Multnomah County Fair at Oaks Park

The Multnomah County Fair at Oaks Park kicks off Portland’s summer calendar over Memorial Day weekend, set on the Willamette River in Southeast Portland. You get the classic county fair mix in a historic amusement park that has been drawing crowds for more than a century, with exhibits, contests, and live programming that works well for families and groups of friends.

You can move from small animal exhibits and agricultural competitions to the festival stage, where the lineup leans into community tradition and multicultural entertainment. Expect Portland Lucha Libre, the Creative Living Exhibition with floral and photography displays, and crowd favorites like the Wiener Dog Races. On Sunday, La Familia Day adds traditional Hispanic dancing and singing to the schedule.

Admission is free, and you pay a $4 or $5 daily parking fee per vehicle. Rides and mini-golf at Oaks Amusement Park require separate tickets or wristbands, and wristbands can sell out on the busiest holiday hours, so we recommend buying online ahead of time. Arrive around noon when gates open for easier parking and a quieter run through the exhibits before afternoon crowds build.

Plan for sun on the midway and bring a light jacket for the river breeze. Pets are generally not allowed inside exhibit areas, though the nearby riverfront paths are a good option for a walk. Food vendors cover fair staples, the indoor roller rink typically runs year-round with some sessions ticketed separately, and the fair runs rain or shine with several covered areas. If you are staying overnight, look at Sellwood and Moreland for local rentals and shops, or base yourself downtown for a quick drive or a straightforward MAX ride to the east side.