This Huge Float Festival Is The Coolest Thing You'll Do All Summer
By Catherine Armstrong|Published June 29, 2019
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Are you ready to cool off this summer? There’s an epic event in Portland that you won’t want to miss. Grab your favorite float or inner tube and head for Tom McCall Waterfront Park for a day of fun in the Willamette!
This shindig kicks off with a parade, of course. Meet at the Tom McCall Waterfront Bowl with your float at 1 p.m.. A marching band leads the way down the esplanade to Poet's Beach, where everyone puts in and floats down the river.
You can bring any kind of float you'd like, from a simple inner tube or raft to a quirky float that sets you apart. Join your friends for a themed float, like the Dixie Chicks did last year.
Float from Poet's Beach under the Marquam Bridge to the take-out right before you get to Hawthorne Bridge. Take your time and float at your leisure...this isn't a race! It will take you between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours to float the route.
After the float, there's a huge beach party you won't want to miss. Food trucks will be on hand, and Kona Brewing Company, Liquid Aloha, and 2 Towns Cider will be offering adult beverages.
Two river barge stages provide the setting for the bands who will entertain you for hours. This year, enjoy Redray Frazier at 2 p.m., and Blitzen Trapper at 4:30 p.m.on the Main Barge Stage. PERK Portland Grooves plays the River Barge Stage at 1:30 p.m.
Floaters of all ages and species are welcome, but must register. If you register online by July 7th, it's just $5 to float. Register by the 12th to pay $10, or register the day of the event for $15. Kids float for just $3 - $8.
