(Portland, OR) –
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is bringing back an amazing series of Summer Free For All events for 2025. This wildly popular annual program, made possible by the 2020 voter-approved Parks Local Option Levy (Parks Levy), begins with Free Lunch + Play on Monday, June 23 at 22 parks and at East Portland apartment complexes. Free live music, movies, and cultural events start July 2 citywide.
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. To help fill the gap over summer, 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 June 23 at these sites.
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 (Monday through Friday) and two Mobile Lunch + Play sites in East Portland (days vary; see the online schedule for details).
Mobile Lunch + Play
Portland Parks & Recreation brings the Free Lunch + Play experience to children at two apartment complexes in East Portland, from June 23 through August 22.
Summer Free For All Has it all
This year’s program features more than 40 events for all ages, including multicultural festivals, free outdoor movies, concerts, 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’s just not summer in Portland until Summer Free For All gets going again,” says PP&R Director Adena Long. “There is nothing like experiencing live music or enjoying an outdoor movie with your loved ones in your favorite neighborhood park. This year’s performance lineup is amazing, and I can’t wait to get out there.”
Movies of note include “Inside Out 2,” “Coco,” and “Despicable Me 4” plus classics such as “The Sandlot” and “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Concert highlights feature Norman Sylvester with Lenanne Miller, BridgeCity Soul, Conjunto Alegre, the Too Loose Zydeco band, and more. The East Portland Summer Arts Festival, Washington Park Summer Festival, and The Kidz Outside Festival all return.
The Summer Free For All programs could not be held without the 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 26, 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 12 and 13 at Ventura Park
This year’s festival headliners are the iconic Edna Vasquez in the Best of Both Worlds (La Mejor de Ambos Mundos) tour on day one, and Portland Taiko and Friends on day two – an unforgettable evening of powerful drums, flowing dance, and musical storytelling.
Washington Park Summer Festival: August 9 and 10 at the Rose Garden Amphitheater
Events begin at 6pm both days. This year’s lineup features the Tempos Contemporary Circus, presenting acrobatics, experimental theater, and quirky humor, followed by Portland Cello Project exploring Radiohead’s most iconic songs.
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 23 to August 22. 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 6:30 to 8pm
- Peninsula Pool – Tuesdays 1 to 3:45pm
- Montavilla Pool – Tuesdays 6 to 8pm
- Grant Pool – Wednesdays 1 to 3pm
- Sellwood Pool – Wednesdays 6:30 to 8pm
- Pier Pool – Thursdays 1:30 to 3:30pm*
For full schedules and information for all PP&R pools, please visit www.portland.gov/parks/recreation/pools.
*Expected to open July 14.
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, and Mt. Scott Park. Classes will meet Monday through Friday and expand to eight locations throughout Portland starting June 23.
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