Events of the Week

Best Things to Do in Portland: Aug 10–16, 2026

14 hand-picked events for the week — a daytime and an evening pick for each day, chosen from everything on the PDX Events calendars. Also posted on Instagram.

Monday, August 10

Day · Free Kids Theater

The Case of the Bone Bandit

Bridge City Children's Theatre performs The Case of the Bone Bandit at Bethany Village Plaza — a free, live interactive mystery show for kids. Great for little ones and curious adults alike.

Bethany Village Plaza · 10 AM · Free

Night · Stand-Up Comedy

New Stuff Comedy Showcase

Portland comics test fresh material in a low-pressure showcase at Al's Den. The best way to get a taste of the local Portland comedy scene — and the perfect excuse for a weeknight out at McMenamins.

Al's Den · 7:30 PM

Tuesday, August 11

Day · Food Week

PDX Burger Week

100+ Portland restaurants offer special $10 burgers all week long. Classic smashburgers, creative mashups, vegan options — the whole city plays along. Download the map and make your list. Runs Aug 10–16.

Citywide · From $10

Night · Puzzle Hunt

Puzzled Pint August

A monthly puzzle hunt where you can solve the puzzle to find the secret bar — then tackle more puzzles over drinks. Download the puzzle at puzzledpint.com to find Tuesday's venue. Beginner-friendly, team-based, and genuinely fun.

Secret location — solve at puzzledpint.com

Wednesday, August 12

Day · Free Kids Music

Morning Music with Mr. Ben

Kids' musician Mr. Ben brings live music to The Heist Food Carts on SE Woodstock for a free Wednesday morning show. Perfect for toddlers and little kids — stick around after for breakfast from the carts.

The Heist Food Carts, SE Woodstock · 10 AM · Free

Night · Stargazing

OMSI Star Party

Rose City Astronomers host a free public star party at Rooster Rock State Park. Volunteers set up telescopes — you can look through theirs or bring your own. Great views of Jupiter and Saturn this time of year. $10 parking.

Rooster Rock State Park · 8 PM · Free

Thursday, August 13

Day · Free Storytime

Topaz Farm Storytime

Free outdoor storytime at Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island — one of Portland's most beloved summer farm destinations. After the stories, wander the farm, say hello to the animals, and soak up the Sauvie Island vibes.

Topaz Farm, Sauvie Island · 10:30 AM · Free

Night · Free Movie in the Park

How to Train Your Dragon

Portland Parks screens How to Train Your Dragon (2025) at Wilshire Park — free outdoor movie night for the whole family. Free popcorn provided. Bring a blanket, snacks, and something warm for when the sun goes down.

Wilshire Park · 7:30 PM · Free

Friday, August 14

Day · Free

Rockstar Energy Open

The Rockstar Energy Open comes to Tom McCall Waterfront Park for a free day of action sports. Head down to the waterfront and see what's on.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park · Free

Night · Costume Bike Ride

TMNT Ride

Dress as your favorite Ninja Turtle and ride through Portland with the crew. The group departs from MixTape Vintage on SE Belmont — show up in your best shell and mask. Cowabunga.

MixTape Vintage, SE Belmont · 5:30 PM · Free

Saturday, August 15

Day · Free

PDX Adult Soapbox Derby

Portland's legendary annual tradition: 40+ teams race hand-built gravity-powered cars down Mt. Tabor's streets in front of thousands of spectators. The 27th year of this volunteer-run event — free to watch, wildly entertaining.

Mt. Tabor Park · 10 AM–4 PM · Free

Night · Rave

Rave of Dragons

A dragon and fantasy-themed rave at Nova PDX, Portland's oldest continuously operating live music venue. Dress to theme and come ready to dance at one of Portland's great underground spots.

Nova PDX · 8 PM

Sunday, August 16

Day · Free

Portland Criterium + Party on, Portland!

Two free Sunday events: closed-street criterium bike racing at the North Park Blocks in the morning, and EcoLloyd's Party on, Portland! block party at Holladay Park starting at 11 AM — live music, food, and entertainment while you watch high speed road bike racing.

Holladay Park · Free

Night · Free Bike Ride

ZooBomB Summer Series

Portland's beloved Sunday night tradition: grab a tiny bike (or bring your own), ride MAX up to the West Hills, and bomb back down in a pack. Meet at SW 13th & Burnside. Bring a light and a helmet.

SW 13th & Burnside · 8 PM · Free

Want more? See everything happening this weekend or the full Portland events calendar.