This August we’re thrilled to announce a new DJ Pop-up at Ankeny Alley, adding lively beats to the streets. Additionally, our new Plaza Ambassadors are taking to the street connecting with community. This month we also highlight the powerful and important work from FinAbility in supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.
Join us as we continue to build bonds, celebrate diversity, and create lasting memories in our public street plazas. Dive in to discover how you can be part of Portland's public space revival.
Your Voice Matters: Take the Summer 2024 Plaza Survey!
The summer survey continues through August and September to understand how people use the plazas and gather feedback to help us plan for the future. Please share the survey with your friends and the community as we rebuild Portland's streets together.
Upcoming Plaza Partner Events
There are countless events at the plazas each month. Need help finding them? Check out the Plaza Directory. Events are also frequently posted on the PBOT Instagram page.
Thursday, August 1, 2024
- Game Night in the Plaza, St Johns Plaza: 6:30-8:30 PM. Enjoy Game Night in the Plaza every Thursday Night during June, July, and August. Come join us for fun board games hosted by a different business each week in partnership with the St. Johns Boosters.
- First Thursdays, NW 13th Avenue Plaza: 5-9 PM. Join us in the Pearl District for First Thursday. Experience the work of local artists and makers along NW 13th Plaza on NW 13th Avenue between Everett and NW Irving streets. This event is sponsored by the Urban Art Network.
- MusicPortland, Ankeny Alley: 6-8 PM. Sponsored by the Ankeny Alley & Downtown Neighborhood Association.
Sunday, August 4, 2024
- Old Time Slow Jam, Concordia Commons: 1:30-5:30 PM. Come jam with this beginner-friendly group. Bring your acoustic instrument and join us in making traditional music.
Hosted by Bubbaville.
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
- Summer Stitch Night in the Plaza, St Johns Plaza: 6-8 PM. Open knit and crochet! Come meet other knitters and crocheters, all levels welcome. Hosted by the St. Johns Boosters.
- MusicPortland, SE Spokane: 5-7 PM. Sponsored by Gino's Restaurant & Bar & Notary Ceramics.
- Youth Busking, NW 13th Plaza 4:30-8 PM. Hosted by Curbside Serenade.
Thursday, August 8, 2024
- Game Night in the Plaza, St Johns Plaza: 6:30-8:30 PM. Enjoy Game Night in the Plaza every Thursday Night during June, July, and August. Come join us for fun board games hosted by a different business each week in partnership with the St. Johns Boosters.
- Montavilla Movie Night, Montavilla Plaza: 8-10:30 PM. Ghost Busters Frozen Empire hosted by METBA.
- MusicPortland, Ankeny Alley: 6-8 PM. Sponsored by the Ankeny Alley & Downtown Neighborhood Association.
Saturday, August 10, 2024
- Beats on the Streets: Group Sound Takeover, Ankeny Alley: Noon-5 PM. Hosted byGroup Sound PDX.
- MusicPortland, SE Spokane: 1-3 PM. Sponsored by Gino's Restaurant & Bar & Notary Ceramics.
- Arleta Triangle Arts & Crafts Kaleidoscope, Arleta Triangle Square: Noon-5 PM. An arts and crafts event featuring makers from the Portland metro area in collaboration with the Mt Scott Arleta Neighborhood Association.
Sunday, August 11, 2024
- MusicPortland, Concordia Commons: 4-6 PM. Sponsored by Friends of The Commons and the Concordia Neighborhood Association.
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
- 2nd Tuesday Threshold Makers Market, Montavilla Plaza: 3-10 PM. 2nd Tuesdays BBQ and Makers Markets are back for the season! Hosted by Threshold Brewing.
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
- Summer Stitch Night in the Plaza, St Johns Plaza: 6-8 PM. Open knit and crochet! Come meet other knitters and crocheters, all levels welcome. Hosted by the St. Johns Boosters.
Thursday, August 15, 2024
- Game Night in the Plaza, St Johns Plaza: 6:30-8:30 PM. Enjoy Game Night in the Plaza every Thursday Night during June, July, and August. Come join us for fun board games hosted by a different business each week in partnership with the St. Johns Boosters.
- Montavilla Movie Night, Montavilla Plaza: 8-10:30 PM. Rock N' Roll Highschool hosted by METBA.
- MusicPortland, Ankeny Alley: 6-8 PM. Sponsored by the Ankeny Alley & Downtown Neighborhood Association.
Saturday, August 17, 2024
- Pirate Palooza, Arleta Triangle Square: Noon-4 PM. Hosted by Mt. Scott Community Center and the Mt Scott Arleta Neighborhood Association.
- Beats on the Streets: DJ Mintz Disco Takeover, Ankeny Alley: Noon-2 PM. Hosted by Group Sound PDX.
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
- Summer Stitch Night in the Plaza, St Johns Plaza: 6-8 PM. Open knit and crochet! Come meet other knitters and crocheters, all levels welcome. Hosted by the St. Johns Boosters.
- MusicPortland, SE Spokane: 5-7 PM. Sponsored by Gino's Restaurant & Bar & Notary Ceramics
Thursday, August 22, 2024
- Game Night in the Plaza, St Johns Plaza: 6:30-8:30 PM. Enjoy Game Night in the Plaza every Thursday Night during June, July, and August. Come join us for fun board games hosted by a different business each week in partnership with the St. Johns Boosters.
- Montavilla Movie Night, Montavilla Plaza: 8-10:30 PM. Showing Cloak & Dagger hosted by METBA.
- MusicPortland, Ankeny Alley: 6-8 PM. Sponsored by the Ankeny Alley & Downtown Neighborhood Association.
Saturday, August 24, 2024
- Beats on the Streets: USB Check Takeover, Ankeny Alley: Noon-5 PM. Hosted by USB Check Collective.
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
- Summer Stitch Night in the Plaza, St Johns Plaza: 6-8 PM. Open knit and crochet! Come meet other knitters and crocheters, all levels welcome. Hosted by the St. Johns Boosters.
Thursday, August 29, 2024
- Game Night in the Plaza, St Johns Plaza: 6:30-8:30 PM. Enjoy Game Night in the Plaza every Thursday Night during June, July, and August. Come join us for fun board games hosted by a different business each week in partnership with the St. Johns Boosters.
- MusicPortland, Ankeny Alley: 6-8 PM. Sponsored by the Ankeny Alley & Downtown Neighborhood Association.
Saturday, August 31, 2024
- Summer Work Party, Arleta Triangle Square: 10 AM-12:30 PM. Make a good place even better! Winter has ended, and your neighborhood plaza requires your assistance to maintain it an accessible space for community events and gatherings. Gather at Arleta Triangle Square every last Saturday starting at 10 AM to paint, weed, clean, and meet your neighbors. Gloves, tools, and light refreshments provided. Hosted by Mt Scott Arleta Neighborhood Association.
Want to Throw an Event at a PBOT Public Street Plaza?
Plazas are for Portlanders and we love to see them thrive! Whether you want to host a performance, dance party, craft market, seed swap, game night, neighborhood meet and greet, or any other event, we’re here to help. Reach out and email us at PortlandStreetPlazas@portlandoregon.gov and we can help you navigate throwing an event.
The Small Plaza Activation process is intended to remove barriers for small-scale neighborhood-based activities that build social and community connections in PBOT plazas. Best of all, permits under Small Plaza Activation are 100% FREE.
Upcoming Event Highlight: Beats on the Streets - DJ's Bring the Bounce to Ankeny Alley
"Beats on the Streets" is bringing Portland’s vibrant underground DJ scene to Ankeny Alley. Get ready for a dynamic mix of genres and styles, curated to get you moving and grooving. Kicking off this summer series is the Group Sound PDX takeover on Saturday, August 10th, from noon to 5 PM. Formed in 2021, Group Sound is a community-centered DJ collective dedicated to creating inclusive, fun, and energetic dance parties. Since then they have played at various venues, festivals, and campouts in the Pacific Northwest over the past four years and are now set to bring underground sounds to the city streets.
When asked about the event, Group Sound co-founder Guthrie Shriver shared about their love of music, public spaces, and a vision for Portland's revival:
"Supporting Portland's public spaces allows us to share our passion for music while contributing to the vibrant, inclusive atmosphere that makes this city so special. Cities like Berlin and Detroit have had major success in re-energizing their cities through music. Berlin, which just received UNESCO status for its techno scene this year, has seen major economic uplift and urban revitalization through the dance music industry. Today Berlin attracts tourists and creatives worldwide and as a result has boosted local businesses, created jobs, and transformed neglected areas into vibrant cultural hubs. We believe the dance community here can be an integral part of revitalizing Portland as well."
-Guthrie Shriver
Co-Founder, Group Sound PDX
A series of diverse DJs will continue the summer series including the USB Check Collective, and disco dynamo DJ Mintz.
“As a newer DJ in the PDX scene, I’ve received a lot of love and support from fellow community members. It means a lot to me to be able to give the same type of opportunities by organizing my own events. It’s also a huge bonus to be able to bring our favorite music to public spaces."
-DJ Vino, USB Check
Upcoming Dates with more to be announced!
August 10- Group Sound 12-5 PM
August 17- DJ Mintz 12-2 PM
August 24- USB Check 12-5 PM
Plazas as a Platform for Healing: Survivors Speak Out at NW 13th Plaza
On July 26th, FinAbility hosted its annual Speak Out event at PBOT's NW 13th Plaza, transforming the public space into a platform for healing and empowerment. Organized by survivors for survivors, this public, grassroots initiative aimed to empower survivors of domestic and sexual abuse to reclaim their stories and find community support.
FinAbility, a survivor-led, BIPOC, LGBT+, women-led nonprofit based in Portland, has made significant strides in financially empowering survivors of domestic abuse. In the past year alone, FinAbility has provided trauma-informed financial education and resources to over 30,000 survivors and community members. Guided by survivor voices, FinAbility is dedicated to creating a future where everyone has the financial security to live free from abuse and thrive. With financial abuse present in 99% of domestic violence situations, the lack of financial resources is often the primary barrier preventing survivors from leaving abusive relationships.
The event began with a series of speakers, each sharing their personal journey and insights into overcoming abuse. These powerful narratives set the tone for the day, emphasizing the importance of financial independence and community support in the healing process. After the initial speakers, the floor was opened to anyone in the audience who wished to share their story. Over the course of the event, over 80 people gathered in solidarity.
Recognizing that the topics discussed could be triggering, privacy booths were available onsite for confidential conversations or to simply take a breather. Various partner programs such as Rose Haven,Call To Safety, and the YMCA were present to distribute information about survivor resources. Attendees had the opportunity to visit booths, learn about available support, and connect with organizations dedicated to assisting survivors.
"When we envisioned creating Speak Out, we absolutely felt the need to have it out in the public where we can invite people from the community and all walks of life to come and speak out about domestic and sexual abuse in solidarity. We're extremely grateful to have the fellowship of PBOT and their support to access public spaces like this and get our story out."
-Keri Daniel
Board Advisor, FinAbility
Through the many stories of tragedy, hope, and triumph, the Speak Out event was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of survivors. By providing a platform for sharing, understanding, and healing, FinAbility continues to foster an open community where survivors have the opportunity to reclaim their stories and build a future free from abuse.💜
Plaza Ambassadors Take to the Streets
If you attend one of our many plaza events this summer, you may meet one of our Plaza Ambassadors. This new volunteer program aims to connect PBOT with the community. Plaza volunteers photograph events, engage with attendees, distribute surveys, and build connections.
This pilot program includes ten urban planning master's students from Portland State University, providing them with valuable community fieldwork experience.
Each month, the Public Street Plaza team will highlight one volunteer as Ambassador of the Month. This month, we recognize Gail Chastain for her outstanding work. In July, she attended the Kaleidoscope Arts and Craft Market at Arleta Triangle Square, the Montgomery Street Painting at PSU, and assisted with pedestrian counts! Gail shared her motivation for joining the program:
"I decided to volunteer as a plaza ambassador to learn about the locations, events, and activities offered in Portland's plazas. We need to have more third spaces (places where you don’t need to spend money to exist in the place) and plazas help provide alternative gathering spaces around the city. So far it’s been really enjoyable and I look forward to visiting other plaza sites over the summer!
-Gail Chastain
Plaza Ambassador
Upcoming Grant Opportunity for Community Partners!
Exciting news for community partners of the PBOT Public Street Plazas! Metro is offering Community Placemaking Grants, a fantastic opportunity to bring your creative ideas to life in our public spaces. These grants support projects that strengthen social ties, empower communities, and create vibrant, welcoming places for everyone. Whether it's a cultural event, public art installation, or any initiative that enhances community connection, this grant can help make it happen.
Up to $450,000 will be awarded in grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. No matching funds are required. Applications will open in August 9, 2024 and are due October 4 at noon. Grant awards will be announced in January 2025.
Learn more and apply here: Oregon Metro Community Placemaking Grants. Contact Dana Lucero for other questions.
Scenes from the Plazas: Montavilla Farmer's Market Fruit Pop-Up
Ahhh...fruit, one the the sweetest parts about summer in Portland. Last month, the Montavilla Farmer's Market hosted a special fruit pop-up at Montavilla Plaza and people had a berry good time.
"The PBOT plazas have transformed quiet streets into thriving community gathering places. A place to eat, rest, meet, and host events is key to any successful business district. Montavilla Farmers Market has utilized the Montavilla plaza for fun, neighborhood events that connect community members, increase foot traffic to the business district, and celebrates local food and farms. We couldn't do it without the availability of the street space from PBOT, the funding from Prosper Portland, and Portland Film and Events grants."
-Lisa Hall, Executive Director
Montavilla Farmer's Market
Do you have a great Public Street Plaza Photo?
We'd love to feature it! Share your best PBOT Street Plaza photo with the world by tagging @PBOTinfo on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly Twitter). You can also email them directly to our team at PortlandStreetPlazas@portlandoregon.gov
Where can you find PBOT's Street Plazas?
PBOT has numerous active plazas that are ready for you, your friends, and family to enjoy. They are great places to grab a bite to eat, relax, enjoy live music, meet up with friends, and so much more. Check out our directory to find out about plazas near you!
What is the Portland Public Street Plaza Program?
Originally started during the Covid-19 pandemic to assist businesses and Portlanders, PBOT's Public Street Plaza program-built partnerships with community and local businesses to transform select streets into public spaces for cultural events, street fairs, pop-up markets, and more. The program uses PBOT's Livable Streets Strategy, adopted by Portland City Council in 2017 as its policy foundation to turn streets into inclusive public spaces that foster public life.
What started as a temporary solution is now becoming a permanent fixture in our city. The Street Plaza program reflects PBOT's commitment to climate action, mobility for all, and community building by creating spaces that everyone in Portland can use and enjoy.
Contact Us
Got a question, comment, concern, or an awesome new idea? The Street Plaza Team wants to hear from you! Send us an email at PortlandStreetPlazas@portlandoregon.gov, and we’ll get back to you in a couple of business days.
Portland Public Street Plazas Funded by the American Rescue Plan
This project is funded by the American Rescue Plan, a federal economic stimulus bill designed to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recession. The City of Portland is receiving $208 million of local recovery funds. Investments focus on three key priorities: houselessness response and household stabilization, business and commercial district stabilization, and community health and safety.
