Portland Parks & Recreation’s Summer Free For All Returns for 2026!

Published

May 19, 2026 8:51 pm

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(Portland, Oregon) -

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R)is excited to announce an amazing series of Summer Free for All events for 2026. This wildly popular annual program is made possible by the voter-approved Parks Local Option Levy (2025 Parks Levy) and countless community partners and volunteers. Free live music, movies, and cultural events start July 8 citywide with a Bollywood dance party at Gateway Discovery Park. The Free Lunch + Play program starts June 22 at parks across Portland, and helps to help fill the summertime gap, with free meals for anyone 18 and under while schools are out of session.

The giant inflatable movie screen used for some of PP&R's summer cultural performances - part of Summer Free For All - as seen in 2025. This year's movies of note include Wicked, The Princess Bride, A Minecraft Move, Elio (con subtítulos en español), and Zootopia 2.

Filling the summertime meal gap with Free Lunch + Play

More than half of Portland's school-age children qualify for free or reduced-price meals during the school year. PP&R's 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 begins 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.

A youngster makes a giant bubble at a Portland Parks & Recreation Free Lunch + Play event. Photo from summer 2025. PP&R's 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.

Summer Free For All Hasit all

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.

For schedules and information, visit the Summer Free For All webpage. Schedules are currently available in English and Spanish, with more languages coming soon, including Ukrainian, Tongan, Russian, Somali, Chinese, and Vietnamese.

"It wouldn't be summer in Portland without Summer Free For All," says PP&R Interim Director Sonia Schmanski. "There's something special about gathering in our parks to enjoy live music, movies, and time with neighbors, friends, and family.

"This year, with the support of some new program partners, we're excited to promote even more activities for children, youth, and families and welcome everyone back for another season of great performances and community connection."

Kids frolic during a free PP&R summer concert event in summer 2025. 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.

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, BridgeCity Soul, 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.

Summer Free For All Kickoff Event

Join the official Summer Free For All Free Lunch + Play kickoff celebration on Thursday, June 25, from 11am to 1pm at Parklane Park. Everyone 18 and under can come to share a meal together and have fun in the sun! Free lunch is served between 11:30am and 1pm.

It's back! East Portland Summer Arts Festival: July 11 and 12 at Ventura Park

This year's festival headliners are LaRhonda Steele and Conjuto Alegre performing Latin and soul on day one, and Portland Cello Project's tribute to Stevie Wonder on day two.

Washington Park Summer Festival: August 8 and 9 at the Rose Garden Amphitheater

Events begin at 6pm both days. This year's lineup features Albina Music Trust presenting big-band jazz, followed by an evening of soul music with Ural Thomas and the Pain.

Summer Free For All events at Gateway Discovery Park

Join Portland Parks & Recreation for free summer activities at Gateway Discovery Park, Monday through Friday, 9am to 2pm, from June 22 to August 21. No registration needed! Enjoy free arts and crafts, games, cultural events, and special activities on the Plaza. Plus, free lunches are available for youth 18 and under, served daily from 11 to 11:45am as part of Free Lunch + Play.

Free Open Play Swim at Outdoor Pools

Enjoy weekly free swim sessions at these PP&R outdoor pools:

• Creston Pool - Mondays 6:30pm to 8pm
• Peninsula Pool - Tuesdays 1pm to 3:45pm*
• Montavilla Pool - Tuesdays 6pm to 8pm
• Grant Pool - Wednesdays 1pm to 3pm
• Sellwood Pool - Wednesdays 6:30pm to 8pm
• Pier Pool - Thursdays 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Outdoor pools open on Thursday, June 18, and close Sunday, August 23, 2026 (except Peninsula Pool*). Find full schedules and more information for all PP&R pools on our swimming pools webpage.

*Peninsula Pool will remain open through Monday, September 7, 2026.

Fitness in the Park

Portland Parks & Recreation's Fitness in the Park returns for spring and summer! For everyone ages 14 and older, these are free outdoor group fitness classes taught by some of your favorite PP&R instructors at three springtime locations:Irving Park,Ventura Park, andMt. Scott Park. Classes will meet Monday through Friday and expand to eight locations throughout Portland starting June 22.

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