Labor Day Weekend Guide: Art in the Pearl Turns 30, Plus Festivals Across Portland

Labor Day weekend runs September 4 through 7 this year, and Portland has a full slate of events for anyone in the metro suburbs willing to make the drive in.

The big one is Art in the Pearl, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year in the North Park Blocks — one of the region's longest-running art festivals, with juried fine artists, hands-on craft demonstrations, and activities for kids spread across the park through the whole weekend.

For a more low-key option, the Labor Day Picnic and Craft Fair at Oaks Amusement Park is a fundraiser hosted by the Northwest Oregon Labor Council, with food, music, craft booths, games, and rides — a solid choice for families who want something a little less crowded than downtown. Wine lovers have their own option too, with Hip Chicks Do Wine running a Wine & BBQ event Friday through Sunday.

Between the art festival, the picnic, and everything else running through the weekend, it's worth picking one or two rather than trying to fit it all in — parking downtown fills up fast during Art in the Pearl, so taking transit in for that one is worth considering.