How to Enjoy an Outdoor Concert in Portland, OR

Provide live background music for your picnic lunch or dinner when you enjoy an outdoor concert in Portland, Oregon. “The City of Roses” is known for its microbreweries, vast wildlife preserves and indie rock musicians. With one of the nation's best public transportation systems, it won’t be difficult for you to catch an open air musical performance in the home of the Trail Blazers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Transportation
• Tickets

1. Check out the city of Portland’s official Web site for lists of events and information on the arts and culture in the area. Plan your trip around these exciting events.
2. Pack appropriately. Before you leave, check the weather. Rain or shine, you won’t want to miss the concert, so bring an umbrella if you need it as well as some extra layers of clothing.
3. Catch a concert at the Zoo. The Oregon Zoo has a summer concert series where you can rent a blanket or chair, buy some food, see some animals and enjoy some music. The Web site has details, schedules and ticketing information.
4. Visit the Waterfront Park. The Waterfront Park hosts a series of festivals, orchestra performances and other outdoor concerts year round. See the Waterfront Blues Fest Web site for information.
5. Discover Portland music. The Portland Oregon Visitors Association has an entire section devoted to live music. Visit the Web site to find out about local artists and events.
6. Transport yourself or be transported. If you’re driving, map out your route ahead of time and find out where to park. Take the TriMet busline or the Portland streetcar or go by foot to get there easily and affordably.
7. Arrive early and get a good seat. The best seats on the lawn get snatched up quickly. Bring a picnic and enjoy a meal before the show so you can get an awesome view of the action.

Tips & Warnings

• Find out ahead of time what you can and can’t bring. Safe bets are coolers with nonalcoholic beverages, picnic blankets and umbrellas or parasols.
• Parking is expensive and traffic is stressful, so take the bus and save yourself the trouble.
• Illegal recording devices, drugs or alcohol could be confiscated and could get you ejected.