Portland’s Summer of Celebration: Burnside Bridge Turns 100!

PORTLAND, OR – As the pulse of the Rose City continues to beat through its historic streets and iconic waterways, one of its most vital arteries is preparing for a milestone a century in the making. On May 28, 2026, the Burnside Bridge officially turns 100 years old, and Variety Vibes Radio is locked in to bring you all the details on the massive celebration and the bridge’s future.

A Century of Connection

Since it first opened in 1926, the Burnside Bridge has been more than just a way to cross the Willamette River. It has been the literal and symbolic bridge between Portland’s East and West sides, serving as a backdrop for countless parades, protests, and everyday commutes. Designed by the legendary bridge engineer Gustav Lindenthal and the firm Hedrick & Kremers, its distinctive bascule spans have become a permanent fixture of the Portland skyline.

The Big Bash: May 30, 2026

To mark this historic occasion, Multnomah County and a host of local partners are throwing a party right on top of the bridge. On Saturday, May 30, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the bridge will be closed to car traffic and transformed into a vibrant community festival.

What to Expect:

  • A Walk Through Time: The bridge will feature a walking historical exhibit divided into three distinct eras: the early years (1926–1960), the mid-century expansion (1960–1990), and the modern era leading up to today (1990–2026).
  • Live Soundtracks: No Portland party is complete without music. The lineup is stacked with local legends, including the soulful sounds of Ural Thomas and the Pain, the jazz stylings of Noah Simpson, the Oregon Symphony Brass Quintet, and sets by DJ Aspen.
  • Local Flavor: The Portland Saturday Market will host a special mini-market on the bridge, alongside interactive programming like JAMO’s cherry blossom tricycle and various community booths.
  • Family Fun: Plenty of kids’ activities will be scattered across the span, ensuring the next generation of Portlanders can appreciate the bridge’s history.

The Future: Earthquake Ready Burnside

While we celebrate the past 100 years, the city is also looking forward. This centennial serves as a “last hurrah” for the bridge in its current form. The Earthquake Ready Burnside Bridge project is slated to begin soon, which will involve a major replacement of the existing structure to ensure it can withstand a major seismic event. This means significant closures and changes are coming to the Burnside corridor starting in late 2026, making this May celebration even more special for those who want to experience the original 1926 craftsmanship one last time.

Keeping the Energy Moving: Sunday Parkways 2026

The bridge centennial is just the beginning of a summer full of community movement. The Portland Sunday Parkways season is officially back, offering car-free streets for biking, walking, and rolling:

  • Southwest Portland: May 17 (The season kickoff!)
  • East Portland: June 28
  • North Portland: August 2 (Featuring a brand-new route!)
  • Downtown Portland: September 13

At Variety Vibes Radio, we’re all about the movement. Whether it’s 100 years of history or the latest local track, we’re here to keep you connected. Stay tuned to the app and our TV channel on Roku and Firestick for live updates and more coverage of the Burnside Centennial.