Garlic Festival, Bridge Pedal, and Washington Park Summer Festival: 10 things to do this week

Apr 02, 2024

Oftentimes the final month of summer gets the short shrift when it comes to events. August is one of the few months with no big recognized holidays. Also, it tends to be hot. But Portland and the surrounding area fills in the gaps with plenty of entertainment options this week including a stunning slate of free performances in Washington Park, the Elephant Garlic Festival in North Plains, and Providence Bridge Pedal. Get out there!

Opera in the Park performs this weekend at the Washington Park Rose Garden Amphitheater.Photo by Andie Petkus Photography

Washington Park Summer Festival

This beloved Portland summer tradition returns, and the offerings are some of the best ever. Attendees can see dance and musical performances that pay tribute to Prince, and an outdoor opera performance all in the gorgeous surrounds of the Rose Garden Amphitheater in Washington Park. The best part? It’s all free. Choose one or all of these, and pump up your August entertainment options:

All three performances begin at 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Aug. 11-13, and will be held in the Rose Garden Amphitheater, 410 S.W. Kingston Ave.; free admission; explorewashingtonpark.org/event.

Oregon garlic is king at the annual Elephant Garlic Festival in North Plains. Oregonian file photo. LC- Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

North Plains Elephant Garlic Festival

Head out to North Plains for a weekend of live music, craft vendors, a parade (10 a.m. Saturday), library book sale, car show, a beer and wine garden, and of course, plenty of foods highlighting the versatility of garlic.

Noon-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11-13, Jessie Mays Community Park, 30975 N.W. Hillcrest St., North Plains; free admission; no pets allowed; funstinks.com.

Jazz is Dead

Have you ever experienced instrumental jazz-tinged versions of Grateful Dead songs? This is the 25th anniversary year of the Jazz is Dead weekend offering a rotating cast of characters performing some of the Dead’s most loved music but with a jazz overtone. The show is partially seated so there will be room for dancing.

Two shows, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Aug. 11-12, Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 N.E. Alberta St.; tickets start at $39; etix.com/ticket.

Image from the “Guillermo del Toro: Crafting Pinocchio” exhibit currently on view at the Portland Art Museum.Photo courtesy of the Portland Art Museum

Animation Art Day: Puppet Department

The ShadowMachine Puppet Department explores the behind-the-scenes artistry of “Guillermo del Toro: Crafting Pinocchio” in a day of learning about stop-motion animation. Discover the intricate process that went into creating puppets for the Oscar-winning Guillermo del Toro movie “Pinocchio.” Nine industry experts share insights and reveal the secrets behind bringing this timeless tale to life. All ages welcome. The event is free with paid admission, but held on a first-come, first-served basis.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, Portland Art Museum, 1219 S.W. Park Ave.; admission $25 general, ages 17 and younger free with paid adult; portlandartmuseum.org/event.

A volunteer works in raised bed section of The Master Gardeners' Learning Garden at Jenkins Estate. Oregonian file photo. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

Learning Garden Fair

Families are invited to learn more about gardening during the “Grow Together” garden fair. There will be activities for all ages. Take a garden safari, plant seeds to take home, learn about composting, harvest some summer veggies, and listen to children’s stories.

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, Jenkins Estate, 8005 S.W. Grabhorn Road, Beaverton; free; washingtoncountymastergardeners.org.

Washougal Art Festival

This annual show is a juried event focusing on bringing artists and those interested in art together in a fun festival atmosphere. Dozens of chosen artists show their creations during this outdoor event that also includes live music and area writers displaying their books.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main Street, downtown Washougal; free admission; washougalarts.org.

Outdoor Antique Fair (Bend)

The Deschutes Historical Museum hosts an outdoor antique fair featuring vendors from across Oregon selling collectibles and items from years gone by. Antique identification and appraisal services are offered noon-3 p.m. on a first-come-first-served basis. Enjoy live music and food vendors.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, on the grounds outside the museum, 129 N.W. Idaho Ave., Bend; free admission; deschuteshistory.org/antiquefair.

The annual Providence Bridge Pedal is the one time each year that Portland's bridges close to traffic and open for cyclists. Ride lengths vary. Oregonian file photo. The Oregonian

Providence Bridge Pedal

The annual Bridge Pedal kicks off early Sunday morning, Aug. 13. This is the only chance each year of seeing the city from the tops of its highest bridges. The 23-mile Fremont Express route even promises a sunrise (weather permitting) view from the top of Portland’s tallest bridge. Once you down a doughnut and some coffee, you’ll pedal across the Fremont, Marquam, Sellwood, Hawthorne, Ross Island, Hawthorne again, then take a second trip over the Marquam and Fremont, and finish by crossing the river via the Steel Bridge (in that order). Several ride options are available from a 3-mile kids ride to the 23-mile Fremont Express.

6 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, most rides (but not all) kick off from Southwest Naito Parkway, registrations fees vary; providence.org/lp/bridge-pedal.

Clackamas County Fair

Money is tight, but you can score a deal at the Clackamas County Fair if you go on specific “special” days. Opening day, Tuesday, offers free admission to kids ages 12 and younger if they participate in the Kiddie Parade. Seniors get in for $2 Wednesday. First responders are free all day Thursday. Friday is Military Appreciation Day. There are rodeo performances every night, as well as livestock displays, live entertainment, carnival rides and games, and much more.

Various times Tuesday Aug. 15-Saturday, Aug. 19, at the fairgrounds, 694 N.E. Fourth Ave., Canby; gate admission $5-$10, parking is an additional $10; clackamascountyfair.com/fair.

Pickleball is a growing sport across the nation. Oregonian file photo. Therese Bottomly/The Oregonian/OregonLive

“The Big Dill” fundraising pickleball tournament

Do you love pickleball action? This fundraiser offers free admission to spectators, and the chance for players of all skill levels to compete and raise money for the Alzheimer Association. The event includes matches, and spectator games and activities, complimentary barbecue, and an auction.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wed, Aug. 16, Touchmark/West Hills, 840 S.W. Touchmark Way, north of S.W. Vintner Drive; to sign up to play, email [email protected]. All registrations must be received by Friday, Aug. 11.

- If you have events you’d like to see highlighted at OregonLive.com or in the weekly printed A&E section of The Oregonian, please email submissions to [email protected] at least three weeks prior to the start of your event. Digital images or links to videos are helpful.

— Rosemarie Stein

503-221-4376, [email protected]; @trafficportland

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