Opportunities for local artists and performers

Application Guidelines

All concerts in the Park, Movies in the Park, Washington Park Summer Festival, and Portland World Soccer Tournament are canceled this summer.

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is seeking local talent–artists, bands, performers—from the Portland Metro area (Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Clark Counties) for paid performances. In typical years, PP&R’s Summer Free For All and Gateway Discovery Park programsproduce over 150 free community events each year. These events elevate local arts and culture, build community, activate public spaces, and celebrate Portland!

Performances should be high-quality, reflect the diversity of our community, and appropriate for audiences of all ages. We are specifically looking for:

• Multi-cultural performances that appeal to diverse audiences
• Family-friendly content (including lyrics), though not necessarily kid-focused
• Performances that encourage audience interaction and crowd participation
• Professionalism

Our programming is community-driven and community-focused, with the goal of building community through free, inclusive, family-friendly activities that celebrate Portland’s diverse cultures and local artists. All artists are selected based on interest and input directly from our community partners. Occasionally, we will present artists who have not applied, but have been specifically requested by the community.

We strive to be equitable and book as many talented performers as possible each year. Because programming is community-driven, and we receive more artist applications than performance opportunities, selection to perform one year does not guarantee placement the following year.

Submission Process and Timeline

All concerts in the Park, Movies in the Park, Washington Park Summer Festival, and Portland World Soccer Tournament are canceled this summer. Information regarding new opportunities will be shared here when available.