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

The 2026 James Beard Awards Winners in Portland
Three James Beard Awards went to those in Portland. L-R: Erica Berry, 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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Small Bites: Strawberry Shortcake Malasada, Pride, Nostrana, and More

A strawberry shortcake malasada from Departure.
Strawberry Shortcake Malasada at Departure. Photo credit: Departure.

Late to the party, but no doubt delicious. It’s Strawberry Shortcake Week this week, and while they are not on the original list, Departure has something to share: their Strawberry Shortcake Malasada. It’s got a strawberry li hung mui filling and Thai basil whip inside the yeasted donut-style pastry. This sounds really good and is gorgeous to behold. 525 SW Morrison Street, 15th Floor, Portland

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Small Bites: Thien Hong, Phin Ca Phe, Coffee, and More

Not Thien Hong, but gelato from Pinolo.
Cantucci e Vinsanto gelato (top) + Fioritura sorbetto (bottom) from Pinolo Gelato.

Looks like renovations may come to Thien Hong. Currently under review, the relevant permit with the city includes tenant improvements, “to remodel existing restaurant dining area with new layout, partitions, conveyor belt system, food prep counter, and reception desk; no changes to building envelope or glazing.” 6749 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland

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Small Bites: Parallel Biscuits, The Deck Reopens, D’s Knots, and More

Parallel biscuits, this time in a biscuit sandwich.
Biscuit sandwiches tomorrow at Parallel. Photo credit: Parallell.

Parallel biscuit pop-up at . Head over to Parallel on NE Sandy and 31st Avenue tomorrow morning starting at 9am for their biscuit sandwich (and coffee) pop-up. They’ve been working on this biscuit for a while and are pretty excited about it. They’ll offer it as a pop-up first to see how folks like it, and possibly add it to the regular menu later. I was told, “House made everything even down to the American cheese.”

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