Summer is the season for outdoor sports, and the Portland community knows how to turn every game into a family event.
So what do a pickle, a sausage and a firecracker have in common? They’re the mascots of some of Portland’s beloved summertime sports! Oftentimes the Timbers, Thorns, and Fire grab our attention with their high-profile games and athletes. But emerging players and up-and-coming teams can offer a more affordable and casual family experience, and Portland does not disappoint when it comes to summer sports.
Don’t miss these fun, family-friendly sports outings this spring and summer!
Portland Pickles Baseball
The most well-known of the Lents Park sporting events, the Portland Pickles call Walker Stadium home during their baseball season. The Pickles are part of the local West Coast League for summer college players. Our family has gone to many events testing out all types of seating. Our favorite is the group picnic tables in the outfield, but my son votes for grass seating on the berm (likely because he loves to roll down grassy hills for fun). We’ve all vetoed the metal bench seats despite the great view.
“Remember that bouncy house baseball place?” my son asks rather often. At Pickles games, there’s so much more to do than just baseball and almost every night has a family-friendly theme. “50 games, 50 theme nights,” is their tagline and fun events include hits like Hannah Montana night, The Mandalorian night, and the ever-popular Woof Wednesdays, where your four-legged family members are welcome, too. Regardless of the night, you’re certain to run into friendly mascot Dillon T. Pickle and a good variety of family-friendly concessions. Fun games are always a part of the experience such as Pickle Swing, Dizzy Bat, and the Dave’s Hot Chicken Race. Pro tip: When the Pickles score, it’s time to raise your chair.
🗓️ Season runs from Tuesday, May 26 through Wednesday, August 5.
🎟️ Tickets: Berm seating begins as low as $12 a ticket to sit on the grass or bring your own chair.
Portland Bangers FC
The Portland Bangers are in their second year, the first one at Lents Park. Last year, the team launched its inaugural season at Hilken Community Stadium in Concordia. Join the “Wurst fans in the world” and mascot Saucy T. Sausage for this semi-professional men’s soccer experience. And as a partner of the beloved Pickles, these games also feature loads of fun add-ons.
We joined for the inaugural season and are so excited to gear up and go back for year two. At our first game we hung out on the bleachers with an assortment of grilled sausages, shouting “Bangers and Mash,” (the chants were still being workshopped a little). The soccer season is much shorter than baseball, so there are only 7 home games this season. Each home game is themed, including Pups, Pride Night, and an Artists Extravaganza.
🗓️ Season features seven home games from Saturday, May 16 through Tuesday, June 30.
🎟️ Tickets: Single game lawn tickets (standing) begin as low as $10.
Portland Cherry Bombs FC
In Portland, we want everyone to showcase their weird and wonderful skills. Perhaps no sports encapsulates that better than the Portland Cherry Bombs. This summer marks the inaugural season for the women’s semi-professional Cherry Bombs FC soccer season. Brought to you by the same creative team that launched the Pickles and Bangers, we expect this to be another fun fandom at Lents Park.
Theme nights currently mirror those of the Bangers with seven home games, but this team themed after Portland’s rebellious roses is sure to bring their own style. The atmosphere is meant to be fun and inclusive for all ages and will include rotating food and drink for purchase.
🗓️ Season features seven home games from Saturday, May 16 through Tuesday, June 30.
🎟️ Tickets: Single game lawn tickets (standing) begin as low as $11.
Lents Park: Home to the Pickles, Bangers and Cherry Bombs
Lents Park is the beloved home for Portland collegiate and pre-professional sports — and nearby is a stellar kids playground, too. The area will host the Pickles, Bangers and Cherry Bombs at the soccer field and Walker Stadium. Parking is typically free throughout the area and on-street, but can be in high-demand during game days. There is no admission to the larger public park facilities, but tickets are required for specific sporting events.
📍SE 92nd Ave. and Holgate Blvd.
Summertime Sports Outside of Portland
Hillsboro Hops
The Hillsboro Hops are a Minor League team that helps develop players for the Arizona Diamondbacks (officially called a High-A Affiliate). This means that unlike the quirky Lents Park teams, games are a little more serious and might even be televised. This year launches the Hops into a new stadium for the season, with a capacity of up to 7,000 attendees, a beer garden, and six permanent dining options. This stadium will also host special occasion college baseball games and community concerts.
While not every Hops game will have a special event, there are still many family-friendly fun promo night options. Drone shows, kids running the bases, and Toy Story and Star Wars are among season features running through September.
🗓️ Season runs from Friday, April 3 through Sunday, September 6
🎟️ Tickets: Pricing begins at $11.50 for the General Admission Family Zone.
📍Hillsboro Hops Ballpark, 4530 NE Century Blvd., Hillsboro
🚙 Parking is currently limited due to ongoing construction at the Gordon Faber Recreation Complex. Parking costs $9.50 +fees and a card must be used for purchase.
Ridgefield Raptors
The Ridgefield Raptors are a summer wood bat league for college players in the West Coast League which makes them a rival of the local Pickles. Like the Pickles, the Raptors offer both stadium and grass berm lawn seating (where you bring your own chair or blanket). Pro tip: Unlike the Pickles, pups are not welcome at regular games with the exception of service animals.
The Raptors offer 30 home games and a lineup of more traditional ballpark promos. Kids are free on Sundays, and Tuesdays feature $3 berm tickets, hot dogs and nachos. Expanded family experiences are available with the Raptor Rally’s Kids Club membership for $15, which offers tickets, on-field game experience, ice cream and burgers.
🗓️ Season runs from Thursday, May 28 through Wednesday, August 5
🎟️ Tickets: Pricing begins as low as $3 +fees for Tuesday berm tickets.
📍Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex, 3101 S. Hillhurst Rd., Ridgefield, Washington
🚙Parking is free at the Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex and at View Ridge Middle School.