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, wood-themed crafts, games, live demonstrations from forestry professionals, 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.
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 | 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 - Mt. Hood Room | Author Storytime: Silpa Kona
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 PM | Drag Afternoon Hike
Join Efmmera & Thespis from Drag Me Outside for a morning hike, this hike may not be appropriate for younger children. 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.
2:00 - 3:30 PM | Live Music: Lynard Nimoy
Enjoy some soft rock music from local band Lynard Nimoy.
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.
11:00 AM - Mt. Hood Room | Author Storytime: Audrey Saubel
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.
4:00 - 5:30 PM | Live Music: Jermaine
Enjoy some live music from Portland-based, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Jermaine.
