You’re invited to a milestone birthday party! If you haven’t heard – on May 28, 2026, the Burnside Bridge turns 100! As the Burnside Bridge turns 100, let’s recognize and celebrate its longstanding history and deep connection the community has to the Burnside Bridge. The Burnside is more than a bridge – spanning a century, it’s been at the heart of countless community gatherings, during times of celebration and moments of social and political unrest. The Burnside Bridge sits at the heart of Portland and Multnomah County understands the community has a deep connection to this bridge. It serves as a key connector, bringing diverse communities together.
WHEN: Saturday, May 30, 2026
A few days after its official centennial birthday, Multnomah County, in partnership with multiple agencies and organizations, will host the Burnside Bridge Centennial Celebration – a once-in-a-lifetime community celebration honoring the history of the Burnside Bridge.
WHERE: On top of the Burnside Bridge
TIME: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
HISTORICAL EXHIBIT:
The celebration will feature a walking historical exhibit that features key moments related to the Burnside Bridge – from its opening in 1926 to major maintenance projects and social/political markers. The bridge will be split up into three time periods:
- West side: 1926-1960
- Middle: 1960-1990
- East side: 1990-2026
ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS: Interspersed between those historical moments will be programming – everything from a stage with live musical performances, community booths, interactive kid-friendly activities including building Lego bridges with a well-known LEGO replica artist.
The community is invited to be a part of the Burnside Bridge Centennial Celebration! To participate as a food vendor, artisan vendor or volunteer, please complete the forms below by May 15, 2026.
The celebration’s site map launches May 1. This interactive tool will show the general layout for the event and what diverse entertainment, community programming and interactive displays you can expect to see on the bridge! The map will also show birthday discounts from local businesses, and other ways to enjoy this historic moment.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Platinum Presenting Sponsor
Burnside Bridge Partners
Stacy Whitbeck
Traylor Bros
American Bridge
Gold Bridge Sponsor
HDR
Silver Pillar Sponsor
David Evans & Associates
Parametrix
Silver Span Sponsors
Portland Fire
ExcelTech
Shannon & Wilson
Thank you to our partners!
Portland Saturday Market
Japanese American Museum of Oregon
Tweed PDX
Portland Rescue Mission
Brad Carlile Photography
Burnside Skatepark
LEGO artist Erik Mattson
The Willamette Light Brigade
Portland State University
Shaky Grounds Cafe
Bricks & Minifigs Portland
Breakfast on the Bridges
KOIN 6
Want to join the party? Visit burnsideturns100.com.
Multnomah County maintains five Willamette River bridges: the Sellwood, Hawthorne, Morrison, Burnside and Broadway Bridges as well as the Wapato Bridge over the Multnomah Channel.