Portland Sunday Parkways presented by Kaiser Permanente will return to the Southwest Portland Multnomah neighborhood on Sept. 10, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) invites Portlanders to walk, roll, play, and stroll at this signature open street event. The 2-mile multi-modal route will bring people of all ages, abilities, and walks of life together to experience the fun and freedom of car-free streets.
Stretching between Gabriel Park and SW Vermont Street and Spring Garden Park on SW Dolph Court, the 2-mile multimodal, ADA-accessible route travels through the heart of Multnomah Village and on the newly completed SW Capitol Highway: Multnomah Village to West Portland project that rebuilt the road and added new sidewalks, bike lanes, significant stormwater improvements and a new water main.
With the hilly nature of Southwest, this event will also feature a 1.5-mile walking-only route. The Gabriel Park Woodland Trail will take participants through Gabriel Park along SW Trail #7 lovely woodland scenery, continuing onto SW Canby Street and connecting to SW 35th Avenue where participants will walk through the charming Multnomah Village District before ending at Spring Garden Park. The walking route includes the same featured stops as the multi-modal route so participants can stroll leisurely while taking in the neighborhood. Participants looking for an ADA accessible option are encouraged to use the newly paved section of SW Capitol Highway from SW Multnomah Boulevard to SW Dolph Court to access Spring Garden Park.
“I had such a wonderful time cutting the ribbon on the SW Capitol Highway project earlier this summer with hundreds of community members in attendance. Since then, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to ride my bike along the corridor with thousands of others at Southwest Sunday Parkways,” Transportation Commissioner Mingus Mapps said. “The natural beauty of Southwest Portland and the opportunity to take a walk through the woods, in addition to biking and rolling through open streets, makes this one of the most unique Sunday Parkways in its 16-year history.”
“Portland offers yet another opportunity to get out and enjoy the new trails and signage through Gabriel Park as well as the local neighborhood streets,” said Deb Small, President of SW Trails PDX. “We are pleased to support and aid the City's focus on safe walking and bicycling options.”
How to get to the event
We encourage participants to bike, roll, or use public transportation to get to the event as driving in the area will include long delays.
If you plan to bike or roll to the event, take a look at the Citywide Bike Map created by Portland by Cycle. It will show you the most ideal route for biking as well as neighborhood greenways, protected bike lanes, and difficult intersections with this mobile-friendly map.
TriMet Re-route #44 and #45
TriMet buses #44 and #45 will include a re-route starting at 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on the day of the event which can be seen on the route map. TriMet buses are equipped with bike racks as well. Go to the TriMet Trip planner for full schedule information.
What to expect when driving in the area
During Sunday Parkways events, streets along the route will have limited access for people living on the route. There will be designated crossing points for motorized traffic, but it is best to avoid driving in the area during the event if possible as you will experience long delays. Intersections will have temporary barricades with volunteers monitoring them to help people get where they need to go. The map below highlights the designated crossing points with a pink car icon.
Enjoy live entertainment and activities all day
Sunday Parkways invites everyone to experience a collection of fun activities, festive music, and delicious food.
The Southwest Multnomah route will include four feature areas along the route at Gabriel Park, Multnomah Arts Center, Multnomah Village, and Spring Garden Park, each with bathrooms, information booths, water fill-up stations, and bike tune-ups. Live music performances by Red Yarn, the Portland Opera, and others will be held throughout the day on SoundsTruck NW’s mobile stage at Gabriel Park and the Multnomah Arts Center, with DJ Doc Rock spinning tunes in Multnomah Village all day long. Visit Spring Garden Park for Zumba classes hosted by Portland Parks & Recreation.
New this year:
- Our partners at Nike will be showcasing their newest updates in Nike Running. Try on their demo shoes and run on the nearby trail to test them out!
- There will be new entertainers gracing the Sunday Parkways stages including JuJuba, a ten-piece ensemble featuring Nigerian Master Talking Drum legend, Nojeem Lasisi, a world-class West African percussion section, a blazing horn section, and a funky electric rhythm section. See the full line-up at the Southwest Portland Sunday Parkways website.
- DJ PopCartPDX will be spinning records while cruising the route to motivate participants along the route.
Kaiser Permanente Sticker Hunt
Make sure to download or pick up a Sticker Hunt map from any of the Kaiser Permanente booths during the SW event! The Kaiser Permanente Sticker Hunt will inspire you to get your body moving while also having a load of family-friendly fun as you explore the city and earn a prize.
Shop and support local businesses!
Multnomah Village is filled with so many charming shops, galleries, restaurants, and businesses. Stop by your favorite shop or explore a new one during the event.
Sunday Parkways is excited to partner with Native American Youth and Family Center’s Marketplace and Retail program to support local Native artists and small businesses! These native vendors will be set up at the marketplace in Multnomah Village.
“NAYA's Marketplace and Retail program is honored to be a part of such a well-thought-out and inclusive community event,” said S.A Lawrence-Welch, Native Marketplace & Retail Coordinator, NAYA Family Center. “There is such importance in involving Native people in events that take place on Native land. Events that intentionally support them in their well-being and entrepreneurship as small business owners and community members.”
New and improved roadways and sidewalks
As you're riding along the Southwest Multnomah route, keep your eyes out for recently completed projects from The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) such as the SW Capitol Highway: Multnomah Village to West Portland Project. This project included sidewalks and bike lanes to make streets safer and more welcoming to bikes, pedestrians, and all non-motorized traffic. Explore the full list of projects on the SW Sunday Parkways event webpage.
About Portland Sunday Parkways
Portland Sunday Parkways 2023 is presented by Kaiser Permanente and is a Portland Bureau of Transportation program. For maps and more information, visit PortlandSundayParkways.org or call 311 / 503-823-4000. Follow us on Facebook @PortlandSundayParkways and Instagram @PortlandSundayParkways.
Source: Portland Bureau of Transportation