INCLUDES FESTIVE VIDEO | If you missed this delightful summertime family fun fest, featuring activities and entertainment, local food, and lots of craft vendors – come to their second one on July 16th – in downtown Parkrose …
There’s a big street party along NE 104th Avenue, south of Sandy Boulevard, as Parkrose Summer Nights community celebration returns.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Building on momentum from past years’ events, the Historic Parkrose (HP) Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative district brightened their northern outer East Portland neighborhoods with the return of the Parkrose Summer Nights festival, late Wednesday afternoon, June 18.
It was truly a family affair, and active entertainment for kids was abundant, as was freshly prepared food by local vendors, live music, and shopping available from among local vendors.
Showing another child her new look is Celeste Williams with Mystique’s Fancy Faces.
Taking a brief break during the festival, Historic Parkrose Marketing and Events Manager Samantha Montanaro spends a moment with Executive Director Héctor Márquez.
“This is our third year of putting on Parkrose Summer Nights,” commented HP Marketing and Events Manager Samantha Montanaro.
“We’ve created this festival because one of the things that our greater Parkrose community needs more of is joyous, vibrant, music-filled, food-filled, laughter-filled, multi-generational, family-friendly, beautiful events like this,” Montanaro told East Portland News.
Enjoy our video highlights of the June, 2025 Parkrose Summer Nights:
In addition to eight food and beverage sellers, their “Artisan Village” featured some 30 vendors.
“We prioritize vendors that are from the Parkrose neighborhood, as well as those with our indigenous and BIPOC communities – because we have one of the most diverse districts in Oregon,” Montanaro informed.
Visitors stop for freshly-cooked food at Ohana Eats during the festival.
Showing off her creation, a ‘Ring Worm’, is artisan Taylor Moody of Moody Scribbling.
“For example, one of food vendors is from Taqueria La Merced, just down the street,” Montanaro continued. “We’re helping support businesses, right here, because – well, after all, we are a Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative district!”
As the sun lowered in the sky, even more families arrived at the festival, where they shopped, enjoyed live musical performances, supped on “street food”, and played games.
Getting both kids and adults to “do the hoop” is Kendall Rae with Bright Heart Circus.
As the sun goes down, the tempo of activity increases at Parkrose Summer Nights.
“What we were hoping will come out of this festival is an increased feeling of safety and connection here in Parkrose,” remarked Montanaro. “And now that we see it happening, it’s everything we dreamed of, and more – a vibrant celebration of one of Portland’s most diverse and resilient communities.
“Whether those here this evening are sponsoring, organizing, performing, vending, volunteering, or just soaking in the joy, everyone is helping to create a space where every culture feels honored and every person belongs; this is what ‘community’ looks like.”
July 16 – Parkrose Summer Nights Street Fair and Market returns!
From 5 until 9 p.m. on July 16, Historic Parkrose again hosts this FREE festival.
You’ll find free family-friendly activities and resources for the community, as well as an evening market where handcrafted items, food, and beverages are offered for sale. “Come meet your neighbors and enjoy mid-week fun!” urge the organizers.
Be part of the fun at the July 16th edition of Parkrose Summer Nights!
It’s FREE to attend, and open to all. As noted, food and merchandise is available for purchase from their lineup of local vendors. Interested in vending? CLICK HERE to register. Where? You’ll find all this happening on NE 104th Avenue at Sandy Boulevard.
© 2025 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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