Portland, Oregon has officially kicked off an unprecedented citywide celebration for pop culture lovers, as Mayor Keith Wilson has proclaimed September 4-15, 2025, to be Geek Week. With contributions from over 150 local businesses and more than 300 events across the city, this festival highlights Portland’s geek community and promises a packed schedule for fans of games, comics, cosplay, and more.
A New Era for Geek Culture in Portland
For the first time, Portland is uniting its many smaller fan conventions and gatherings into a single, citywide Pop Culture festival. Taking advantage of Portland’s reputation as a hub for geek culture, the event brings together fans of gaming, comics, anime, science fiction, fantasy, and related subcultures. The event aims to foster creativity, inclusion, and community, with a strong focus on supporting LGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices.
Citywide Collaboration and Diverse Activities
Over the next ten days, more than 150 local businesses, community groups, and cultural institutions are involved in the festivities. Attendees can participate in an eclectic mix of activities including game tournaments, cosplay parties, film screenings, trivia nights, scavenger hunts, literary events, and more. The comprehensive event schedule spotlights both the city’s traditional geek venues and many unexpected partners, reflecting the broad reach and growing acceptance of geek culture.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
Organizers believe this inaugural event will set a precedent for future large-scale celebrations and cement Portland’s status as a national leader for geek-friendly party spectaculars.
