Tag: METBA

Food and Drink April 28, 2026April 28, 2026

Montavilla Farmers Market’s 20 Years in Portland

Article originally published in Bridgetown Bites by

Meg Cotner

This is a big year for the Montavilla Farmers Market: They are entering their 20th year of operating one of the most beloved farmers markets on the east side of Portland. I sat down with Lisa Hebert one morning at Bipartisan Cafe to chat about the market and get a feel for the success of these past 20 years.

Montavilla Farmers Market Founders

I was curious to know more about the people who started the Montavilla Farmers Market. Turns out it was a group of volunteers who worked with the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) to found the market. Their website describes them as “a grassroots collection of neighbors who were inspired by visions of a fresh, local, food market in a shared community space within the growing SE Stark Street business district.”

Their first market was Sunday, July 22nd, 2007. “The first year it was run just by volunteers,” Lisa confirmed. “And then the next year they were able to pay their market manager a small stipend.”

It made me think of the Rocky Butte Farmers Market, which also was founded by volunteers and has progressed to a place where the market manager has been designated a paid position.

Close-up of fresh purple cauliflower, surrounded by green leaves, on a textured surface. — *_{Purple cauliflower sampled to Kids POP Club October 2025 (Jacob Loeb)}*

Lisa Hebert, Executive Director of the Montavilla Farmers Market

Lisa is the market’s executive director, where she tackles much of the behind-the-scenes work—things like budgeting, financials, strategy, overseeing a handful of paid staff, marketing, and fundraising. She also works with their board—Montavilla Farmers Market is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit.

She has lived in Montavilla since 2020, and worked for the Portland Farmers Market starting in 2016 before she moved to the neighborhood. But growing up she had a very conventional relationship with food. Then, she went to college.

Lisa’s Early Experience With Farmers Markets

“When I went to college, I went to UC Santa Cruz,” she said. “And I got involved with the sustainability center—I actually taught a gardening class on campus. And then I started working at the seed library, and with the food system working group to actually create a pop-up farmers market on campus.”

She added, “It was so far away from the actual town of Santa Cruz. So we’d go to the farmer’s market, buy things, and bring it to campus and sell it, just at price for folks.”

She ended up interning at the farmer’s market in Santa Cruz during her senior year. And then that summer, they needed a market manager, so they hired her for that just for the summer, and she loved it.

“And then I moved to Portland and I started working at a preschool and I was a cook there, ” she continued. “So I cooked for preschool for a little bit, and then the Portland Farmer’s Market was hiring and they hired me as a market manager there.”

A variety of baked goods displayed on wooden trays, featuring croissants, muffins, and cookies. — *_{_{Breads. Courtesy Montavilla Farmers Market.}}*

Why a Market in Montavilla? Food Access.

So why was it important to have a farmers market in Montavilla? “From looking at [the market’s] documents and records, I think it was really important for having that food access in the neighborhood,” explained Lisa.

She continued, “A lot of focus early on in the market’s career was on sustainability and trying to create as sustainable a market as possible—and, again, an accessible market in the way of food access. The market has pretty much always accepted EBT benefits and in 2010, I believe, the market would fundraise to match the EBT benefits on their own. Currently, we are able to match EBT benefits through Farmers Market Fund, which is an Oregon-wide organization, giving markets money for that.”

She added, “But the original founders of the market worked really hard to do that on their before that money was available.”

The Current Location of the Montavilla Farmers Market

The current location of the Montavilla Farmers Market has been their home since the start. On that property there used to be another building belonging to Beets Auto Body (you may remember us mentioning them in our piece on Montavilla Brew Works 10th anniversary last year). That building was razed in 2020 after the property was sold in 2019.

Lisa also said that one point, it was an artist co-op; the Montavilla News article linked above also referenced the artists—and food carts. But 2020 was the start of COVID and having that extra space in the lot was helpful for pandemic social distancing needs.

“We were able to expand during 2020, which was great timing because that’s when we had to have all the social distancing,” she explained. “We all needed to limit the amount of people that came into the market for a long time based off of ourselves. So if we were still in the smaller area, it would have been much more challenging.”

A bustling outdoor market scene featuring various white tents, a red tent, and a crowd of people engaging in activities like shopping and socializing. — *_{Montavilla Farmers Market May 2016 (Jacob Loeb)}*

A Potential Move?

There has been discussion online about the potential need for the Montavilla Farmers Market to move. Please note: They are not moving right now, and nobody has asked them to move. But honestly, nobody knows what the future holds right now.

But they did put out a survey on this topic (location) for people to take and they are currently reviewing the responses and gauging the community’s care for and interest in the market.

The OG Vendors

I was curious to know if there are still vendors today that were there from the beginning. “Yes! C. Chang Family Farm, which grows fresh flowers,” Lisa said. “They’ve been there since the very first market. I believe that Baird Family Farm has been there since 2007. Kiykawa Family Orchard has also been there since the beginning.

She added, “Oh, and then Leopold Farms!”

2026 Montavilla Farmers Market Vendors

These are new vendors this year:

Alleamin African Kitchen (Somali food).
Crooked Carrot Farm (vegetable farm).
Floraboros (wholesale native nursery).
Gompers Distillery (small-batch distillery).
Mariquita Medicinals (herb and flower farm and community-focused apothecary).
Merrow (chili crisp).
Money Bowl (Southwestern Chinese food).
Moonflower Bakery (gluten-free baked goods).
Rhythm Seed Farm (grows locally adapted seeds).
Snack Wine (low-ABV wine spritzers).
Three Goats Farm (fermented hot sauces and pickles).
Tortuga Gordo (fermented hot sauces).
Vorfreude Dairy Beef (premium beef cuts and high-quality tallow products).
Wafeltje Stroopwafels (Dutch stroopwafels).
Wild Roots Spirits (real fruit-infused vodka and gin).

This Market Fills a Need

There are a lot of farmers markets in Portland—and that is one thing that makes Portland a great city. But what is it that makes the Montavilla Farmers Market special among them? “I think Montavilla is special for a couple of reasons,” explained Lisa. “One of my favorite reasons is that I believe a lot of the participants at our market tend to be smaller farms and we tend to get the owner of the farm at the market.”

“I think that’s special, being able to actually be face-to-face with the person who’s hands are in the dirt growing the food.”

“I also think that we’re not a tourist market,” Lisa continued. “We don’t have a lot of tourism at our market, specifically.” This is in comparison to the PSU Farmer’s market, which I would call a destination market. Hollywood is, too, to some extent, attracting people who are visiting out of town. Both of these destination markets are amazing, no cap.

“Also, I think it’s kind of special that we see the same people every week,” added Lisa. She also said that they’ve done surveys where they ask where folks are coming from to the market. Additionally, a recent survey revealed that 53% of people walked to the market.

They also aim to have a set of vendors that offer much of what a person might need for their weekly grocery shopping. “It’s a medium large market, so ideally, someone can go and do most of their grocery shopping there,” said Lisa. “We try to curate the market to have a lot of staples for people. Obviously, we’ll never be a fully one-stop shop because we only have local products. But the idea is for someone to come and be able to do a majority of their grocery shopping at the market and pick up staples there.”

A colorful display of fresh vegetables including lettuce, leafy greens, and peppers at a farmers' market. — *_{Produce from Yolkan Farms. (Jacob Loeb)}*

A Significant Market for Vendors

Although Lisa has only been at the market for the last six years, she has enjoyed looking back at the market’s documents and history. “It’s been really exciting to watch the market grow!” she exclaimed.

She continued, “The amount of vendors that we have has gone from 17 on the opening day to now, throughout the year, we have almost 100. And on a typical summer market, we have 60 at any given time, which is just a huge leap.”

“The fact that the neighborhood is able to support all of those vendors is really amazing. And we hear from vendors that say Montavilla is where they’re able to sustain their business—it’s a really important market for them. For some of them, it’s their best market that they’re able to make their most amount of profit from.”

“This market is incredibly important—not only for the community, but those vendors who really rely on the support from our shoppers and from our organization.”

Yearly Anticipation

I wondered if Lisa looked forward to anything in particular at the market each time spring comes along. “I try to shop around to a lot of different vendors, especially farmers,” she explained. “I try to buy a lot of vegetables at the market … because then I eat a lot of vegetables. And I like to connect with the farms that sell products that no one else does.”

I told Lisa that my favorite thing in the spring at farmers markets is strawberries. So what is hers?

“Snap peas to me is a big—like, spring is here! Food is coming!”

She continued, “We’re past the hunger-gap era, where all of the root vegetables are purchased, and then all of the other vegetables with green and greens are this big. And so snap peas to me is like, ‘OK, we’ve made it. We’re now going to see like the abundance of spring that will that come.”

“And garlic scapes are delicious. this kind of year, too,” she added.

The Next 20 Years for the Montavilla Farmers Market

Lisa believes the demand and the interest is here for farmers market in the long term. “I think farmers markets are hugely important to local agriculture and farmers,” she said. “I’ve had a farmer tell me who does wholesale, ‘We would not be here if it wasn’t for the money that we’re able to get at farmers markets because it’s that direct-to-consumer purchase.’”

Direct-to-consumer means no middleman. “I think the farmers need farmers markets, and people crave that seasonal food. And yes, I think we’ll be here because I think farmers markets just make sense.”

Two women smiling at a farmers market, one wearing a blueberry costume and the other in a blue t-shirt, surrounded by colorful market tents. — *_{Hello, blueberry and Market Manager. Courtesy Montavilla Farmers Market.}*

20th Anniversary Events

So what is the market and its staff looking forward to as far as celebrating and commemorating this 20 years? They have some activities planned for Sunday, May 3.

“We got a grant from the Portland Events and Film office to do a couple of activities. We are having a ‘Montavilla Through the Seasons’ timeline display. We’re going to have different photos and documents of the market throughout the years for people to look back on.”

They will also have a DIY button-making station, and they have a special t-shirt for the 20th season, which features the original logo of the Montavilla Farmers Market (it’s painted on the side of the barn). Market shoppers also have a chance to win one of 100 of these t-shirts on a spin-the-wheel configuration (no kids sizes).

“We will also be having a chef recipe demonstration booth,” explained Lisa. “Laura Bennett’s going to come and cook up a seasonal dish for people to taste.” Laura has a business called The Vegucation Station. She is also a longtime farmer in the Corvallis and Eugene area. She’s done a couple of chef demonstrations for them in the past..

A pile of fresh carrots in various colors, including orange and yellow, tied together with their green tops visible. — *_{Produce. (Jacob Loeb)}*

Final Thoughts

“This neighborhood has been very supportive of the market through the years,” said Lisa. “It has been really amazing and has taken ownership of the market, which I think is really special. You can tell through the survey results that people really care about the market, really love the market, really want to see like the best for it.

“I was a little nervous that we’d get maybe some negative comments, but it was so positive! And so many people were saying, ‘Thank you for the work with this..’ There’s a lot of support. And in the past when we’ve done fundraising, we’ve always had a lot of support from the community. I think that’s really special.

“And as someone who also lives in their community, it really feels like Montavilla is kind of its own bubble a little bit. We’re almost at our own town. We have these amazing businesses—you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to!”

Many thanks to Lisa for chatting about the Montavilla Farmers Market. Every good wish to her, the market, and the Montavilla neighborhood for getting to 20 years! I hope you will have a chance to stop in soon.

Montavilla Farmers Market 20th Anniversary season
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
7700 SE Stark Street, Portland
Montavilla Farmers Market website | Instagram | Facebook

Article and photos originally published in Bridgetown Bites by

Meg Cotner

This article originally published in Bridgetown Bites on April 23rd, 2026. Montavilla News republished it with permission of the editor and author. All copyrights remain with the original publisher.

Meg Cotner lives in NE Portland and is the editor and publisher of the independent Portland food news website Bridgetown Bites. She is also an active editor and writer, and the author of “Food Lovers’ Guide to Queens” (2023, Globe Pequot Press)

Community, Event, Food and Drink, Montavilla November 27, 2025

Holiday Season 2025 Starts in Montavilla

Once again, the opening of Red Shed Christmas Trees officially starts the holiday season in the area with the reopening of its Montavillage market in the Vinje & Son’s parking lot near SE 78th Avenue and Washington Street. That festive start leads to the public Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6th at 5 p.m. in the Public Plaza at SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street, featuring a Red Shed tree. Then, local businesses have a host of WinterFest activities planned throughout December to keep people in a celebratory and giving mood.

A festive gathering around a brightly lit Christmas tree, with people celebrating in winter attire, as the evening sky glows in the background. — *_{Tree Lighting Ceremony December 2024}*

Montavilla’s only seasonal tree lot in the historic downtown has grown into a winter holiday market over the years, with youth activities, handcrafted gifts, baked goods, standard wreaths, and the hard-to-find juniper wreaths. These offerings are in addition to Douglas, Nordmann, and Noble Fir trees of various sizes. That tradition almost ended after a disappointing series of targeted thefts in 2024. “It was super discouraging. We were hit three times in one month, and I didn’t know if I was going to be able to open it this year. But so many people reached out to say, ‘You’re a big part of the community, and we would really hate to see you go.’ That just meant the world to us, so we pulled out all the stops, and we’re trying to recover,” said Red Shed owner Lesle Janssen. She notes that the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) and neighbors are providing the support needed to make this a better year. Janssen did not want to dwell on the negative side of things because it distracts from the spirit of the holiday season, which drives her annual efforts. “You know, it’s been a crazy year, and we just really want to maintain that sense of community. We’re not here just to sell trees, we’re here to be a part of a community.”

A display of handmade beeswax candles in various shapes, including Christmas trees and roses, on a wooden shelf at a market. — *_{Beeswax candles from Hannah Miller, Waxing & Raining Handmade Goods}*

Customers from previous years will recognize many vendors selling their works in the boutique gift booth. They feature pottery and soaps from Shane Reaney Studios, and those looking for a mood-setting addition to their centerpiece can find distinctive beeswax candles from Hannah Miller through her company, Waxing & Raining Handmade Goods. “She has beautiful Christmas tree wax candles that are gorgeous and some morel mushrooms,” described Janssen. The boutique will also carry “pocket mistletoe” made from pet-safe materials to avoid poisonings. PumpkinPatchHandmade sells knitwear, and the shop now offers “Red Shed Montavilla” embroidered waxed ball caps by Rustek, featuring weather-resistant properties made from sustainable natural materials. Shoppers can also purchase McTavish Shortbread confections as an edible treat while supplies last. These baked-to-order items are a special treat rarely available in small quantities and often sell out, but Janssen plans to have a good supply.

_{“Red Shed Montavilla” embroidered waxed ball caps by Rustek}

This year, they have wood ornaments featuring artwork from Grace Babcock’s Graceful Botanical designs. They feature burned natural imagery on the wood pucks made from tree ends. Sugar pinecones have returned as a holiday decorating option sold by Red Shed. Janssen said they are “huge,” measuring 6 to 14 inches. “They’re really good on table runners around candle displays. You can take two of them and twine them together and put a bow on them as door ornaments,” said Janssen. “They’re just so incredibly beautiful, and they hold up well in water for a cylindrical display of a bouquet. You sink one of those into your glass instead of using stones, and they look amazing.” This year, they have unique crescent-shaped swags. “A swag is a half-round wreath, and we’re making those in-house this year, and people can come watch us make their swag,” explained Janssen.

A display of various Christmas wreaths adorned with pinecones and greenery, hanging on a wooden wall at a seasonal market.

Red Shed trees come from Greg Smith’s Molalla Tree Farms, where they locally harvest trees raised with minimal pesticides. With 200 acres of naturally grown product, Janssen values the dependable relationship with the Molalla, Oregon, grower. “Our trees are looking really, really good this year. Even though we had a really hot summer, we had just enough water to get them good”, said Janssen. However, she noted that some varieties were not so lucky. “We are not selling grands this year. They did not weather very well.”

As in years past, the owner’s mother, Janie Janssen, assembled 400 bags of special supplies for kids to craft with, but they are available only while supplies last. The lot also offers a large outdoor-themed backdrop for family photos. Additionally, for people interested in a wintry brew, a collaboration with Montavilla Brew Works grants tree purchasers a special deal on local beer. Customers will take their “Tree Cookie” token a block over to 7805 SE Stark Street and receive a discount on a four-pack or growler refill.

Wooden ornaments with intricate burned designs hanging next to a display of assorted botanical greeting cards and a red beanie on mannequin heads. — *_{Wood ornaments featuring artwork from Grace Babcock’s Graceful Botanical}*

Red Shed Christmas Trees is closed on Thanksgiving and officially opens on Friday, November 28th. As early as November 21st, shoppers began walking in to buy a tree and gifts, showing eagerness to start celebrating their winter traditions. “People were calling me early this year asking me when we were going to open,” recalled Janssen. They allowed people to come in during setup hours and shop as they have in the past. However, this year’s demand was higher than expected. “We’ve just been selling trees like crazy,” remarked Janssen.

A hand holding a small, handmade 'pocket mistletoe' crafted from green and white materials, with a red string for hanging. — *_{“pocket mistletoe” made from pet-safe knitted materials}*

People can visit the tree lot every day between November 28th and December 23rd. They open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays. Janssen also noted that they can hold trees past the closing date for culturally specific customs. “If Russian Orthodox customers would like us to save them some trees, we can also do that.” That community often follows the Julian calendar, placing Christmas on January 7th, and tree purchases occur later in December. Due to the adjacent parking lot closure, they ask visitors to park on the street and then hold a parking spot in the limited space for customers to load their tree.

A snowy path lined with Christmas trees in a market, with a sign indicating 'CASH ONLY' for transactions. — *_{Rows of trees and a sign noting cash only sales on the lot}*

Whenever people celebrate the winter season, METBA businesses are collaborating to support the community with music and festive cheer. From December 1st through the 20th, patrons of participating local storefronts can use the “Shop Local Montavilla” passport to earn stickers toward a raffle entry. In addition to the December 6th Tree Lighting Ceremony, Board Bard Games at 7960 SE Stark Street will host a Santa Party on December 13th with a free family event. Starting at 11 a.m., attendees can enjoy cocoa and a treat while taking a festive photo with Santa. Business district celebrations wrap up on Saturday, December 20th, with the “Merry Montavilla SoirÉe.” Starting at 4 p.m., people can enjoy food and drink specials across Montavilla while earning double stickers for the Winterfest passport.

A juniper wreath hanging at a seasonal tree lot, with Christmas trees visible in the background and festive lights strung around the area.

METBA also notes that this is a season of giving. Many supportive groups are working in the area, and they can always use donations. This year, the business association’s sponsored donation drive will accept food, kids’ clothes, adult coats, laundry cards, Fred Meyer gift cards, and toys for the Vestal Elementary School PTA to distribute to families in need. People can drop off donations throughout December during the WinterFest events and at the Montavilla Burgerville at 8218 NE Glisan Street.

Disclosure: Lesle Janssen provided a free sample of “pocket mistletoe” to MV News

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Community, Entertainment, History November 13, 2025November 20, 2025

Trolley Art Installation Honors Montavilla Roots and Draws Visitors to Present-day Community

On November 12th, crews completed the installation of a roughly 5-by-10-foot art display within the Montavilla Street Plaza at SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street. The artistic representation of a historic streetcar is part of a grant-funded program titled “Meet Me in Montavilla,” with a focus on celebrating the town-turned-Portland-neighborhood’s diverse history while attracting present-day Portlanders to its vibrant community. A December 3rd ribbon-cutting ceremony will officially introduce the outdoor art exhibit to the public, but it is now open to visitors at the center of Montavilla’s historic main street.

The Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) developed the interactive art and history project with a $50,000 Major Impact Grant from Venture Portland. METBA President Neil Mattson explained that the Meet Me in Montavilla District Activation Project idea originated from board member Becca Clover’s work at a board retreat, seeding the idea for a successful grant application in 2024. The awarded funds originate from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations directed by Prosper Portland and the Portland City Council. Mattson said that the Meet Me in Montavilla project will complete its first phase with the launch of the Plaza art installation and subsequent launch of the meetmeinmontavilla.com website.

A person unloading a small streetcar model from the back of a red van onto a street in Montavilla. The van's doors are open, and there are greenery and a storefront visible in the background.

The art installation features a historically inspired streetcar profile produced by High Order fabricators, incorporating optical elements to create a three-dimensional perspective from its relatively flat representation. Yaqui-Mexican-American artist Marilyn Shawe led the project’s art direction and designed the trolley with cutout windows, allowing inclined visitors to pose for pictures “inside” the streetcar. Local historian and Montavilla News contributor, Patricia Sanders, assisted with the streetcar’s color accuracy and researched information for the piece. Its scale and interactive elements encourage youthful play around the artwork, while the backside of the piece offers information on the trolley line’s influence in shaping Montavilla. “The trolley was one of five primary themes of significance to our community,” said Mattson. The transit availability in this remote area allowed the town to grow from a community outside the Portland City limits into a prosperous neighborhood that officials quickly annexed in the early 1900s. “The trolley became symbolic of the community,” said Mattson. Although the project will have other phases of work across the neighborhood, he explained that the Meet Me in Montavilla project team decided to focus early work at the SE 79th Avenue Plaza because it has become the current center point of the community in Montavilla and is just one block from where the original streetcar spur line terminated on 80th Avenue.

Local lumber company Mr. Plywood donated the weather-resistant building materials for the trolley installation, and the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) contributed to the project, which resides within one of the bureau’s 20 Public Street Plazas. Mattson explained that PBOT’s partnership was helpful because the installation resides within a public street’s parking lane that is currently part of the car-free plaza space, but still needs to adhere to City policy. “It is physically bolted to the street, which requires a certain amount of engineering, approval, permitting, and insurance,” said Mattson. He also noted that METBA can remove the trolley and store it if needed. It was essential for the team to preserve these community investments, allowing for relocation if the plaza were to reopen to vehicle traffic.

Similar to the trolley installation, team members will design the other Meet Me in Montavilla project elements with a sense of permanence and strong historical ties. Future installations in Phase Two will highlight other themes that significantly shaped the area. They include contributions by Japanese American berry farmers, Montavilla’s Black community, and Dehen Knitting Mills. Public installations around those formative community elements, along with others, will roll out in 2026.

A person working on a colorful, wooden streetcar model labeled 'MONTAVILLA' in a plaza setting, with trees and outdoor seating visible in the background.

For 14 months, the Meet Me in Montavilla project team of Rebecca Clover, Brenda Dunn, Leah Kohlenberg, Neil Mattson, Patricia Sanders, and artist Marilyn Shawe, collaborated with contractors to bring the neighborhood’s newest public art to the streets, allowing everyone to enjoy and learn from it. Look for specifics on the December 3rd ribbon-cutting event on the METBA website. People are free to stop by anytime to take their own pictures with the Montavilla Trolley, now on display in the Street Plaza at SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Update November 20, 2025: The art installation’s ribbon cutting ceremony in the plaza will take place on on Wednesday, December 3rd at 3:30 p.m. Attendees can meet the artists and team members responsible for the artistic streetcar representing Montavilla’s first trolley line dating back to 1891.

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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

Community, Entertainment, Event, Food and Drink July 18, 2025July 21, 2025

2025 Montavilla Street Fair July 27

On Sunday, July 27th, the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) will host the 12th annual Street Fair on SE Stark Street. Early that morning, crews will close the road from SE 82nd to 76th Avenues along with segments of side streets to allow the 150 booth operators to set up ahead of the 10 a.m. opening. Vendors will sell a variety of items, including food and drinks, unique artwork, handcrafted goods, and clothing. Mixed in with people selling items, organizations will provide information, and performers will entertain the crowds until 6 p.m. Vehicle traffic will resume on the street later that evening after organizers clear the area. Still, people can stay in the neighborhood to visit the bars and restaurants along SE Stark and NE Glisan Streets. Last year, an estimated 25,000 people visited Montavilla’s historic downtown from around the region, participating in the annual 1,400-foot-long community party.

Graphic promoting the Montavilla Street Fair featuring a live music stage and an audience of diverse people, with a dog and food vendor tents in the scene. The event date is displayed as Sunday, July 27, 2025.

On Wednesday, July 16th, sign installers placed the banner over SE Stark Street at 80th Avenue, announcing the Street Fair dates to everyone passing by. Although many people in the area have already marked the date on their calendars, raising the banner represents Montavilla’s invitation to the city of Portland. Thousands of visitors attend this annual neighborhood event, driving record sales to local businesses and introducing people to the historic Montavilla downtown area.

Banner announcing the Montavilla Street Fair hanging over SE Stark Street, with shops and trees visible in the background.

Event organizers will feature the big brass sounds of a mini HONK! Fest PDX on SE 80th Avenue. People can also enjoy performances at the SE 79th Avenue Plaza Stage next to the Threshold Brewing beer garden. The main stage will feature a diverse mix of local Portland music and national touring artists. Montavilla Brew Works will sponsor a special stage located across from their brewery at SE Stark Street and 78th Avenue, where they will host one of the four beer gardens, with Tinker Tavern and The Observatory rounding out the beer-centered street fair destinations. Many past fair booth operators are returning, alongside a new crop of makers, food vendors, and organizations. As a bonus, the Montavilla Farmers Market will be open during its regular hours on the 27th, providing attendees with access to more booths and food options at SE 76th Avenue and Stark.

A colorful promotional poster for the Montavilla Street Fair and HONK! Portland event, featuring playful watermelon graphics, dates, and event details.

Sponsorship from Adventist Health Portland, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Mr. Plywood, and the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) helps fund what has become one of the largest street fairs in Portland. People can find day-of-event updates and the full music lineup, including performance times, at the METBA website (metba.org).

Update July 21, 2025: This article was updated with more detailed information about the side street music offerings and beer gardens.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News will have a booth at the fair this year. We will giving away stickers and sell year subscriptions that will come with a logoed hat or pin, while supplies last.

Community, Event, Food and Drink May 27, 2025

Spring NE Glisan Block Parties May 31 and June 1

This weekend, Montavilla businesses will host two days of events along NE Glisan Street, featuring music, vendors, and activities. It starts on Saturday, May 31st, with the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association’s (METBA) 2025 Spring Block Party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on NE 70th Avenue north of NE Glisan Street. Then, on Sunday, June 1st, Wildcard Barber and their adjacent businesses will host a Pride Month kickoff block party from noon to 5 p.m., with flash tattoos inked by Austin Fillmore and free gender-affirming hot towel face shaves.

A lively outdoor event scene featuring several vendor tents, people engaging in various activities, and colorful decorations. Families and children interact in a festive atmosphere. — *_{The 2024 MEBA Spring Block Party booths}*

METBA’s event is part of its Spring Fling 2025 celebration and will create a mini street fair with three musicians scheduled by the street activation nonprofit Curbside Serenade. Seven vendors and activity booths will line the block party site, including many neighborhood establishments from around the district.

The May 31st music schedule starts at 10 a.m. with performer Jake Soffer, and then, at 11:15 p.m., Jet Black Pearl takes the stage area. Maeve Steir will close out the live performances with a set starting at 12:30 p.m. More information about the first block party can be found on the METBA.org page.

Promotional poster for a block party at Wildcard Barber, featuring colorful graphics, event details including date and time, and services offered like gender-affirming hot towel face shaves and flash tattoos.

Wildcard Barber and NightOwl Custom Apparel recently took tenancy within the building that hosts Hinterland Coffee at 7112 NE Glisan Street. The three businesses are collaborating on a June Pride Month party to celebrate the global recognition of LGBTQ+ culture and identity.

Austin Fillmore posts previews of the flash tattoo options at the artist’s website, awwwsin.com. These pre-designed permanent body art designs speed up the inking process, allowing for walk-in service. This vendor is a fitting event for Wildcard Barber to host, as it recently took over the former Highway Tattoo storefront at 7110 NE Glisan Street.

The business owners on NE Glisan invite people to attend their block parties this weekend, marking the cultural start of summer in Montavilla.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Community, Event, New Residence February 7, 2025

Oak Street Village Sneak Peek Feb 19

On February 19th, the Joint Office of Homeless Services (JOHS) will host a “Sneak Peek” of the Oak Street Village sleeping pod shelter at 333 SE 82nd Avenue. Organizers invite the public to tour the facility before residents move in. Invited speakers will provide brief remarks and participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Organizers ask people wanting to attend to RSVP for the event, which runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In 2022, Multnomah County purchased the former RV sales lot and another site several blocks south to create shelter services along 82nd Avenue. However, it was not until officials selected 333 SE 82nd Avenue’s operator, Straightway Services, that the County announced the shelter’s format. Resident selection for Oak Street Village will prioritize individuals living in passenger vehicles and needing to park those while transitioning into the shelter’s housing. The site provides Pallet shelters branded sleeping pods, 33 onsite parking spaces, trash services, showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, and a communal kitchenette. Several years have passed since the County purchased the properties. Since then, County staff have worked to provide community outreach and secure support for the site through a Good Neighbor Agreement.

The second county-owned county site in Montavilla at 1818 SE 82nd Avenue will take on a similar development path but will not focus on supporting residents with cars. That second shelter will likely open at the end of 2025 if the project keeps to schedule. Although the sites are different, this sneak peek can provide a view into how shelter operators organize these sites.

Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and Montavilla’s County district representative Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards will speak at the event. Other invited guests addressing the attendees include Pastor Dwight Minnieweather from the site’s service provider, Straightway Services, alongside business and neighborhood association leaders. JOHS director Dan Field will share the project’s history and update people on the facility’s next steps. Event parking for the Wednesday midday gathering on the 19th is available at the Montavilla United Methodist Church at 232 SE 80th Avenue, one block west of Oak Street Village. Event organizers will provide snacks and refreshments.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Community, Entertainment, Event, Food and Drink November 30, 2024

Montavilla’s December Holidays Celebration

Starting this December, the Montavilla business community will launch into a month-long celebration of the Winter holidays. Businesses and organizations will offer a mix of giving opportunities while encouraging people to support their community through shopping locally. Even without spending money, people can participate through two free events offered on SE Stark Street to get into the seasonal mood with friends and neighbors.

Next Saturday, the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) will host its Tree Lighting in the public plaza at SE 79th Avenue and Stark Street. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on December 7th from 4 to 6 p.m. Organizers will light up the Montavilla holiday tree at 5 p.m. and serve hot cocoa while supplies last. Participants can enjoy community cheer and seasonal music as they start the countdown to the new year.

A week later, on December 14th, people can gather for a free Santa picture event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Board Bard Games. The gaming shop at 7960 SE Stark Street will offer an opportunity to take a seasonal family picture with Santa. People waiting for their turn to pose with the jolly icon can partake in hot cocoa and other treats. The organizers remind people to bring their own cameras to capture the moment.

Shopping locally is essential to maintaining a strong community, and METBA wants to reward those who help keep Montavilla thriving. From December 1st through the 21st, people who eat, drink, shop, and recreate at participating businesses will earn raffle entries through completed passports. Every qualifying purchase of $5 or more from the list of locations earns a sticker to go inside a passport. Participating businesses will have passports to get people started, and collecting six stickers completes a passport. Each entry increases your odds of winning the raffle, and there is no limit to the number of passports a person can complete. To enter, drop off completed passports at Redwood at 7915 SE Stark Street or Arbor Hall at 7907 SE Stark Street by the close of business on December 21st.

As a bonus, purchases made during the Merry Montavilla Soiree on December 21st earn participants two stickers for their passports. The Soiree is a one-day event full of special offers and discounts to help last-minute shoppers and Portlanders looking for a special night out.

Many Montavilla shops are embracing the giving season with a donation drive. Participating businesses will collect Adult-sized jackets or coats, warm hats, gloves, scarves, hand warmers, and sleeping bags for Rahab’s Sisters. The organization’s beneficiaries will appreciate those new and gently used items during the cold weather. Rahab’s Sisters have a particular need for plus-size or extended-size donations. Participating locations are listed on the METBA website.

Montavilla Brew Works at 7805 SE Stark Street will host a special Giving Tuesday event on December 3rd, supporting Cultivate Initiatives. Giving Tuesday follows the busy seasonal shopping days and encourages people to support local organizations supporting positive change in their communities. Michael Kora from Montavilla Brew Works explained that his company has a long relationship with Cultivate Initiatives’ leadership, which has grown into the brewery’s expanded support of the group’s efforts. “Over the years, we’ve spearheaded a winter clothing donation drive in the neighborhood that directly supports the more marginalized people in our neighborhood and beyond. With its success during the winter season, we eventually just made it an all-year-long donation drive.”

*_{Graphic courtesy Montavilla Brew Works}*

Montavilla Brew Works’ Giving Tuesday event runs from 5 to 8 p.m., and donators will receive $1 off their first beverage. People should bring new or gently used warm clothing. They will also accept new underwear, socks, pet food, and hygiene products. Briel’s Barbecue popup will sell food at the event, but Kora noted the BBQ food often sells out and recommends people stop by early. This event is limited to people 21 or older, and organizers hope people will have a good time while supporting a cause they care about.

Once again, Montavilla businesses are doing what they can to celebrate the winter through giving and creating a space for people to enjoy the company of their community.

Jacob Loeb

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Community, Event, Food and Drink October 21, 2024

Montavilla’s Fall Celebration

Montavilla businesses will celebrate the Fall season with two district-wide events this month. On October 26th, the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) invites everyone to the district for the annual Fall Crawl, and on October 27th, families can enjoy Trick or Treat Montavilla.

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. 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. People can pick up a passport and shop at 22 participating businesses from October 20th through October 26th. Customers turn in their passports on the 26th to enter a raffle. Additionally, bars and restaurants may offer participants special menu items and discounts.

On Sunday, October 27th, participating Montavilla businesses will open their doors for neighborhood trick-or-treating. The kid-friendly activity spans NE Glisan Street and SE Stark Street, allowing families to participate close to home. The METBA website offers a complete list of participating businesses and hours. Event times vary by location.

There is a chance of rain this weekend, but that rarely stops the people of Montavilla from heading out to enjoy the height of the Fall season. Consider looking for a break in the clouds or grab the raincoat and head out for Autumn fun in the neighborhood.

Jacob Loeb

Community, Construction, Demolition, Government, New Residence October 12, 2024

Demolition Gives Rise to Oak Street Village

On Thursday, October 10th, demolition crews with Buildskape razed the single-story auto sales building on the Multnomah County-owned property at 333 SE 82nd Avenue. As they prepared the site for an alternative outdoor shelter, workers removed the signage and high-intensity light poles used by RV and automotive sales tenants over the last several decades. In early 2025, people transitioning out of houselessness will begin moving into 29 one-room sleeping pods and receive support from site operator Straightway Services.

At an October 9th community meeting, engagement coordinators with the Joint Office of Homeless Services (JOHS) announced the final name of the shelter site. Up to this point, JOHS referred to the project under the working name of Montavilla Community Village. After consulting with community groups and business association members, officials selected the site name Oak Street Village. This final name establishes its location and will disambiguate it from a planned second Montavilla shelter location further south at SE 82nd Avenue and Mill Street. That other location will start development next year, with residents expected in 2026.

With the site nearly cleared of debris, crews will soon begin digging trenches for water and sewer infrastructure connecting to portable units that house showers, bathrooms, kitchenette space, and a laundry facility for residents. The site uses Pallet branded shelters for the eight-by-20-foot shed-style sleeping pods. Residents and staff will have 33 onsite parking spaces, trash services, and other communal spaces for pet relief and covered outdoor seating. Straightway Services staff members operate the site 24 hours a day, working from the office building at the SE Oak Street entrance.

_{Oak Street Village s}*_{ite rendering courtesy Multnomah County}*

Up to 40 adults can reside at the Oak Street Village. That number varies based on the number of couples staying at the shelter who can share a single sleeping pod. The JOHS-funded program intends for guests to have a limited stay at this site and use it as a stepping stone to finding stable housing. Rules of the shelter prohibit the use of illegal substances and alcohol. People may not possess dangerous weapons at Oak Street Village, and visitors are not allowed unless they are part of an approved support service. Residents will abide by quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and Straightway Services will answer an onsite phone line available to the public to respond to questions or hear neighbor’s concerns.

These Oak Street Village policies and other considerations are part of a community engagement process that includes a lengthy Good Neighbor Agreement (GNA) working group process that is wrapping up ahead of the site’s opening. Representatives of the JOHS, Straightway Services, Montavilla Neighborhood Association, Montavilla East Tabor Business Association, and the City of Portland participated in the process and will sign the agreement. That document calls for a community advisory group to track set metrics for area livability and will meet quarterly to review and advise on changes that could improve conditions.

Montavilla News first reported on the County’s intentions for two former RV sales sites along 82nd Avenue at the end of 2022. Over the last two years, the County increased its engagement strategy and held several community meetings. Organization representatives on the GNA working group described the process as productive at the October 9th meeting. They said people can view a complete version of the document at an upcoming neighborhood association meeting planned for later this year. Once signed, it will become a public document for anyone to read, with amendments and other relevant data appearing online. Construction crews will work on the site over the next three to four months before Straightway Services takes over the property to ready it for guests’ arrivals around February 2025.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb