Portland Parks & Recreation’s (PP&R) Summer Free For All Cultural Events (SFFA) program is gearing up for a Summer 2024 season full of free cultural events in Portland’s parks. The mission is to build community through free, inclusive and family-friendly activities that celebrate Portland’s diverse cultures and local artists.
SFFA partners with community groups, artists, nonprofits, culturally-specific groups and more to produce free concerts, movies and cultural events throughout Portland. There are three categories of events: concert/performance events, traditionally known as “Concerts in the Park,” that feature a local band, artist or performer and running 6:30-8:30 pm; movie events, traditionally known as “Movies in the Park,” starting at 7:30 pm with movie screenings beginning at dusk; and other cultural events for those that don’t fit into one of the other categories.
The 2024 event dates are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays July 11-August 31. For all events, applicants will provide their top three park locations and dates. SFFA events are traditionally held in the evenings although PP&R will consider an event that takes place earlier in the day.
For concert/performance events, applicants will provide their top three music genres and/or performance types. For movie events, the top three movie choices are to be provided.
All programming requests for events are made in consultation with SFFA and are subject to final approval by the SFFA team. This is to ensure that programming requests are available, logically feasible, meet safety guidelines and are in compliance with city rules and regulations.
Applicants are required to contribute at least $1,000 towards their event, depending on the event. Factors that could increase the contribution amount include, but are not limited to: type of event; length of event; amount and type of bands/artists/performers; amount and type of onsite activities and services; and event infrastructure needs (staging, sound support, trash collection and removal, bathrooms, etc.). Community contributions are nonrefundable.
For full information, including the Community Partner Handbook with more details, and to apply, visit . Applications are due by Monday, January 15, 11:59 pm. Acceptance notifications will be sent January 19 and Community Contributions for approved events are due by June 7.