City

Fourth of July celebrations in Portland, OR

Whether you’re more of a picnic or a rodeo person, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Independence Day in and around the City of Roses.

June 29, 2022 • 
Cambrie Juarez
Fireworks explode over a river as crowds of people look on. An orange glow lights up the city and a bridge.

The Waterfront Blues Festival ends with a bang every year on the Fourth of July.

Photo by @waterfrontblues

Table of Contents
Weather
Fourth of July fireworks
Family-friendly fun

The Fourth of July weekend in Portland starts tomorrow, with events to celebrate the United States’ 247 years as an independent country.

Here’s what to know:

Weather

Think hot and dry. Temperatures are expected to steadily climb, with the Fourth of July possibly being one of the hottest on record. Little-to-no rain in the forecast also heightens fire risks.

  • Saturday, July 1 | 84° | ☀️ | 2% chance of rain
  • Sunday, July 2 | 85° | ☀️ | 4% chance of rain
  • Monday, July 3 | 91° | ☀️ | 1% chance of rain
  • Tuesday, July 4 | 97° | ☀️ | 0% chance of rain

Fourth of July fireworks

Portland has banned all personal use of fireworks, but you can still marvel at the city’s official fireworks show put on by Western Display Fireworks at the Waterfront Blues Festival. Or watch the rockets’ red glare from one of these vantage points:

  • 4th of July Spectacular |12 p.m.-12 a.m. | Oaks Amusement Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way | $37 | Entry includes all-day access to all rides and free first-come, first-serve picnic grounds.
  • Heartbeat Silent Disco | 6-10 p.m. | Tilikum Crossing, Portland | $10 | Put on your reds, whites, blues, and dancing shoes to groove under the glow of the pyrotechnics.
  • Celebrating 4th of July | 6 p.m.-11 p.m. | Metropolitan Tavern, 1021 NE Grand Ave. Ste. 600 | $55 | Enjoy yard games, a barbecue buffet, and rooftop views atop Hotel Eastlund.

Family-friendly fun

  • St. Paul Rodeo | Friday, June 30-Tuesday, July 4 | Times vary | St. Paul Rodeo Grounds, 4174 Malo Ave. NE, Saint Paul | $24-$60 | Watch ropers and riders compete in various Western events.
  • OMSI Star Party | Saturday, July 1 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Stoller Family Estate, 16161 NE McDougall Rd., Dayton | $20-$40 | Bring a blanket and gaze upon the stars that inspired the American flag.
  • Summer Fest - Picnic in the Park | Saturday, July 1 | 11 a.m. | Vancouver National Historic Reserve, 601 Officers Row, Vancouver, WA | Free | Enjoy an afternoon featuring magicians, live music, lawn games, face painting, and food vendors.
  • July Farm Days | Saturday, July 1 + Sunday, July 2 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt, WA | $3 suggested donation | Explore historic farm grounds, pet some animals, and shop for local food and goods.
  • Hillsboro Rotary 4th of July Parade | Tuesday, July 4 | 10 a.m. | Downtown Hillsboro | Free | Celebrate the holiday and the rotary’s centennial by watching the floats go by, then check out the Hillsboro Tuesday Night Market.
News