What To Do in Portland This August

If Labor Day marks the end of summer (at least unofficially), we have one more month to revel in the season.

🌲 Wildfire Season

First, here’s a note on the downside of summer — at least in the Anthropocene: Oregon is having a far worse wildfire season than last year.

• If you’re traveling anywhere near fires or into natural areas, you may want to download the Watch Duty app. It’ll give you alerts on new fire warnings.
• Also: check air quality warnings wherever you’re going and adjust plans accordingly.
• Portland has clear skies for now, but it doesn’t hurt to plan ahead. Here’s a suggestion: Build an effective DIY air purifier — or at least gather supplies to tape one together if the smoke rolls in.

🎤 Catch Some Outdoor Music

Aminé is back in town (or close by) at Edgefield next weekend for his music festival, The Best Day Ever Fest. Tickets, while spendy, are still available. Saturday features Kaytranada, BADBADNOTGOOD, Ravyn Lenae, and 3Way Heff, and Aminé is performing Sunday.

Have you ever been to the Oregon State Fair? Besides elephant ears and livestock, Ludacris is performing this year on Aug. 29.

🚲 Bike Summer

Here’s your reminder to go out and get in a bike ride before the end of summer:

• The World Naked Bike Ride was canceled this year, but Saturday brings a Bike Summer/Pedalpalooza event that offers the chance to flaunt your stuff all day long. If public nudity isn’t your thing, check out other bike rides still happening every day.
• Some of the best views in Portland are on our bridges. So join the annual Bridge Pedal on Sunday, Aug. 11.

🍴 Good Food News

Two of my favorite restaurants are finding ways to expand their offerings:

• Beginning tomorrow, Xiao Ye will offer a summer lunch series. Yum up their signature mini madeleines and small pasta plates (I recommend the rigatoni all’amatriciana). I personally want to try their take on a classic BLT.
• And more good news: The Italian bakery and pizza destination Cafe Olli is opening a new wine bar, partly to handle their overflow crowd. Ollini is set to open at some point before the end of summer.