Memorial Day Weekend 2025 in Portland and the Willamette Valley

Welcome to the unofficial start to summer—Memorial Day Weekend 2025—in Portland and the Willamette Valley. There’s a good chance we’ll get summery weather and some of you will have a day off. It’s also a chance to remember those who have served our country and are no longer with us. The Friends of Lone Fir will be at Lone Fir Cemetery from 10am to 3pm (here are some additional observations nearby).

It’s traditionally a grilling weekend, too. For that, check out our roundup of places to get sausages in town, perfect for grilling. Normally, this list is for the occasion of Groundhog (Ground Hog) Day, but it’s relevant to Memorial Day Weekend, too. 

Here are some of the tasty activities going on in the greater area for Memorial Day Weekend. 

Memorial Day Weekend 2025: Festivals

Both the Rose Festival’s CityFair and the Multnomah County Fair in Portland start Memorial Day Weekend.

CityFair Opening Night Fireworks

On the evening Friday, May 23, the Rose Festival’s CityFair starts—with fireworks. There will also be live music, vendors, carnival rides, and food and drink, all at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Opening ribbon cutting is at 5pm, fireworks begin at 9:50pm, with music going straight through the fireworks. More information. 

98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland. Rose Festival website

Multnomah County Fair

The Multnomah County Fair opens on Saturday, May 24 at the Oaks Amusement Park in SE Portland. Here’s the schedule (hours are noon to 7pm each day) and a list of vendors, which include food and drink from Chimnik European Bakery, Lupita’s Taqueria, Juicy JV’s Wings, Asona Cuisine, Dairy Hill Ice Cream, and Sister’s Fry Bread.

Admission is free but Oaks Park charges $4 to park. 

7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland. Multnomah County Fair website

---

Memorial Day Weekend 2025: Supermarket Shopping

There are plenty of supermarkets and grocery stores offering everything you need for your Memorial Day party. Safeway put out this blurb that includes: “Shop for burgers, hot dogs, buns and sides like chips, dips and pasta salad. Pick up steak, ground beef, chicken and shrimp to throw on the grill.” Disappointed they did not include any vegan proteins, but there should be good options here in Portland. 

---

Memorial Day Weekend 2025: Single Events

Grand Fir Brewing

On Saturday, May 24, Grand Fir Brewing is throwing a BBQ party in front of their pub. Chef Doug Adams will be grilling and smoking the meats: hot chicken half birds, with Texas toast, pickles, ranch amd IPA honey mustard; and Grilled Zenner’s hot dogs with sweet hot jalapeño relish and smoked bone marrow caramelized onions. $5 mugs of Tack Shack (a Czech Amber Lager that Grand Fir Brewing makes) will also be available.

They’ll also have BBQ packs to go for you to purchase and enjoy at home: one pound of pulled pork, four buns, pickles, IPA honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and a 4-pack of Tack Shack ETX Lager.

1403 SE Stark Street, Portland. Grand Fir Brewing website

Hip Chicks Do Wine

The hip chicks will do some wine pairings Memorial Day Weekend, with Oregon Wine Month in mind. “We’re pairing five of our finest wines with a seasonal, refreshing Sangria—perfect for sipping on a warm spring day.” Taste the five wines plus Sangria for $15. There will also be BBQ-themed small plates available for purchase. 

These tastings will take place on Friday from 2pm to 7pm; Saturday from noon to 7pm; and Sunday from noon to 5pm. Reservations are not required but if you want to, let them know you are coming and they’ll have a have a table ready for you. Set your reservation here. 

4510 SE 23rd Avenue, Portland. Hip Chicks Do Wine website

Memorial Day Remembrance & Barbecue 

At The Watermark at the Pearl, a senior living community: “’Bring your friends and family to connect with members of VFW Post #1325 and the veterans who call our community home. Enjoy delicious barbecue fare and feel the warmth of true friendship as we remember our nation’s fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom. Call 971-417-3314 to RSVP by May 23.” More information.

1540 NW 13th Avenue, Portland. The Watermark at the Pearl website

Vines & Vibes: Memorial Weekend Edition

Vines & Vibes considers itself Portland’s signature R&B and wine experience, “where great music meets unforgettable pours.”

For this event on Saturday, May 24 from 8:30pm to midnight, they are partnering with Wild Roots Spirits to bring you an “elevated evening filled with premium wine selections, setting the vibe for an intimate, flavor-filled night you won’t forget.” You can expect:

• Curated wine tasting from Wild Roots (including Rosé, Pinot, and Chardonnay).
• R&B sounds by Jupiter and Chris Harden.
• Elevated Vibes at Upper Room Portland.
• Networking, vibing, and celebrating community.

All happening at Upper Room. “Come dressed to vibe—elevated casual or cocktail attire encouraged.” RSVP via Eventbrite, tickets are $28.52.

720 SW Ankeny Street, Portland. Upper Room website

---

Memorial Day Weekend 2025: Wine Country

There are a variety of events in the Willamette Valley’s wine country for Memorial Day weekend. 

Cana’s Feast Winery

On Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, “the 2024 Rosato will make its debut this holiday weekend alongside a lineup of your favorite red wines!” There will also be Oregon Wood Fired Pizza until 4pm with a delicious selection of food. Live music by Eric John Kaiser on Saturday and Dylan Santiago on Sunday. No outside food is allowed during this event. More information.

Wine Flight: Complimentary for Cellar Club, $25 per person for Non-Club members. Reservations recommended. 

749 N Yamhill Street, Carlton, OR. Cana’s Feast Winery website

Flâneur Wines and Dominio IV Wines

On Saturday, May 24 from 11am to 5pm, stop by Flâneur Wines and enjoy seasonal wines, craft beer, and delicious food. Your ticket includes three drink tickets for 3oz pours of Flâneur Wines, Dominio IV Wines, and Root & Rye Brewery (beer and NA options will be available). Wooden Heart Pizza Company will provide wood-fired pizza; other vendors will be there, too. 

Tickets are $25. Reserve via Tock.

168 S Pine Street, Carlton, OR.  Flâneur Wines website

Knudsen Vineyards

On Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, enjoy BBQ, live music, and wine on the Terrace. There will be flights, glasses, and bottle service. Live music from noon to 4pm featuring Jacob Westfall (Saturday) and Rick Biordi (Sunday). Limited seating; reservations are recommended to guarantee your seat.

Taste of Excellence is providing the food at $18 a plate (you pay them directly), which includes housemade Pinot Noir BBQ pulled pork sliders (2) with creamy slaw, pickled shallot, and homestyle baked beans. The vegetarian option is a Portobello mushroom slider. Tables are available for 90 minutes. Reserve via Tock.

9419 NE Worden Hill Road, Dundee, OR. Knudsen Vineyards website

Stoller Family Estate

On Saturday, May 24 from 11am to 4pm, there will be “pizza and Pinot” at Stoller for a “laid-back celebration.” As for the food: “Chef Becca’s artisan pizzas alongside your favorite Stoller wines while enjoying live music that will set the perfect mood.”

$10 per guest; complimentary for club members. Ticket includes your first glass of wine and commemorative GoVino glass. Food and additional wine available for purchase. More information.

16161 NE McDougall Rd, Dayton, OR. Stoller Family Estate website