Celebrate the River, On the River

Celebrate the River, On the River Join in the fun at Portland’s biggest event to celebrate the Willamette River. Riverfest is being designed as a family-friendly chance to come down by the riverside, get out on the water, take river tours, enjoy live music, learn first-hand about the river’s history and environment, clean-up and protect the riverbank, and view river spectacles. Riverfest will offer a full week of activities*, including: · Oregon Symphony’s Free Waterfront Concert (Thursday, August 28)
Get a jump on Riverfest by joining the Oregon Symphony for its annual tradition of launching the new season with a free concert at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. · Oregon Trout 2nd Annual City of Portland Triathlon (Sunday, August 31)
In 2007, more than three hundred athletes from as far away as New York and Florida entered the race, held to showcase the city of Portland’s downtown as a triathlon venue – and to raise awareness of the need to clean up Oregon’s waterways. Even more participants are expected in 2008. · Riverfest Grand Opening (Sunday, August 31)
Riverfest officially kicks-off on Sunday, with a river invocation, speakers, and the opening of the Willamette River Community Fair. · Willamette River Community Fair (Sunday, August 31)
River agencies and organizations will set up along the Willamette in Waterfront Park to engage citizens in conversations about the history, ecology, and economy of our River. · Willamette Boat Parade (Sunday, August 31)
Dozens of craft of all types will showcase the history and diversity of the Willamette as a navigable waterway. Yachts, sailboats, tugs, motorboats, and more will provide a colorful display set against downtown’s urban skyline. · River Tours (both weekends)
The Willamette’s beautiful even speeding (or creeping) across the bridges—but here’s your chance to see it up close. Look for bald eagles at Portland’s newest natural area on Ross Island, or feel the energy of Portland’s working harbor and its international line up of ocean-going ships. · Friday Field Trips (Friday, September 5)
Portland’s newest generation will have a chance to learn about the River, clean-up its banks, and plant native trees and shrubs on this Friday devoted to student activities. · Celebrate the River! (Friday, September 5)
A gala event featuring music and water-based entertainment will be the peak of the Willamette social season. · Portland Paddle (Saturday, September 6)
Bring your own canoe or kayak—or board one provided by event organizers—and launch into fun on the Willamette. Try your hand at paddling one of Portland’s famed dragon boats. · Dragonboat Races (Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7)
Few things are as colorful as dragon boats on the Willamette. Two days of 250m, 500m racing in Hong Kong-style Dragon Boats will be capped off with a single long distance race. The event will include a beer garden, food, entertainment, and a paddler’s party. · Live music, Good Food
Before, after, or in-between river experiences, enjoy live music and food of all sorts on the waterfront.