November 2025 News: Planners Across the Country Tour Plazas, Plaza Partner Open Call Still Live, and Halloween Block Party Recap

Published

November 6, 2025 3:25 pm

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Portland's Public Street Life: Still So Much to Celebrate Even in November!

A group of visiting planners and city leaders from across the country toured PBOT's street plazas this October.

We're nearing the end of the year, but Portland's streets are still alive with activity! This month, we're featuring a fall full of energy, from planners across the nation touring our plazas for inspiration, to neighbors transforming parking spaces into people places, to communities coming together for fall festivities.

Looking ahead to 2026, PBOT's Open Call for Plaza Partners is live through December 1st for groups ready to help shape next summer's public spaces.

So pour yourself a warm drink, settle in, and explore how Portlanders are reimagining their streets as places for people all year long.

The Open Call for Plaza Partners is Still Live Until December 1st!

Friends of Rainbow Road planning their furniture layout.

Are you an organization wanting to steward a plaza in your community? PBOT's Open Call for Plaza Partnersis happening now until December 1st. Nonprofit groups, neighborhood associations, business districts, schools, or businesses with community buy-in are invited to propose and steward seasonal plaza spaces that will debut in summer 2026.

Learn more and get ready to apply.If you missed our virtual info session, don't fret! You can watch the recording below!

Remember: Applications are due December 1st!We can't wait to hear from you.

Apply to Be a Plaza Partner

Note: If you are an individual interested in placemaking opportunities, please read about other options available to you including community events, block parties, street paintings, and reserving plazas for events.

Learning from Portland: Planners and Leaders Nationwide Tour Portland's Street Plazas

"Honolulu is looking to start a 'shared streets' program soon. We're looking at how Portland has really led the way in creating fun, neat, and welcoming plazas across many different neighborhoods. Portland's Street Plaza Program will give us something to work off of as we implement our own 'shared streets' program."

-Tyler Dos Santos-Tam,Honolulu City Councilmember

Erin Roden from Axiom Event Productions speaks about plaza maintenance at Rainbow Road.

Last month, transportation planners, advocates, and city leaders from across the nation flocked to Portland for the 30th annual MPACT Transit and Mobility Conference. In addition to a full schedule of speakers, panels, and networking opportunities, several PBOT programs-including the Walk Portland wayfinding pilotand the Street Plaza Program-hosted group tours showcasing how Portland is transforming its streets into spaces for people.

Riding across the Hawthorne Bridge to Ankeny Alley

In all, around 20 conference attendees took to Biketown bikes to visit several of Portland's beloved plazas, including Portland Dream Plaza, Heart of Hawthorne, Rainbow Road, and Ankeny Alley. At each stop, participants met with community partners who play key roles in stewarding these spaces and learned firsthand how the program supports local culture, small businesses, and neighborhood vitality.

The tour group at Portland Dream Plaza

Many attendees left inspired by what they saw while some even shared how Portland's approach will influence their own work:

"Portland's street plazas are an inspiring example of how we can reimagine our largest public spaces - our streets - as places for people rather than just for cars. Walking and biking through these plazas, you can sense how simple design elements, such as paint, planters, and seating, can transform a space into a vibrant community gathering place. It reminded me that the best public spaces don't have to be expensive or complicated to create connection and joy. Through Sustain Charlotte, I'm excited to bring this spirit of creativity and community-building to the streets of Charlotte."

-Shannon Binns, Executive Director of Sustain Charlotte

As PBOT's Street Plaza Program continues to grow, Portland's leadership in transforming street spaces into vibrant people places is sparking ideas and action far beyond the city's borders.

From Parking Spaces to People Places: A Park(ing) Day Recap

Oregon Walks Executive Director, Zachary Lauritzen, and PBOT staff member, Michael Espinoza, enjoy the Oregon Walks Park(ing) Day installation. Photo credit: Oregon Walks

Every year on the third Friday in September, Portlanders join cities around the world to celebrate Park(ing) Day, a global event where people temporarily transform parking spaces into miniature parks, art installations, and gathering places.

This month, we're showcasing two guest editorials from local groups who brought their own ideas to life during Park(ing) Day. Their work highlights how a small change in how we use public space can spark big conversations about community, creativity, and urban life.

Oregon Walks

Guest editorial by Sara Etter, Oregon Walks

Zachary discusses the history of transportation with special guest, and former Oregon Walks board member, Brendon Haggerty. Photo Credit: Oregon Walks

"PARK(ing) Day is all about reimagining how we use public space, and this was a perfect way to spark conversations about making streets more people-friendly. Oregon Walks was thrilled to participate in this year's event and we're thankful to all of our partners who showed up in support!"

-Sara Etter (Program Manager/Oregon Walks)

Oregon Walks had a fantastic time participating in PARK(ing) Day this year! We transformed our parking spot outside Powell's Books into a pop-up outdoor office and we were thrilled with the strong turnout. Throughout the day, we worked alongside colleagues, shared ideas about making Portland more walkable, and enjoyed the sunny weather together. We also welcomed many new faces to our "office space" and encouraged anyone who stopped by to explore nearby businesses and check out the new wayfinding installation downtown.

Park(ing) Day is also right smack dab in the middle of Oregon Walk's monthly celebration of walking called STEPtember. Every September, we work with partners, government agencies, and individuals to compile a list of walks throughout the metro area. At the end of the month, we gather for this month-long celebration of walking as a community.

Interested more in Oregon Walks? Check them out at Oregonwalks.org.

Strong Towns PDX

Guest editorial by Victoria Via, Strong Towns PDX

Photo credit: Strong Towns PDX

Strong Towns PDXhosted their Park(ing) Day installation in the Buckman neighborhood. Dozens of volunteers built benches to be installed in areas where public seating is lacking or has been removed. Community members also brainstormed ideas to reimagine vacant spaces, discussed the true cost of "free" parking, beautified a nearby fence surrounding a vacant lot to bring joy to an underutilized space, and enjoyed food from local small businesses. For the event, Strong Towns PDX partnered with Workers Tap & Cafe, Street Roots, and Tehuana 2, and received support from the Parking Reform Network.

Strong Towns PDX's Park(ing) Day project included bench painting and a concept to turn the vacant lot across from Worker's Tap into public space. Photo credit: Strong Towns PDX

"We loved seeing neighbors of all ages come together to temporarily repurpose car parking into spaces for people. One of our projects was to build comfortable, functional public seating for our neighbors. Seeing community members resting on the new benches we created really put into perspective why this project was so important."

-Vinayaka Thompson, Strong Towns PDX Volunteer

Strong Towns PDX aims to make Portland a safe, livable, and financially resilient place for everyone by fixing small issues, advocating for the big issues, and celebrating success along the way. Strong Towns PDX is an all-volunteer organization and empowers community members to make tangible change in their neighborhoods.

If you'd like to learn more and get involved, check out Strong Towns at strongtownspdx.org.

A Monstrously Successful Night of Halloween Block Parties!

"This was our fourth annual Halloween party on our block. It's a great way to connect with neighbors and to help keep trick-or-treaters safe on the street!"

-Kate Rogers, Concordia Resident & Block Party Host

This University Park neighborhood block party saw an estimated 1,700 trick-or-treaters! Photo Credit: Conor Wing

Thank you, block party applicants for making Halloween night a huge success for spooky celebrations and safer streets. This year we permitted over 48 Halloween and Día de Los Muertos themed block parties!

This month in Portland Public Street Life, we're highlighting the people behind the magic with photos and reflections from the community members who made it all possible through our free and easy Block Party Permit.

A Dia de los Muertos memorial honoring loved ones who have passed. Photo credit: Kenneth Walton

With so much creativity from block party hosts, festivities included trick-or-treating, potlucks, mummy wraps, bobbing for apples, donuts on a string, pumpkin carving, costume contests, traditional ofrendas, cider pressing, arts, crafts, and more!

Photo credit: Jamie Dunn

"It was absolutely amazing and definitely a necessary feature for us for years to come! We had over 200 trick or treaters and everyone mentioned how awesome it was to have a safe space to trick or treat. We got several comments that it felt like the Halloween from the 90s with the amount of people strolling down the street…even in the rain! Taking away the danger of car traffic was such a relief! 10/10 recommend this for Halloween!"

-Kristin Sassano, Brentwood-Darlington Resident& Block Party Host

Photo Credit: Brendon Haggerty

"We've gotten amazing feedback from the party the past two years - neighbors love the chance to get to know each other a bit better. Really appreciate the program and how easy PBOT makes it to get the permit.

-Amelia Templeton, Woodstock Resident & Block Party Host

Cider pressing at a fall harvest block party! Photo Credit: Amelia Templeton.

"The process for getting a permit was so seamless, so we hope to apply for another next summer."

-Jacob Apenes, Sabin Resident & Block Party Host

"The theme for our block party was a pop up "mobile feeding station" for a large inflatable monster inside. Neighbors came by and went through the haunted house and brought food and goodies to share"

Erin's mobile feeding station with a very hungry monster. Photo credit: Erin Hughes

-Erin Hughes, Sellwood-Moreland Resident & Block Party Host

Don't forget: block parties can happen all year long! We invite you to apply and bring your neighbors together for your own celebration.

Learn More & Apply!

Getting Cozy With Community: Tea-Quinox at Spokane Plaza

Guest editorial by Emily and Elliot Thistlebriar

Tea-Quinox at Spokane Plaza. Photo credit: Make Portland Weirder.

Dozens of kind folks came by for free tea and conversation at the Tea-Quinox Party held on the fall equinox. Thanks to the support of Enthea Teahouse, PBOT, and Lloyd Lending Library, the gathering showed how connection grows deeper when we build community side by side. Many stayed for tea leaf readings filled with magic.

Attendees enjoying tea readings. Photo credit: Make Portland Weirder.

"This was such a tea-riffic time building community and connecting with new people!!!"

Lissette, Tea-quinox attendee

Interested in quirky events like Tea-Quinox? People can sign up for the Make Portland Weirder newsletter on their organizations' webpageand stay up-to-date!

Upcoming Events on Portland's Streets

Here is what's on our radar for the month. New events from our partners are also regularly re-posted on the PBOT Instagrampage.

Thursday, November 20 through Sunday, November 23

• Portland Art Museum Rothko Pavilion Ribbon Cutting and Celebration: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM on Thursday and 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Come celebrate the unveiling of the Portland Art Museum transformation! With four free days and tons of programming, there's so much for the entire family to enjoy. Held at SW Park and SW Madison. Please note that some activities require tickets, though they are free. Learn more.

Friday, November 21

• Tree Lighting: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Join the St. Johns Boosters as they host their annual tree lighting event. This joyful occasion takes place at the St. Johns Plaza, located at N Lombard and N Philadelphia. Learn more.

Friday, November 28 and Saturday, November 29

• European Bazaar: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Attend this indoor and outdoor market on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday to shop amazing vendors! With over 50 local crafters, this market is sure to be a festive event. Hosted by House of Commons. Located in the Goat Blocks, at SE Taylor and SE 10^th Ave. Learn more.

Saturday, November 29

• Holiday Market: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Join the organizers of First Thursdays, Urban Art Network, as they host a holiday fair and tree lighting in the Pearl District! There will be hot beverages, good food, and gift worthy crafts. Located at Jamison Square, 821 NW 10th Ave. Learn more.

How Can I Host Events?

PBOT provides many ways to host events on city streets, depending on their size and nature.

Block Parties: A fun and easy way to build community and get to know your neighbors. With this free permit, you can host a small block party on your neighborhood street!

Plaza Reservations: The Small Plaza Activation Processis intended to remove barriers for small-scale (less than 100 people) neighborhood-based activities that build social and community connections in PBOT plazas. Permits under Small Plaza Activation are 100% free.

Larger Community Events: Looking to throw something larger? Apply for a Community Eventwith Portland in the Streets!

Play Streets: If you are a part of a nonprofit, neighborhood association, or business association, and would like to host a Play Street series in Summer 2026, reach out to[email protected]and we'll be happy to talk.

Where can you find PBOT's Street Plazas?

PBOT has numerous active plazas that are ready for you, your friends, and family to enjoy. They are great places to grab a bite to eat, relax, enjoy live music, meet up with friends, and so much more. Check out our directory to find out about plazas near you!

What is the Public Realm and Street Activation Team?

PBOT's Public Realm and Street Activation Team (PRSA) oversees programs that transform streets into inclusive community spaces. From the Public Street Plaza Program, which turns streets into plazas for markets, performances, and gathering to Portland in the Streets, which supports block parties, street murals, banners, and more, the team helps Portlanders activate the right-of-way in ways that build connection, culture, and public life.

Learn more about Plazas

Learn more about Portland in the Streets

Contact Us

Feedback, suggestions, partnerships, photos, or event ideas? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]