Welcome to the August edition of What’s Up in Beaumont-Wilshire — your monthly roundup of meetings, news, events, and ways to get involved in the neighborhood.
Meetings & Engagement
BWNA Events Committee Meeting — August 4 (Tuesday), 7:00–8:30 p.m.
For meeting location, contact committee chair John Sandie at SandieFam@gmail.com.
BWNA General Meeting — August 10 (Monday), 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Sylvan Learning, 4300 NE Fremont St., Suite 150. Held in person and broadcast via Zoom (link posted on the Upcoming Events page prior to the meeting).
Our featured speaker will be District 2 City Councilor Elana Pirtle-Guiney, who will share updates from City Hall and take questions from neighbors, just two days ahead of the City Council’s August 12 vote on Moda Center funding. A strong supporter of PBOT’s public plaza program, Councilor Pirtle-Guiney gave a welcoming speech at Beaumont Crossing’s grand opening in July.
Also on the agenda:
- Open Floor: a segment reserved for non-board attendees to speak on a B-W topic of their choosing (3 minutes max per person).
- Reviews of the Art & Garden Tour, the Naked Bike Ride’s use of Wilshire Park, and BWNA’s participation at Fremont Fest.
- Updates on Beaumont Crossing activities and upcoming BWNA-sponsored events, including Movie in the Park (August 13) and BWNA’s annual Block Party on Skidmore Street (September 11).
- Transportation and land use matters, enhancements to the BWNA website, and the New Neighbor Welcoming Project.
As always, all meetings are open to the public — please come join your neighbors!
Community News
Naked Bike Ride Launches from Wilshire Park — July 25
Thousands of riders are expected to descend upon our neighborhood as the 2026 PDX World Naked Bike Ride launches from Wilshire Park on Saturday, July 25. Celebrants begin converging on the park around 6:30 p.m., and the ride rolls out at 8:00 p.m. Expect significant impacts to parking and transportation routes around the park through the evening; the ride’s route and final destination are not announced in advance. Note that riders will not return to the park at the conclusion of the event. For more information visit pdxwnbr.org.
Art & Garden Tour Is a Success
The 2026 BWNA Art & Garden Tour was a real success, with over 200 neighbors turning out to explore five private gardens and the art displayed within them. Proceeds from the tour help fund the free events, speaker forums, and community projects BWNA puts on throughout the year. Thank you to the garden hosts and their artists, our volunteers, everyone who came out, and our sponsor, local plant retailer Garden Fever.
Neighborhood Yard Sale Draws 116 Selling Households
The July 11 BWNA Neighborhood Yard Sale was a hit, with 116 households registered to host a sale. Treasure hunters had no shortage of driveways to visit. Thanks to the Events Committee for organizing and to everyone who took part. Participants should keep an eye out for a short post-event survey to help make next year’s sale even better.
Bethany Lutheran’s Future: NAYA’s Plans Take Shape
At the July 13 board meeting, guests from the Native American Youth & Family Center (NAYA) and the Oregon Lutheran Synod shared plans for the Bethany Lutheran Church site, which the Synod formally signed over to NAYA on June 24. The site sits on land that was home to an Indian village in the 19th century, and the Synod framed the gift as part of its commitment to historically marginalized communities. NAYA is exploring plans to build elder housing on the site, fulfilling a highly requested service from the local Indigenous community. The vacant building is being monitored and maintained in the meantime, and NAYA will provide periodic updates to the neighborhood. Read more in OPB’s coverage of the land return.
Inner Eastside Zoning Project Could Bring Changes to B-W
The City of Portland’s Inner Eastside Zoning Project is exploring zoning changes to allow a greater diversity of housing, including multiplexes and apartment buildings, across inner eastside neighborhoods. The study area includes the portion of Beaumont-Wilshire south of Fremont. Final decisions have not yet been made. City Council is expected to consider proposed changes by mid-2027, and public input will help shape the recommendations. Learn more and sign up for updates on the City’s project page.
Beaumont Crossing Is Up and Running
The grand opening of Beaumont Crossing on July 11 drew a spirited crowd of neighbors and young families, complete with a fire engine for the kids, games, live music, and remarks from BWNA President Al Ellis, Beaumont Business Association President Mary Myers, District 2 City Councilor Elana Pirtle-Guiney, and representatives from PBOT. The plaza at NE 44th & Fremont has already hosted its first musical events, and its three-month trial continues through September. Outdoor furniture arrives in the coming weeks, making the plaza an even more comfortable place to linger. Upcoming plaza events will be posted on the BBA website, and questions or suggestions are welcome at plaza@bwnapdx.org.
Block Party Season Is Upon Us
Keep an eye out for street closures and celebrations August 1 through 14, when neighbors across the city, including here in Beaumont-Wilshire, host block parties registered through the City’s free Party On, Portland! program. If you see one on your block, wander over and meet some neighbors. And mark your calendar now for BWNA’s own annual Block Party on Skidmore Street coming Friday, September 11, 5:00–8:00 p.m. Look for details in next month’s community update.
Good News on the Fremont Flags
After months of disappearing orange pedestrian-safety flags (more than 35 missing at last count), we’re glad to report there have been no further thefts since our last update. Thanks to everyone who kept an eye out. If you have information about the earlier disappearances, please email info@bwnapdx.org.
Events in B-W and Nearby
Free Live Music for All Ages
July 26, August 9, August 23 (Sundays), 5:00–7:00 p.m. — Concordia Commons (NE Killingsworth & 30th Ave.)
Every 2nd and 4th Sunday through September, the Concordia Neighborhood Association is putting on a series of live music events with a family focus. Event details at the Concordia Neighborhood Association events page.
- 7/26 Portland Mountain Boys — string band music, old time and timeless tunes
- 8/9 Revisions — acoustic, punk, surf, and pop
- 8/23 Artist TBA
Fremont Fest Marketplace: Through the Ages
August 1 (Saturday), 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. — NE Fremont Street in Beaumont Village
The Beaumont Business Association hosts this family-friendly festival on NE Fremont Street between NE 42nd and NE 51st avenues, with over 200 vendors offering a diverse mix of local goods, food, and artisan products. The theme for the event is “Fremont Fest: Through the Ages,” a celebration of four decades of community, small businesses, music, memories, and neighborhood tradition. Be sure to stop by the BWNA booth and say hello!
A note for dog owners: the festival opens with a marching band parading up and down Fremont between roughly 10:00 and 10:30 a.m. Past years have shown it can be genuinely terrifying for dogs. If your pup is coming along, plan to arrive after 10:30 — or better yet, let them sit this one out at home.
First Thursdays on Fremont Street
August 6 and September 3 (Thursdays), 4:00–8:00 p.m. — NE Fremont Street in Beaumont Village
Businesses on Fremont Street host special events on the first Thursday of the month through September. Visit the BBA’s Instagram (@bbapdx) for more details or look for balloons in front of participating businesses.
Movie in the Park: How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
August 13 (Thursday), 7:30 p.m., movie at dusk — Wilshire Park (NE 33rd & Skidmore)
The Beaumont-Wilshire and Alameda neighborhood associations are pleased to help bring Portland Parks & Recreation’s Summer Free for All back to Wilshire Park with a free outdoor screening of “How to Train Your Dragon” (2025). Festivities kick off at 7:30 p.m. with free popcorn and family-friendly live music from Mr. Hoo, and the movie starts at dusk. Visit the BWNA table between 7:15 and 9:00 p.m. to purchase a 50/50 raffle ticket: $1 per ticket or $3 for five (cash only), with the winner drawn at 9:00 p.m. (must be present to win). Bring a blanket and your neighbors!
Last Thursday on Alberta
August 27 (Thursday), 6:00–9:00 p.m. — NE Alberta Street, 15th to 30th Ave.
The long-running Last Thursday arts celebration fills NE Alberta Street from 15th to 30th avenues with artists, makers, musicians, and performers, just a short roll down the hill from Beaumont-Wilshire. Go make an evening of it.
Get Involved
Meet people. Do good. Have fun! For more information about ways to get involved, visit our Get Involved page.
Outgoing & love the neighborhood and the newsletter?
Do you love to meet new people and would enjoy extolling the virtues of the BWNA newsletter to prospective advertisers? If this type of volunteer effort would hit your hot buttons, we’d love to have you on the newsletter team. Advertising revenue is the main fundraising source for BWNA’s events, so it’s an important role. Email Editor@BWNApdx.org if you’re interested.
Calling STEM/STEAM volunteers
Help bring back the Science Fair to Alameda Elementary, or a Family Science night. These events provide elementary students with an invaluable opportunity to nurture their curiosity, develop critical thinking skills, and get hands-on learning experience in a friendly, supportive environment. If interested and able, contact Julia Love at vpcurriculum@alamedaschool.org.
Ideas for our Speakers Forum?
Birds, bees, seeds? History or herstory? City politics? Aging in place? Downsizing? In 2025, BWNA logged talks on neighborhood history, beneficial bugs, going all-electric, and the Cascadia Subduction Zone. What’s in store for 2026? Send ideas to John Sandie at SandieFam@gmail.com.
Be a Trash Walker
Help keep the neighborhood clean by picking up trash and removing graffiti. BWNA holds two organized cleanup events per year, but regular attention keeps the problem in check. To receive free cleaning supplies, email Angela Frome.
Help with events
Looking to get involved, but not too involved? We’d love your occasional help with neighborhood events — many hands make light work. Email BWNA Events Chair John Sandie to be notified when help is needed.
Newsletter distribution team
Get a walk in, meet new neighbors, and help bring news to the neighborhood. The distribution team is seeking people to hand-deliver the BWNA newsletter to a prescribed route every other month, or in a fill-in capacity. Email John Sandie or Georgina Head for more information.
Ongoing BWNA Events
BWNA Board Meetings are held the 2nd Monday of January, March, May, July, September, and November from 7:00–8:30 p.m. The public is welcome; time for public input is limited.
BWNA General Meetings are the 2nd Monday of February, April, June, August, October, and December from 7:00–8:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend and participate.
Meeting locations change; most meetings are also held via Zoom. Look for current info in your monthly email from BWNA or check the Upcoming Events page on the day of the meeting.