What is Summer Free For All Cultural Events?
Summer Free For All Cultural Events (SFFA) is one of Portland’s most beloved and anticipated summertime traditions. Each summer, SFFA partners with community groups, artists, nonprofits, culturally-specific groups, and more to produce free outdoor concerts, movies, festivals, and cultural events all throughout the city of Portland.
Types of Events
Summer Free For All produces three types of events:
Concert/Performance Events
- Traditionally known as “Concerts in the Park”, these events feature a local band, artist, or performer
- Concert/Performance Events start at 6:30pm and end at 8:30pm
- For information about performing at a Summer Free For All event, check out our Opportunities for Local Artists and Performers page
Movie Events
- Traditionally known as “Movies in the Park”, these events feature a screening of a movie
- Movie Events start at 7:30pm. Movie screenings begin at dusk and/or when it is dark enough to see the movie onscreen.
Special Events
- Special Events are events that may be a little more involved or robust than a standard concert or movie. These types of events can include dance, theater, comedy, spoken word, mini-festivals, and community gatherings.
How to Apply
If you are ready to apply for a 2025 Summer Free For All event, please do the following:
- Read the Community Partner Handbook
- Make sure you have two designated representatives who are able to work directly with a Summer Free For All Event Producer
- Complete the 2025 Event Application
SFFA Cultural Events-2025 Event Application
Requesting Dates and Locations
- Summer Free For All events are held at city parks. For all events, groups will provide their top three park locations and dates.
- Available dates for the 2025 season are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from July 10 – August 30, 2025
- Summer Free For All events are traditionally held in the evenings. If you have an idea for an event that takes place earlier, please share that in your application.
Requesting Music Genres or Movie Titles
- For concert/performance events, groups will provide their top three music genres and/or performance types.
- For movie events, groups will provide their top three movie choices.
Special Events
- For Special Events, groups will need to provide a detailed proposal of the event in the application.
All programming requests for events are made in consultation with SFFA and are subject to final approval by the SFFA Cultural Events team. This is to ensure that partners’ programming requests are available, logistically feasible, meet safety guidelines, and are in compliance with City rules and regulations.
How Much Does It Cost?
- The Community Contribution for all groups hosting Summer Free For All events begins at $1,000.00 and is due by June 6, 2025.
- For more information on the community contribution and onsite fundraising, please take a look at our Community Partner Handbook or contact us at sffa@portlandoregon.gov
Community Partner Handbook
For important information on the expectations, roles, and responsibilities of a partnership with Summer Free For All Cultural Events, please read the Community Partner Handbook.
Application Timelines
- Applications Open: December 2, 2024
- Applications Due: January 13, 2025, by 11:59pm
- Acceptance Notifications: January 31, 2025
- Community Contribution Due: June 6, 2025
SFFA Cultural Events-2025 Event Application
If you have additional questions, please contact us at sffa@portlandoregon.gov
Opportunities for Local Food Vendors
For information about opportunities with the Summer Free For All program, visit our Opportunities for Local Food Vendors page.
Opportunities for Local Artists and Performers
For information about performing as part of the Summer Free For All program, visit our Opportunities for Local Artists and Performers page.
Opportunities for Tablers
For information about tabling at Summer Free For All events, take a look at our Tabling and Contributor Benefits. If you are ready to apply, complete the 2025 Tabling Request Form.
For more information about tabling, please contact sffa@portlandoregon.gov.
Join Our Mailing List
If you would like to stay up-to-date with the Summer Free For All program, join our mailing list!