PP&R Unveils 2026 Summer Free for All Lineup

Concerts, movies and more return to Portland parks

2025 Movies in the Park (Photo courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation)

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is rolling out another season of its Summer Free For All events for 2026, including the return of the East Portland Summer Arts Festival. The two-day festival and all the popular free summer programs are made possible by the voter-approved Parks Local Option Levy (2025 Parks Levy) as well as support from community partners and volunteers. The East Portland Summer Arts Festival will take place July 11 and 12 at Ventura Park, with performances beginning at 6 p.m. each night at 460 SE 113th Avenue in Portland. This year’s headliners include LaRhonda Steele and Conjunto Alegre performing Latin and soul on the first night, followed by the Portland Cello Project’s tribute to Stevie Wonder on the second night. The event is free and open to all.

The Free Lunch + Play program began June 22 at parks across Portland and continues to help fill the summertime gap by providing free meals to anyone 18 and younger while schools are out of session.

More than half of Portland’s school-age children qualify for free or reduced-price meals during the school year. Free Lunch + Play program offers nutritious meals and fun activities for kids and families when school is out. There are sports, games, arts, crafts, music, and other activities led by trained staff and community partners. Free Lunch + Play began in late June and runs Monday through Friday, 10am to 2pm with lunch at noon. Check the Free Lunch + Play webpage for the latest information and most up to date schedules for specific parks and mealtimes.

This program is delivered in partnership with four local public school districts including Portland, Centennial, David Douglas, and Parkrose at about two dozen parks across the city.

Free live music, movies, and cultural events start July 8 citywide with a Bollywood dance party at Gateway Discovery Park. This year’s program features nearly 50 free outdoor events for all ages, including multicultural festivals such as Somali Heritage Day (Friday, August 21 at Luuwit View Park), free outdoor movies and park concerts all over town, and more ways to experience community across the city.

With the support of some new program partners, Portland Parks & Recreation is excited to promote even more activities for children, youth, and families and welcome everyone back for another season of great performances and community connection.

Movies of note include Wicked, The Princess Bride, A Minecraft Move, Elio (con subtítulos en español), and Zootopia 2. Concert highlights feature Soul Vaccination, Ache Son and many more dazzling performers. The East Portland Summer Arts Festival, and Washington Park Summer Festival return.

The Summer Free For All programs would not be possible without the 2025 Parks Levy, a critical community investment in Portland Parks & Recreation. As promised to Portland voters, the Parks Levy is delivering for the city, providing recreational programs including family-friendly movies and concerts, fitness and art classes, teen- and older adult-focused programs, life-saving swim lessons, and more. The Parks Levy also allows PP&R to eliminate cost as a barrier to participation.

Portland Parks & Recreation is offering free weekly open swim sessions at several outdoor pools this summer. Free swims are available at Creston Pool on Mondays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Peninsula Pool on Tuesdays from 1 to 3:45 p.m., Montavilla Pool on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., Grant Pool on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m., Sellwood Pool on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and Pier Pool on Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Outdoor pools opened June 18 and will remain open through Aug. 23, 2026, with the exception of Peninsula Pool. Peninsula Pool will remain open through Monday, September 7, 2026.

Portland Parks & Recreation's Fitness in the Park returns at 10 parks across the city, including the South Park Blocks, starting June 22! Fun for everyone ages 14 and older, these are free outdoor group fitness classes taught by some of your favorite PP&R instructors. Fitness in the Park is now active at Irving Park, and expands elsewhere June 22 through August 28. No sign-up is necessary, all classes are drop-in.