Working to make Downtown thrive
At Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, we believe in the power of collaboration. By partnering with local businesses, residents, and community groups, we deliver enhanced services and programs that contribute to our city’s thriving spirit.
The PDX Pop-Up Shops open THIS FRIDAY!
Our 17th annual holiday pop-up shop program is back, bringing 17 small businesses to Downtown Portland. This year`s shops feature everything from upcycled sneakers to Native-owned fisheries and western couture.
Join us for the free public launch event Friday, November 13, at 10 a.m. in Director Park!
The shops will be open Wednesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., through December 24. Stop by, shop small and support local businesses this holiday season.
Learn more at DowntownPortland.org.
Expanded programming this year is made possible with support from NW Community Conservancy and Prosper Portland.
Downtown Portland is getting safer, cleaner, and more welcoming every day, thanks to the hard work of our Clean & Safe team. Here’s what we accomplished in September 2026 across our 273-block Enhanced Service District:
- 2.7 million pedestrian visits
- 4,381 bags of trash removed
- 1,329 graffiti tags cleaned
- 5,689 bio-hazards safely removed
- 1,055 needles collected
We’re committed to transparency and measurable impact. Monthly data, including foot traffic, helps us track progress and better serve everyone who lives, works, and visits downtown.
Learn more at: DowntownPortland.org
Frybread Fest is back in Downtown Portland!
Join us November 7 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Director Park for a day of food, culture, and community. Meet the Indigenous artists and cultural leaders sharing their knowledge through salmon processing, cedar weaving, hide tanning, basketry, storytelling, and more.
Swipe to learn about the demonstrations and the people bringing these traditions to life.
A few downtown favorites we`re excited to share this November. Come explore with us!
Mercantile Portland – 729 SW Alder St.
Shop women’s designer, contemporary and denim collections, plus jewelry and accessories, at this downtown boutique.
Portland Book Festival –Nov. 2–8.
Celebrate books, authors and storytelling with a week of literary events, including author talks, community gatherings, and more.
Event Cosmetics –1008 SW Taylor St.
Offering bridal, portrait, editorial, and special occasion makeup, Event Cosmetics provides flawless, stress-free applications in-studio or on-site.
Diwali Festival – Nov. 8, The Judy.
Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with Indian arts, crafts, dance and treats. Create rangoli, make a lantern, learn a diya dance, and enjoy savory and sweet Indian treats.
You don’t need to run a half marathon to see the full flock of Wildwood: Follow the Crows. Some of our staff, friends, and board members did just that early this morning, braving the rain, cold, and dark to catch almost all 30 crows across Downtown Portland.
Our recommendation? Skip the half marathon and see all 30 in one place tomorrow. 😀
Join us at Darcelle XV Plaza on Saturday, October 31, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to see the sculptures all together before they’re auctioned off in November to benefit OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
Thank you to everyone who helped bring this flock to Portland. We hope to see you tomorrow!
Catch the latest from Mark Wells, Executive Director of Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, and stay in the know with Street Beat—our monthly newsletter!
Subscribe at DowntownPortland.org
We’re looking for community organizations, groups, and creatives to host free events at Darcelle XV Plaza this holiday season.
Get free venue space for events that bring people together through arts, culture, recreation, and community from Dec. 3–20.
LGBTQ+ organizations and groups are especially encouraged to apply!
Apply by Nov. 1: DowntownPortland.org
Election Day is coming up on Nov. 3! If you’re mailing your ballot, return it by Tuesday, Oct. 27. After that, use an official ballot drop box.
keeping downtown vibrant
We activate public spaces through placemaking initiatives, including managing Director Park with its 300+ annual events, operating a year-round lighting program across 1,400 trees, and producing signature community events that celebrate art, culture, and local businesses while creating welcoming gathering spaces downtown.
keeping downtown clean
We partner with Central City Concern’s Clean Start Program to provide cleaning services seven days a week, including sidewalk sweeping, graffiti removal, litter pickup, and pressure washing.
keeping downtown safe
We provide security services across the 273-block district, resolving safety concerns and connecting visitors and residents with resources.
keeping downtown engaged
We support downtown businesses through marketing initiatives, community engagement programs, and collaborative campaigns that promote local retailers, activate storefronts, and connect visitors with the district’s vibrant offerings.
keeping downtown accountable
We conduct research and publish reports on the district’s economic vitality, including vibrancy metrics, business surveys, and pedestrian traffic data, to inform current and prospective businesses about the district.
