Fourth of July 2026 in the Portland Metro Area

Fourth of July 2026 in Portland - fireworks!

Like I often say in anticipation of big holidays, “it’s that time again”—Fourth of July 2026, or Independence Day 2026 (take your pick), is in just a couple of weeks. Plus this year it’s the semiquincentennial/sestercentennial/quarter millennium of the nation’s founding with the Declaration of Independence.

Of course, July 4 is also a time to gather with friends, family, and loved ones; dance your heart out; view or march in parades; enjoy some barbecue; drink fizzy and fermented beverages; revel in summertime; and watch fireworks (or drone shows).

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Small Bites: James Beard Awards Winners, Coffee, and More

Two of the three James Beard Awards Winners from Portland this year.
The team from Scotch Lodge, and Ryan Roadhouse of Nodoguro. Photo credit: Jack Li/Galdones Photography and Huge Galdones/Galdones Photography.

Portland’s James Beard Awards winners in 2026—not one, but two! No … three! On Monday night we learned who won the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards. Portland was represented by two of these awards—one for Scotch Lodge for Outstanding Bar and one for Ryan Roadhouse at Nodoguro for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA).

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Father’s Day 2026 in Portland: Brews, BBQ, Carts & More!

Father's Day 2026 in Portland: celebrate the dads in your life, like Dan here in this pic.
Enjoying a sunny Father’s Day at Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs in Warm Springs

Father’s Day 2026 in Portland is right around the corner, the official day being this Sunday, June 21. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Dad, or your favorite father figure, Portland offers plenty of diverse options. Whether he prefers a laid-back afternoon at a brewpub, wine tasting in Willamette valley, a relaxing soak at a hot springs resort, or catching a soccer match at a food cart pod, there’s something for every kind of dad.

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Freeland Spirits PDX Is Officially Open (Photos)

A detail from the David Rice mural at Freeland Spirits PDX.
Detail from the mural at the Freeland Spirits PDX tasting room.

Last week I was invited to attend the ribbon cutting at the new Freeland Spirits PDX tasting room. Located after security in the North Concession Hall, they are also in the company of places like Grassa, Steven Smith Teamakers, and Pendleton (textiles, not whiskey). It’s a sweet space with plenty of bottles of Freeland Spirits in gorgeous colors (many reminiscent of the colors of sea glass), including the PDX Bourbon (exclusive to the airport), some nice seating options, spirits and cocktail flights, and a gorgeous mural that artfully incorporates the brand.

Here are some of the things I saw and heard during my time at Freeland Spirits and the North Concession Hall.

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