Come to the open-air Portland Saturday Market on Saturday or Sunday to browse among the stalls of almost 400 artists and vendors. Initiated in 1974 with a $1,000 grant, the market has since expanded to 2 days and moved to its convenient location at Waterfront Park with over 250 stalls.
Purchase art from photographers, woodworkers, sculptors, potters, glassmakers and painters. Look for whimsical pieces made from ceramics and recycled items. Support the artists with a purchase and get ideas for your own creative talents.
Jewelry stalls are abundant here, with handcrafted items made from silver, other metals, glass, stone, recycled goods and even guitar strings. Purchase clothing from batik to tie-dye and felting to fleece. Pamper yourself with a massage and scented soaps or become a living work of art with a temporary henna tattoo.
Meet the artists at the art and craft booths and ask about their techniques. Many artists will contract work on commission if they don’t have exactly what you want at the stall that day. Listen to live music performances at the main stage or from impromptu buskers as you stroll along.
Stalls in the market are protected from heat and rain by standing roofs, tent covers or the Burnside Bridge that passes overhead. Be sure to do several up-and-back passes along the corridors to see as many of the stalls as you can.
When you’re hungry, visit the food court located primarily along the eastern edge of the market, near the river. Food choices typically include pizza and ice cream plus numerous ethnic cuisines, such as Nepalese, Mexican, Greek, Polish, Thai and Uruguayan.
The Portland Saturday Market is open on weekends from March through Christmas Eve, with a special Festival of the Last Minute from Monday to Friday before Christmas. Bike to the market, ride the light rail or bus or drive and get validated parking nearby. The convenient location next to the Willamette River is a nice starting point for walks to other Old Town attractions such as the Skidmore Fountain and the Lan Su Chinese Garden.
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