Portland in May

Summer is almost here! May in Portland can be both dismal and drizzly and surprisingly sunny. May is the perfect time to hit the PSU Farmer’s market, take your bike for a spin around Waterfront Park and the Eastbank Esplanade or the Springwater Trail, and make an early visit to the Rose Gardens.

Here’s what you need to know about Portland in May.

WEATHER

With average temperatures from the high 40s to high 60s, and daylight hitting 15 glorious hours by the end of the month, we can almost taste summer! Since May and June can still be fairly rainy months, it can sometimes feel like summer has arrived and then next minute it’s winter. Welcome to spring in Oregon.
>> Learn more about: weather in Portland

APRIL EVENTS/CONCERTS

May 3: First Thurday
May 5: Cinco de Mayo Fiesta – celebrate the fifth of May at Waterfront Park for the 28th annual event.
May 8: Taste of the Nation – sample tasty dishes from dozens of top Portland restaurants at this year’s 25th anniversary event
May 12: Crafty Wonderland Spring Sale – check out the Convention Center for the spring version of Crafty Wonderland.
May 13: Sunday Parkways NE Portland – Take to the streets by bike this Mother’s Day.
May 18: National Bike to Work Day – It’s going to be a busy one out there!
May 18: UFO Festival – head to McMinnville for their 13th annual celebration of all things out there.
May 18-19: NW Animation Festival – this weekend festival hosts 60 short films from around the world
May 19: Maifest – celebrate spring with German tradition
May 19: Reach the Beach – annual cycling event ending in Pacific City, Oregon.
May 20: Kenton Street Fair – North Portland neighborhood event
May 20: Portland Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon
May 20-June 10: Portland Rose Festival – celebrate the city of Roses through mid-June
May 25: Portland Art Museum Free Day– every fourth Friday is free museum day.
May 26-28: Memorial Weekend in Wine Country – more than 150 wineries take part in this annual event.

What’s your favorite thing to do in May?

Photo: Curtis Gregory Perry