Independence Day: July 4 Celebrations in Portland

Happy birthday, America

by Brooke Preston in Event Listing

Independence Day: July 4 Celebrations in Portland

It's time to get your red, white and blue on, as Independence Day brings fests and fireworks throughout the region. Check out our list of where to celebrate (let us know if you're thowing a party we should add), and have a happy July 4th!

Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival
Check website for daily times, July 4-8
Tom McCall Waterfront Park (on the west bank of the Willamette River)
This is the largest blues festival on the West Coast. Steve Miller Band, Booker T, and others will keep the massive crowds feelin’ groovy, with plenty of food and drink vendors onhand to nourish the masses. Best of all, the festival benefits Oregon Food Bank.

Pepsi Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular at Oaks Park Amusement Park
Park opens at 10 AM; fireworks begin at dusk; Wednesday, July 4
Oaks Park (7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way)
Portland’s own old-school amusement park does Independence Day right, with rides, live entertainment all day, picnic spots and fireworks. Adult gate admission is just a five-spot; tykes and seniors get in for $3.

Independence Day at Fort Vancouver
Gates open at 8; entertainment starts at noon; fireworks start at 10:05 PM; Wednesday, July 4
Fort Vancouver (612 E. Reserve St., Vancouver WA)
Enjoy traditional family games and entertainment all day, a parade, and arguably the best fireworks display in the Pacific Northwest. Those of age can cool down with friends in the Adult Beverage Pavilion.

BABY KETTEN KARAOKE 4TH OF JULY
8 PM Doors, 9 PM Show; Wednesday, July 4
Mississippi Studios (3939 N. Mississippi Ave.; 503.288-3895)
Channel your inner Lee Greenwood, Springsteen or other patriotic troubadour with the finest karaoke selection around at this free show. Recommendation: Enjoy Mississippi Studios’ fine selection of liquid courage options before attempting.

EastBurnbecue Wednesdays at EastBurn
5-9 PM; Wednesday, July 4
EastBurn (1800 E. Burnside; 503.236.2876)
$10 gets you a loaded plate of food on this and every Wednesday this summer, when the patio and annex space turn into into EastBurn’s very own backyard barbecue, complete with grilled BBQ food and a featured canned/bottled beer from 5-9 PM, along with live music!