Summer is officially here, and with it a time to experience and explore the Pacific Northwest. Portland is currently stationed in the “Lower Risk” category which means that indoor and outdoor recreational facilities are allowed to operate, with restrictions. Around the city, theaters, arenas, concert halls, and museums are cautiously, and optimistically, opening their doors once again.
This week, we’ve gathered some summertime activities in Portland for you to experience and explore during these glorious warmer days.
Experience Art in Person
Towards the very end of summer on Labor Day weekend, Portland’s annual Arts & Crafts Festival, Art in the Pearl, welcomes guests to experience art, theater, and music. The 25th edition of this annual festival will be taking place in the Pearl District’s North Park from September 4-6th. The festival is a free opportunity for the community to experience art and hands-on activities in Portland once again.
In addition, from July 10th – September 4th, the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art will be presenting an exhibition called, “A Letter from Souls of the Dead” by Aki Onda. This special exhibition will feature a collection of found objects such as bells, photographs, and old-fashioned slide projections. On the opening day of the exhibition, Aki Onda and Portland-based sound artist Marcus Fischer will provide intermittent performances. This intriguing event is a great opportunity to experience art and take a moment to escape from the summer heat.
Enjoy a Concert in the Park
Each summer, Portland comes to life with endless amounts of free and family-friendly things to do. Portland Parks and Recreation’s Summer Free for All Program aims to create these activities in Portland in different spots around the city. One of their most popular offerings are free concerts in public parks around the Rose City, held on warm summer nights in July and August.
This year, however, the events look a little different. Instead of producing large-scale events, Summer Free For All will be hosting pop-up performances at parks as an effort to support local musicians and artists while still following COVID-19 protocols. Performances will be unadvertised and “discovered” by those visiting the parks. Enjoy art and culture in the beautiful outdoors with these special appearances.
Participate in a Festival
Every Fourth of July weekend, Portland hosts the Waterfront Blues Festival at their downtown waterfront. This exciting event is touted as the second-largest blues festival in the U.S. This year, the event is moving “Upriver” to take place at a smaller, more COVID-19 friendly venue. From July 2-5, you can enjoy live music and festivities from socially distanced seating pods. For the most up-to-date information on the festival and to get your tickets, please visit the Waterfront Blues Festival website.
Get to Know the Art Work FAS Team
For nearly 30 years, Art Work Fine Art Services has served as the trusted logistics partner to some of America’s most highly-regarded museums, galleries, collectors, and artists. We specialize in expert and custom solutions for domestic and international shipping, warehousing, and preservation of artwork.
Our team is made up of passionate experts in many mediums, including design, painting, printmaking, carpentry, photography, and sculpture. Art Work FAS offers services in Portland and Seattle, in addition to California’s Bay Area and Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, New York City, and across the Rocky Mountains.
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