Portland’s Most Joyful Boat Parade Returns August 22

Get ready for one of Portland’s most colorful celebrations on the water! The Smile Boat Parade returns to the Columbia River on Saturday, August 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., bringing boaters from across the community together for a festive cruise along the North Waterfront. Columbia Crossings is proud to sponsor this year’s event and support the local boating community.

This year’s theme is “Living Waters,” and boaters are invited to decorate their boats and show off their creativity as they make their way down the river.

The parade will begin at the east end of Hayden Island near the Portland Yacht Club. Boats of all shapes and sizes are welcome, including powerboats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other non-motorized watercraft. The parade will travel approximately two miles down the Columbia River before finishing near the railroad bridge.

Parade Day Schedule

9:30 a.m. – Check-In
Boaters can check in at the float at the east end of Hayden Island, marked with flags and banners. Coffee and donuts will be available, and participants can also check in via marine radio on Channel 68.

10:30 a.m. – Line-Up
Boats will line up in groups: powerboats, sailboats, and non-motorized watercraft.

11:00 a.m. – Parade Begins
The groups will launch in order and make their way down the Columbia River toward the finish line.

12:30 p.m. – Beach Bash & After Party
Once the parade reaches the finish line, the celebration continues with a Beach Bash just west of the railroad bridge. Boaters and neighbors can gather for music, non-alcoholic refreshments, and an awards ceremony celebrating some of the parade’s most creative entries.

And there’s no need to worry about getting back upstream! A team of volunteer boaters will be available to tow non-motorized vessels back toward the starting area.

Whether you arrive by motorboat, sailboat, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or another type of watercraft, the Smile Boat Parade is a fun and unique way to spend a summer day on the Columbia River and connect with Portland’s boating community.

Registration is free but required. You can sign up here and visit the Smile Boat Parade website for more information. We’re proud to support the Smile Boat Parade and look forward to seeing Columbia Crossings boaters out on the water for this year’s celebration!

For registration and additional event information, visit the Smile Boat Parade event page and follow the North Waterfront community on Instagram and Facebook at @northwaterfrontpdx.