Roll into August with a nice compliment of events ranging from the performances of English church music from the Renaissance to a cutting-edge animation festival. We’ve also got two beloved cultural events and a summer street fair in Sellwood.
Homer Davenport Days (Silverton)
This mid-Willamette Valley town celebrates its special native son, the political cartoonist Homer Davenport. There’s a parade (10 a.m. Saturday), food booths, craft vendors, a beer fest, and the peculiar tradition of the Davenport races, when locals dress up couches, put them on wheels and race down the street.
4-8 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday Aug. 1-3, mostly held in Coolidge-McClaine Park, 303 Coolidige St., Silverton; free admission; homerdavenport.com/homer-days.
William Byrd Festival
This annual festival celebrates the golden age of English church music with a program featuring the work of composer Orlando Gibbons. Cantores in Ecclesia will perform choral anthems and solo music by Gibbons along with the music of William Byrd. There are also celebration masses, lectures, and more. Check the website for a complete schedule.
Opens with a concert 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at The Madeleine Parish, 3123 N.E. 24th Ave and continue various dates, times, and locations through Aug. 17; most events are donation based, ticketed events start at $35; cantoresinecclesia.org/william-byrd-festival.
“For Peter Pan on her 70th Birthday” (Astoria)
Ten Fifteen Theater presents a play that looks at a loving family’s view of death, life, and the allure of never growing older. Four siblings reminisce at their father’s bedside during his final moments and at his wake. Directed by Deanna Duplechain.
Opens 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, and continues 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3:30 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 16, Ten Fifteen Theater, 1015 Commercial St., Astoria; tickets $25; thetenfifteentheater.ludus.com.
Brews for Birds
Friends of the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Complex invites the public to a free music and beer festival that supports the Refuge Complex natural area that attracts more than 10,000 visitors a year. Enjoy crafts beers, live music, and games and activities for families.
3:30-9 p.m. Friday, noon-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1-2, Langers Entertainment Center, 21650 S.W. Langer Farms Parkway, Sherwood; free admission; friendsoftualatinrefuge.org.
2025 Chinese Festival
Head downtown to join in on a vibrant day of Chinese culture and community. The Oregon Chinese Coalition hosts a family-friendly festival of Chinese cuisine, authentic arts and crafts, and a full day of stage performances including dance, singing, string and percussion music, and much more. There will also be many children’s games including puzzles, paper cutting, origami, and Chinese calligraphy.
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 S.W. Sixth Ave.; free admission; pdxchinese.org/chinesefestival.
Never To Be Forgotten Ceremony
The American Veterans Organization presents a ceremony honoring the Clark County 59 fallen heroes of the Vietnam War. All veterans, current service members and families, and the community is welcome to the event. Expect a reading of all the names of Clark County’s heroes, military honors and flag presentation, patriotic music, and a military jet flyover.
10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, Fort Vancouver Parade Field, 600 Hathaway Road, Vancouver; free.
Obon Festival
The Oregon Buddhist Temple offers a celebration of Japanese heritage in Portland. The first Obon Festivals were held in the late 1940s, and the tradition continues this year with live entertainment, traditional food, and plenty of dancing. Enjoy performances by Portland Taiko, and martial arts demonstrations. The event ends with the Bon Odori, a group folk dance open to all.
2-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, Oregon Buddhist Temple, 3720 S.E. 34th Ave.; free admission; oregonbuddhisttemple.com/obon-festival.
Sellwood Moreland Summerville Street Fair
Summer and street fairs go together like ice cream and sprinkles. Sellwood’s version will offer more than 60 vendors, local artists showing work, games, crafts, tasty treats and summer drinks.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, in the heart of Sellwood on northeast 13th Avenue between Bidwell and Spokane; free; sellwoodmoreland.com/summerville.
Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology
Renowned Portland artist Gary Hirsch, of Botjoy fame, joins this year’s festival as guest artist. The festival will screen more than 150 films and animations from more than 30 countries. Enjoy panel discussions on film distribution, screenwriting, voiceover acting, and crowdfunding. The festival opens with the Pacific Northwest premiere of “A Rare Grand Alignment,” written and directed by Cinque Lee who will also be in attendance for the premiere. Check the website for a complete schedule.
Various hours Wednesday, Aug. 6, through Sunday, Aug. 10, OMSI, 1945 S.E. Water Ave.; single screening passes $10-$12, festival pass $93-$95; pdxfestofcinema.com.
Final Forest Grove Festival of the Arts this season
Enjoy barbershop harmonies at the final Forest Grove Arts evening of the summer. There will also be Latin sounds by Josefina del Norte. Get in on the make-and-take crafts booth, a letterpress demo, and a chance to contribute to a large community mural.
4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at a variety of venues in Forest Grove including the festival stage at 21st Avenue and Main Street; free; forestgrove-or.gov/Calendar.
KTP Summer Soiree
It’s the 100th celebration of Lions “Keeping the Promise,” which honors the service by Lions Club members across Oregon. Guests can enjoy mini golf, finger foods, drinks, and activities while learning about the work the group does to support sight and hearing for Oregonians in need.
4-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, Aerie at Eagle Landing, 10220 S.E. Causey Ave., Happy Valley; tickets $25 adults, $15 ages 21 and younger; olshf.org/ktp-summer-soiree.
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