Relax And Float On The Willamette: 5 Things To Do Across The Region This Weekend

Every weekend there are myriad things to do across the Portland metro area; from Saturday Farmers Markets to community festivals, every town in the region offers something for residents and visitors to enjoy — and this weekend is no exception.

Here are just five of the many fun things to do this weekend:

HILLSBORO —

The 13th annual Celebrate Hillsboro free family festival is this Saturday, July 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Hillsboro. Combined with the city's regular Saturday Farmers Market, Celebrate Hillsboro gives families, friends, and neighbors a place to gather together all in the name of celebrating the city in which they live. Musical performances from local talent, arts and crafts vendors, games and activities, and free health screenings are just a few of the many opportunities awaiting those who attend.

GRESHAM —

The Gresham Arts Festival begins Friday, July 14, and runs through Saturday. The festival kicks off from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday with Art Under the Stars, offering visitors an opportunity to take a stroll through downtown, enjoying local food and beverage vendors and a silent auction benefitting Gresham Outdoor Public Art. The festival continues Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with more than 150 art vendors, a kids village with face painting and games for little ones, and a chance to take back the city's Guinness World Record for largest display of sidewalk chalk art. The event culminates with the Gresham's Got Talent show from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

WILSONVILLE —

The City of Wilsonville Community Health Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 15, at Town Center Park, located at 29600 S.W. Park Pl. Featuring roughly 50 health and wellness vendors, the community is invited to participate in and enjoy a morning of health-centric activities for the whole family. Kids can receive a free bike helmet from Legacy Health and the Oregon Trial Lawyers (while supplies last) and parents can participate in healthy cooking demonstrations and shopping opportunities. The event is free and open to the public.

PORTLAND/WILLAMETTE RIVER —

Grab your Water Wings and inner tubes, The Big Float 7 begins at Tom McCall Bowl Beach at Waterfront Park at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 15. The annual fundraiser benefiting the Human Access Project asks floating Portlanders of all ages to get into the Willamette River to "support its preservation and healthy development as a recreational resource," according to The Big Float website. Kicking off from Poet's Beach, floaters will enjoy music and other entertainment as they meander back to Waterfront Park, where the city's grandest beach party will be held until 6:30 p.m. Cost is $10 at the gate; food and beverages will be available for purchase.

PORTLAND EXPO CENTER —

America's Largest Antique and Collectible Show is this weekend at Portland's Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Dr. Early badge buyers can get into the show Friday evening, but for general admission the gates open Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission for adults is $8, kids and teens ages 12 to 17 are $3, and kids under 12 get in free. Jukeboxes, clothing, kitchenware, and much, much more will be available from more than 1,000 vendors, both indoors and outdoors. And if you have something you'd like appraised, accredited appraisers will be on-hand throughout the show's open hours for appraisals at $7 per object. Proceeds will be donated to the Portland Police Sunshine Division. Click here for more details from the Portland Expo Center website.

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