Category: Event

Community, Event, Food and Drink October 29, 2025

Oct 30 Food Bank Benefit

On Thursday, October 30th, Montavilla Brew Works (MBW) will host a food bank benefit with matched food donations to Mainspring Community Pantry and the Oregon Food Bank amid a looming food crisis brought about by the Federal Government’s shutdown. Attendees can bring unexpired non-perishable food items to 7805 SE Stark Street from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the organizer will match that donation with an equivalent amount of similar food items. MBW’s founder, Michael Kora, created the “Snap to It” event to bolster the local systems that support people experiencing food insecurity. Those supportive programs expect to see increased demand after November 1st, when the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will pause due to a funding halt.

As with many of MBW’s charitable events, attendees are encouraged to stay for music and locally produced beer. Band Two-Dimensional Man will perform live at the event, and anyone over 21 who donates two or more food items will receive $1 off their first pint. Kora hopes these incentives and the general goodwill of Portlanders will make an impact in supporting the one in six Oregonians who rely on food benefits, which federal actions could drastically reduce next month.

_{MBW’s founder Michael Kora on NBC affiliate KGW}

On October 1st, after Congress failed to pass 2026 funding legislation, officials told many Federal workers to stay home, while other essential employees were required to work without pay. Programs with unspent and contingency funds could continue to support those operations. However, a recent notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says it will not use reserve funds and halt payments to States for its SNAP program in November. In a partisan message on the agency’s website, it blames Senate Democrats for not passing legislation that would reopen the Federal government.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield recently announced Oregon is joining 21 other states in filing a lawsuit against the USDA, contending that the agency is failing to access billions of dollars in contingency funds designated by Congress to maintain SNAP operations during funding lapses.

A box of De Cecco spaghetti, a can of WinCo refried black beans with jalapeño peppers, and a can of Kroger chunk light tuna on a kitchen counter. — *_{Example non-perishable food items}*

Even if funding legislation passes or the USDA taps into its contingency money, support for food banks and anti-hunger organizations is needed. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) implemented federally required changes to SNAP eligibility on October 1st in reaction to the federal law approved in July 2025. The H.R.1 legislation will reduce benefits and increase work requirements for some SNAP recipients, driving more people to alternative food assistance programs. ODHS officials estimate that under the new law, Oregon will need to contribute $385 million annually to the program to maintain current service levels.

People interested in seeing their non-perishable food donations doubled should attend Montavilla Brew Works’ “Snap to It” event on Thursday, October 30th. Others unable to attend but interested in supporting can make donations to organizations like the Oregon Food Bank and Meals on Wheels People, which anticipate higher demand due to changes in Federal funding for food assistance.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Check out East Portland News as it continues to advocate for and report on outer East Portland. You will find frequently updated articles and an archive of more than 5,000 stories written over the past 20+ years alongside a robust Community Calendar of events.

Community, Event, Food and Drink October 17, 2025

Montavilla’s 2025 Fall Crawl and Trick or Treat Events

Starting October 17th, visitors to select Montavilla businesses can pick up a “Fall Crawl Passport” card from participating locations and collect stickers with purchases to earn a raffle entry. Completed passports are due back at Arbor Hall on SE Stark Street or Replicant/Mudd Works Cafe by the close of the event on October 31st. During the sticker collecting and business visiting event, the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) will also host a Trick or Treat event on Sunday, October 26th. A printed map shows key participants, and the METBA site displays individual business hours for the candy giveaway.

METBA organized both events as part of its annual tradition to create a safe and fun celebration of Autumn. The idea of a Montavilla pub crawl grew in popularity in 2019 when Threshold opened the neighborhood’s second brewery in the historic SE Stark Street downtown area. The concept grew into a more formalized event as part of METBA’s Harvest Festival and now includes a variety of activities, including a week-long shopping event for a chance to win a prize. Additionally, bars, restaurants, and other participating businesses may offer special entertainment and discounts.

A decorated house at night with colorful green and red lights, featuring Halloween decorations, including skeletons, pumpkin lanterns, and a ghost figure. — *_{Montavilla home decorated for Halloween}*

Burgerville at 8218 NE Glisan Street will offer a free coupon for a food item with purchase for passport holders. Kim’s Tae Kwon-Do at 9003 SE Stark Street will provide free classes for passport holders on Tuesday and Thursday during the event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Montavilla Brew Works at 7805 SE Stark Street will host a special beer release on Halloween, celebrating its three new fall/winter seasonal brews. NightOwl Custom Apparel will offer free stickers and treats for those visiting the shop at 7114 NE Glisan Street in costume. The Glisan Fred Meyers branch of OnPoint Community Credit Union, located at 6615 NE Glisan Street, will feature a prize wheel on October 31st and offer candy on all other passport dates.

For October 26th specific activities, Beanstalk Children’s Resale at 8021 SE Stark Street will have “trick-or-treat goodies for the kiddos” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. DolFUN Dynamics will host a free Halloween party from 2 to 3 p.m. for children twelve years old and younger at 9260 SE Stark Street, along with a discount of $50 off the first month of classes for new enrollments. Personal Beast at 8119 SE Stark Street is offering a 25% discount on select dog and cat bulk treats from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Although not included on the map, Threshold Brewing & Blending, Academy Theater, and Flying Pie Pizza will participate in the Trick or Treat event.

A spooky Halloween-themed display featuring a creepy clown figure with glowing yellow eyes, holding a large lollipop, surrounded by colorful banners and festive decorations. — *_{2023 Nightmare on Taylor Street haunted walkthrough animated creature}*

Many more locations will participate. An extensive list is available on the METBA Fall Events website page at metba.org. People trying to win the raffle can receive two stickers per purchase of $5 or more from participating locations, and every five stickers counts towards a raffle entry to increase the chances of winning. For a scarier, yet family-friendly event, consider “Nightmare on Taylor St,” featuring The Madhouse of MonstaVilla at 7926 SE Taylor Street. That October 31st event is a haunted walkthrough hosted by a resident who creates an elaborate experience for the neighborhood. As with most years, Montavilla plans to have an active fall celebration throughout the last half of October. Look for these events and more through the neighborhood.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Entertainment, Event, Food and Drink October 10, 2025October 7, 2025

NE Glisan Business Fall Event Oct 12

From noon to 5 p.m. on October 12th, businesses on NE Glisan Street, from 70th to 74th Avenues, will host the inaugural “Gored Gourd Gala on Glisan,” featuring food, music, and retail specials. Over 15 vendors and four bands will join the collection of events sponsored by the local businesses as they welcome the community for a family-friendly fall event. People will find vendors in pop-up tents on both sides of NE Glisan Street between NE 71st and 72nd avenues, along with other promotions by area shops.

An advertisement for the inaugural Gored Gourd Gala on Glisan, featuring a large, expressive pumpkin graphic. The event details include a date of Sunday, October 12, from noon to 5 p.m. at NE 70th-74th Glisan, highlighting fall specials, local craft vendors, food, and live music.

The businesses Wildcard Barber, Hinterland, and NightOwl Custom Apparel will present live music on the back patio behind the shops from 12:15 to 4:30 p.m., featuring Base Band, Tragic Lovers, and Diludead. Booth vendors on the sidewalk include Sam Pletcher Goods, Wolf Tea Creations, Yellow Heart Sunshine, Cat Around Stamp, The Way Home Shop, Smash Me Daddy (smashed burgers), Rose City Rec Room, Sister Garden PDX, Think Tank Woodworks, EAB Crafts (crocheted items), Pet Bloc Mutual Aid, Mending Bloc Mutual Aid, and People’s Free Library. Additionally, the majority of businesses on NE Glisan, from 70th to 74th avenues, will open for the event with fall specials on October 12th. Attendees will find other vendors providing face painting and tooth gems. Wildcard Barber will host a flash tattoo artist to offer permanent inking from a set library of artwork.

The NE Glisan business community hopes people will attend their Sunday afternoon inaugural “Gored Gourd Gala on Glisan.” They intend to keep this as a new tradition that attracts neighbors within walking distance and others in the wider community to visit this growing commercial corridor.

Article and photo by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News is supported by contributions from businesses like Otter Wax, a neighborhood producer of small-batch specialty goods handcrafted in Portland. Using only natural ingredients, they make modern care products that are steeped in tradition. We thank them for their support.

Community, Entertainment, Event September 11, 2025

Play Streets Coming to SE 79th on Three Sundays

On Sunday, September 14th, SE 79th Avenue will close to traffic from SE Stark Street to SE Pine Street for a family-friendly event series called Play Streets. The national nonprofit Playworks is partnering with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) to present a free three-part gathering in the Montavilla neighborhood, running from 10 a.m. to noon. Organizers will create a car-free play zone for kids, families, and neighbors during those two hours, then return on Sunday, September 28th and October 19th to do it all over again.

Sign indicating 'No Parking' during the Play Streets event on SE 79th Avenue, with scheduled dates and times.

Play Streets began appearing in Portland when PBOT’s Streets team launched the program in 2018, joining a nationwide movement to create a safe space for kids to play in the street. The pandemic paused the program until its return in 2023. Past events included bounce houses, chalk art, basketball games, giant Jenga, snacks, and music. American Rescue Plan Act funding in 2024 supported a City program for nonprofits to host the Play Street series.

This upcoming series is open to all ages, and organizers encourage adults to play alongside the kids. The play area will extend the already well-used Montavilla Plaza near Threshold Brewing & Blending. Alcohol consumption is not allowed inside the play area, and organizers ask that it remain smoke-free. Attendees will find games for kids of all ages alongside snacks, water, and music.

A street view of SE 79th Avenue with parked cars on either side, showing a clear sky and trees lining the street. A 'Dead End' sign is visible, indicating no vehicle access beyond a certain point, except for bicycles. — *_{SE 79th Ave looking south from SE Pine St towards the Montavilla Plaza at SE Stark St}*

Organizers invite people with children and community members to stop by and see what the Play Street has to offer. The program aims to support communities with limited access to green areas, demonstrating how a car-free street can meet children’s play needs. More details are on the PBOT program’s webpage, and Montavilla News will update this article with information from the first Sunday event.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News is supported by contributions from businesses like Greg Beddor – SEO Specialist, an Oregon based digital marketing consultancy. The company markets customer’s websites and provide SEO services to grow their business. We thank them for their support.

Entertainment, Event, Food and Drink August 26, 2025

Montavilla Jazz Village Partner Events

The Montavilla Jazz Festival kicks off its 2025 performances on August 29th with ticketed events throughout the neighborhood and in various locations around Portland’s Eastside. However, the music celebration is not limited to indoor and outdoor music venues. The group worked with Montavilla businesses to create “Village Partner Events” in Montavilla’s Historic Downtown and along NE Glisan Street. People can visit those establishments all three weekend nights to take in Jazz without a festival ticket.

A storefront in Montavilla featuring a blue exterior with yellow trim, displaying signs for 'Red X' and 'Opening Soon'.

Exterior view of Montavilla Brew Works featuring a bright yellow wall with the words 'Fresh Beer' painted on it, white tents set up outside, and a nearby street sign for 76th Avenue.

On Friday, August 29th, the Academy Theater will play Spike Lee’s 1990 movie “Mo’ Better Blues” at 4 p.m. Then Replicant Beer & Wine PDX will feature performances by Edad del Pavo at 6 p.m. and DJ Joe Ball at 7 p.m. Saturday, August 30th, Replicant Beer & Wine PDX will feature a Clackamas CC Duo at noon, with the Spy Mohr Trio on stage at 5:30 p.m. and DJ Papa Warrior at 7:30 p.m. Threshold Brewing & Blending will start hosting performances at 3 p.m. with Shiloh Rush. Then they feature Swingin’ Sounds Jam at 5 p.m. People can continue the fun by visiting Montavilla Brew Works at 6 p.m. to hear MHCC Hogan Street Combo, and then hop over to Vino Veritas Wine Bar and Bottle Shop for a 7 p.m. show from a PSU Student Combo.

Exterior view of the Academy Theater with illuminated marquee displaying current movies, including 'Gladiator 2', 'Wicked', and 'Moana 2'.

The Academy Theater will offer repeat showings of “Mo’ Better Blues” at 1 p.m. on the weekend and then on Sunday, August 31st, Replicant Beer & Wine PDX will host another Clackamas CC Duo at noon. Starting up again at 4 p.m. that evening, they will feature Thilo Kluth Trio, followed by DJ Sanjo at 6 p.m. Threshold Brewing & Blending has Eli Amundson performing at 1 and 3 p.m., followed by Swingin’ Sounds Jam at 5 p.m. Montavilla Brew Works will host the MHCC Kane Street Combo at 6 p.m. and at 7 p.m., a second PSU Student Combo will play at Vino Veritas Wine Bar and Bottle Shop.

Event organizers hope that anyone interested in enjoying the Montavilla Jazz Festival will have the opportunity to find a performance that suits their schedule and preferred venue. People should visit montavillajazz.org to view detailed information or to purchase tickets.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Entertainment, Event August 20, 2025August 20, 2025

Montavilla Jazz Festival 2025 Starts Aug 29

Next Friday, the 12th annual Montavilla Jazz Festival (MJF) will kick off a weekend full of 26 featured concerts in five venues across the neighborhood and locations in Portland’s Eastside. The three-day celebration of musical artistry starts on Friday, August 29th, and runs through Sunday, the 31st, featuring free-donation-based and paid ticketed events. Each year, MJF brings music fans of all ages to the neighborhood and expands Portlanders’ appreciation for jazz.

12th Annual Montavilla Jazz Festival promotional banner featuring event dates August 29-31, 2025, with a colorful geometric design. — *_{Graphic courtesy Montavilla Jazz Festival}*

The yearly late summer music programming spans indoor venues and outdoor locations such as Mt. Tabor Caldera Amphitheater and Montavilla’s SE 79th Avenue Street Plaza. The MJF website has a detailed list of event locations, times, and links to secure tickets or reservations when necessary. Portland Metro Arts at SE 90th Avenue and Stark Street will present two nights of performances, with The 1905 and Alberta Rose Theatre hosting additional MJF performances.

Thanks to Prosper Portland’s Scale Up Grant in 2024, MJF leaders say the festival doubled attendance with more than twice the number of performances as the previous year. They hope that trend will continue with a second year of grant support. MJF is the only Portland festival focused on original music from the city’s jazz artists. Performances will feature the rising stars and creative artists connected to Portland.

MJF now offers a three-tiered pass system for concerts in Montavilla. A free with donation “Tabor Village Weekend” grants attendees access to four concerts over two nights at Mt. Tabor Park’s Caldera Amphitheater, and six SoundsTruck NW Stage concerts at the Montavilla Plaza on SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street. People purchasing the “Jazz Adventure” pass can use an MJF Shuttle running from the park through Montavilla to the Plaza and Portland Metro Arts. The up to $249 “VIP Experience” pass grants seating and parking perks. Additional concerts, ticketed individually, will take place at the Alberta Rose Theatre and The 1905.

A diverse audience seated under tents at an outdoor event, enjoying the performances at the Montavilla Jazz Festival. — *_{2024 MJF attendees at the SoundsTruck NW Stage next to the Montavilla Plaza}*

For the third year, MJF honors the late Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish’s contribution to the city’s jazz community by presenting an award in his name. On August 31st, presenters will deliver this year’s Nick Fish Jazz Community Award to bandleader, broadcaster, and percussionist Nick Gefroh. The city’s jazz community credits Gefroh with starting the first Latin Jazz band in Portland and significantly shaping the regional jazz landscape.

People interested in attending should look at the event schedule and secure their access. All festival events require passes for entry. Everyone in the neighborhood should plan for a busier weekend around event locations starting on August 29th. Check with local businesses offering MJF specials around the festival, as some will host DJs and late-night sets.

Correction: An earlier version of this article indicated that it was taking place this Friday instead of the following Friday, August 29th. Montavilla News regrets this error.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Event, Food and Drink, New Business, Top 2025 August 17, 2025January 1, 2026

Large Attendance at 99 Ranch Grand Opening

Crowds of eager shoppers packed the queue outside Portland’s first 99 Ranch Market on August 16th for the Pan-Asian grocery’s opening day celebration. Attendees waited in a one-hour-long line to enter the new 40,174 square foot store and waited another 25 minutes to check out. Inside, people found a brightly LED-lit and fully stocked store featuring fresh produce, live seafood, meats, housewares, and foods from domestic and Asian suppliers.

A large crowd of shoppers waits in line under a tent for the opening day of 99 Ranch Market in Portland, showcasing a diverse group of people excited for the new grocery store. — *_{Crowd waiting in line under event tents}*

The opening ceremony, featuring a lion dance, started just before 8:45. Then, organizers asked people to join the waiting area that had already grown beyond the double event tents constructed to shelter guests. Under the white canopy, a zigzagging felt rope controlled a holding area that felt more fitting for an amusement park ride queue than a store opening. However, it remained full for hours after the 9 a.m. launch, as Portlanders showed a large-scale interest in seeing inside this long-anticipated store. Event organizers kept the shop at a reasonable capacity, waiting for people to leave before letting new patrons enter. The crowded store was always functional with minimal challenges caused by competing interests in items blocked by the checkout line that wrapped around to the back of the store.

Crowded checkout area inside Portland's 99 Ranch Market on opening day, with shoppers in line and carts filled with groceries.

Interior view of 99 Ranch Market showing busy shopping area with customers browsing fresh seafood and meat displays, colorful signage overhead, and a variety of products in a well-lit environment.

The store’s designers utilized an open ceiling configuration painted matte black, with much of the lighting hung low off the product shelving. The overhead illumination bounced back up from the polished concrete floor, making nearly all angles of merchandised space bright and easily seen. Hanging banners helped direct people to the food items they desired and sell the attributes of the shop’s selection.

Exterior view of the 99 Ranch Market during its grand opening, featuring a decorative entrance, balloons, and a crowd of attendees.

Shoppers can visit 99 Ranch Market from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at 10544 SE Washington Street in the Gateway District east of Mall 205. The grocery destination has become the new anchor tenant of Plaza 205, operated by the Red Mountain Group, which is revitalizing the older shopping center with many Asian-American focused businesses. People can expect to see continued expansion at this location, including the opening of Teso Life, a Japanese fashion casual department store with a planned launch at the end of 2025.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Community, Event August 11, 2025August 16, 2025

2025 Adult Soapbox Derby Aug 16

On Saturday, August 16th, the PDX Adult Soapbox Derby returns for its 26th year of gravity-induced fun. People will gather starting at 10 a.m. along SE Reservoir Loop Drive and locations around the Mt. Tabor Park course to watch contestants roll with increasing speed down the extinct urban volcano. Over 150 volunteers will assist racers and attendees on the derby day, which lasts until 4 p.m.

A colorful soapbox car shaped like a missile, driven by two people wearing costume heads and hats, racing down a path with spectators in the background. — *_{PDX Adult Soapbox Derby 2024 (Jacob Loeb)}*

In the summer of 1997, Paul Zenk and Eric Foren loosely organized a small group of friends to race down Mt. Tabor’s winding roads in an event that would create the inaugural PDX Adult Soapbox Derby. The annual community gathering has grown yearly to include 42 racing teams and between 7,000 and 10,000 spectators. This free-to-attend day of races features highly engineered carts and some haphazardly crafted contraptions that all rely on gravity for propulsion. People wishing to attend should anticipate walking some distance to the event and bringing water or other refreshments. Some concession items and merchandise are available for purchase at the event.

A duo rides a creatively designed soapbox car down a sloped road, one holding a microphone while the other plays a guitar, in front of an audience watching the PDX Adult Soapbox Derby. — *_{PDX Adult Soapbox Derby 2024 (Jacob Loeb)}*

In 2016, Justin James and his ‘Team Rusty Rocket’ secured the track’s fastest run at 71.10 seconds. Each year, participants put in significant work to create fast and thematically creative entries. Some carts travel up to 50 MPH down the paved park roads as they try to secure the quickest time or the biggest cheers. The Soapbox Derby is a family-friendly event, but volunteers must clear the track before each run for safety, and responsible adults need to remain close enough to ensure their children are out of the way when a race starts. Parking in the park and neighborhood is limited, and people should plan to bike, walk, or take transit.

Update: Pictures from the 2025 Adult Soapbox Derby

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Entertainment, Event, Food and Drink August 6, 2025August 18, 2025

2025 Jade Night Market Aug 16

The 9th Annual Jade International Night Market returns to the Portland Community College’s Southeast campus on August 16th for an evening offering food, entertainment, and vendor booths. The event organizers invite people to arrive any time between 3 and 10 p.m. at 2305 SE 82nd Avenue for the Saturday community gathering that celebrates the people who make up the multicultural district.

Event poster for the Jade International Night Market featuring the date, time, and location details. — *_{Graphic and title image courtesy of the Jade District}*

The one-day community celebration will concentrate its family-focused events earlier in the afternoon with a free plant potting booth for youth sponsored by Portland Nursery. People ages 20 and younger can decorate a free pot and fill it with a selection of donated plants, while supplies last. Twenty-five food vendors and 19 drink specialists will sell tasty treats to attendees throughout the event. Scheduled speakers and performers will begin the entertainment on the main stage at 5 p.m., with a program that runs until 10 p.m.

Performers on stage at the Jade International Night Market, with an enthusiastic audience engaging in the event.

Entertainment will start with The Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers, followed by the Portland Art & Cultural Dance Team. Around 6 p.m., Ballet Papalotl will perform folkloric dance from across Mexico in traditional dress and with authentic choreography. Then the Cambodian Dance Troupe of Oregon will perform, followed by Team Japonesque, which represents Japanese culture through a mixture of traditional and modern dance movement, music, and costumes. Other performances include the White Lotus Dragon and Lion Dance team, pop and R&B artist Rachel Wong, martial arts movements by Summit Wushu Academy, Nattasinh Lao PDX, McDaniel High School Stomp & Shake, Huehueteoh Ihtotiani, and Japanese taiko drumming group Portland Taiko. Event organizers note that performers and the order of appearance are subject to change.

A vendor pouring batter into a cooking device at a food stall, with multiple round molds filled with batter and various food items in the background.

The performances are always free to watch, and 20 community partner booths offer information to all attendees. Still, event organizers wanted to make sure everyone has access to the cuisine and products available at the Night Market. “We are offering a program called Jade Dollars to lower financial barriers by giving out vouchers for both food and retail,” explained Alisa Kajikawa from market sponsors the Jade District and APANO. “Everyone belongs [at the Night Market] and we do this for the community. There are tons of things that you don’t need money for to enjoy. At the same time, it’s still about commerce, and it’s still about supporting our small business owners. So we’ll have five-dollar increments of Jade Dollars that we will give out to folks in two different ways.” People can receive $10 worth of vouchers at the Jade District booth by showing government benefits like SNAP or OHP cards. Additionally, anyone can receive a $5 voucher for completing a survey.

A busy outdoor market scene with people walking between colorful vendor tents featuring various food offerings. Attendees are engaged in conversation, enjoying food and drinks, under a clear blue sky with green trees in the background.

Last year’s Jade International Night Market had an estimated 13,000 attendees, and they anticipate similar interest this year. The market will maintain last year’s layout, with food vendors along the west edge of the campus in the parking lot and booths lining the inner courtyard walkways. Unlike other fairs, Night Market organizers provide canopies, offering consistency and convenience to participants. “It looks nice because it’s all uniform with three different colors,” said Kajikawa. The main stage is north of the booths next to Tabor Hall.

A promotional graphic for the Luminous Together Art Grove at the Jade International Night Market, featuring descriptions of community activities like the Hungry Ghost Ritual Feast and Love Letter to the Land, set against a backdrop of green trees. — *_{People can enjoy an interactive art installation during the market located west of the food vendors}*

Jade Night Market planners recognize the long-standing importance of this event, but circumstances this year have reinforced the need to appreciate all the cultures and communities that feed into the district’s foundation. “It’s very important for our communities to come together right now and show support for people and families who are being targeted and attacked for their identities by the government,” said Kajikawa. “I think it’s important to come together and show that everyone is welcome at the night market.”

A busy outdoor scene at the Jade International Night Market, with diverse attendees strolling between vendor booths, colorful tents, and trees under a clear blue sky.

People interested in attending the Jade International Night Market should plan on large crowds and limited parking options. Organizers recommend people take public transit via the TriMet 72 bus line or the SE Division FX 2 bus rapid transit system. The mid-August date often brings warm temperatures. The campus has many shade-providing trees, but anticipate significant sun exposure while walking around. The Night Market’s web page and social media will have updates about the schedule and event information. Anyone interested in volunteering for the Night Market should complete the form at bit.ly/nm25-volunteer, which offers several three-hour shift options and shorter post-event cleanup opportunities. Volunteers receive a meal voucher and a free t-shirt.

Pictures from the 2025 Jade International Night Market

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Community, Event, Food and Drink July 24, 2025

East Portland Sunday Parkway July 27

East Portland’s 2025 Sunday Parkways falls on the same day as the Montavilla Street Fair, July 27th. However, their proximity to each other could allow for an outdoor excursion of nearly car-free biking, followed by a stroll down a car-free section of SE Stark Street. The East Portland Parkway route covers a 4.5-mile path closed to most vehicle traffic, with volunteers helping to direct people rolling and walking through the streets from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants can start at any section of the path and travel between Gateway Discovery Park, Ventura Park, Lincoln Park, and Parklane Park. Each of the four park stops features local entertainment, community booths, and vendors.

Those looking to participate should connect with the planned route at a convenient point and follow the path as directed by the organizers. The route is as follows: “From Gateway Discovery Park, traveling along NE Wasco Street to 107th Avenue, 107th Avenue to Oregon Street, Oregon Street to 108th Avenue, 108th Avenue to Everett Street, Everett Street to 113th Avenue, 113th Avenue as it passes Ventura Park to SE Yamhill Street, Yamhill Street to 117th Street, 117th Street to Main Street, Main Street until it crosses 122nd Avenue, jogging slightly to continue on Salmon Street until 130th Avenue, 130th Avenue to Mill Street, then along Mill Street until it hits Lincoln Park. Traveling past Lincoln Park along Mill Street, North on 139th Street, and on SE Main Street traveling east until reaching Parklane Park.”

Map of East Portland's 4.5-mile Sunday Parkways route, indicating parks, streets, and event details. — *_{Map courtesy of the City of Portland Sunday Parkways}*

Participants will need to watch for automotive traffic while crossing certain intersections where cars are permitted to pass through. These include NE Glisan Street, E Burnside Street, SE Stark Street, SE 122nd Avenue, SE Madison Street, SE 135th Avenue, 140th Avenue, and 148th Avenue. People can text “East” to 888-520-0526 for event updates.

Sunday Parkway events are family-friendly and a slow-paced way to explore the neighborhood while visiting Portland Parks. A large number of participants makes it safer for road users, but congestion and navigating novice riders require patience with a relaxed attitude. Plan to travel the whole route, but participants do not need to feel compelled to reach all the destinations; it is about fun, not mileage.

Article and photo by

Jacob Loeb

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