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Summer is here! Here are 9 big summer events happening in Portland

Summer brings the season of outdoor events in the northwest. From a soap box derby to a music festival's return to Portland, here are big events to check out.
Credit: NASHCO

PORTLAND, Ore. — Summer time is here in Portland and with that comes a line-up of fun, outdoor events that make the most out of the beautiful weather. 

This year, many long-running traditions are coming back to Portland, including the Waterfront Blues Festival and Mt. Tabor's Soapbox Derby. But there's also a new addition — Project Pabst festival is returning to Portland's waterfront after seven years. 

Here's a list of nine big events happening in Portland this summer

Waterfront Blues Festival

When: July 4-7
Where: 
Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Main festival entry is at 1400 Southwest Naito Parkway, Portland
What: One of downtown Portland's largest and longest-running music festivals features local musical legends and artists from around the world to celebrate the blues, soul, funk and R&B. The festival also has a fireworks show over the Willamette River to mark Fourth of July. 
Tickets are required.
Click here for more info

Credit: Jason Quigley
2022 Waterfront Blues Festival - July 4, 2022. Photo by Jason Quigley.

Portland Craft Beer Festival

When: July 4-6
Where: 
Elizabeth Caruthers Park: 3508 South Moody Avenue, Portland
What: Breweries around Portland showcase their craft beer, ciders, meads and wines.
Tickets are required.
Click here for more info

Credit: Steeplejack Brewing

44th Annual Cathedral Park Jazz Festival

When: July 19-21
Where: 
Cathedral Park, at 8706 North Bradford Street
What: The landmark jazz festival is a free event that celebrates jazz, blues, soul artists and more. This year, the line-up includes 15 artists in the three-day event. 
No tickets required.
Click here for more info

Portland Highland Games

When: July 20
Where: Mt. Hood Community College
What: A uniquely Scottish experience merges with Portland in an event that features Scottish pipe bands, bagpipers and drummers, dancers and fiddlers. 
Tickets are required.
Click here for more info

Portland Pride Parade

When: July 21
Where: Downtown Portland
What: Pride Northwest is putting on its 30th Pride Parade in Portland celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) communities.
No tickets required.
Click here for more info

Credit: KGW
Organizers of the Portland Pride parade expected around 50,000 people in attendance.

Project Pabst Festival

When: July 27-28
Where: 
Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Main festival entry is at 1400 Southwest Naito Parkway, Portland
What: The two-day festival returns to Portland after seven years. The line-up includes Billy Idol, T-Pain, Big Thief, Violent Femmes, and more. 
Tickets are required. 
Click here for more info

Credit: Alexander Beran

Pickathon Music Festival

When: Aug. 1-4
Where: 
Pendarvis Farm: 16581 Southeast Hagen Road, Happy Valley
What: With seven different venues on Pendarvis Farm, festival goers can dance to artists with the backdrops of the forest, hills and farm buildings. This year's lineup includes Courtney Barnett, Bella White, Bonnie Prince Billy and Vincent Neil Emerson. 
Tickets are required.
Click here for more info

Credit: KGW
File photo taken at Pickathon.

Providence Bridge Pedal 

When: Aug. 11
Where: 
Portland
What: Thousands of people come out to celebrate Providence Bridge pedal every summer to bicycle over bridges that are car-free.
Click here for more info

Mount Tabor Soapbox Derby

When: Aug. 17
Where: 
Mt. Tabor Park, at Southeast 60th Avenue 
What: Around 42 teams ride their homemade derby cars down the hills of Mt. Tabor Park in spectacular fun.
No tickets required
Click here for more info

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