Summer days in Portland stay warm and pleasant late into the evening. Rains are confined to the other three seasons, generally leaving summers dependably dry. Evening is a time for enjoying the myriad opportunities available in this city that loves its outdoor urban life.
Trying one, or several, of the ideas below will offer a chance to participate in this celebration of Portland summer evenings.
Have Dinner Outside at a Sidewalk Café
In Northwest Portland many restaurants provide seating along the wide sidewalks for leisurely outdoor dining. This is an old neighborhood with classic architecture and stately buildings, many beautifully refurbished with apartments, shops and some of the city’s best restaurants. The commercial area is along Northwest 23rd and 21st avenues where shops and restaurants mix with condominiums and apartments, giving it an old-world ambiance. Chefs here excel in offering meals with influences from Asian to European and Mediterranean, many stressing fresh Northwest ingredients.
Take in a Zoo Concert
The Oregon Zoo presents concerts throughout the summer on the spacious lawn near the elephants. The 2010 lineup includes, among others, West African musician Bassekou Kouyate, Chris Isaak, Garrison Keillor with his “A Prairie Home Companion” variety show, Cyndi Lauper and Portland’s own Pink Martini. Concert-goers are welcome to bring picnic foods and a blanket to sit on.
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and include admission to the Zoo. Prices vary by concert from $10.50 to $39.50. Concerts begin at 7 p.m., but early arrival is encouraged to assure good seating.
Tickets are good from 4 p.m. through the start of the concert, so why not make a full evening of it by visiting the animals before the concert!
The zoo has posted a complete schedule of summer concerts.
Enjoy a Free concert in the Park
The city presents free concerts in parks throughout town throughout the summer. This is a chance to visit neighborhoods in various parts of the city – not just the center of town. The parks are beautiful and concerts offer a great experience for the whole family. Food vendors can provide refreshments or patrons are welcome to bring a picnic. Concerts run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Portland Parks Bureau has posted a schedule of Portland Concerts in the Park and park addresses.
Take a Walk along the Willamette River on the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade
Part of this walkway floats, rising and falling with river levels. From the floating walk, the esplanade rises to follow the river bank, directly across from downtown Portland. The views of the city are stunning and the walkway a delight, especially on warm summer evenings! Walkers are close to the water and can stroll down onto a boat landing for an even more intimate river experience. Interpretive signs along the way document the city’s historic relationship to the Willamette. The entire distance is one-and-one-half miles.
From downtown, the Eastside Esplanade can be reached from the north end of Tom McCall Waterfront Park by following the pedestrian ramp of the Steel Bridge.
These are a few of the opportunities that allow visitors and locals alike to enjoy Portland’s warm summer evenings.
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Linda McDonnell - I have been a journalist for 20 years, currently freelancing. As an outdoor and nature lover, I particularly enjoy writing about outdoor ...
