Portland Saturday Market has been a popular place to visit for both local residents and tourists since the 1970's. It is an important outlet for over 400 artists and arts and crafts people in the Portland Metropolitan area.
dvanhorn, Creative Commons
This is just a fun place to visit on Saturday and despite its name, also on Sunday. It doesn't even matter if it is raining because a good number of stalls are under the Burnside Bridge. This is the place to find that one of a kind gift for someone special or even for yourself. Just browsing all the different fascinating wares is fun and if you are a people watcher, this is the place to go. Street musicians and entertainers add to the festive air.
Beaster725, Creative Commons
There is a stall for just about every kind of artistic or crafty type of product you can think of. There are stalls that sell handmade soap, candles, chinese lanterns, handblown glass, stained glass, hats of all kinds, clothing, garden decorations, wind chimes, body care products and more. One of my favorites is the handmade fresh lavender products because they are made with real lavender oil--not that imitation stuff.
Don't eat before you go and forget your diet because there is an abundance of food vendors selling tempting delights including:
Kalpita, Creative Commons
Greek Gyros
Middle Eastern falafel, mudjra
Natural Foods
Vegetarian
British Pub grub
Pizza by the slice
BBQ Creole
Thai
Polish
Asian
Mexican Fajitas
Hawaiian
African
There are also stalls selling bakery items, sandwiches, ice cream, and hamburgers.
Portland Saturday Market is open from March through December 24th. This is a great place to find Christmas gifts and decorations.
On Saturday the hours are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Sunday it is open from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm.
philomythus, Creative Commons
One thing that gives the market such a great atmosphere is its location. It is on SW Naito Blvd, under the Burnside Bridge and in Ankeny Park which is Old Town Portland. If you travel by car, you can park in the SmartPark garage at NW 1st and Davis Street. If you spend more than $25 at the market, you can get two hours free parking.
You can also take MAX or the Vintage Trolley. Get off at the Skidmore Fountain Station.
You can take a TriMet bus. Buses #12, #19, and #20 will get you there. Get off the bus at the Portland Saturday Market Entrance on Burnside.
Spend more than $25 at the market and you will get a free trip home on either TriMet buses or Max. Go to the Info Booth in the market.
