Explore Washington Park

Forest Crafts w/ Rad Creative Space
2026-05-31 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Discovery Museum, 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Join us once a month and explore your creative nature here at World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum with our friend at RAD Creative. From Forests in a Bottle to paper snails, seed shares, and fairy houses – tap into your creative side and make something memorable. This event is family-friendly, and crafts are geared toward kids who can independently use scissors, glue sticks, and basic school supplies or with parental assistance. All crafts vary in presentation. Adult supervision at all times is required. Craft supplies, tools, and guidance are included with museum admission and do not require pre-registration.

Bunraku Uncovered: The Art of Storytelling in Japanese Puppet Theater
2026-05-31 15:00 - 16:30 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Learn about a centuries-old Japanese art form in a rare U.S. appearance from one its most acclaimed masters! Portland Japanese Garden invites you to step behind the curtain of bunraku, Japan’s acclaimed puppet theater, through a firsthand conversation and live vocal demonstration. Takemoto Oritayu, a leading tayu (jōruri narrator/chanter) based in Osaka, joins Professor Larry Kominz (Portland State University) to explore how bunraku blends intricate puppetry, dramatic storytelling, and music into an art form recognized as a Japanese Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is a ticketed event, and must be reserved in advance.

Tree Time! Preschool Walk
2026-06-01 10:00 - 11:15, 2026-06-06 10:00 - 11:15 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Tree Time! preschool walks are a safe and fun way to get outside with your little one. Come join us for a story and guided walk on the trails at Hoyt Arboretum. We will use all of our senses to explore the natural surroundings and maybe even get our hands dirty! Staff and trained Arboretum volunteers will introduce you and your family to the plants, trees, insects, mushrooms, and more found at Hoyt Arboretum. This event is coordinated by Hoyt Arboretum and registration is required through their website.

Forest Bathing
2026-06-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Experience a guided forest bathing walk through Hoyt Arboretum’s unique tree collection and forested areas. Forest Bathing offers many health benefits from stress relief to immune system and mood support. Forest therapy is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to “forest bathing.” Studies have demonstrated a wide array of health benefits, especially in the cardiovascular and immune systems, and for stabilizing and improving mood and cognition. We build on those benefits and look beyond, to what happens when people remember that we are a part of nature, not separate from it, and are related to all other beings in fundamental ways. This event is coordinated by Hoyt Arboretum and registration is required through their website.

Forest Hope Through Innovation
2026-06-02 10:00 - 2026-06-07 16:00, 2026-06-09 10:00 - 2026-06-14 16:00 | Discovery Museum, 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Forest Hope Through Innovation is an interdisciplinary art-forest-science exhibition at World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum that explores how creativity, research, and community action can shape a sustainable future for the forests we rely on. Featuring work by more than twelve innovators, the exhibition highlights the aesthetics of emerging forest-based research—from technology and engineering to design and artist-scientist collaborations. Featuring work by more than twelve innovators, the exhibition highlights the aesthetics of emerging forest-based research—from technology and engineering to design and artist-scientist collaborations. In this moment of climate uncertainty, World Forestry Center is leveraging creativity, art, and storytelling to spotlight forest-based solutions as an optimistic path forward. Forest Hope Through Innovation is designed to spark climate hope and inspire community-based approaches that support resilient forests for generations to come. Included with museum admission.

Tai Chi for Better Balance
2026-06-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-04 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-09 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Many tai chi moves use images from nature—stable as a pine, flowing like a river, hands moving as clouds. Enjoying tai chi in the Arboretum allows us to connect deeply to that imagery. Each week we will explore movements which are relaxing, help improve focus and balance, and nurture rooted in the moment. This event is coordinated by Hoyt Arboretum and registration is required through their website.

Qigong
2026-06-03 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-06-10 09:30 - 10:30 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Looking to slow down, breathe deeper, and move with intention? Join instructor Steven for a calming Qigong session beneath the canopy of the Hoyt Arboretum. Qigong (pronounced “chee-gong”) is an ancient practice from Chinese medicine that combines gentle movements, breathwork, and mindful posture to cultivate a deep sense of inner peace. The low-impact meditative nature makes it great for all levels whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve balance, or feel a little more grounded. Come move with the rhythm of nature and leave feeling refreshed—body and mind. This event is coordinated by Hoyt Arboretum and registration is required through their website.

Textile Workshop: Portland Japanese Garden-Inspired Sticked Vignette with Judilee Fitzhugh
2026-06-03 09:30 - 16:00 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Portland Japanese Garden is partnering with textile artisan Judilee Fitzhugh to offer a series of four immersive textile workshops. In each session, participants will relax and enjoy the rhythmic dance of needle and thread while learning the meditative art of hand-stitching to create Japanese- and garden-inspired projects. This workshop runs from 9:30am–4:00pm, including six hours of instruction and a 30-minute lunch break. Participation is limited to 20 students per workshop, and classes are open to students of all levels of sewing experience.

Forest Stories
2026-06-03 11:30 - 12:00 | Discovery Museum, 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
On the first Wednesday of the month, join us in the Discovery Museum’s reading nook for Forest Stories. A storytime dedicated to forests and forest-themed books that connect adults and children and engage the imagination. Coloring pages are also available. This offering is included with museum admission.

Photographer Member Hours
2026-06-04 06:30 - 08:30 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Photographer-level Members and their guests are exclusively invited to capture Portland Japanese Garden’s beauty during twilight hours. These exclusive sessions offer a rare opportunity to document the Garden’s evolving seasonal landscape during ‘golden hours’ when the paths are quiet, the lighting is evocative, and the landscape’s natural harmony is on full display. Please join us for this special Member Photo Session. Whether you are looking to capture the unique traditional Japanese architecture or the organic transitions of the current season, these sessions provide the time and space needed for thoughtful composition and creative exploration. Reservations required.

Healing Herbs of the Arboretum
2026-06-05 11:00 - 13:00 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
The plants that surround us are full of healing and nourishing properties, if we know where to look! Join community herbalist Missy Rohs for a stroll around the Arboretum to explore the medicinal trees, weeds, and native plants we encounter. You will talk about which parts to use and which plants to avoid. You may even discover a new use for a plant you thought you knew well! This event is coordinated by Hoyt Arboretum and registration is required through their website.

Cultural Demonstration: Tea Ceremony
2026-06-05 13:15 - 14:30, 2026-06-07 13:15 - 14:30 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Portland Japanese Garden will offer free public demonstrations of Chadō, the Way of Tea, at the Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center from 1:15 – 2:15pm. The Way of Tea is intrinsically linked to Japanese gardens and understanding the kokoro (heart) of Japanese gardening. The traditional Japanese tea ceremony is a manner of preparing and drinking a bowl of tea. More than just making tea, it reflects the Japanese sense of omotenashi, or wholehearted hospitality. It involves choreographed movements where both the host and guest escape the fast pace of life and experience calm. Included with garden admission.

ZooBrew
2026-06-05 18:00 - 22:00, 2026-06-06 18:00 - 22:00 | Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
This 21+ festival features more than 50 breweries and cideries, along with food carts, lawn games and live music. Plus, enjoy keeper chats and an after-hours look at the zoo’s amazing wildlife. ZooBrew is a 21+ event — no daytime crowds, just fun for a great cause! Every ticket purchased helps the Oregon Zoo protect endangered species at home and around the world. Gather friends or bring a date for a festive summer night and come see what’s brewing at the zoo!

Member Garden Tour
2026-06-06 09:00 - 10:00 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Join one of our volunteer guides on a free Garden tour for members and their guests only, during member hours. Our knowledgeable tour guides, some of whom have been patrons of Portland Japanese Garden for decades, will provide members with interesting and informative cultural, historical, and horticultural information about the Garden. Whether you just joined as a member for the first time, or have been a long-time supporter, guided tours can provide new insights into the vision of the Garden and its place in the community. Tours will begin in the Atsuhiko and Ina Goodwin Tateuchi Foundation Courtyard starting at 9:00am, and typically last about 45 minutes. Reservations recommended.

Saturday Crew
2026-06-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Volunteer to care for Hoyt Arboretum’s trees and trails with the Saturday Crew! With 189-acres and more than 6,000 trees along 12 miles of trails, volunteers are incredibly important to maintaining Hoyt Arboretum’s tree collection and trail system, and it’s a unique opportunity for volunteers to learn about and care for rare and unusual trees and plants from around the world. No previous stewardship crew experience is required; training, tools, gloves, and volunteer parking passes are provided. Registration is required through the Hoyt Arboretum website.

Rediscovering Green: A Watercolor Wander Among the Trees
2026-06-06 10:30 - 12:30 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Think green is just… green? The forest has a few tricks up its leaves. 🍃 Join this playful, hands-on watercolor workshop where we’ll explore the many moods of green—from mossy and muted to bright and electric—right in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Hosted by Friends of Hoyt Arboretum, this experience begins with a relaxed introduction to color theory, where you’ll paint a watercolor color wheel and mix your own custom greens. Then we’ll step outside and wander into the arboretum, sketchbooks in hand, to capture the incredible variety of greens found in leaves, needles, ferns, and more. Whether you’re a watercolor beginner, a tree enthusiast, or just looking for a fresh way to connect with nature, this workshop invites you to slow down, observe closely, and maybe even turn over a new leaf in your creative practice. You’ll leave with new painting skills, a deeper appreciation for the forest, and a whole new way of seeing green on your next hike. This event is coordinated by Hoyt Arboretum and registration is required through their website.

Cultural Demonstration: Ikebana by Nana Bellerud
2026-06-06 13:15 - 14:30 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, has been translated as “living flowers” or “giving life to flowers.” Join us from 1:15-2:15pm for an ikebana presentation by Nana Bellerud from the Sogetsu School of Ikebana in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center. The Sogetsu School is known for its willingness to explore new ideas and materials. The founder, Sofu Teshigahara, broke away from tradition in 1927 to establish his new school based on the belief that anyone can create ikebana anywhere, and with almost anything. The Sogetsu philosophy advocates that ikebana should be part of a lifestyle, appreciated by many people from all over the world, rather than being considered an exclusive aspect of Japanese culture to be enjoyed by a limited number of people. Included with garden admission.

Following the Sun: Macro & Mindful Photography
2026-06-07 09:00 - 11:00 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
During this 2-hour sensory photography walk at Hoyt Arboretum, we will follow morning light as the sun slowly rises through the landscape, revealing tiny worlds, glowing leaves, and quiet details that often go unnoticed. This experience is an invitation to slow down and learn how to see with attention, presence, and curiosity. Your camera (digital or analog) or phone becomes a tool for noticing. As light gradually enters the Arboretum’s coves of sequoias and redwoods, sun turns the forest into a “cathedral built by bark and leaves,” as John Steinbeck wrote in Travels with Charley. Together, we will explore how sunlight transforms textures, shapes, and colors — and how to translate those sensations into poetic images. By the end of the walk, you will leave with new ways of seeing Hoyt Arboretum and its diverse ecosystem and a small collection of vibrant, nature-inspired images. This event is coordinated by Hoyt Arboretum and registration is required through their website.

A Brief History of Botanical Time
2026-06-07 10:30 - 12:30 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Let’s travel back in time to the roots of the plant family tree to understand the evolution of terrestrial plants. The Arboretum is host to many “living fossils” that show the increasing diversity of plant structures and features. Follow along major evolutionary milestones to understand the history and complexity of the plant kingdom. This event is coordinated by Hoyt Arboretum and registration is required through their website.

Public Tour
2026-06-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Explore one of Hoyt Arboretum’s three nationally-accredited collections with a knowledgeable guide. Public Tours will follow seasonal routes to highlight the flowering trees and the Magnolia Collection in the spring, the Conifer Collection in the summer, and fall color and the Maple Collection in the fall. Public tours are free and coordinated by Hoyt Arboretum Friends. There is no fee to attend, but donations are appreciated and support education programs at Hoyt Arboretum. Sign up in person at the Visitor Center on the day of the tour.

Forest Field Day: Adaptations
2026-06-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Have you ever wondered how woodpeckers can drill into trees without getting a headache? Or wished you could ask a slug why it has no feet and is so slimy? This month, we’re learning all about adaptations. Discover what fascinating organisms are on the trail and how their adaptations help them stand out, blend in, and survive! This event is coordinated by Hoyt Arboretum and registration is required through their website.
