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Fourth of July celebrations in Portland

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.

July 2, 2024 • 
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

Fourth of July celebrations are underway in Portland, with events to mark the United States’ 248 years as an independent country.

Here’s what to know:

Weather

Portland could be in for a record-breaking, triple-digit heatwave and an Excessive Heat Warning is in place. The three days following the holiday could all set new heat records. Little-to-no rain in the forecast also heightens fire risks (read: no burning).

  • Thursday, July 4 | 94° | 6% chance of rain
  • Friday, July 5 | 101° | 2% chance of rain
  • Saturday, July 6 | 105° | 1% chance of rain
  • Sunday, July 7 | 104° | 2% chance of rain

Fourth of July fireworks

Portland has banned all personal use of fireworks and a citywide burn ban is in place through the summer, but you can still marvel at the rockets’ red glare at one of the city’s approved, professional fireworks shows:

  • 4th of July Spectacular |12 p.m.-12 a.m. | Oaks Amusement Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way | $38 | Entry includes all-day access to the rides and picnic grounds, plus a fireworks show at dusk.
  • Waterfront Blues Festival | 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 1400 SW Naito Pkwy., Portland | $50+ | Treat yourself to a good time along the river at downtown Portland’s “largest and longest-running music festival” featuring world-class musicians, fireworks, and food.
Hundreds of people mill about a downtown Portland street that's closed to cars.

This year’s Picnic in the Pearl is expected to draw record crowds.

Photo by @datguy_eddy via @firstthursdayportland

Family-friendly fun

  • Picnic in the Pearl | 12-8 p.m. | Northwest 13th Avenue between Everett + Lovejoy Streets | Free | This month’s edition of First Thursday in the Pearl is a summer spectacular featuring art, live music, food, drinks, and games.
  • Fourth of July Parade | 11 a.m. | Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd. | Free | Soak in the summer holiday atmosphere with live music, antique cars, and free hot dogs; kids can decorate their bikes and ride the route.
  • Hillsboro Rotary 4th of July Parade | 10 a.m. | Downtown Hillsboro | Free | Celebrate the holiday and 100+ years of the rotary by watching floats and people go by.
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