ForestFest | Free Day at the Discovery Museum
Celebrate the wonders of forests at ForestFest, a free, family-friendly day of hands-on discovery, creativity, and outdoor fun in the heart of Washington Park. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and their Forests250 Initiative, highlighting 250 years of public lands stewardship and the vital role forests play in our lives.
Explore interactive kid zones, forest-themed crafts, live music, workshops, lawn games, a traveling sawmill, food and drink vendors, and community partners working to support healthy forests and resilient communities.
A highlight of the day is a special Moon Tree dedication and chances to meet Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl, and be among the first to experience our new Woodsy Owl pop-up exhibit. Also, stop by our StoryBooth to capture your own forest story to possibly be featured in a podcast episode!
This day is part of our Free Day Series at the Discovery Museum celebrating 60 years of World Forestry Center, presented by Hampton Lumber.
Event Schedule:
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (ALL DAY) | Community Vendors & Activities
Visit community vendor booths and enjoy some family-friendly activities and crafts. Thorughout the day, Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl will make appearances for photos and handing out resources!
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM | Live Music with Emilie
Enjoy some family-friend music with Emilie - perfect for families with kids.
10:30 AM | Drag Morning Hike
Join Efmmera & Thespis from Drag Me Outside for a morning hike, this hike is geared towards families. Registration required.
11:00 AM | Author Storytime: Silpa Kona - Mt. Hood Room
Children's author Silpa Kona will read some of her recent books, including "A Monster on My Trail." This reading will be held inside the Discovery Museum in our Mt. Hood Room.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Record your forest story
Stop by the Forest Storybooth to share what forests mean to you, a powerful memory, or your hopes for the future. These stories will be used to create a podcast with US Forest Service & Forests205. The Storybooth Experience will be collecting stories from 11 am to 1 pm and 2 to 4 pm.
12:30 - 5:30 PM | Beer Forest Open!
Enjoy some delicious beverages from Allgood Brewing and McMenamins. Beer, Wine, and Cider available for purchase. Must be 21+.
12:30 PM | Drag Afternoon Hike
Join Efmmera & Thespis from Drag Me Outside for an afternoon hike, this hike may not include family-friendly language. Registration required.
1:30 - 2:00 PM | Moon Tree Dedication
Join us as we dedicate a Moon Tree, a Douglas-fir sapling grown from seeds that traveled around the Moon on NASA’s Artemis I mission. This living tree bridges space exploration and Earth’s forests, reminding us that the future we imagine in the stars begins here, in the soil.
2:30 - 3:30 PM | Live Music: Jermaine
Enjoy some live music from Portland-based, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Jermaine.
2:00 - 4:00 PM | Record your forest story
Stop by the Forest Storybooth to share what forests mean to you, a powerful memory, or your hopes for the future. These stories will be used to create a podcast with US Forest Service & Forests205. The Storybooth Experience will be collecting stories from 11 am to 1 pm and 2 to 4 pm.
2:00 - 3:00 PM | Workshop: Mount an Epiphytic Plant
Discover the art of mounting epiphytic plants, unique species that grow on trees and thrive without soil. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the basics of plant selection, proper mounting techniques, and ongoing care, then create your own living piece to take home.
$50 registration includes your plant and all materials needed.
2:00 PM | Author Storytime: Audrey Saubel - Mt. Hood Room
Children's author Audrey Saubel will read some of her recent books, including "Acorn Party." This reading will be held inside the Discovery Museum in our Mt. Hood Room.
3:30 - 4:30 PM | Workshop: Mount an Epiphytic Plant
Discover the art of mounting epiphytic plants, unique species that grow on trees and thrive without soil. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the basics of plant selection, proper mounting techniques, and ongoing care, then create your own living piece to take home.
$50 registration includes your plant and all materials needed.
4:30 - 5:30 PM | Live Music: Jermaine
Enjoy some live music from Portland-based, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Jermaine.
