What's Happening: Portland, Oregon Food Events In August 2015
August is a hot month, especially for food. Here are some highlights of events not to miss around the Portland metro area:
Bite of Oregon
The yearly celebration of Oregon food, drink, and all that is delicious will be fully represented at the Bite of Oregon. Restaurateurs, food carts, wineries, breweries, and cideries will share their wares in Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The Northwest Chefs stage will have culinary demonstrations from local talent, such as Lincoln's Jenn Louis, and Bunk Sandwiches' Tommy Habetz. Ticket packages are available; August 7 through 9.
Bones & Brews
Rogue Brewing hosts the annual Bones & Brews event. Come taste barbecue from some of the areas best, 30+ local beers, Rogue Nation World Blue Ball & Wing eating competitions, live music, and lots of dogs! Kids, dogs, and adults are welcome. August 1, Noon to 10 p.m. A $5 suggested donation will be donated to the Portland New Generations Rotary Club.
Cava Con
Celebrate the cult of Cava at Remedy Wine Bar's Cava Con. A lux dinner features cava pairings with Dungeness crab, Panzanella salad, roasted Guinea hen, and pineapple rum cake. August 16, 5 to 8 p.m. ($85).
Crawfish Festival
The city of Tualatin "shellabrates" the 65th annual Crawfish Festival from July 31 through August 2. Food Cart Friday night features some of the area's best food carts along with a Chopped-style Iron Chef competition. Enjoy live music, crawfish eating contests, Oregon beer and wines, and food from some of the region's best. Friday, 5 to 9 p.m. (free), Saturday, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. ($4), and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ($4).
Festa Italiana
Festa Italiana transforms Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square into "Piazza Italia". Taste authentic Italian food, gelato and Italian ice, participate in a grape stomp, and purchase Italian products for vendors. August 27 through 29; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (free).
India Festival
Head down to Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square to celebrate India festival. There will be alive with dancing, musical performances, and food from Portland's finest Indian restaurants. August 16, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (free).
Pairings! A Celebration of Oregon Wine, Cuisine & Music
Nosh on bites from some of Oregon's finest chefs while savoring sips from wineries, breweries, and distillers at Pairings! A Celebration of Oregon Wine, Cuisine & Music. This kickoff event for the Oregon State Fair (August 28 through September 7) happens in the lush gardens next to the fairgrounds. August 21, 4 to 9 p.m., ($35; includes admission to the Oregon State Fair).
Sauvie Island Center
Head to Sauvie Island Center for their annual summer barn dance and picnic. This family-friendly event features dinner and dessert provided by New American and Tails & Trotters. August 1, scavenger hunt at 4:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., dessert at 6:45 p.m., and square dance at 7 p.m. (Adults $35, kids $5, or sponsor a table of 6 for $450).
Sarah Cohen is the Portland City Editor for The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter.