. — It's almost mid-July, which means Oregon wine country is blooming with lavender fields. Purples, pinks, and even white blooms and all their beautiful scents are on display at various farms and gardens throughout the month!
Here's what else is happening around Portland: the Oregon Country Fair, Bastille Day Festival, Milwaukie Porchfest, Rose Cup Races at Portland International Raceway and much more on our list of events to attend this weekend.
When: July 12, 19, 26
Where: Multiple locations in Milwaukie area
What's going on: The 5th annual Milwaukie Porch Festival returns! The community is invited to walk or bike around Milwaukie neighborhoods to find different performers performing on porches, driveways and public spaces around Milwaukie. The festival is free.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: July 12-14, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Veneta, about 15 miles west of Eugene
What's going on: With its history going back to 1960, the annual three-day fair packs entertainment, handmade crafts and food over the course of three days on a 500-acre outdoor venue. Tickets are required.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: July 12-14
Where: Helvetia Lavender Farm, 12814 Northwest Bishop Road, Hillsboro
What's going on: The Lavender Festival returns this summer featuring a beautiful setting with views of Willamette Valley. A private garden will be open and available to the public during the festival. The festival will also feature artistic vendors with lavender goods. Food vendors will also be on site with lavender-themed items.
The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. To grab your tickets, click here. The proceeds support Samaritan Ministries in Ukraine during the war effort.
When: July 14
Where: Castaway Portland venue, 1900 Northwest 18th Avenue, Portland
What's going on: The Bastille Day Festival organized by the Alliance Française de Portland, is designed after the Paris tradition of bals des pompiers, or, the firemen’s balls. The event will be filled with live performances, dancing, a vintage book sale, fencing demos, traditional French games, wine and bear garden, bratwurst from Altengartz and more.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: July 13-14
Where: Portland International Raceway, 1940 North Victory Boulevard, Portland
What's going on: Portland's Rose Cup Races presented by Friends of PIR returns this weekend, celebrating 63 years of high-speed racing at the Portland International Raceway. Fans can expect to watch qualifying racing all weekend along from various race groups, including Corvettes Mustangs, and new for 2024 — stock cars. The event will also feature vendors, food booths and more.
Admission tickets range from $10 to $25. For more information, click here.
When: July 13-14
Where: Chehalem Cultural Center, 415 East Sheridan Street, Newberg
What's going on: This lavender festival in Newberg celebrates art and food on top of all things lavender. The 19th annual Willamette Valley Lavender Festival & Plein Air Art Show is returning and inviting the public to experience a unique festive event that brings local lavender growers together in one place. The festival will feature a "en plein air" (outdoors) art show and various craft booths with lavender products.
The festival is free to the public and will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with specific activities at different times.
For more information, click here.
When: July 12-14
Where: Wayward Winds Lavender Farm, 17005 Northeast Courtney Road, Newberg
What's going on: The lavender fields are in full bloom at Wayward Winds Lavender Farm in Newberg and waiting for you. This weekend, come out and explore all that lavender has to offer from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Visitors will get a chance to pick lavender to take home, get lost in a lavender maze and shop lavender-based products. Plus, the photo opportunities are endless.
The festival is free and open for all ages.
When: June 7-Sept. 6
Where: Laurelhurst Park, Southeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard & Stark Street, Portland
What's going on: Grab your blankets and some snacks, Comedy in the Park is back for another year. Every Friday this summer, the nonprofit Kickstand will be hosting a free stand-up show at Laurelhurst Park. According to their Instagram post, Portlanders can expect PDX favorites and even surprise guests. The shows run every week from June 7 to Sept. 6.
For more information about the event, click here.
Sabinna Pierre is the curator of "Things To Do" for KGW's digital platforms. Know of an event you'd like to see featured? Let her know! Email her at SPierre@kgw.com. Follow Sabinna on Instagram @SincerelyBinna.