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The Portland in the Streets team at the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is piloting a Play Streets program which turns neighborhood streets into pop-up community hubs for intergenerational socializing, play, and physical activity.
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What are Play Streets?
A Play Street transforms neighborhood streets into recurring pop-up community hubs for intergenerational socializing, play, and physical activity by closing the street to vehicle traffic. They create a fun, active space, especially in places where recreational areas are scarce. Play Streets are free and open to everyone.
Play Streets can have snacks and games, but they can also include culturally specific performances, potlucks, or demonstrations for kids like how to patch a bike tire or plant a tree. The possibilities are endless.
Attend a Play Street!
Play Streets are free and open to all. Here are our permitted Play Streets for 2026:
- Sabin CDC Play Street: 4 to 7 pm on May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, and September 8. Located at 1420 NE Killingsworth Street.
- Portland Fruit Tree Project Play Street: 10 am to 1 pm on July 18 and September 19. Located at NE 18th Place between NE Mason and NE Shaver.
- Division Midway Alliance Play Street: 12 pm to 4 pm on August 22nd. Located at 13608 SE Division in the Dairy Queen parking lot.
- Eco Lloyd Play Street: 10 am to 2 pm on August 25th. Located at NE Hassalo between NE Grand and NE 6th Ave.
Keep checking back as more events are permitted!
How do Play Streets happen?
This Winter, PBOT will be reaching out to community partners in focus areas to collaborate on Play Streets. Once partnered, PBOT and nonprofits will work to issue permits for Play Street street closures. Organizations participating in the program will receive the following resources from PBOT:
Access to PBOT’s “Park and Play” lending library trailers, complete with large games, canopies, furniture, and other supplies for use at their Play Street events. Use of the trailer is free.
Access to PBOT’s traffic control device library, meaning that all signage necessary to redirect traffic around the street closure is provided at no cost to the organization.
Program specific materials that outline the Play Street permitting process. These materials include information on how to create a site plan, place traffic control devices, notify neighbors, market the event, and day-of coordination details.
These organizations will then host a three event Play Street series between the months of March 2026 and December 2026. Play Streets will be happening all over the city!
What does a Play Street look like?
Play Streets happen on streets that are closed to vehicle traffic. There are games for kids of all ages, there are snacks and water and music, and sometimes special things like musical performances! Two of our participants were interviewed about their experience with Play Streets on Oregon Public Radio’s program Think Out Loud. You can listen to the piece by clicking the button below. Thank you, Sahar and Kate!
OPB Think Out Loud radio piece
How can I get involved?
Play Streets are open and free to all! You are invited to attend a Play Street series near you. Residents interested in hosting something like Play Streets are encouraged to apply for a Block Party permit for the street they live on.
If you are a part of a nonprofit, neighborhood association, or business association, and would like to host a Play Street series, please reach out to PBOTplaystreet@portlandoregon.gov and we’ll be happy to talk.
What isn't allowed at a Play Street?
Because these events are in public spaces, you cannot prevent people from attending or walking through the Play Street. Alcohol consumption is not allowed. To create a friendly and welcoming environment for children of all ages, we strongly encourage that all Play Streets be smoke-free. One vendor is allowed at a Play Street.
The History of Play Streets
In 2018, the Portland in the Streets team launched the Play Streets program. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was put on hold until the spring of 2023. With PBOT’s Active Transportation and Safety section, Elevate Oregon, and a team of dedicated volunteers, Portland in the Streets piloted a six event series in the Parkrose School District. These events included bounce houses, chalk art, basketball games, giant Jenga, snacks, and music. They were well attended and impactful in their neighborhoods.
In 2024, with the support of ARPA funding, the City launched a program in which Portland nonprofits applied to host a Play Street series. The six nonprofits selected to participate were granted a one time $5,000 funding award, access to our “Park and Play” trailers, and training. With events across the city, this iteration served more than 1,500 Portlanders.
Our Play Streets program joins a nationwide (and worldwide) movement to create safe space for kids to play in the street. Similar programs operate in cities like New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.