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We hope to see you at the Portland Sunday Parkways events! On this page are frequently asked questions about these free community events.
Last updated 3/18/2026
2026 events
What are the dates?
This year, Portland Sunday Parkways will host four car-free street events:
- Sunday, May 17 in Southwest Portland - 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday, June 28 in East Portland - 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday, August 2 in North Portland - 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday, September 13 in Downtown Portland - 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
What are the routes?
Southwest Portland event route on May 17
East event route on June 28
North Portland event route on August 2
Downtown Portland event route on September 13
Why aren’t events scheduled in other neighborhoods?
Portland Sunday Parkways' goal is to prioritize specific Portland neighborhoods for multiple years. This approach allows the program to strengthen partnerships, deepen community investment, and expand awareness over time. Neighborhoods that have been historically underserved by city investments are prioritized to create more inclusive access to safe, open streets for activity, movement, and play, ensuring that all Portlanders can experience the benefits of car-free community spaces.
As its routes inspire people to make biking and walking part of their everyday lives, Sunday Parkways also prioritizes locations where Portlanders can experience newly completed or upgraded biking and walking infrastructure in a car-free environment.
Portland Sunday Parkways goals:
- Create equitable, accessible, and safe opportunities for Portlanders to try walking, biking, and rolling for the first time.
- Familiarize Portlanders with neighborhood greenways and other infrastructure to encourage walking, biking, and rolling year-round.
- Prioritize local neighborhoods that have been underserved by Portland Sunday Parkways.
Uplift local organizations and businesses within the neighborhoods that have been underserved by Portland Sunday Parkways.
Feeling inspired to create your own mini- Sunday Parkways?
Here are great resources for throwing your own open street celebration:
Apply for a permit to close your street and host a block party with the Portland in the Streets program.
Organize a Pedalpalooza ride!
How to get involved
Can I donate to Portland Sunday Parkways?
Yes, your support makes a difference! Portland Sunday Parkways relies on sponsorship, volunteers, and donors to host these free community events.
Show your support all year long!
This is your one-stop shop to commemorate your enthusiasm for Sunday Parkways or to purchase a gift for a loved one through the Portland Bureau of Transportation's Zazzle store. Plus, the proceeds of your purchase go directly towards supporting Portland Sunday Parkways!
My community wants to help support. How can we help?
If you have community connections through your neighborhood association, church, school, sports team, volunteer organization, or club, we love group participation! There are many engaging volunteer opportunities that serve as fundraising for your organization. Recruit five or more volunteers, and your organization will receive a financial contribution for each completed volunteer shift.
Can I set up my food cart?
Portland Sunday Parkways prioritizes supporting local businesses, including food vendors. Click the "Register to be a Vendor" button below to get started
Can I perform at Portland Sunday Parkways?
Portland Sunday Parkways wants to uplift local artists. Email PortlandSundayParkways@portlandoregon.gov to learn about performance opportunities at these free community events.
Safety at Portland Sunday Parkways
How will you make Sunday Parkways safe?
Safety is a top priority during Portland Sunday Parkways events. Routes will be closed to motorized traffic, aside from a few designated vehicle crossing points to support residents along the route, and will be heavily monitored by trained volunteers and certified traffic flaggers.
Portland Sunday Parkways encourages everyone to:
Wear a helmet and any other protective gear.
Move slowly, particularly in areas with a lot of people.
Walk your bicycle in high foot-traffic areas, such as marketplaces.
Communicate with those around you using bike signals.
Be aware of your surroundings and fellow riders.
What if I live on/near the route and I need to drive during the event?
We want Sunday Parkways to be a positive experience for everyone! If you plan to drive during the event, please use the designated vehicle crossing intersections shown on the above maps and allow yourself extra time. At these designated intersections, a trained volunteer will be on-site to help direct you during the event hours. Please drive slowly near the event route and watch for pedestrians.
Still have a question about accessing your home or business? Please send us an email at portlandsundayparkways@portlandoregon.gov or you can also call 311 / 503-823-4000.
We hope you can join us to celebrate community and open streets! Thank you for your patience and support on the event day.
What can neighbors, businesses, and other organizations expect along the routes?
Streets along the route will be closed to motorized traffic, with limited access for residents. There will be designated crossing points for motorized traffic as shown in the above maps, but it is best to avoid driving in the area during the event if possible, as you might experience long delays. In the past, Sunday Parkways events have attracted over 40,000 participants. Participants walk, roll, or bike at low speeds along the event routes. There are spots in the parks and along the route where circulation slows for vendors, non-profit & sponsor information tables, and live entertainment. This family-friendly event encourages people to enjoy walking, biking, rolling, and playing in the safe open streets.
Community guidelines
Are pets allowed?
Yes! We love our furry friends! Any leashed pet that is comfortable around people is allowed to join in the fun! We ask that you do not use “extend-a-leashes." If you bring dogs, please be sure to pick up after them.
Is alcohol or marijuana allowed on the routes?
Participants should comply with state and local laws. Consumption of alcohol and marijuana is not allowed on city streets or at parks without a permit.
Can we have a cookout in a park?
To cook or barbecue in the park, you will need to secure a reservation through Portland Parks & Recreation.
Picnic Reservation Information
Can I ride my electric unicycle or bike?
Yes, but please keep the speed below 10 mph.
Can we bring strollers?
Yes! Everyone is welcome to participate at these free family-friendly events, especially children and families.
About Portland Sunday Parkways
Is Portland Sunday Parkways a race?
No, slow and steady wins community connection! There is no competitive aspect to Portland Sunday Parkways. In fact, we encourage everyone to slow down, take their time and get to know their neighbors while enjoying open streets.
Which direction does the event route go?
There's no start or end point along Portland Sunday Parkways event routes. Pick where you want to start and join in on the fun!
How is this event paid for?
Portland Sunday Parkways events are funded through a mix of sponsorships, like Presenting Sponsor Kaiser Permanente or Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund, donations and public funds. You can find more information by viewing the program's annual report published at the end of each year.
Why is the City paying for this?
Portland has ambitious goals for transitioning people away from driving alone and into alternative modes of transportation such as bicycling, public transit, and walking. Portland Sunday Parkways is an innovative and effective strategy to reach people in Portland who haven’t already started biking, walking, or rolling so they can try it in a traffic-free, safe and fun environment.
The key goals of Portland Sunday Parkways events are:
Connecting people to their neighborhood parks and community groups.
Providing free family-friendly activities in underserved communities.
Encouraging physical activity to increase overall health and well-being.
Why Sundays?
Sunday was chosen because it has the lowest auto traffic volumes of any day of the week. With good planning and communication, we work to decrease inconveniences for neighbors that reside along the route.
Portland Sunday Parkways was modeled after La Ciclovía de Bogotá. Bogotá, Columbia closes 70 miles of major roads every Sunday so that people can walk, bike, roll, and play in the open streets.
Still have questions?
If you couldn’t find the information that you are looking for on this webpage, please contact us by email at PortlandSundayParkways@portlandoregon.gov, or by phone at 311 / 503-823-4000.