Summer Free for All Returns for 2025

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is bringing back its beloved Summer Free For All series for 2025, a community favorite made possible by the voter-approved 2020 Parks Local Option Levy. The festivities begin with Free Lunch + Play on Monday, June 23 at 22 park locations and apartment complexes across East Portland. Live music, movies, and cultural events will follow citywide starting July 2.

During the school year, more than half of Portland’s students rely on free or reduced-price meals. To help fill the gap during summer, PP&R’s Free Lunch + Play program offers nutritious meals and engaging activities for children and families when school is out. Starting June 23, kids can take part in games, sports, music, arts, and crafts, all led by trained staff and community partners. The program runs Monday through Friday at parks throughout the city and also reaches two East Portland apartment complexes through Mobile Lunch + Play, which operates from June 23 through August 22.

This summer’s Free For All series includes more than 40 events designed for all ages, from multicultural festivals and concerts to outdoor movies and community celebrations.

Schedules are currently available in English and Spanish, with additional translations coming soon in Ukrainian, Russian, Somali, Chinese, Vietnamese, and more.

“It’s just not summer in Portland until Summer Free For All gets going again,” said PP&R Director Adena Long. “There is nothing like experiencing live music or enjoying an outdoor movie with your loved ones in your favorite neighborhood park.”

The 2025 movie lineup includes Inside Out 2, Coco, Despicable Me 4, The Sandlot, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Live performances will feature well-known local acts such as Norman Sylvester with Lenanne Miller, BridgeCity Soul, Conjunto Alegre, Too Loose Zydeco, and more. Community festivals like the East Portland Summer Arts Festival, Washington Park Summer Festival, and The Kidz Outside Festival also return this year.

The Summer Free For All series is made possible by the Parks Levy, which allows PP&R to deliver on its promises to Portland voters. The levy funds free family-friendly events, recreational programming, swim lessons, fitness and arts classes, and teen- and older adult-focused activities. Importantly, it eliminates cost as a barrier to participation in these vital community offerings.

The official Summer Free For All kickoff celebration will take place on Thursday, June 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Parklane Park. Everyone 18 and under is invited to share a meal and enjoy activities in the sun. Free lunch will be served between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The East Portland Summer Arts Festival returns July 12 and 13 at Ventura Park, with Edna Vasquez headlining day one as part of her Best of Both Worlds tour. Day two features Portland Taiko and Friends, promising an evening of powerful drumming, dance, and musical storytelling. The Washington Park Summer Festival will be held August 9 and 10 at the Rose Garden Amphitheater, with performances beginning at 6 p.m. each evening. This year’s acts include Tempos Contemporary Circus and the Portland Cello Project performing the music of Radiohead.

At Gateway Discovery Park, free summer activities will take place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 23 through August 22. No registration is needed. Children can enjoy arts and crafts, games, cultural activities, and more. Free lunches will be served daily from 11 to 11:45 a.m. as part of the Free Lunch + Play program.

Free Open Play Swim will also be available at six outdoor pools across the city each week. Creston Pool hosts sessions on Mondays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Peninsula Pool on Tuesdays from 1 to 3:45 p.m., Montavilla Pool on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., Grant Pool on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m., Sellwood Pool on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and Pier Pool on Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., with an expected opening date of July 14.

PP&R’s Fitness in the Park program returns as well, offering free outdoor group fitness classes for ages 14 and older. Beginning June 23, classes will take place at eight locations citywide, including Irving Park, Ventura Park, and Mt. Scott Park.