How to Squeeze More Summer Fun Into Your End-of-Summer Plans in Lake Oswego

Posted on August 20, 2023 by lovelakeoswego
We won the Lake Oswego photo contest in 2014 with this picture.
Capture some of your summer fun in a photo and enter this year’s contest! Information below.

The days of summer are numbered but there is still fun to be had in Lake Oswego. Here are a few ways to make summer lovin’ last:

LAKE OSWEGO SWIM PARK. The city-operated swim park open to all Lake Oswego residents is open through August 31 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily at 250 Ridgeway Road. 503.953.9325.

LAKE GROVE SWIM PARK. The swim park open to residents of the original Lake Grove School District is open through August 27 from noon to 8:00 p.m. at 3800 Lakeview Blvd. 503.635.03566.

SUMMER OF MUSIC CONCERT SERIES is still offering evening entertainment on these dates:

August 20 featuring Reb & the Good News at Millennium Plaza Park from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

August 23 highlighting Taken By The Sky at Westlake Park from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

August 30 with Foreverland at Westlake Park from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

ROVER POP-UP LIBRARY. Don’t miss your last chance to visit Lake Oswego’s pop-up library on Tuesday, August 22 at 4:00 p.m. at Westlake Park. 14165 Bunick Drive.

OSWEGO HERITAGE COUNCIL’S 22nd ANNUAL COLLECTOR CAR AND CLASSIC BOAT SHOW. Explore over 200 collector cars and motorcycles at George Rogers Park and over 25 classic boats at Sundeleaf Plaza on Sunday, August 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Breakfast and lunch options will be made available by the Lake Oswego Lions Club at George Rogers Park.

LAKE OSWEGO CORPORATION POP-UP CONCERTS finish up with Andrew Paul Woodworth on September 1 at 6:00 p.m. Expect a balance of soulfully performed originals and reimagined covers of anything from Prince to The Doobie Brothers…..from Marvin Gaye to Elton John. Location will be announced shortly before the concert begins.

LAKE OSWEGO FARMERS’ MARKET happens every Saturday in Millennium Plaza Park from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through October 7. 200 First Street.

LAKE GROVE MARKET. Lake Oswego’s “other” Farmer’s Market returns in the Lake Grove neighborhood with an expanded lineup of artisans, kids’ activities, live entertainment and more. Held on these first Sundays: September 3, October 1 and November 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Hallmark Drive, between Mercantile Drive and Collins Way.

15th ANNUAL CITY OF LAKE OSWEGO PHOTO CONTEST. Enter to win by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6. In each category, first-place winners will receive a $150 gift card; second-place winners a $100 gift card; and third-place winters a $50 gift card. Categories include: Life in Lake Oswego, Places in Lake Oswego, Positive Aging in Lake Oswego, Plants and Wildlife in Lake Oswego, Pets in Lake Oswego, and Digitally Altered Photographic Images. Entry form online.

ADULT PROGRAMS AT LUSCHER FARMS. 125 Rosemont Road

Everlasting Floral Wreaths, Saturday, September 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Class #26301, $60 Residents/ $75 Non-Residents.

Summer Bounty Preservation Workshop, Sunday, September 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Class # 26300, $60 Residents/ $75. Non-Residents.

Seed Saving Workshop Saturday, September 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Class #26296 $16 Residents/$24 Non-Residents.

If buying or selling your home is part of your end-of-summer plans, give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’ve been a Realtor in Lake Oswego for over 30 years and would love to put my experience to work for you!

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Seeing Lake Oswego Through Visitors’ Eyes

Posted on August 13, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

When it comes to Lake Oswego, seeing is believing.

Our son recently got married in our backyard, bringing many out-of-towners to Lake Oswego, several for the first time. It was over the 4th of July weekend so the weather was perfect, the town was in high gear, the trees were green and the flowers were blooming.

Here’s what we kept hearing:

“Lake Oswego is so beautiful!”

“I can’t imagine a better place in the summer!”

“You have so much natural beauty here!”

“It’s so green!”

“What a lovely spot!”

“I want to move here!”

“What a great place to raise a family!”

Those of us who already live here, know these things to be true. But it helps to see our town once again through the eyes of newcomers to be reminded of what drew us here in the first place.

I experience the same reaction when working with out-of-town clients. In fact, one young woman recently broke into tears after a day of touring, excited at the prospect of relocating her husband and children to our community. This was after visiting homes for sale, driving through different neighborhoods, checking out the Lake Grove Swim Park, and exploring different schools. It’s easy for clients to see themselves here because of the beauty, the amenities, the resources and the possibilities.

Luckily for me as a Realtor in Lake Oswego, the town sells itself. My job is to find the right fit in terms of home, affordability and neighborhood. And it’s a job I have been doing for over 30 years, now joined by my daughter, Riley, who knows just what it means to live in Lake Oswego because she grew up here! If you’re considering moving to Lake Oswego, please get in touch. We’d love to show you around and help make this fantastic community your home!

Phone: 503.939.9801 (Kevin) 971.322.6205 (Riley)

Email: kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com  riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

Website: https://www.costellorealestategroup.com/

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Low Inventory Continues to Fuel Seller’s Market in Lake Oswego for Well-Priced Homes in Good Condition

Posted on August 6, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

Higher interest rates would have you believe that it’s a buyer’s market out there. But low inventory, particularly in the under $2.75M price range, means that well-priced homes in good condition are in demand.

Who are these buyers? Just within our clientele in the last month, we have a young couple moving up from California, a Lake Oswego resident looking for an investment on the lake, and another young couple relocating from Portland. We’re also working with an older Lake Oswego couple looking to downsize in a home with a view.

And they are not alone. In many of the homes they considered, there were multiple offers. So while the number of buyers at large is smaller than in 2021, the competition for a home priced at fair market value can still be stiff.

The chart below shows that the discrepancy in home sales between now and this time in 2021, is significant, and still falls 28% lower than where we were in 2022 with 297 homes sold year to date in 2023 compared to 412 in 2022.

How can buyers increase their chances of finding and getting the right house in this market?

First of all, work with a hyperlocal Realtor. Two of our recent sales were of off-market homes that we knew about because we are plugged into the local network of Realtors and residents. We also understand Lake Oswego value because we’ve worked this market for over 35 years.

Have a list of what’s most important to you in a home. In Lake Oswego is it a certain school? Easements? Being on the water? Close to the freeway? Big backyard or no yard maintenance? Main floor master? And then rank your criteria because in this market, you may have to make some concessions and it helps to know what you’re not willing to negotiate on.

Make your offer as attractive as possible. That doesn’t always mean offering the highest price. Sometimes the terms and conditions are what make or break a deal, like offering free rent back if that’s important to the seller. Again, an experienced Realtor can flesh out what might be the winning combination of price and conditions to put you in first position.

My daughter Riley and I would be more than happy to help you navigate today’s housing market and help you price your home effectively (if you’re looking to sell) or be a competitive buyer if you’re looking to move. Give us a call and let’s go over your situation. We’d love to make your next move your best one!

Kevin  503.939.9801 kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

Riley   971.322.6205 riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

CHRISTMAS IN AUGUST ALERT –

We know it’s only August but the popular Tinseltown Trolley yuletide ride on the Willamette Shore Trolley complete with holiday lights, games, carols and a visit from a North Pole guest regularly sells out so we’d suggest you purchase your tickets as soon as registration opens at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, August 7. Visit www.loparks.org or call 503.675.2549.

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10 Things We Love About Lake Oswego in August

Posted on July 30, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES. The Lakewood Theatre Company is staging a performance of this musical featuring hits from the 50s and 60s through most of August. Tickets are $42/Adults; $40/Seniors; $25/Students. Purchase online.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT. The City of Lake Oswego is encouraging residents to get out and party as part of the nationwide initiative to promote public safety and neighborhood camaraderie. Be one of the first 20 neighborhoods to register with the City and your party will receive a visit by a fire truck or police car. Register online. Tuesday, August 1 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

MOVIES IN THE PARK. Your final chance to catch an outdoor movie in the park! Puss in Boots the Last Wish is the final reel to entertain your family and friends on Thursday, August 3, beginning at dusk (between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m.) in Foothills Park, 199 Foothills Road.

HOT AUGUST NIGHT CONCERT ON THE LAKE. This year’s lake party features one of the Pacific Northwest’s most sought-after bands, Precious Byrd. Hit up your lake friends for a spot on one of their boats for this annual shindig. August 5 beginning around 6:00 p.m. Location announced shortly before the event.

PONZI WINE DINNER. If you’d rather party on land, grab a ticket to Zupan’s breezeway feast featuring Ponzi wine on Saturday, August 5 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $125 online.

SUMMER CONCERTS. You can still enjoy the summer concert series in Lake Oswego playing in both Millennium Plaza Park on Sundays and Westlake Park on Wednesdays, and the Lajos Balogh Symphony in Foothills Park on August 19. Find a complete schedule in an earlier blog.

BEER 101 – LAGERS. Learn more about the beer you love to drink at this event in Cellar Z at Zupan’s on August 13 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets online are $40.

END OF SUMMER PARTY. Celebrate a summer of reading, exploring and learning by attending the library’s free party at Rossman Park, just a block down from the library at 555 Fourth Street on Wednesday, August 16 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Enjoy a musical performance by Red Yarn, as well as balloon art creations and snacks. For more information, contact the Children’s desk at 503.697.6580.

LOBSTER AND CLAM BAKE. Don’t get excited. Zupan’s popular four-course dinner with wine pairings is sold out for this month, but if you’re lucky, you can maybe still grab one for September 23. Tickets are $150 online.

MAYOR BUCK’S COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE. Let your voices be heard on the topic of emergency management at this quarterly community forum with the Mayor and Council members. Thursday, August 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 3rd floor, City Hall.

Don’t miss out on what’s happening in Lake Oswego. Subscribe to my blog by clicking on the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates.

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Why a good buyer’s agent will sometimes talk you OUT of buying a home

Posted on July 23, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

Over the last two months, my daughter and I have talked several of our buyers OUT of buying houses, instead of buying them.

Is that what a buyer’s agent is supposed to do?

If he or she has the buyer’s best interest at heart!

We are in real estate for the long game, meaning, we only want clients to buy homes that we feel confident we could turn around and sell for them at a profit in a few years. Like I often say, “I don’t care if you buy this house from me right now. I just hope you buy from me when the price and the home is right.”

And what we’ve been seeing is sellers who are holding tight to prices they are too attached to because

  • They bought at the wrong price and didn’t have an agent telling them to hold out
  • They think today’s market is the 2021-22 market when sales prices were overshooting listing prices by double digits
  • They are relying too strongly on Zillow values which can’t take in the nuances of a particular neighborhood or market

One house clients were interested in has seen over 25 showings but no offers. “It has only been on the market a couple of weeks,” the seller’s agent explained in justifying why his buyers were not willing to negotiate on price. To which I recounted the wisdom shared with me by one of the best real estate agents ever, Mike Hasson, “If you have seven serious showings and no offer there’s only one reason. You priced it too high.”

While we were living through it, the bullish housing market of 2021-22 was thrilling and fueled sellers with euphoria over the appreciation they’d earned. But that run was actually an artificial market driven by historically low-interest rates of 2.65+. Now with rates at 7%, sellers are needing a reality check. Neither they nor Realtors can do a market analysis based on sales during that time period to justify prices today.

All the more reason you need a hyperlocal Realtor who is willing to talk you out of a sale, when looking to buy a home in Lake Oswego or the Portland metro area and/or be honest with you about how long you’ll most likely have to hold on to a home in order to make a profit. And why you need the same when pricing your home for sale. A good home in good condition that is well priced will still sell in today’s market, and quickly. Just in the last week a couple that met that criteria sold in two days. As Mike Hasson would say, “It was priced right.”

If you’d like to work with a Realtor who will be honest with you about value and price, whether you’re buying or selling, give one of us a call. I’ve been in the business for over 30 years, and have been working with my daughter, Riley, for several years now. Together we bring a level of expertise and enthusiasm that will make your next move your best one!

Kevin: 503.939.9801. kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

Riley: 971.322.6205.  riley.costello@cascadehassonsir.com

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Lake Oswego Housing Market Update for July 2023

Posted on July 16, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

Compared to May, real estate activity in Lake Oswego picked up a bit in June, by 9%, but compared to last year, the market is still much slower, with 33% fewer homes sold year-to-date.

Sellers are choosing to stay put, enjoying the record low-interest rates they captured when they were as low as 2.65, compared to today’s 7.1+. (As much as that may cause us to pause, historically, the 30-year mortgage rate averaged 7.74% from 1971 to 2023, so we’re still under that). As a result, inventory remains low for the most part; although we are seeing a more balanced market in the $2M to $2.5M range.

For the sellers who do decide to list their homes, there is good news. There is a large pool of buyers out there and homes are going quickly if…

–they are priced right

and/or

–they work for a lot of people in terms of floor plan, updates

and/or

–they are a unique property.

Now more than ever sellers pay a price for putting a home on the market that doesn’t meet one of these criteria as buyers will swarm at first; however, if it doesn’t strike one of those notes, the property will sit and the longer it sits, the less desirable it seems.

Which means that now more than ever, it’s important to work with a local Realtor who really knows the market and can help you strategize and justify price as well as advise you as to how best to present your home to capture its highest value.

Questions about today’s Lake Oswego housing market? Give me a call at 503.939.9801, or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com. Together with my daughter, Riley, we are helping both buyers and sellers make their next moves successfully. We’d love to do the same for you.

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July (and August) in Lake Oswego: That’s Entertainment!

Posted on July 9, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

Summer nights are one of Lake Oswego’s greatest selling points as I spell out in a previous blog. With warm weather, longer days and no bugs to annoy us, Lake Oswegans are looking for things to do.

Once again, the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation Department comes to the rescue with movies in the park and their summer concert series.

MOVIES IN THE PARK (movies start between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m.)

July 20             Minions the rise of Gru           Westlake Park

July 27             Turning Red                            Millennium Plaza Park

August 3          Puss in Boots the Last Wish    Foothills Park

SUMMER MUSIC CONCERT SERIES

July 9 The Cabin Project 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Millennium Plaza

July 12 Ty Curtis 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Foothills Park

July 19             Good Day Sunshine                 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Foothills Park

July 23             Robert Henry Band                 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Millennium Plaza

July 26             Red Light Romeos                   7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Foothills Park

August 2          Jackson Michelson                  6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Westlake Park

August 6          Mbracatu                                6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Millennium Plaza Park

August 9          Jennifer Batten & Full Steam   6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Westlake Park

August 16        Rockit Radio                            6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Westlake Park

August 19        Lajos Balogh Symphony          6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Foothills Park

August 20        Reb and the Good News         6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Millennium Plaza

August 23        Taken by the Sky                     6:30 p.m. to 830 p.m. in Westlake Park

August 30        Foreverland                             6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Westlake Park

LAKE OSWEGO CORPORATION POP-UP CONCERTS – these concerts begin around 6:00 p.m. at different locations around the lake. The actual location is usually released shortly beforehand.

July 21             The Yachtsmen                                                          

August 5          Precious Byrd (This is also known as the Hot August Night concert, usually with a floating dance dock and a definite party atmosphere)

August 18        Christian Lopez

September 1   Andrew Paul Woodworth      

Here’s where you can find daytime tunes:

FARMERS’ MARKET MUSIC – Saturdays in Millennium Plaza Park from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

July 15              Brent Rogers and KJ Miller

July 22             Reggie Garrett

July 29             Boka Marimba

August 5          Arietta Ward

August 12        Experience Flamenco

August 19        Kathleen Lavengood

August 26        Mbrascatu (solo)

September 2   Maeve Stier

September 9   Tevis Hodge Jr.

September 16 Warren Dunes

September 23 Redray Frzier

September 30 Rogue Moon

October 7        Thirteen Finches

Stay up-to-date on things to do in Lake Oswego by subscribing to my blog. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column. And if you’re thinking of moving in, out or around Lake Oswego, give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and/or check out my website. I’ve been a Lake Oswego resident and Realtor for over 30 years and would love to put my experience to work for you!

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Counting the Ways We Love Lake Oswego in July

Posted on July 2, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

JULY 4TH FESTIVITIES. Read last week’s post to get the lowdown about everything (and it’s a lot!) happening in Lake Oswego to celebrate this national holiday.

CAMP LOPL WORKSHOPS. The library goes outdoors and it spells fun while learning for all who attend. Workshops, which run from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Rossman Park, 555 4th Street, this month include:

Worms and Compost, Wednesday, July 5

Paper Making and Print Art, Wednesday, July 12

Nature Crafts, Wednesday, July 19

Upcycled Crafts, Wednesday, July 26

ROVER POP-UP LIBRARY. The library is on the move this summer to make reaching your summer book challenge that much easier. Here’s where you’ll find the Rover Pop-Up Library in July:

Lakeridge Middle School, Thursday, July 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Westlake Park on Tuesday, July 11 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Lakeridge Middle School, Thursday, July 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Westlake Park on Tuesday, July 25 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

OPENING RECEPTION FOR ANOTHER WORD FOR MEMORY EXHIBIT. The Arts Council of Lake Oswego is hosting an opening reception for the current exhibit, featuring Ruth Ross and Brenda Whitehill Schlenker, whose practices use mixed media, photography and textiles to create a dialogue about aging, family and memory. The reception will feature a poetry reading by Leanne Grabel, who wrote a poem in response to Ruth Ross’ work. Friday, July 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 includes light bites. ARTspace Gallery, 380 A Avenue.

LANGE WINE DINNER. Enjoy a delicious evening of food and Lange wine with owners Don and Wendy Lange in the breezeway at Lake Oswego’s Zupan’s Market. Saturday, July 8 at 6:00 p.m. $125/person.

SUMMER OF MUSIC CONCERT SERIES. This popular series kicks off in July. Here’s the July lineup:

July 9, The Cabin Project at Millennium Plaza Park from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

July 12, Ty Curtis at Foothills Park from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

July 19, Good Day Sunshine, Foothills Park from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

July 23, Robert Henry Band, Millennium Plaza Park from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

July 26, Red Light Romeos, Foothills Park from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

MOVIES IN THE PARK. What better way to celebrate a warm summer evening with your family than by enjoying an outdoor movie in the park. Popcorn and treats are available for purchase but be sure to bring your blankets, pillows and low sand chairs to make for a cozy night. Here’s the July schedule: (shows between at dusk, between 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.)

July 20 at Westlake Park, Minions the Rise of Gu

July 27 at Millennium Plaza Park, Turning Red

LOBSTER AND CLAM BAKE. Zupan’s is hosting this popular feast in the breezeway on Saturday, July 22, beginning with a reception at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Buy your tickets early as it often sells out! $150/person.

Stay up-to-date on what’s happening in Lake Oswego. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates.

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Lake Oswego Packs a Lot of Fun into 4th of July Celebrations

Posted on June 25, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

I think if there were a Guinness World Record for most 4th of July events per capita in a town, Lake Oswego would win.

If you look at the lineup, I think you’ll agree.

SKI & WAKEBOARD EXTRAVAGANZA. Head over to Lakewood Bay and witness a local display of athleticism on water! Good viewing spots include Millennium Plaza Park, the Headlee Walkway and Sundeleaf Plaza. Sunday, July 2. Slalom events start at 10:00 a.m., followed by Wakeboarding at 1:00 p.m.

MILLENNIUM CONCERT BAND. A fitting kickoff to the celebration, this patriotic concert includes both military and marching band compositions, as well as the Presentation of Colors by the Lake Oswego Honor Guard and a tribute to Veterans. Monday, July 3 at 7:00 p.m. Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First Street.

LIONS CLUB PANCAKE BREAKFAST. Start the day off right with all-you-can-eat hot pancakes off the griddle (gluten-free option) and sausage for $10/adult; $7/children under 12. Enjoy music by singer Rae Gordon and her band as well as running into just about everyone you know at this popular annual event. Tuesday, July 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. George Rogers Park, 611 S. State Street.

STAR SPANGLED PARADE. Be prepared for a sea of red white and blue heading down A Avenue as festive floats, decked-out vehicles and costumed kids and canines march their way to Millennium Plaza Park. Tuesday, July 4 beginning at 10:00 a.m. Festivities continue at Millennium Plaza Park with live music, face painting, food trucks and more as well as the annual Pie Eating contest.

BOAT PARADE. Catch patriotic-decked boats head out from the Lake Oswego marina starting at 11:30 a.m. and proceeding along the northern shore until reaching the Lake Grove Swim Park, around 12:00 noon. The Mood Swings band will stop for a few tunes and then continue leading the parade along the southern shore before returning back to where it all began.

FIREWORKS POP-UP CONCERT. Boaters can enjoy the sounds of Britnee Kellogg beginning around 6:00 p.m. at a location TBD on the lake.

INDEPENDENCE DAY ILLUMINATION: A CONCERT AND LASER LIGHT SHOW. Disco and Dance band Satin Love Orchestra will have you on your feet before taking in a spectacular display of lights in the sky. Lasers take flight around 10:05 p.m. Bring your blankets, pillows and low sand chairs and save a spot for family and friends. Additional activities include food trucks, face painting and more. Tuesday, July 4 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Foothills Park, 199 Foothills Rd.

4th of JULY FIREWORKS. Hosted by the Lake Oswego Corporation and held on the west end of the Main Lake, fireworks are shot from a floating barge and put on a fantastic show for boaters and well-situated lake residents. Tuesday, July 4 @ 9:45 p.m.

Thinking of moving to Lake Oswego? I don’t blame you! I’ve lived here for over 30 years and have been helping others do the same as a Lake Oswego Realtor. Let me put my experience to work for you. Give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com and/or check out my website.

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It’s the Festival of the Arts’ sixtieth anniversary and 60 never looked so good!

Posted on June 18, 2023 by lovelakeoswego

Festival organizers have outdone themselves this year with a theme (Pop Goes the Festival) and a programming lineup that adds the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts to the list of things that get better with age.

First of all the theme—many of the exhibits and featured artists put the pop in album covers and concert posters, bringing together visual art with music. A one-of-a-kind installation will feature art from local legends Emek, Gary Houston, and Tim Oakley and show you how vinyl records (which we all know are in demand again) are created from start to finish. In addition, the Dee Denton Gallery in the upper level of the Lakewood Center will feature some of the best pop art from around the region and juried artists were also asked to create unique expressions of pop art.

And then the programming—music, art, food for young and old—this year’s festival has it all.

The Festival of Arts & Flowers. Paying tribute to the first Festival of the Arts which was called the Festival of Arts & Flowers, this year’s show will feature art inspired by the natural beauty of flowers and botanicals in the upper level of the Lakewood Center.

Live Music. There will be two stages this year both at George Rogers Park and the Lakewood Center hosting an incredible lineup of musicians. You can dance on the grass at George Rogers or enjoy tunes while browsing the Open Show Express exhibit at the Lakewood Center, both under big white tents.

Missoula Children’s Theatre. This popular touring children’s theatre returns again this year with FREE performances of Cinderella, starring some of Lake Oswego’s brightest young stars. Performances are at George Rogers Park on Friday, June 23 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Saturday, June 24 from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Drink and Draw. If you’re 21 and over, enjoy a workshop with caricature artist Allen Schmertzler and see what talent lies within! Reservations are limited and available at Lakewood-center.org for $25. Friday, June 23 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Center, lower level.  

A Workshop with Mirador: Using art and design for the neurodivergent community. Learn how Mirador Magazine (an age-appropriate, dementia-friendly publication created for people experiencing cognitive change) fuses art and design into each page’s purposeful layout, and why it’s important to create art and reading materials for the neurodivergent community. The talk includes a group activity using pages from the magazine. Saturday, June 24 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. In the Lakewood Center café.

Demonstrations by Local Artists. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of works in progress! Demos run all three days on the deck at the Lakewood Center and cover a variety of art forms including: block printing, repurposing garments into wearable art and layering vellum printed photos with gold leaf. For the full list head to lakewood-center.org/festival-demos.

Art in the Park. Discover (and purchase) original artwork from over 100 artists from all over the country at George Rogers Park. Friday and Saturday, June 23 and 24 from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Youth Art. See what our youth can create at the inaugural Joan Eliot Sappington Youth Gallery in the upper level of the Lakewood Center as well as the exhibits from the Youth Outreach Program, Drawn2Art and area schools in the Lakewood Café.

Festival Food. Whether it’s a snack or a full meal, you can find your favorite foods at the Festival, from coffee to shaved ice. See Festival Food for food listings.

Don’t miss out on all that’s going on this summer in Lake Oswego. Subscribe to my blog by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right-hand column and receive weekly updates. AND if you’re thinking about moving to Lake Oswego, give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or email me at kevin.costello@cascadehassonsir.com. I’d love to put my 30+ years as a Lake Oswego resident and Realtor for work for you!

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