RETURN OF THE DRAGON: Revitalizing Portland’s Old Town Heritage
Saturday, May 24, 2025
11:00 AM 5:00 PM
Old Town Festival Streets- NW Davis and NW Flanders between NW 3rd and 4th
The Dragon: A Living Symbol of Spirit and Strength
In Chinese culture, the dragon is not a beast to be feared, but a symbol to be celebrated.
It embodies power without tyranny, wisdom without arrogance, and strength guided by purpose. The dragon dances not just to dazzle, but to unite—bringing people together in joy, pride, and cultural spirit. It carries the hopes of a people, the blessings of prosperity, and the legacy of a thousand years. To follow the dragon is to walk with courage. To become the dragon is to rise with honor.
Overview:
NW Davis Street – Cultural Performances (11-5pm)
NW Flanders Street – Food & Tabling from OTCA non-profits; Skateboarding demos (11am-5pm)
NW 3rd Ave – Dragon Activities (11am-5pm)
NW 4th Ave - Crafts Activities (11am-5pm)
Various Locations - Traditional Chinese Tong & Association Open House (1-4pm)
Parking
SmartPark Garages @ Naito & Davis - Open 24/7 - 33 NW Davis St
Rate: $2/hour, $7 all day
Aerial Map
Initiated by the Oregon Chinese Coalition, Oregon Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, Old Town Community Association and affiliated allies and non-profit cultural heritage venues invite you to celebrate Asian Heritage Month. If you have history in Old Town, you are invited to participate. Thank you to the Old Town Community Association and Travel Oregon for sponsoring.
Join us in revitalizing Chinatown and celebrating its rich cultural heritage. Let’s come together to make this an unforgettable event and establish a new annual tradition!
Sign up here to host crafts activities
Sign up here to perform on outdoor stage (36’x32’ dance floor)
Sign up here to volunteer with dragon activities (OCC dragon group)
Sign up here to be a bronze plaque walking tour guide volunteer
Sign up here to be a host, greeter and helper!
Dragon Groups
Lee Association Dragon & Lion Dance
International Lion Dance
Portland Women’s Association Female Dragon Dance
OCC Dragon Volunteer Group
All dragons are on site for the group photo at 1pm
Traditional Chinese Tong and Association Open House (1-4pm)
**Please follow the route and no photograph inside buildings.
中華會館 CCBA, including its Museum, 315 NW Davis St.
朔源堂 Soo Yuen Assn., 317 NW 4th Ave.
合勝堂 Hop Sing Assn., 317 NW 4th Ave.
協勝堂 Hip Sing Assn., 211 NW 3rd Ave.
至考篤親公所 Gee How Oak Tin Assn., 26 NW 4th Ave.
Museums and Chinese Garden
Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association Museum (Free admission)
Japanese American Museum of Oregon (Pay as you will)
Lan Su Chinese Garden (Pay as you will)
Oregon Jewish Museum and center for Holocaust Education (Pay as you will)
Portland Chinatown Museum (Pay as you will)
Community Art Show
This annual event celebrates local Chinese Americans with a passion for the arts — of all ages and skill levels. Thanks to the support of City Team, the art show will continue to stay in Chinatown. This year, it becomes a featured part of the large community celebration, Return of the Dragon. Be sure to stop by – it’s just across the street from the stage performances!
Please see the art show flyer for details.
Ethnic Food and Beverage Vendors
Little Beijing
LoLo S San Xiang
Feed the Mass
Goodies Snack Shop
Performances
Bluebell Dance Team
CCBA Chinese School
Cello Solo: Plum Blossom by Haocheng Li
Chinese Dulcimer by Seline Dai
Chuan Opera Face Changing by Nelson
Dragonfly Diabolo Team
Duo Water Sleeve Dance by Emily and Katlyn
German International School Chinese Track
Huayun Arts Society
Jade Dance Team
LuLu Guzheng Studio
Oregon Rhythmic Gymnastics & Dance Academy
Palisade World Language School
Phoenix Hanfu Team
Portland 21st Street Golden Sunset Qipao Showcase
Portland Harmonics
US Wushu Center
Winnie Dance Academy
YZ Dance Studio.
with more to come…
Traditional Crafts Activities
DIY Bookmarks / DIY 漆画书签
Pitch-Pot / 投壶
DIY Fan Painting / 画扇子
Brain-Teaser Games / 传统益智游戏
Calligraphy / 毛笔字体验
DIY Dried Flower Ornaments / DIY 干花吊饰
DIY Paper Dragon / DIY 纸龙
Rubbing Painting & Chinese Characters / 拓印画
Chinese Festival Poster Making / 年画
DIY Pinwheel / DIY 风车
Trying on Traditional Chinese Clothing / 汉服体验
Learning Diabolo or Chinese YoYo / 空竹体验
Chinatown Bronze Plaque Walking Tour – Sign up at Information Table on NW Davis
Guided walking tour with bronze plaques
12pm, 2pm, and 3:30pm, starting from Chinatown Museum
Tabling Organizations
Asian Health and Service Center
Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education
Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum
Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association
Portland Japanese American Citizens League
Portland Lee Assoc. Dragon & Lion Dance Team
More to come ……
Announcing the future of Steel Bridge Skatepark in Old Town:
https://www.portland.gov/parks/construction/steel-bridge-skatepark-old-town
SKATEBOARDING AT YOUR OWN RISK at NW Flanders Block 25, temporary pop-up skatepark with pro skater Willis Kimbel
Highlights from Previous Events
After seven years, Portland Chinatown is bringing back a beloved tradition! Return of the Dragon is inspired by the 2016-2018 Chinatown celebrations. This year, we are going even bigger, integrating Culture Day for a richer cultural experience and more community engagement.
2024 Culture Day
2023 Culture Day
2018 Chinese New Year Celebration in Chinatown