Last updated 3/13/2025
2025 events
What are the dates?
This year, Portland Sunday Parkways will host four car-free street events:
- Sunday, May 18 in Southwest Portland - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sunday, June 29 in Northeast Cully - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sunday, July 27 in East Portland - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sunday, September 14 in Downtown Portland - time TBD
What are the routes?
Southwest Portland event route on May 18
Northeast Cully event route on June 29
East Portland event route on July 27
Downtown Portland event route on September 14
Why aren’t events scheduled in other neighborhoods?
For the foreseeable future, Sunday Parkways will continue with four annual events, each focusing on a specific Portland neighborhood for multiple years -- with the goal of introducing one new route per year. This approach allows us 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 we can introduce Portlanders to new biking and walking infrastructure in their neighborhoods.
Here are the 2025 program goals:
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.
Familiarize Portlanders with neighborhood greenways and other infrastructure to encourage walking, biking, and rolling all year long.
Create equitable, accessible, and safe opportunities for Portlanders to try walking, biking, and rolling for the first time.
Amplify the communities, local businesses, and historical markers that make Downtown Portland truly unique. Highlight accessible and safe routes to commute to downtown.
Want 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! Portland Sunday Parkways relies on sponsorship, volunteers, and donors. Your support makes a difference!
Show your support all year long!
Check out our very own Zazzle store! 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 church/community group/school/sports team wants to support. How can we help?
We’d love to have your group participate! There are many volunteer opportunities that double as a fundraising event for your organization. Your organization will be paid for each adult volunteer who works a full shift.
Sunday Parkways Volunteer Information
Can I set up my food cart?
Portland Sunday Parkways loves featuring local businesses, including food vendors. To learn more about vendor opportunities please complete an interest form by clicking on the link below.
Sunday Parkways Vendor Information
Can I perform at Portland Sunday Parkways?
We love to feature local artists! Email PortlandSundayParkways@portlandoregon.gov to learn about performance opportunities at these community events. Community members along the route are welcome to set up in their front yard or bring an instrument to the park. The more the merrier!
Safety at Portland Sunday Parkways
How will you make Sunday Parkways safe?
Safety is a priority Portland Sunday Parkways. Routes will be closed to motorized traffic, aside from a few designated car crossing points, prioritizing neighbors in the route, which will be heavily monitored by route volunteers.
Safety starts with each program participant. 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 turn 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 car 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 along the routes expect?
Streets along the route will be closed to motorized traffic, with limited access for people living on the route. 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 30,000 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.
What if there is a change in COVID-19?
The Portland Sunday Parkways Team will continue to monitor the conditions of the COVID-19 health pandemic and plan to follow all state guidance from the Oregon Health Authority to ensure the health and safety of all community members.
Portland Sunday Parkways encourages non-vaccinated participants to consider wearing a mask.
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 to state and local laws. Consumption of alcohol and marijuana are not allowed on city streets or at parks without a permit.
Can we have a cookout in a park?
To cook or barbeque 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.
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.
Which direction does the event route go?
Portland Sunday Parkways traffic flows both ways, much like a traditional open street. There's no start or end point along these 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.
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.