Have you heard of a Repair Café?
These free events around Portland bring together volunteer fixers and people with broken items — from toasters and bicycles to worn-out quilts and beloved teddy bears.
Since 2013, Repair PDX has served more than 4,000 participants and repaired over 5,000 items. Each repair saves money, keeps waste out of landfills, and avoids the greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing and shipping new goods.
Beyond regular events, Repair PDX also offers workshops like textile repair and kintsugi (restoring pottery with visible seams), and partners with nonprofits to salvage items like lamps and donate them to families in need.
How to join in
Repair Cafés are free and open to everyone. Events happen year-round at various Portland locations.
- Bring an item to repair: first-come, first-served, so arrive early.
- Volunteer your skills or learn on the job by helping with check-in, tools, or basic repairs.
Why it matters
Every repair saves the natural resources, energy, and emissions that go into manufacturing and shipping something new. Repair Cafés also build community by bringing people together to share skills, swap stories, and connect over the satisfaction of fixing something.