Swimming

Portland Hotels with Outdoor Pools for Summer Splashing

Why should tourists have all the fun? Avoid the city's overcrowded public pools by treating yourself to a lil' staycation.

08/26/2025 By Margaret Seiler and Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Jump In

Columbia River Swim Spots and Beaches Within 90 Minutes of Portland

Postcard perfect? Not always. But the mighty Columbia is big enough for everyone.

08/05/2025 By Katherine Chew Hamilton, Margaret Seiler, and Julia Silverman

Procrastinators Unite

9 First-Come-First-Served Campgrounds for Last-Minute Adventures

Did you fail to reserve your spot six months ago when summer felt so far away? All is not lost.

07/14/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson and Portland Monthly Staff

Summer Weekends

Refreshing, Sand-Free Ways to Cool Off This Weekend

Pools, splash pads, and waterslides any kid would love.

07/09/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Water Ways

How a Jog and a Jump in the Willamette Became My Summer Ritual

I’ve learned to love Portland’s river like a friend.

07/07/2025 By Emily Chenoweth Illustrations by Davide Comai

Water World

The 18 Best Swimming Holes Within 3 Hours of Portland

From hidden gems to trusty stalwarts, here’s where to cool down when the mercury soars.

06/30/2025 By Portland Monthly Staff

Smoke and Heat

Portland’s Best Spots for Southern Barbecue

Where to find tender smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and scrumptious sides.

06/27/2025 By Katherine Chew Hamilton and Alex Frane

Oar You Ready?

Where to Launch a Paddleboard, Kayak, or Canoe Near Portland

Eight gorgeous destinations, all less than two hours away.

06/20/2025 By Molly Allen and Sam Stites

Sweet Treats

Portland’s Best Ice Cream

Whether you’re a fan of pistachio gelato, soft serve sundaes, mango kulfi, or vegan cookie dough, these are our go-to scoop (and pop) shops.

06/11/2025 By Alex Frane and Portland Monthly Staff

Maximum Fun

The 22 Best Summer Events in Oregon

When it comes to festivals and fairs, our state doesn't mess around.

05/30/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson Illustrations by Davide Comai

Cascade Catalog

Where to See Oregon's Most Spectacular Waterfalls

Forget what TLC said. Let's go chasing.

05/16/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson, Reina Harwood, and Portland Monthly Staff

Drinking Alfresco

Portland’s Best Bar Patios

From the dives and watering holes with outdoor pool tables to the cocktail bars with DJs and Fanta-glazed pork belly tacos.

05/15/2025 By Alex Frane and Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Festival Preview

Who’s Coming to Project Pabst This Summer?

Japanese Breakfast, Death Cab for Cutie, Devo, and Iggy Pop headline the waterfront festival in 2025.

02/25/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

Farm Life

As Pickathon Grows, Its Music Lineup Doubles Down on Young Talent

The beloved festival runs a venue in Portland and just launched a nonprofit. But its heart remains the annual Happy Valley campout, stacked this year with Gen Zers.

07/26/2024 By Rebecca Jacobson

Fast Cars

Is Portland a Formula E Town?

We caught up with the crowd at the first-ever Formula E race in the Northwest, and learned electric car races smell better.

06/17/2024 Photography by Robb Farrington By Robb Farrington With Sam Stites

The Game of Portland

The Roller Coaster of Summer in the Rose City

Catch a Pickles game, hike in the mountains, bike naked, and jump in the river—just watch out for wildfire smoke and swimmer's itch.

05/24/2024 By Portland Monthly Staff Illustrations by Hawk Krall

Busking for Permits

Johnny Franco Wants to Lick the City’s Wounds with His Guitar

A Brazilian immigrant campaigns for a vibrant city, by way of free concerts.

03/29/2024 By Michelle Kicherer

Summer Fun

Portland Pickles 2024 Schedule Is Here: Robots, Farts, Monty Python

Tickets are on sale for nights dedicated to Dilly Parton, the Simpsons, and sleep—oh, and baseball games, too.

03/06/2024 By Margaret Seiler

Real Estate

Property Watch: Mount Tabor Atomic Ranch with a Hollywood Connection

Enjoy endless summer in a pool good enough for Esther Williams.

09/25/2023 By Melissa Dalton

Lagers

Taste Test: Best (and Worst) Local Beers for a Hot Day

You might as well support the local economy. We tried 5 made-in-Oregon lagers to cool you off after you’ve mowed the lawn on a hot afternoon, or just watched someone else do it. Here are our picks.

07/25/2023 By Sam Stites