If you’re looking for a wacky and wonderful festival-style event in Portland, Oregon, then you’re going to love the annual PDX Adult Soapbox Derby. This crazy event has been happening for over two decades and over 40 teams compete in races down Mount Tabor each year. It’s usually on the third Saturday in August from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Before and after the race, a team of 150 volunteers clear brush and clean up Mount Tabor Park, so it’s not only fun, but it’s great for the community, too. Approximately 7,000 spectators attended the derby in 2022  and you should attend this year! Read on to learn more about it.

The PDX Adult Soap Box Derby is about as Portland as it gets. This long-running event is a real thrill for everyone involved - racers, volunteers, and spectators alike.
Portland's PDX Adult Soapbox Derby/Facebook
People come out from all over Oregon to watch these races down Mount Tabor. Thousands of people assemble each year.
Portland's PDX Adult Soapbox Derby/Facebook
The event is safe for spectators, but you'll need to stay on your toes! When the volunteers tell you to move, you have to be ready to move!
You can see a wide variety of homemade soapbox derby cars participate in these races. Over 40 different teams compete each year.
Portland's PDX Adult Soapbox Derby/Facebook
This may be a race, but it's also a parade. You're not going to believe some of the things that you see.
Portland's PDX Adult Soapbox Derby/Facebook
Some of these man-made cars go as fast as 50 MPH!
Portland's PDX Adult Soapbox Derby/Facebook
Mount Tabor is pretty steep, so you'll have to look fast as the cars fly by.
Portland's PDX Adult Soapbox Derby/Facebook
Some teams get really, really creative. There are prizes for the fastest car, but there are also prizes for many other things like creativity and artistry.
Portland's PDX Adult Soapbox Derby/Facebook
Participants can theme their cars on any topic that they choose. Some are based on common objects or games.
Portland's PDX Adult Soapbox Derby/Facebook
Others are based on pop culture.
Portland's PDX Adult Soapbox Derby/Facebook
This is sure to be an event that you'll never forget. Once you have attended, you'll want to go back every year!
Portland's PDX Adult Soapbox Derby/Facebook

The PDX Adult Soapbox Derby is a prime example of a fun and silly Portland community event that truly embodies the spirit of “Keep Portland Weird.”  Don’t miss it this year – it’s on August 19, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Once you go once, there’s a good chance that you’ll never want to miss it again — and you may even end up participating yourself one of these years. If you do, good luck and you should probably wear a helmet!

There’s food and beverage available at the event, but you’ll likely work up a big appetite while watching the races. Perhaps you should try this Downtown Portland Food Tour afterward!

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