Always a Portland Festival on the Horizon!

With a vibrant youthful edge and a large waterfront, it makes the excellent combination for a city like Portland to enjoy celebrations. With celebrations come popular festivals that get everyone out of the house to enjoy the landscape and city vibes. Luckily, no matter what time of the year you plan to book a flight to Portland, Portland seems to always have a festival to attend.

Elephantastic: April
Though technically not a festival, it sure is a reason to get out and celebrate Elephantastic at the Oregon Zoo. If you haven't been over international waters to watch the wonders of this large creature, you can do so right in the city. Bring the family and observe the elephant family in their spectacular annual show. The event also personally celebrates resident elephant Packy's birthday, who turns the big 5-0 in 2012. And yes, the audience gets to join in and sing happy birthday to this special Portland resident.

Portland Rose Festival: June
You don't have to be a fan of the favorite flower to enjoy the rose festival; it's a celebration of the icon belonging to Portland. With roots dating back 104 years, The Rose Festival put Portland on the map as a large summer capital of America. Planning for the event goes back as far as six months prior to the event to ensure this annual tradition runs smoothly. Events include a rose show that judges over 4,000 blooms, a dragon boat race and of course, a city center parade.

Waterfront Blues: July
If you have the blues in July, it isn't because you are sad, but instead in the right mood for the Waterfront Blues Festival. For 25 years, Independence Day weekend has been a celebration of this Americana style of music. The sun is out; the waterfront is filled with people ready to enjoy a typical summer festival. It's not only a festival to hear great music; it is interactive for all ages to enjoy educational workshops and jam sessions throughout the event. To top off the first night's event is a spectacular fireworks show to put you right into the summer spirit in Portland.

Bite of Oregon: August
Hungry for something that will give you a true taste of Portland flavor? Get a bite at the Bite of Oregon culinary festival where their motto says: Life tastes better here. Oregon prides itself in great food, beer and extraordinary wine. With summer in full swing and tourists ready to enjoy, why not serve up a fun culinary festival? For almost 30 years, this festival brings out the best in restaurants, food carts and sweet treats to sample. Best of all, the proceeds benefit the Special Olympics Oregon; nothing like eating for a good cause.

Christmas Ship Parade: December  
Just when you thought you had to wait another year to attend a festival, you realize the Christmas season even brings Portlanders out to play. For almost 60 years, the Christmas Ship Parade marks a unique celebration of the holiday season beginning in early December. A fleet of over 50 boats sail on the Columbia and Willamette River decorated in Christmas lights.