The Portland Saturday Market, located in downtown Portland under the Burnside Bridge

The Portland Saturday Market, located in Downtown Portland under the Burnside Bridge, , is one of the city’s must-see events. With over 400 members it is the largest continuously operated outdoor market in the United States. Artisans and craftsmen mix with street preferment’s while the smell of cuisine from 50 different countries drifts through air. PSM is truly an experience that is unique to Portland.

The idea for the Market came from Sheri Teasdale and Andrea Scharf, two artists who wanted to create a space where artists could display their work and customers could find high quality locally produced items. The Market moved to its current location in 1976 and started opening on Sundays the following year. It generates approximately $8 million yearly in gross sales and attracts around 750,000 visitors. Patrons are presented with a wide selection of items including one-of-a-kind clothing, and art of every type imaginable. A large selection of food is also available including pizza, Thai cuisine, vegetarian fair from Nepal and homemade ice cream. Rouge Ales is also always on hand to provide a fine selection beer to those 21 and over.

PSM runs from March 1 through December 24, Saturdays from 10 am to 5pm and Sundays from 11am to 4:30pm. There is no cost to enter but parking can be an issue, however all forms of public transportation run directly past the market. It is also important to note that many of the vendors only accept cash and while there are ATM’s on site, the wait can be excessive so it is best to plan ahead. The Portland Saturday Market is located at 108 W Burnside St, in Old Town. For more information check out portlandsaturdaymarket.com. Looking for more Portland landmarks? Powell’s Books at 1005 W. Burnside or Washington Park just minutes from downtown.

April 14, 2009 · Filed Under Day Activities

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