Explore Washington Park

Pop-Up Nature: Owls
2026-07-02 09:30 - 2026-07-04 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
This week’s Pop-Up Nature theme is OWLS! Join us July 2, 3, & 4 to learn more about the owls we see in the Pacific Northwest and their incredible adaptations through hands-on activities and exploration! These are free, drop-in events. No need to register.

Tai Chi for Better Balance
2026-07-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-07 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-09 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.

Cultural Performance: Koto by Mitsuki Dazai
2026-07-03 13:15 - 14:30 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Enjoy a free koto performance by Mitsuki Dazai at the Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center. The Koto is a thirteen-string plucked zither introduced to Japan in the 7th century. It has been part of the Gagaku court ensemble for over a thousand years and was popularized in the Edo period (1600-1868). It is now one of Japan’s most prominent musical instruments, with a wide range of techniques and sound textures. This performance is included with garden admission.

ZooNights
2026-07-03 17:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-10 17:00 - 21:00 | Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Celebrate summer at the zoo Fridays through August at ZooNights! Each evening is filled with live music, food carts, keeper chats and activities for all ages. Plus, animal encounters offer the chance to get to know wildlife up close. Experience the zoo after hours, with plenty of tasty treats like the zoo’s ever-popular elephant ears, as well as local beer and wine for adults. There’s no better place to enjoy a summer night in Portland. Take a stroll through the beautifully forested grounds or spread out a blanket in the amphitheater and enjoy live music. Every ticket purchased helps the Oregon Zoo protect endangered species at home and around the world. Gather friends, bring the family or take a date and come together for wildlife this summer at ZooNights!

Member Garden Tour
2026-07-04 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.

Tree Time! Preschool Walk
2026-07-04 10:00 - 11:15, 2026-07-06 10:00 - 11:15, 2026-07-11 10:00 - 11:15, 2026-07-13 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.

Hike with Hoyt
2026-07-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Explore Hoyt Arboretum’s trails on a guided hike! Learn the trails, see the Arboretum’s highlights, and meet a new community of outdoor enthusiasts. Reserve your spot in-person the day of the hike at the front desk inside the Visitor Center. Each hike is limited to 15 participants. Hikers should expect to cover up to 4 miles on a mix of packed dirt, gravel, and paved trails. The hiking pace will be approximately 2 miles per hour. Hoyt Arboretum’s trails are well-graded but there is some elevation change (and occasionally stairs). Hikes will last 90 minutes to 2 hours and take place rain or shine. Please come dressed for the weather, including appropriate footwear and rain gear if needed. Hikers should also bring water, snacks, and any other personal items they note. Please note that we do have bees in the park, and stings can happen. Please bring whatever you need to be safe. No dogs on guided hikes due to the size of the group. Service dogs who are task-trained are welcome.

Summer Public Tour
2026-07-05 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-12 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. Reserve your spot in-person the day of the tour by checking-in with the front desk inside the Visitor Center.

Cultural Performance: Oregon Koto-Kai
2026-07-05 13:15 - 14:30 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Enjoy a free koto performance by Oregon Koto-Kai at 1:15pm at the Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center. Oregon Koto-Kai is a group passionate about the Japanese koto, a 13-stringed zither with over 1000 years of history. Founded by Mitsuki Dazai in February 2012, the ensemble performed its first concert in Portland, Oregon. Since then, they have performed throughout the state at venues like the Portland Japanese Garden, Portland Rose Festival, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. Their mission is to introduce Japanese koto music to the broader community by providing concerts and lessons. They collaborate with local musicians, improve players’ skills, and contribute to the cultural enrichment.

Forest Hope Through Innovation
2026-07-07 10:00 - 2026-07-12 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.

Qigong
2026-07-08 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.

Forest Field Day: Wellness In Nature
2026-07-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Did you know nature promotes mental and physical well-being? Join us for Wellness in Nature to explore activities such as yoga, sound maps, and an obstacle course that focuses on our physical, mental, and emotional health. Registration is required through the Hoyt Arboretum website.

Cultural Performance: Japanese Folk Songs by Ikoi no Kai Singers and The Hirugohan Group
2026-07-08 13:15 - 14:30 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Enjoy a free concert of Japanese folk songs by the Ikoi no Kai Singers and The Hirugohan Group at the Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center at 1:15 pm. This family-friendly performance will include a collection of children’s songs in Japanese including the beloved Kira Boshi, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. As part of our extended celebration of the Tanabata Festival, the performance will also feature a song about Tanabata, 七夕様 (Tanabatasama). Ikoi No Kai, the Japanese Ancestral Society of Portland, was founded on February 14, 1979 by a group of Issei to provide nutritious meals to older members of our community. The name was selected because of its meaning: “a place of rest.” Ikoi no Kai also provides an opportunity for people to get together to sing, play cards, and move with lessons in tai chi and chair hula. The Ikoi no Kai Singers are accompanied by The Hirugohan Group. In Japanese, the word for lunch is hirugohan. The singers and musicians perform a repertoire of half American and half Japanese songs. This performance is included with garden admission.

Pop-Up Nature!
2026-07-09 09:30 - 2026-07-11 12:30 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Join us for our thrice weekly Pop-Up Nature Stations in the Visitor Center Courtyard. We’ll be sharing and discussing topics like cones, ferns, seeds, berries, leaves, bark, and more! Participants will receive Pop-Up Nature! Passports to collect stamps and to take notes about featured topics week after week. Collect 5 stamps and earn a prize!

Pop-Up Nature: Lichen
2026-07-09 09:30 - 2026-07-11 12:30 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
This week’s Pop-Up Nature theme is LICHENS! Join us July 9, 10, & 11 to learn all about the symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae, the different types of lichen, where they grow and so much more! These are free, drop-in events. No need to register.

Member Extended Hours
2026-07-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
As the sun begins to set and the daily crowds depart, we invite our members and their guests to experience the Garden in one of its most tranquil states. During these exclusive extended hours, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the winding paths, taking in the shifting light and evening serenity that few get to witness. Reservations recommeded.

Cultural Demonstration: Ikebana by Diane Dixon
2026-07-10 13:15 - 14:15 | 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 for an ikebana presentation by Diane Dixon from the Ohara School of Ikebana in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center. The Ohara School of Ikebana is noted for developing the moribana style. This broke with the more traditional and formal vertical styles, creating new horizontal arrangements, with flowers “heaped” (moru) in lower plate-like containers. Ohara School emphasizes seasonal qualities, natural growth processes, and the beauty of natural environments. The selection and arrangement of seasonal materials genuinely allows the ikebana devotee to connect with and reflect nature’s beauty. This demonstration is included with garden admission.

Storytime in the Family Studio - Tanabata
2026-07-11 10:30 - 11:00 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Join us in the Family Studio for a joyful community storytime celebrating Japanese culture and the power of nature to spark curiosity and wonder. Perfect for families and young readers, this event features a selection of stories especially chosen for children aged 3 to 8, but all ages are welcome to enjoy the fun! One Saturday each month, come share in the joy of storytelling through a new theme inspired by Portland Japanese Garden’s cultural festivals and community programs. In celebration of Tanabata, the Star Festival, July’s theme is all about wishes, dreams, and connecting with one another.

Early Member Morning
2026-07-12 08:00 - 08:45 | Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the animal kingdom before the zoo opens to the public! Grab a coffee or breakfast from the Cascade Cafe and stroll through the grounds at your own pace as the zoo wakes up around you. This members-only experience is available on select weekend dates from May 17 through August 29. Early entry ends promptly at 8:45 a.m. Guests arriving later must wait until the zoo opens at 9 a.m.

Member Mindfulness Tour
2026-07-12 09:00 - 10:00 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
This intimate tour focuses not on meditation, but instead on learning to bring mindful awareness to oneself, and the world around us, through intentional observation and connections. An experienced guide will provide a foundation for the art of contemplative exploration throughout various Garden spaces, and gently guide awareness away from the busyness of everyday life, back toward the connection to nature and experience of peace. Each tour will be slightly unique to focus on the current season, weather (occurs rain or shine), and garden spaces. However, these tours are designed and intended to help members continue to enhance future Garden visits through independent mindful practice through all seasons. Tours will begin in the Atsuhiko and Ina Goodwin Tateuchi Foundation Courtyard starting at 9:00am, and typically last about 45-60 minutes. Reservations required.

Tanabata, The Star Festival
2026-07-12 10:30 - 14:30 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Tanabata, the Star Festival, is one of five seasonal festivals that has been celebrated in Japan since the eighth century. Each summer in Japan, people prepare for the festival by writing their wishes on narrow strips of paper called tanzaku and hanging them with other origami paper ornaments on bamboo branches displayed at the entrance to their homes and public places. Guests attending Portland Japanese Garden’s Tanabata celebration will be invited to the Yanai Family Classroom to write their own wishes on tanzaku. Volunteers will be present to assist guests with hanging their tanzaku on the bamboo in the Crumpacker Bamboo Allee, adding to the colorful display. The festival will also feature music from Takohachi and storytelling of the Tanabata story. Warm weather is expected! Be sure to bring water bottles, sun protection, and items to stay cool.
