Can't Miss Fourth of July Activities in Portland and Vancouver

How to Spend Your Independence Day

For many of us, there’s something particularly exciting about the 4th of July. Not only is it a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your family and friends, but you can also take a moment to reflect on the history of the nation and all that makes it so wonderful. If you have been planning on something other than hot dogs and setting off some sparklers in your backyard this holiday, then we have just the list for you. 

Every family has their own traditions of spending the holiday together. Be that staying home watching a movie together or barbequing out in the sun -- there is no right or wrong way to have a good time. That said, Portland is brimming with events across the city, from concerts and firework shows to food trucks and beer festivals if you want to spruce up your holiday this year. 

If the hot dogs and soda just won't cut it for you this 4th of July, try something new this year and consider visiting any of these events on your own or with friends and family. If this is your first time visiting Portland, this is a fantastic way to experience the city and its traditions! Wherever you end up going, you are sure to have lots of fun. Happy Independence Day!

“Summer Fest” at Fort Vancouver

4th of July Festivities are back to Fort Vancouver after a 2-year hiatus, but with a slight twist. In the wake of the pandemic, The Historic Trust has joined hands with the National Park Service and the city of Vancouver to host a “Summer Fest” instead this year. 

Children and adults alike have a variety of activities to choose from including a corn hole tournament, bubble blowing, lawn games, live music, and more. There will be various vendors on-site but attendees are welcome to bring their food and coolers too. 

Location: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver, WA

Waterfront Blues Festival

If you love live music and fireworks, we have just the event for you! At the Waterfront Blues Festival located at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland, fireworks are launched into the air from the Willamette River for a spectacular view on either side of the river. This is one of Portland’s longest-running events, celebrating its 35th year of music and fireworks for residents and visitors alike. 

On the music side of the festival, you can look forward to headliners like Grace Potter, The Phantom Blues Band, Femi Kuti, and the Wood Brothers performing for audiences beginning on July 1st through 4th. So, if you like music and fireworks together, you do not want to miss out on this spectacular event!

Location: Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204

Date & Time: July 1-4, 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM

Portland Craft Beer Festival

Are you over 21 years old and looking for a fun way to spend your weekend leading up to the 4th? The Portland Craft Beer Festival opens on the 1st and runs through the 3rd, offering craft beers from dozens of breweries across the state and internationally. 

This massive outdoor event features delicious foods from many food trucks to complement your drinks, making this a perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening with your buddies. Sunday is the designated Family Day, so if you have kids, this is the perfect time to come and spend time in a family-friendly atmosphere. 

Location: The Fields Neighborhood Park, 1099 NW Overton St., Portland, 97209

Date & Time: July 1-3, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM (July 1-2) & 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (July 3)

Firework Show at Oaks Park

Are you looking for a place to enjoy a spectacular fireworks show this year? Then head on over to the Oaks Park for their late-night fireworks! Although fireworks don’t begin until 10:00 PM, buying an admission ticket to the amusement park will allow you to enjoy the rides and picnic grounds leading up to the fireworks show. 

Furthermore, if you show up early, you will have a better chance of securing a great viewing spot for the firework display. If you come as a family, kids under the age of 2 will be admitted free of charge! Enjoy the rides, grab some cotton candy, and wait for the fireworks to start!

Location: 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202

Date & Time: July 4, 10:00 PM

Portland Spirit 4th of July Fireworks Cruise

Watching the fireworks light up the night sky on the 4th of July is truly a sensational experience, and is even better with friends and family. But what if there was a way to take this experience to the next level? 

Portland Spirit 4th of July Fireworks Cruise offers a way to enjoy two firework displays, one on the Willamette River aboard the Portland Spirit and the other on the Port of Cascade Locks aboard the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler. You can catch the night sky and waterfront light up with fireworks from the Starlight Deck for a truly memorable experience! 

Location: 1010 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204

Date and Time: July 4, 7:30 PM-10:30 PM

Ridgefield 4th of July Festival

Locals of Ridgefield have honored the 4th of July with a town-wide celebration for over 100 years now. Just a few miles up the I-5, this low-key event will include a firework show, pancake breakfast, a pie-eating contest, parade, and many more activities. 

There will be a burger barbecue in the afternoon and other food vendors on-site to keep your hands and mouth busy at all times. The event will kick off bright and early at 7 in the morning and will be capped off by a firework show that starts at 10:15 PM. 

Location: Downtown Ridgefield, Washington

2022 Port 4th of July Concert and Celebration

You know there is something special on the way when the city of Camas and the Washougal community join hands to host the 4th of July celebrations. This special event kicks off at 11 AM at the historic Washougal Marina Park and will run until 10 PM when the firework show over the water begins. 

Whether you want to go by yourself or with the family, the event is brimming with fun and interactive activities that will keep everyone entertained. There will be live music from cover bands like Shades of Huey and 5 Guys Named Moe, so don’t forget to bring along your dancing shoes. 

Location: The Port of Camas-Washougal, Washougal

Felida Children’s Parade

One of the best ways you could help your children become a part of this long-standing tradition is by encouraging them to take part in Independence Day parades. Besides learning how to participate in team activities, there are many opportunities for your children to get familiar with the traditions and history of America. 

Felida Children’s parade is one such great opportunity where you get to watch your children dress up in fancy clothes and walk around the city chanting patriotic slogans. The parade starts at 11:15 AM followed by free lunch and games until 2:30 PM. 

Location: Felida Park, Northwest 127th Avenue gate

Where to head for the Holiday?

We all have our traditions when it comes to celebrating the holidays but if you are looking to add some new elements to your 4th of July celebrations this year, then you might find this list quite insightful. Smoking some fat burgers and setting off sparklers in your backyard sounds fun but doesn’t it get repetitive after a while? That said, the metro area is brimming with both fun and patriotic activities this season across the city. From music festivals, parades, firework displays, and street performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy this holiday.