Kid-Friendly Fourth of July Staycation (Portland Style)

I moved to Portland in late June of 2014, and I didn’t know one person here beyond my husband and two preschoolers. The Fourth of July snuck up on me, and I was frantically scrambling for something fun to do, since we definitely weren’t getting invited to any barbecues.

Luckily, Portland doesn’t disappoint. There are plenty of ways to enjoy this summer holiday, whether you have loads of friends or are flying solo. That year we celebrated at Oaks Park, and we’ve done something new every year since. There are many ways to celebrate, with friends or on your own.

Courtesy of Waterfront Blues Festival

Independence Day Events:

Thu, July 2, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm

Gather your family and friends and experience three days of music on the downtown waterfront...

Fri, July 3, 2026

This summer America is celebrating 250 years! The Historic Trust invites you to join us...

Fri, July 3, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm

Gather your family and friends and experience three days of music on the downtown waterfront...

Sat, July 4, 2026

Head to the Independence Day Celebration in downtown Canby. This event features: a street fair...

Sat, July 4, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 pm

As part of the Waterfront Blues Festival, thousands of people gather to watch an incredible...

Sat, July 4, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Wear your patriotic colors, decorate your wagons and join friends and neighbors for the annual...

Sat, July 4, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

King City is excited to announce its partnership with neighboring Tigard to bring you One...

Sat, July 4, 2026 @ 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Bring your family, grab lawn chairs or blankets, and meet your neighbors and friends for...

Sat, July 4, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm

Gather your family and friends and experience three days of music on the downtown waterfront...

Sat, July 4, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The Happy Valley 4th of July Family Festival returns with a full day of patriotic...

Sat, July 4, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - 11:59 pm

For nearly half of the country’s history, families from all over the region have flocked...

Sat, July 4, 2026 @ 4:00 pm - 10:30 pm

What began as a small neighborhood firework display has grown into an iconic, community-wide event,...

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Looking for more?

Check out our Kid’s Calendar for more family events