Portland weekend events: Viking Beer Fest, Grand Prix, Kevin Hart and more

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Another Portland weekend is upon us.

Take a look at all of the events and activities underway in the city.

Viking Beer Fest

When: Friday, Aug. 23 and Saturday, Aug. 24 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Nordic Northwest, 8800 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223

Try Scandinavian-inspired food and beer at the 2024 Viking Beer Fest. The two-day festival includes a beard contest, axe-throwing and stargazing. One $45 ticket for the 21+ event covers a souvenir glass and eight beer tastings — or 10, for those who use TriMet or ride-share apps.

Grand Prix of Portland

When: Friday, Aug. 23 through Sunday, Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory Blvd, Portland, OR 97217

The IndyCar series is returning to Portland with appearances from premier drivers like Lochie Hughes and Nikita Johnson. According to Race Portland, there is more than $1.6 million up for grabs.

Summer Night’s Garden

When: Friday, Aug. 23 and Saturday, Aug. 24 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Lan Su Chinese Garden, 239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209

After the weather forced Lan Su Chinese Garden to rescheduled the Summer Night’s Garden last weekend, the festivities are back on. The event celebrates Chinese Valentine’s Day with cultural performances, an ice cream bar, lanterns and more.

Rockstar Energy Open

When: Friday, Aug. 23 through Sunday, Aug. 25
Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204

Olympic-medal-winning Keegan Palmer and Tom Schaar are among the skateboarders scheduled to appear at the inaugural Rockstar Energy Open. The free event will also feature live performances from Surf Mesa and Don Diablo.

Smile Boat Parade

When: Saturday, Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Columbia River, 1611 NE Marine Dr., Portland, OR 97211

Head to Hayden Island to watch dozens of vessels cruise along the river for this year’s Smile Boat Parade. Before the parade kicks off at 9:30 a.m., coffees and pastries will be available for attendees starting at 9:30 a.m.

Vegan Market

When: Saturday, Aug. 24 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Hail Snail, 6550 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97217

Vegan restaurant Hail Snail will host this “August for Animals” event, featuring more than 30 vendors from queer, vegan collective The Flip Side. Nonprofits like the Green Acres Farm Sanctuary and Wildwood Farms Sanctuary will be on site as well.

Kevin Hart - Acting My Age Tour

When: Saturday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m.
Where: Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St, Portland, OR 97201

Emmy and Grammy-nominated comedian and actor Kevin Hart is embarking on his ninth comedy tour since 2009. He recently hosted Netflix’s “The Roast of Tom Brady,” and starred in the streaming service’s “Lift.”