Street Plazas September Newsletter: Seasonal Plazas, Coraline Cats, Music, and More!

News Article

Portland’s plazas continue to flourish, thanks to a series of innovative initiatives and vibrant public spaces that are redefining how we experience our city. From the introduction of PBOT’s Seasonal Plaza Pilot Program to the whimsical Coraline's Curious Cat Trail, there’s something for everyone!

Published

September 4, 2024 10:55 am

A group of people enjoys a live band performance at the SE Sandy & 7th Ave Seasonal Plaza block party. The stage is set up in front of a repurposed shipping container, with colorful shade sails overhead. Attendees relax on blue chairs and artificial grass, watching the musicians — The kick off event for Depave's seasonal plaza at SE 7th & Sandy brought musicians, skaters, local community organizations, and the surrounding neighbors 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.

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Summer Scholars Welcome at Montgomery Plaza: 3:00-6:00 PM. Summer Scholars is a program offered to incoming undergraduate students to support the transition to Portland State University. Kick off the new academic year with activities and resources for students. Sponsored by The Learning Center.

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

MusicPortland at SE Spokane Plaza: 5:00-7:00 PM. Enjoy live music in the plaza. Sponsored by Gino's Restaurant & Bar & Notary Ceramics

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Adidas Skateboard Team Showcase at SE Sandy & 7th Ave Plaza: 5:00-7:00 PM. Join Depave and The Courts for a world-class skate viewing experience with the Adidas Skateboarding Team with the kick off of their Northwest Tour hosted by Adidas and Tactics. (Map)
First Thursdays at NW 13th Avenue Plaza: 5:00-9:00 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 at Ankeny Alley: 6:00-8:00 PM. Enjoy live performances in the alley. Sponsored by Ankeny Alley & Downtown Neighborhood Associations

Saturday, September 7, 2024

MusicPortland at SE Spokane Plaza: 1:00-3:00 PM. Sponsored by Gino's Restaurant & Bar & Notary Ceramics
Games in the Plaza at Concordia Commons: 4:00-6:00 PM. Play games with friends and family. Hosted by Friends of The Commons.

Thursday, September 12, 2024

MusicPortland at Ankeny Alley: 6:00-8:00 PM. Relax with live music in the plaza. Sponsored by Ankeny Alley & Downtown Neighborhood Associations

Saturday, September 14, 2024

Games in the Plaza at Concordia Commons: 4:00-6:00 PM. Fun and games for everyone. Sponsored by Friends of The Commons.
The Arleta Triangle Arts and Crafts Kaleidoscope at Arleta Triangle Square: 11:00 AM-5:00. An Arts and crafts event featuring makers from the Portland metro area in collaboration with Mt Scott Arleta Neighborhood Association

Sunday, September 15, 2024

The Arleta Triangle Arts and Crafts Kaleidoscope at Arleta Triangle Square: 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. An Arts and crafts event featuring makers from the Portland metro area in collaboration with Mt Scott Arleta Neighborhood Association.
Qigong at Concordia Commons: 9:00-11:00 AM. Start your day with a Qigong session. Hosted by Third Opinion MD.
MusicPortland at Concordia Commons: 4:00-6:00 PM. Enjoy an evening of music in the plaza. Sponsored by Friends of The Commons.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

MusicPortland at SE Spokane Plaza: 5:00-7:00 PM. Unwind with live music midweek. Sponsored by Gino's Restaurant & Bar & Notary Ceramics

Friday, September 20, 2024

Park(ing) Day After Party at SE Sandy & 7th Ave Plaza: 5:00-9:30 PM. Join Depave in the streets and help them inhabit a parking spot! Park(ing) Day is a global, public, participatory project where people across the world temporarily repurpose curbside parking spaces and convert them into public parks and social spaces to advocate for safer, greener, and more equitable streets for people. Depave will have a interactive engagement activities, project designs, opportunities for feedback, and lawn games to create a playful and engaging “park” in the street at the Future Green Plaza project site. (Map)

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Celebrate the Commons at Concordia Commons: 3:00-6:00 PM. Join in a community celebration at the plaza. Hosted by Friends of The Commons.

Sunday, September 22, 2024

MusicPortland at Ankeny Alley: 4:00-6:00 PM. End your weekend with live music. Sponsored by Ankeny Alley & Downtown Neighborhood Associations

Thursday, September 26, 2024

MusicPortland at Ankeny Alley: 6:00-8:00 PM. Enjoy live music to wind down the evening. Sponsored by Ankeny Alley & Downtown Neighborhood Associations

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Summer Work Party at Arleta Triangle Square: 10:00 AM-12:30 PM. Make a good place even better! Gather at Arleta Triangle Square every last Saturday starting at 10 a.m. to paint, weed, clean, and meet your neighbors. Gloves, tools, and light refreshments provided. Hosted by the 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! Want to throw a performance, dance party, craft market, seed swap, game night, neighborhood meet and greet, or something else? 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.

Seasonal Plazas Offer Exciting Innovation to Portland Streets

A skateboarder rides through the street plaza in front of ramps and obstacles at the SE Sandy & 7th Ave Seasonal Plaza block party. Behind him, a group of people enjoy live music under colorful shade sails, while others relax in the plaza’s seating area. The plaza features a mix of skate elements and a stage made from a repurposed shipping container. — Depave's Seasonal Plaza features a stage, a space for the Portland Indigenous Market, and skate features provided by The Courts Skatepark.

This summer, the Portland Bureau of Transportation has introduced a new Seasonal Plaza Pilot Program, which aims to create new public spaces that enhance community life. This program serves as a dynamic test bed for exploring designs that bring fresh energy to Portland’s neighborhoods. As a pilot program, we will be closely monitoring and evaluating these two locations throughout the season. Your feedback will help us assess the program's success and identify areas for improvement. Our goal is to refine the approach and expand this opportunity to more locations across the city in the future.

SE Sandy & 7th Ave Plaza (Map)

Located at the intersection of SE Sandy Blvd and SE 7th Ave, this seasonal plaza is an ambitious project spearheaded by Depave, a local organization dedicated to transforming underutilized urban places into greener spaces. This area, historically lacking in green infrastructure and tree canopy, also sits at the crossroads of two high-crash corridors, making it a prime location for community-focused redevelopment.

Ted Labbe, co-director of Depave, outlines their vision for the plaza: “Our goal is to close this street to automobiles, creating a vibrant public space that enhances bike and pedestrian safety. This seasonal plaza, which will be in place until September 22nd for Par(king) Day, is an opportunity for us to gather community feedback and test ideas for the space.”

In collaboration with the Portland Indigenous Marketplace, the plaza also hosts BIPOC women-owned vendors, adding local business and cultural vibrancy to the area. Additionally, The Courts, a local skate group displaced from PSU’s campus, have relocated their skate ramps to the plaza, bringing an energetic and dynamic element to the space.

A young boy skateboarding jumps a ramp and is photographed mid-trick at the SE Sandy & 7th Ave Seasonal Plaza block party, with onlookers gathered in the background near other skating obstacles and ramps. — Skaters of all ages were enjoying the ramps, rails, and half pipes.

Labbe emphasizes the importance of PBOT’s role in this endeavor: “We couldn’t build this without the support of PBOT. The Seasonal Plaza Pilot Program has been essential in enabling community-based groups like Depave to engage in meaningful placemaking.”

SW Salmon & 9th Plaza (Map)

A husky on a leash walks by a sign indicating a "Public Seating Area" at the SW Salmon and 9th Ave Seasonal Plaza. The car-free street features tables with umbrellas set up for outdoor dining and relaxation, with surrounding businesses and trees providing a pleasant urban atmosphere. — Cornhole, public seating, and doggos at SW Salmon & 9th Plaza.

Another exciting development this summer is the SW Salmon & 9th Plaza, created in partnership with Southpark Seafood. Nestled between Shemanski Park and Director Park, and adjacent to the popular Wednesday Farmer’s Market, this plaza is the perfect spot to relax, eat, or meet friends. Currently, the plaza features plenty of shaded public seating and a cornhole setup for all to enjoy. In a nod to the area's history and culture, the plaza will soon feature a Salmon-inspired street painting, adding a unique artistic touch.

Jason Gerlt, General Manager of Southpark Seafood, speaks to the plaza’s impact: “The 9th Avenue Plaza is meant to energize and invigorate our neighborhood, encouraging foot traffic in the heart of our city.”

The SW Salmon & 9th Plaza will remain in place until October 13th, aligning with the conclusion of Coraline's Curious Cat Trail, ensuring the space continues to attract visitors and foster community engagement into fall.

Whether you're exploring the skate-friendly atmosphere at SE Sandy & 7th or enjoying the vibrant ambiance at SW Salmon & 9th, these plazas are a testament to what’s possible when communities and the city come together to reimagine the urban landscape.

Coraline's Curious Cat Trail Brings Urban Exploration to Downtown Plazas

A large, whimsical cat sculpture inspired by Coraline stands prominently at Pod Plaza, featuring exaggerated eyes, pink ears with checkered patterns, and a playful design. In the background, people sit at bright blue picnic tables on artificial turf, surrounded by an urban setting with nearby buildings and public art. — "Thrive. Don't Just Survive." By artist Victoria Smith at Pod Plaza.

"Walking around Portland, I see so much color and pattern. Life thrives here. It just takes one choice, one step at a time. This piece was made to inspire others to smile more, have fun, and live life."

-Victoria Smith, Coraline Cat Artist

The cats are out of the bag and onto the streets! Last month, Portland's downtown streets came alive with a touch of magic, thanks to Coraline’s Curious Cat Trail. Running until October 13, 2024, this art installation commemorates the 15th anniversary of LAIKA Studio’s beloved film Coraline by bringing its whimsical spirit to life through 31 uniquely painted cat sculpture.

Each cat, standing nearly six feet tall, has been uniquely crafted by local artists. This trail offers an excellent opportunity to explore downtown Portland while engaging with these creative works of art. Whether you're on foot or bike, the trail is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

A vibrant, purple cat sculpture with skeletal patterns, inspired by Coraline, sits on a patch of artificial turf in Ankeny Alley. The street beneath features painted red flowers, while a cyclist rides by in front of a sushi restaurant. The scene captures the lively and artistic atmosphere of the plaza. — "Beautiful Decay" by Paloma Talaro at Ankeny Alley

"In Portland, flowers grow where they want, ideas sprout up like trees, and a resilient city becomes what we make it."

-Arielle Wilkins, Coraline Cat Artist

Out of the 31 delightful cats, five are located in street plazas, inviting visitors to these downtown public spaces to appreciate art, support local businesses, and explore the trail. While following the trail and snapping photos, PBOT staff encountered many locals and tourists enjoying the experience.

A group of people gathers around a black cat sculpture decorated with colorful flowers at NW 13th Ave Plaza. The cat, part of the Coraline-themed art trail, sits on a circular platform of artificial grass. The onlookers engage in conversation, enjoying the artistic display in the urban setting. — Visitors from out of town enjoy "Flowers Growing Where They Want" by Arielle Wilkins at NW 13th Plaza.

"I'm a huge Coraline Fan. I came up from Salem to follow the Coraline Cat Trail all over downtown"

-Plaza Visitor and Coraline Super Fan

A man takes a photo of two people posing next to a colorful cat sculpture at Pride Plaza. The street is painted with vibrant, multicolored patterns, and trees and plants add greenery to the scene. The Crystal Hotel is visible in the background, contributing to the lively, artistic atmosphere of the plaza. — Many plaza visitors stopped for a photo during a downtown walking tour. Pride Plaza features "A Reinvention of Blooming Connections" By Rae Sheridan.

"Portland has been the target of media scrutiny. However, those of us who live here appreciate the city’s quirks and are actively taking part in its rebirth and resurgence as one of the PNW’s premiere arts and culture hubs."

-Seaton Drebitko, Coraline Cat Artist

A brightly painted cat sculpture adorned with colorful floral patterns stands at Montgomery Plaza. The street behind it is covered in large, painted designs.Trees and greenery line the edges of the plaza. — "Rose Kitty" by Seaton Drebitko at Montgomery Plaza.

The journey through Coraline’s Curious Cat Trail is not just about appreciating art—it's also for a good cause. At the end of the trail, these one-of-a-kind sculptures will be auctioned off, with the proceeds going to benefit OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

Whether you're a fan of Coraline, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique way to spend the day, Coraline’s Curious Cat Trail offers a delightful adventure through the heart of Portland.

For more details, including how to access the trail map and app, visit the official website of Coraline’s Curious Cat Trail.

Plazas Are Alive with the Sound of Music

This summer, plazas across Portland have been alive with music. From MusicPortland's summer series and Beats on the Streets to Music on Main and other community events, music has infused our streets with energy, offering free entertainment and fostering community connections for everyone to enjoy. Take a look at some of the highlights from last month’s events!

Beats on the Streets at Ankeny Alley

A DJ pop-up at Ankeny Alley features two smiling DJs under a white canopy, mixing music on turntables. One DJ, wearing headphones and sunglasses, is laughing while playing a set. Around them, people are enjoying the music, with one person dancing nearby. — Group Sound and friends get in the groove at Ankeny Alley's Beats on the Streets.

At the Ankeny Alley DJ pop-up event, DJ Suzy Boles smiles while playing a set. She is wearing headphones and standing behind her DJ equipment, working on a laptop. In the background, people are gathered, enjoying the music and the lively atmosphere. — Suzy Boles was brimming with excitement for her first public performance.

"This was my first time ever playing in front of an audience! I was really nervous at first, but everyone was so supportive. BIPOC and queer women DJs have historically been underrepresented, despite house and techno music having deep roots in BIPOC and queer culture. PBOT Plaza events like Beats on the Streets give young and aspiring DJs like me the chance to grow, share our love of music, and make people smile."

Suzy Boles, DJ and PSU Student

Music on Main at Main Street Plaza

A large band performs at the Music on Main event at Main Street Plaza. The group features musicians playing various instruments, including drums, guitar, and percussion. The performers wear colorful outfits, with one musician in traditional African attire playing a djembe drum. The backdrop includes modern glass buildings and trees, while audience members enjoy the vibrant outdoor performance. — Melao de Cuba transforms elements of Afro-Cuban and Spanish music into vibrant, danceable music that lifts your spirit and brings joy to your heart.

A large crowd enjoys the Music on Main event at Main Street Plaza, with people dancing in the center while others sit at tables surrounding the dance area. The urban backdrop includes tall buildings and the theater. Attendees of all ages are seen clapping, taking photos, and enjoying the festive outdoor atmosphere. — over 500 people gathered at Main Street Plaza to listen, dance, and enjoy food and drinks.

"Main Street Plaza offers the perfect location for Portland’5 Centers for the Arts to host the Music on Main concerts. The Plaza offers a great way for us to offer free programming to the public. We love seeing Portlanders (and beyond!) come together in the cultural district to celebrate our city’s amazing local musicians and all the vibrancy that Portland has to offer."

Heather Wilton, Director of Programming, Booking, and Marketing

Portland’5 Centers for the Arts

A man named Matt, wearing sunglasses and a red shirt, sits on a raised ledge surrounded by greenery at the Music on Main event. Behind him, a large crowd gathers, seated on chairs and benches, enjoying the live music in the outdoor plaza. The scene is framed by trees and buildings, adding to the relaxed, urban atmosphere. Bicycles and mobility aids are seen parked along the pathway. — Matt biked down from NE to enjoy the sights and sounds of Music on Main.

"This is my first time coming to Music on Main. I came downtown from NE because I heard the music was going to be great. I really appreciate free public events like this."

-Matt, Portland Resident

Bubbaville Square Dance at Concordia Commons

A group of musicians performs at the Bubbaville Square Dance event at Concordia Commons. The band, seated under a canopy, features players on banjo, fiddle, and guitar, creating a lively folk atmosphere. People in the background watch the performance, enjoying the music in the colorful, outdoor plaza space. — Bubbaville is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to the educational and cultural enrichment of the Portland metro region through traditional music and dance. Photo: Kepper Petzig, Friends of the Commons.

"Gatherings like these are so important to our community. It was great to see adults, children, and people of all walks of life come together to enjoy the atmosphere of the plaza."

Kepper Petzig, Friends of the Commons

Participants at the Bubbaville Square Dance event at Concordia Commons hold hands and dance in a circle on a brightly colored, checkered street mural. People of all ages, including children, enjoy the lively outdoor event, while musicians play under a canopy in the background. — People of all ages came out for the Bubbaville Sunday Square Dance at Concordia Commons. Photo: Kepper Petzig, Friends of the Commons.

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

Last Chance to Take the Summer Plaza Survey

Or share with a friend!

Responses are rolling in! We love getting community feedback. In fact, we're so excited we've already started digging through Survey Monkey to give you a sneak peak at what plaza patrons are telling us.

A bar chart titled "What brings you to Plazas? (Check all that apply)" shows the responses from 1,238 participants, with 6 skipping the question. The most common reason is "Used outdoor dining" at 86.44%, followed by "Attended a community event" at 65.86%, "Used public seating" at 56.58%, "Attended a market" at 51.41%, "Attended a musical or art performance" at 37.61%, "Other (please specify)" at 12.19%, and "Sport or other recreational activity" at 8.72%. — An early sneak peak of plaza visitor responses as of 8/22/24. Outdoor dining (86.44%), community events (65.86%), and public seating (56.58%) are the top reasons people come to plazas!

If you haven't taken the survey or shared with your friends please do so! September is the last month to take or share the survey with friends and family. Let us know your opinions of the PBOT Street Plaza Program and help our program improve by providing your feedback!

Take the Survey Here

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 opened 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.

Make a Micro Plaza of Your Own this Month for Park(ing) Day!

Male sitting on an artistic chair in a parking spot for parking day.

Park(ing) Day is an annual event on Friday September 20th where community members, artists, activists, and businesses temporarily transform parking spaces into parklets, art installations, or other creative spaces. The event is part of a global movement that encourages cities to rethink how urban spaces are used, particularly how much space is dedicated to cars versus people. The event encourages social interaction, community engagement, and innovative thinking about how public spaces can be repurposed to benefit people rather than just vehicles.

Apply for a PARK(ing) Day Permit

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) issues PARK(ing) Day permits to allow residents, designers, businesses, students, community organizations and artists to temporarily transform parking spaces into public spaces. Learn more about getting a permit.

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!

A map of Portland featuring the 17 street plazas across the city

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.

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.

The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to city programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, contact the Portland Bureau of Transportation at 311 (503-823-4000), for Relay Service & TTY: 711.