Council OKs Friends of Congress Square festival permits; staff says events can be relocated if park renovation interferes

The Portland City Council approved festival declarations and related permits for events in and around Congress Square Park for the 2026–2027 season, with staff stressing the city will work with the Friends of Congress Square and issue additional permits if locations change because of park renovation.

Clerk read Orders 151–153 (title only) declaring festival days and related approvals. George Roe asked whether the blanket license covers multiple events and whether park renovations included in the city's CIP could require suspending or relocating festivals. Andy Downs, director of public assembly facilities in the Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department, said the festival declaration includes a blanket permit for Friends of Congress Square, but staff have been in communication with the group and will handle relocations or additional permits on a case‑by‑case basis. “If things need to move to Monument Square, we would work directly with them on a case by case basis, and issue any permits or bring anything forward if need be,” Downs said.

Councilor Bullock asked about impacts to business parking; Downs said no‑parking will be posted on festival days when load/unload space is required and that Friends of Congress Square has historically communicated with business owners. The council moved and approved the festival orders unanimously as part of consent business.

The council’s packet includes event applications and schedules where available; staff said programming details remain incomplete and will be finalized as the season approaches.