Opportunities for Local Artists and Performers

What is Summer Free For All Cultural Events?

Each summer, Summer Free For All (SFFA) Cultural Events offers free concerts that feature diverse music from around the world, outdoor movie nights, and other cultural events that include dance, theater, comedy, spoken word, mini-festivals, community gatherings, and much more. All SFFA events are community-focused and produced in collaboration with community groups, artists, nonprofits, and culturally-specific groups.

Performance Guidelines

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

• Multi-cultural performances that appeal to diverse park visitors
• Family-friendly content and lyrics, though not necessarily kid-focused
• Respectful and professional communication that helps to build an inclusive, welcoming, and collaborative culture

Selected performers will perform in a variety of outdoor settings, including parks, plazas, amphitheaters, and green spaces.

Event and Performance Opportunities

Concerts and Live Performances - $1500 per event in 2024
SFFA concerts and live performances take place Thursday through Saturday in July and August. Audiences range from 500 to 2000 people. Performers are required to provide their own instruments and instrument amps. These events are 2-hour performances with support from a third-party sound contractor.

Neighborhood Performances - $500 per event in 2024
SFFA neighborhood performances take place Thursday through Saturday in July and August. Audiences range from 250 to 750 people. Performers are required to provide their own instruments and instrument amps. These events are 2-hour performances with support from SFFA’s sound crew.

Teaching Opportunities

For information on current openings for arts instructors at Multnomah Arts Center and Community Music Center, please visit the City of Portland's Job Opportunities page

Submission Timelines

• February 5, 2024: Consideration of performers begins for the 2024 season
• March 29, 2024: Estimated notification date for accepted performers

How to Submit

If you are ready to be considered for performance opportunities, please submit your information to the Summer Free For All Cultural Events-Artist and Performer List.

This is not an application. By completing this form, you will become part of our artist and performer list. We use this list to match artists and performers with the requests of our community partners and to meet the overall mission, goals, and priorities of SFFA and Portland Parks & Recreation.

Summer Free For All Cultural Events-Artist and Performer List

If you need help completing the form or have additional questions, please contact us at sffa@portlandoregon.gov

FAQ

• I’ve filled out this form in the past. Do I need to fill it out again?
  • If you have filled at this form in the past, you do not need to fill it out again. We have your information on file.
     
• I’ve filled out the form in the past for one of my bands/groups/projects. But I have a new/different project. Do I need to complete the form?
  • Yes! Each of your bands/groups/projects should have their own separate entry.
     
• What if I need to update or change information that I’ve submitted in the past?
  • If you’d like to update your information, please contact sffa@portlandoregon.gov. We can update information on our end.
     
• Are there other opportunities to perform with Portland Parks and Recreation besides Summer Free For All Cultural Events?
  • Artists and performers may be considered for park grand openings, annual celebrations, cultural special events, and other Parks events.
     
• I’ve performed with Summer Free For All Cultural Events in the past. Am I guaranteed a spot in future seasons?
  • Unfortunately, no. Each year, we receive more submissions than available performance opportunities. As such, we strive to be equitable and book as many talented performers as possible each summer.