Whether you follow your favorite band around the world to see it perform or are just a lover of great tunes and a beautiful setting, Portland’s summer concerts are the place to be. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite music venues in the area, and the performances that will get visitors grooving these next few months.
In 1979, the Oregon Zoo became the first in America to feature a summer concert series. Since then, Oregon Zoo Concerts has become one of the premier outdoor music series in Portland. Arrive early to stake out a spot on the large concert lawn, drop off your picnic dinner and take advantage of the free zoo admission that comes with the price of the ticket. While concertgoers are not permitted to bring liquids to the event, water is readily available, and zoo concessions sell a great variety of regional beers and wines. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a most appropriate dessert: elephant ears. If you haven’t already, buy tickets before they sell out to see some of these acts: Randy Newman (July 26), LeAnn Rimes (July 27), Indigo Girls (July 28), Lyle Lovett (August 3) and The Doobie Brothers (September 6).
McMenamins Historic Edgefield Concerts On The Lawn
What started as a meager farm, the 74-acre Edgefield, just a 20-minute drive from downtown Portland, now boasts a hotel, a winery, a distillery and brewery, restaurants and bars, a spa and pool, a movie theater, a golf course and beautiful gardens. In its eighth year, the concert venue accommodates about 4,500 guests. Bring a blanket and picnic, and top your evening off with a glass of Edgefield’s own wine or beer. There’s a terrific musical line-up this summer: The Flaming Lips (July 27), Steely Dan (August 13), Yeah Yeah Yeahs (August 14), MGMT (September 1) and OneRepublic and Sara Bareilles (September 6) are just some of the phenomenal acts slated for the next couple of months.
Concerts In The Park
The City of Portland also offers some great free entertainment with its Concerts in the Park series. Green spaces in neighborhoods around the city bring families, neighbors and visitors together for music in a variety of styles. This year’s outdoor concerts will bring live music to more than 50,000 people. Pack a blanket and picnic, then catch swinging rhythm and blues from Lloyd Jones at Sellwood Riverfront Park in Southeast Portland, African song and dance from Loveness Wesa and The Bantus Band at Unthank Park in North Portland, Irish pub tunes from The Chancers at Couch Park in Northwest Portland or acoustic Latin from Toque Libre at Fernhill Park in Northeast Portland.
