August 2025 Festivals Near Vancouver And Portland You Can’t Miss (August 8-10)

Looking for the best festivals to attend in August 2025 around Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington? You’re in the right place. From sunflower fields in bloom to free outdoor movies, garlic-themed celebrations, and epic sneaker culture events—this month is packed with local flavor, live music, food, and fun for all ages.

Whether you're a longtime local, a recent transplant, or planning a summer visit to the Pacific Northwest, these August festivals are your chance to soak up sunshine, explore new neighborhoods, and create unforgettable memories with your friends and family. Plus, many of these events are free or family-friendly, making them perfect for spontaneous weekend plans.

Let’s dive into what’s happening this month—because summer in the PNW only lasts so long, and these events are too good to miss.

Camas Taco Fest 2025: Tacos, Tunes & Summer Vibes

Presented by A Beer at a Time

📅 Dates: August 9–11, 2025
📍 Location: O’Keefe Farms – 16190 NW Gillihan Rd, Portland, OR 97231
💰 Admission: $5 per person (ages 4+), Free for kids 3 and under

About the Event

Camas Taco Fest isn’t just a food festival — it’s a party! Expect mouthwatering tacos from local vendors, cold brews on tap, and toe-tapping live music that goes well into the night. Whether you’re here for the street-style carne asada or just want to dance under the stars, this is a can't-miss celebration of summer in Southwest Washington.

What to Expect

• Taco trucks & pop-up food stands

• Live music all evening long

• Outdoor beer garden hosted by A Beer at a Time

• Dancing, games, and family-friendly fun

Pro Tip

Friday is FREE — so bring the whole crew and scope out the vendors before returning Saturday for the full experience. Bring cash or card — and maybe a few napkins — because things are about to get messy in the best way.

Why You Should Go

• The food is 🔥 (seriously, it's a taco lover’s paradise)

• You get two full days of music, food, and fun

• It’s the perfect way to enjoy a summer night in Camas

• Support local businesses and community vibes

Friday Night Movies in the Parks

📅 Dates: Fridays – August 8, 15, 22, 2025
🕡 Time: Pre-movie activities start at 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Different Vancouver parks each week (see schedule below)
💰 Admission: FREE

About the Event:

Make your Friday nights magical with Vancouver’s free outdoor movie series! Each week, bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and friends for a relaxing night under the stars. Before the movie starts, enjoy family-friendly activities hosted by local community partners.

All movies are open captioned, and food vendors will be on-site—or you can pack your own picnic! Please note: alcohol is not permitted in the parks.

Movie Lineup & Locations:

• Aug. 1 – Coco (PG)
  📍 Esther Short Park – 605 Esther St.
  🎨 Presented with Vancouver Arts & Music Festival

• Aug. 8 – Moana 2 (PG)
  📍 Bagley Community Park – 4607 Plomondon St.
  🌺 Presented with Anavai O Te Ora

• Aug. 15 – E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (PG)
  📍 Fort Vancouver Parade Grounds – 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd.
  🏞️ Presented with the National Park Service

• Aug. 22 – Barbie (PG-13)
  📍 Columbia Tech Center Park – 17701 SE Mill Plain Blvd.
  🎀 Presented with on-screen American Sign Language

Pro Tip:

Arrive early to grab a good spot and enjoy the pre-show fun! Some parks fill up fast, especially for crowd favorites like E.T. and Barbie. Bring layers—it can get chilly after sunset!

Why You Should Go:

It’s not just a movie—it’s a full summer night out. These events bring the community together in a laid-back, affordable way. You’ll enjoy classic and new favorites, support local vendors, and make lasting memories with family or friends. I’m planning to catch Moana 2 this Friday—come say hi if you’re going! Plus, it’s all free—what more reason do you need?

Girlfriends Triathlon & Fitness Festival

📅 Date: August 10, 2025
📍 Location: Frenchman's Bar Park – 9612 NW Lower River Rd, Vancouver, WA 98660
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM
💰 Price: Varies by event
📞 Phone: (360) 314-4682

About the Event

The 29th Annual Girlfriends Triathlon & Fitness Festival is an empowering all-women's event set along the scenic Columbia River. Choose your challenge—Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon, AquaBike, or 5K Run—and cross the finish line with your best girlfriends by your side. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or trying a triathlon for the first time, this flat and fast course is perfect for all fitness levels.

🏅 Activities Include:

• Sprint Triathlon: Swim 825 yds, Bike 12 mi, Run 5K

• Sprint Duathlon: Run 5K, Bike 12 mi, Run 5K

• AquaBike: Swim 825 yds, Bike 12 mi

• 5K Run

• FREE Kids Triathlon (Friday, Aug 8)

• Sunset 5K/10K (Friday night)

• Co-Ed events (Saturday)

Extras:

• Finisher medals for all

• Awards for top age groups and categories

• FREE and discounted kids’ registrations

• Post-race festivities at a beach park venue

Why You Should Go:

This isn’t just a race—it’s a celebration of strength, community, and sisterhood. Whether you swim, bike, run, or cheer from the sidelines, you’ll be part of an uplifting, high-energy experience. Plus, with events for all ages, it’s a perfect weekend adventure for the whole family.

Sneaker Week PDX 2025

📅 Dates: August 3–8, 2025
📍 Location: Various venues around Portland, OR
💰 Admission: Varies by event (many are free or low-cost)

About the Event

Sneaker Week is Portland’s celebration of sneaker culture—uniting collectors, designers, and fans from around the globe. Dubbed the “sneaker capital of North America,” Portland is home to industry giants like Nike, adidas, and Pensole Academy. This annual event brings the local and global sneaker scene together through panels, workshops, art installations, music showcases, and pop-ups hosted in iconic venues and indie hotspots throughout the city.

Whether you’re a die-hard sneakerhead or just curious about streetwear and design culture, there’s something to experience all week long.

What to Expect

• Live design sessions with creatives in the sneaker industry

• Hands-on workshops and community panels

• Sneaker showcases and exclusive product drops

• Live DJ sets and after-hours events

• Pop-up markets with local brands, artists, and streetwear boutiques

• Partner locations include: Deadstock Coffee, Index PDX, Laundry, BAIT, and more

Featured Locations & Collaborators

• Pensole Academy – the heart of Sneaker Week

• Deadstock Coffee & Gallery – coffee + kicks culture hub

• Index PDX – premier sneaker consignment store

• Laundry – vintage sportswear finds

• BAIT – curated selection of sneakers, streetwear & collectibles

Pro Tip

Follow @sneakerweekpdx on social and check their website often—events and pop-ups are announced daily during the week. Some sessions have limited capacity or early RSVP requirements!

Why You Should Go

Sneaker Week isn’t just a festival—it’s a cultural movement rooted in creativity, identity, and community. Whether you're there to score your grails, network with industry pros, or soak in the art and music, this is one of the most unique and influential events in Portland. Perfect for locals and visitors who want to experience the city’s style and soul up close.

Elephant Garlic Festival 2025

📅 Dates: August 8–10, 2025
📍 Location: Jessie Mays Community Hall and Park
30975 NW Hillcrest St, North Plains, OR 97133
🕒 Hours:
• Friday, Aug. 8: Noon–11 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 9: 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 10: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
💰 Admission: Free

About the Event

Located just 30 minutes west of Portland, the North Plains Elephant Garlic Festival is a quirky, charming, and thoroughly entertaining annual celebration that’s all about food, fun, and community. This three-day event honors the mighty elephant garlic—larger, milder, and sweeter than regular garlic—through a lineup of delicious eats, live music, local crafts, and family-friendly activities.

And yes, there's even a mascot: Stinkee the Garlic Bulb, a friendly face beloved by kids and adults alike.

What to Expect

• Live music performances all weekend long

• Local artisan market with handmade goods

• Kid-friendly games & inflatables

• Garlic-themed food vendors – from fries to ice cream

• Beer and wine garden for the 21+ crowd

• Community parade and classic car show

• Meet-and-greet with Stinkee, the event's official mascot

Garlic-Infused Goodies

You’ll find garlic in just about everything here—garlic fries, garlic sausage, garlic ice cream (yes, really!), and even garlic kettle corn. Adventurous eaters, rejoice!

Why You Should Go

It’s not just about garlic—it’s about good times. The Elephant Garlic Festival is a perfect mix of small-town charm and big-time fun, ideal for families, foodies, and anyone who enjoys a little quirk with their weekend. It’s free, festive, and full of flavor, making it one of the region’s most beloved community events.

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