
Portland is in full bloom with a ton of exciting events happening this May! From the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta to Portland Rose Festival and everything in between, get ready for a month full of fun and adventure in the City of Roses. There’s so much to do: here are six of Shawn Realty’s picks.
1. Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
π May 5-7, 2023 | π Tom McCall Waterfront Park | π΅ $8-$25
Come experience the spirit of Mexico in this multicultural event hosted by the Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association. The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta features dance, music, arts, and sport . Don’t miss this three-day fiesta jam-packed with culturally immersive programs and activities.
Location
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204
2. Kodomo no Hi, Childrenβs Day
π May 7, 2023 | π Portland Japanese Garden | π΅ Included with admission
The Komodo no Hi (also known as Children’s Day), is a festival which is commemorated annually in Japan to “celebrate children’s growth and good fortune”[1]. The event features family-friendly activities you can enjoy and learn from such as making origami, treasure hunting, and watching koinobori or cloth carp streamers. Celebrate Komodo no Hi with the whole family!
Location
Portland Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205
3. St. Johnβs Bizzare and Parade
π May 13, 2023 | π St. Johns Portland | π΅ Free
Kick off the summer with the St. John’s Bizzare and Parade! Join in on the annual St. John’s Parade and keep the party going at the Bizzare filled with music, games, crafts, and food from over 135 vendors along the business district in St. Johns. Best of all, this event is free!
Location
St. Johns Portland, OR 97203
4. UFO Festival
π May 19-20, 2023 | π McMenamins Hotel Oregon | π΅ Cost Varies
Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience at the famous UFO Festival. This annual event held at McMinnville, southwest of Portland, is attended by thousands of non-extraterrestrial visitors. Dress up in your best alien suit for a fun-filled event which features parades, costume contests and expert speakers.
Location
McMenamins Hotel Oregon
310 NE Evans St, McMinnville, OR 97128
5. Mt. Tabor Art Walk
π May 20-21, 2023 | π Mt. Tabor Neighborhood | π΅ TBD
Traditions connect us to our past and in this Portland tradition, you get to see quality art works and meet the artists behind them. The Mt. Tabor Art Walk features visual arts represented in diverse media such as painting, mosaics, photography, prints, sculpture, ceramics, glass, metal arts, book arts, and jewelry. Walk, talk while experiencing the neighborhood art!
Location
Mt. Tabor Neighborhood
Portland, OR
6. Portland Rose Festival
π May 26-June 11, 2023 | π Various Locations | π΅ TBD
This annual festival officially hosted by the City of Roses since 2010 is a massive city-wide party in Portland, Oregon! Everyone is invited to its 60+ events, which includes parades, carnival rides, art shows, dragon boat races, fun runs and more! Come join in on the fun and celebrate with the whole family!
Location
Various Locations
Sources: