Fourth of July Planner
Updated: June 04, 2009
There are plenty of places to catch fireworks in Portland this Fourth of July. But if youre looking to beat the crowds, consider trading those traditional plans for an evening spent on a Ferris wheel at an amusement park. Take in a ballgame at PGE Park or relax all day in the hot sun in an urban park. Rest assured, youll still see the show--just from a new vantage point this year. – – Photo: Shutterstock/Samot –
Fourth of July Events in Portland
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Oaks Amusement Park
Read ReviewsSE Spokane St, Portland, OR 97202 (map)
Families flock to this just-outside-downtown amusement parks skating rink, miniature golf course and plentiful picnic spaces summer-round. On the Fourth, the gates open at 10am, rides run till midnight and live music provides entertainment for the times in between when the roller coaster leaves you spinning.
PGE Park
Read Reviews1844 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97205 (map)
Hot dogs and baseball are as classically American as the Fourth of July, which might explain why the park's always packed on the 4th. A mixed crowd of singles, guys on the town and baseball-loving families fill the bleachers and chow on peanuts, pretzels and beer well through the seventh inning stretch.
Washington Park Rose Garden Amphitheatre
Read Reviews2368 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97201 (map)
Active types can wander the rose gardens, hike the Wildwood Trail or play a round or two of tennis at this vast downtown park. Walk to the park from the Northwest neighborhood to avoid parking hassles, and pack a picnic if you want to stay late and catch the waterfront firework display from this hilltop post.
Mccormick & Schmick's Seafood
Read Reviews0309 SW Montgomery St, Portland, OR 97201 (map)
Enjoy skillfully prepared seafood, cocktails and views of fireworks from every table.
Salty's On The Columbia River
Read Reviews3839 NE Marine Dr, Portland, OR 97211 (map)
Sample some of the Northwest's finest seafood and see the Vancouver fireworks from the double-decker patios.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Read Reviews1020 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204 (map)
Crowds of twenty- and thirtysomething music lovers swarm this grassy waterfront park for the annual Waterfront Blues Festival each year. Live music, plentiful food booths and beer gardens keep the atmosphere light and the sidewalks packed. Be prepared to fight these revelers--and suburban families with firework-loving tots--for prime viewing spots for the 4th of July firework show.
Mc Menamins On The Columbia
Read Reviews1801 SE Columbia River Dr, Vancouver, WA 98661 (map)
Enjoy a casual outdoor meal with exceptional night-sky views.
Portland City Grill
Read Reviews111 SW Fifth Ave 30th floor, Portland, OR 97204 (map)
Get dressed to the nines and watch the fireworks display with a cocktail in hand from this high-up Portland watering hole.
Little River Cafe
Write a review0315 SW Montgomery St Ste 310, Portland, OR 97201 (map)
Fireworks are best enjoyed while eating ice cream; get a giant scoop from this popular waterfront cafe before the show starts.
International Rose Test Garden
Read Reviews400 SW Kingston Dr, Portland, OR 97205 (map)
Parents pack the swimsuits and sunscreen and head to this grassy urban park to spend the holiday in the sun. A man-made fountain keeps kids busy for hours, leaving adults to rest in peace. Nearby, Sip & Kranz and Cool Moon Ice Cream serve snacks and picnic fare to keep them quiet when the water play gets old.
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