It is officially summer, and that means that Summer in the City is on in Director Park! Summer in the City is a free weekly event series hosted by Downtown Portland Clean & Safe featuring music, dance, and fun for the whole family.
Events Overview
- Monday: Tango Night, 6 – 8 PM (every other Monday)
- Wednesday: Midweek Music with Curbside Serenade, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
- Thursday: Jay Ringer’s Aural Dreamscape, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
- Friday:
- Native Storytelling, 12 – 1 PM
- Do Less + Play Chess, 5 – 8 PM
- Saturday:
- Kay’s Beading, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
- Dance at the Park, 6 – 8 PM
- Sunday: Sunday Cartways, 11 AM – 3 PM
- BONUS: Craft Corner, Wednesday – Sunday, 12 – 3 PM
Learn More About Each Day’s Activities!
Monday
Every other Monday, get groovy and practice your dance moves at Tango Night from 6 – 8 PM. There will be live music accompaniment on July 28, August 25, and September 22!
Wednesday
On Wednesdays, you won’t want to miss Midweek Music with Curbside Serenade. Enjoy a rotating lineup of talented buskers performing three 30-minute sets from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, with fun antics and surprise crowd engagement led by hosts Johnny Franco and David Pollack.
Thursday
On Thursdays between 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, local musician Jay Ringer will weave a dreamy blend of piano, trumpet, and melodica in his weekly Aural Dreamscape series. Stop by to watch Jay Ringer’s Aural Dreamscape reimagine your favorite classics with rich harmonies and dynamic improvisation.
Friday
Catch Native Storytelling on Friday afternoon from 12 – 1 PM and then stick around until the evening for Do Less and Play Chess from 6 – 8 PM. Whether you’re a seasoned chess expert or a first-time player, come connect, get curious, and join in the community fun!
Saturday
On Saturday afternoons, join Sidewalk Ambassador Kay from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM to learn about indigenous history and culture, and discover how to create beautiful traditional beadwork with Kay’s Beading! On Saturday evenings, get moving at Dance at the Park from 6 – 8 PM. From salsa to tango to swing, each week features a rotating lineup of Portland’s vibrant dance organizations. The atmosphere is fun, welcoming, and beginner-friendly.
Sunday
Last but not least, support local food and handmade goods vendors at Sunday Cartways—a vibrant, open-air market popping up weekly on Sundays from 11 AM – 3 PM. Whether you’re a curious foodie, a weekend wanderer, or simply looking for a fun way to experience downtown, Sunday Cartways offers a fresh way to shop, connect, and explore all summer long.
BONUS
Our self-guided Craft Corner in Director Park will be open on Wednesdays through Sundays from 12 – 3 PM. Come make a drawing, collage, cork raft to float in the fountain, or anything else you can dream up!
Want to know more?
Be sure to check out our Event Calendar and follow @directorparkevents on Instagram for the latest updates and information on any and all Summer in the City events. Bring your friends and family to learn, play, shop, boogie, and soak up the sunshine at Director Park. This summer, downtown Portland is the place to be!
Check out a few photos from our summer kickoff event, Ducky Drop, and our first Sunday Cartways!
Thank you to Elle Hygge for capturing photography.
