Now in our 52nd year, The Portland Festival remains a 100% volunteer-run tradition. We are hard at work showcasing the energy and heart of one of Louisville’s oldest neighborhoods, but we can’t do it without you. Join us in keeping this spirit alive!
2026 Event Schedule
- Festival Kickoff: Friday, June 5th | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- The Main Event: Saturday, June 6th | 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- The 2026 Parade: Saturday, June 6th | 12:00 PM (Leading directly into the festival)
Urgent: We Desperately Need Volunteers!
The festival is right around the corner, and as a community-built event, your help is the only way we can make it happen. We need community members to fill these vital roles (various 3-4 hour shifts available):
- Parade Support: (Sat, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM). Need 18 people for check-in, marshalling, parking directors, crowd safety, and cleanup.
- Festival Tent: (Fri, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM & Sat, 1:00 PM –11:00 PM). Need 24 people for the photo booth, raffles, and merchandise.
- ‘Best of the West’ Stage: (Sat, 1:00 PM –9:00 PM). Need 16 people for stage hands, performer check in, and emceeing.
- Operations: (Fri, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM & Sat, 1:00 PM –11:00 PM). Need 10 people for Trash Maintenance.
Interested in helping? Visit the link at the bottom, email volunteer@PortlandFestival.org or call 502-509-3435.
Who Should Be the Next “Mayor of Portland”?
We are selecting Portland’s “Mayor of the Day” to lead our community celebration! We are looking for a Portland resident who embodies these Community Qualities:
- Local Advocate: Someone who speaks up for the community’s needs and works to find solutions.
- Neighborhood Champion: Has a proven track record of “pushing the needle” for Portland’s betterment.
- Active Leader: Currently involved in local organizations like non-profits, youth groups, or civic circles.
How to Nominate:
- Facebook: Comment on our official “Mayor of Portland” post with the details.
- Email: Send the nominee’s first and last name plus an explanation of why they fit the role to info@portlandfestival.org.
Deadline: All nominations must be received by April 15th. Five finalists will be selected for a public vote on our Facebook page.
UNVEILING THE 2026 FESTIVAL POSTER
We are thrilled to unveil this year’s official festival poster! We want to give a massive thank you to local artist Richard Sullivan for donating his time and incredible talent to the community to create this piece of art.
Please show him your support:
- Visit his website: www.richardsullivanart.com for classes, painting for sale and more.
- Meet the Artist: Check out his booth at the festival this June!
Join the Parade & Festival Lineup
We are still seeking high-energy participants for the Saturday, June 6th Parade at 12:00 PM.
- Parade Contests: Compete for Best Overall Float, Best Kids’ Float, Best Group Performance, Best Portland Spirit, Best Classic or “Cool” Car, and Best Costume/Mascot.
- Tabling: Non-profits and outreach groups are encouraged to apply for a spot at the festival grounds.
- Apply Today: Use the link at the bottom for all parade and vendor applications.
Upcoming Community Meetings
ALL ARE WELCOME to join our monthly planning sessions:
- April 9th & April 23rd (6:00 – 7:30 PM): Portland Library near N 33rd St.
- May 7th & May 21st (5:30 – 7:30 PM): Location to be determined. Check our Facebook for updates or call 502-509-3435.
Sign Ups, Donate & Learn More :https://linktr.ee/PORTLANDFESTIVAL
Questions? Info@PortlandFestival.org
