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- #3: Who said sidewalk art was just for kids??
#3: Who said sidewalk art was just for kids??
La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival, Tuesday Night Market, and an lovely out of town nature adventure.
Amanda Marcott
July 16, 2025
Hey there Reader!
Thanks for being one of our readers, and for being such a wonderful member of our town. This edition is brought to you by The Viable Source, a web design and digital marketing company.
Okay but seriously… this week’s sponsor kinda rocks. They helped make this issue possible and they’re up to something pretty great.
This edition is sponsored by The Viable Source
☕ The First Sip
“Before you scroll… let the vibe steep.”
Hellooooooooooo Hillsboro!
This week is about exploration. Walt Whitman told us to “Stay Curious” and the thing I love the most about Hillsboro is the variety of experiences available to us by our wonderful community. Like how many amazing and fun events are put on every single week! How many more restaurants I’m told I need to check out, the dog parks that get rave reviews, or the small businesses that show of their craft.
 | When I started this little newsletter it was to help me collect ideas and options for date nights, family time, and just getting out of the house. But the more I explore, the more I discover how awesome Hillsboro, Oregon actually is! I am delighted every time we are tagged on socials or I get an email from someone saying “Have you checked out this place?” or “Did you know about this very specifically local thing?” Because even though we’ve been here nearly 12 years, I’m a little embarrassed to say we never participated…Not really. Sure the parades, and the coffee shops, and ax throwing at Blue Ox in downtown. But we’ve never been to Tuesday Night Market until this week (and OHMYGAWD YOU HAVE TO GO!), and we’ve only attended the Summer concert Series once. Because I love Aerosmith and the tribute band was excellent! |
But the point I’m trying to make here is that after COVID, we all sort of became hermits and grumble every time we are required to put on pants. However, I can tell you that there is a lot to be explored in our amazing town. And gosh darnit by golly I am determined to stay VERY curious! Want to join me?
So let’s get into it, shall we?!
I cannot wait to show you our website that The Viable Source is building for The Orenco Press! Jeremy and his team are great to work with, and they are so efficient and patient! They take all the tech jargon, all the big decisions, all the information to build a new site, and make it an experience that feels easy to understand, easy to do, and fun to build. |  |
The Viable Source is also doing all that fancy internet marketing for us - Google Ads, Facebook ads, Search Engine Optimization, local search for Google Maps and more! So that we can be found locally by our readers, without the stress of trying to figure all that stuff out on our own. (I don’t know if you’ve been in the Google Analytics lately buuuuuuuut it feels a bit like being inside of a computer. 😳) If you need a new website, a website refresh, or to stop going bald from all the hair pulling while arguing with Meta ads, I highly recommend you give Jeremy and his team at The Viable Source a call.
Sponsored by The Viable Source
📻 What’s Brewing (also known as: Events)
Your go-to list of local happenings, side quests, and a few excuses to put on pants.
Do you have events you want our readers to know about? Send us an email and we may be able to add it in our next issue! [email protected]
Find the full forecast at Weather.com
🎪 This Week’s Main Event — “Big crowds. Big vibes. Big fun.”
Bring the kids, bring a camp chair, and definitely bring the sunscreen!
🎨 La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival
When: Saturday - Sunday, July 19 - 20, 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Downtown Hillsboro, Cultural Arts District
Downtown transforms into a giant outdoor canvas as artists—some regional, some national—bring vivid chalk murals to life. It’s a full-blown block party with live music, tasty food carts, local vendors, and family-friendly fun. Plus, if you’re not quite ready for it to wrap, stick around Monday, July 21, for the Chalk Art Stroll—a bonus day to soak in the colorful masterpieces before streets reopen Tuesday morning on the 22.
La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival - via City of Hillsboro
And there’s more!
Remember to bring your water bottle for the Hillsboro Hometown Tap.
Dress comfortably for the sun and take breaks on the shady Courthouse lawn.
The event will feature a cooling tent and a mister fan on the Plaza.
Don't forget to stop by the Shaved Ice carts or pick up a cool beverage from local businesses.
🎡 Out & About — “Local fun for all ages.”
Even more Park Pop-Up Hosted by Hillsboro Parks & Recreation, this adorable family event is free for everyone! Park Pop-Ups Dogs are welcome at the parks, but please make sure they are leashed! (And remember to pick up after them!)
This week’s Park Pop-Ups will be:
Wednesday, July 16 at Tamarack Park from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Features include: Rollin’ Rec, Wetlands on Wheels, Mobile Makers, and Library on the Loose
Thursday, July 17 at Orenco Woods Park from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Features Include: Mobile Makers, and Library on the Loose
Get a aheads up for next week!
Wednesday, July 23 at Evergreen Park from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Features include: Rollin’ Rec, Mobile Makers, and Library on the Loose
Thursday, July 24 at Francis St Park from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Features Include: Mobile Makers, and Library on the Loose
Hillsboro Tuesday Night Market
 Hillsboro Tuesday Night Market | Hillsboro Tuesday Night Market is a weekly outdoor summer festival in Historic Downtown Hillsboro, presented to the community by volunteers, friends, and local partners. A private nonprofit organization, Hillsboro Tuesday Marketplace, Inc provides a free community gathering place. I won’t lie…I was one of those people that saw the posters, and very much misinterpreted what this was. Totally from my own doing! I always thought Tuesday Night Market was another Farmer’s Market. Those are great, but this “little” weekly festival that happens each Tuesday evening from 5pm - 8:30 pm is a hoppin’ event! When we went there were three different LIVE bands, dozens of food trucks, and even a dance showcase! And it’s free to attend! |
🎨 Creative Block — “What’s being made, played, and staged.”
The Showtime Concert Series features live music on Thursday evenings during the month July at Shute Park!
Bring a camp chair or blanket to sit back and enjoy the great tunes from top local talent. There’s even food trucks for dinner!! Or you can bring your own food and drink. Remember it’s sober fun…No alcohol allowed.
This culturally and musically diverse series has been bringing neighbors together for dancing and fun for more than 30 years!! Totally free, totally worth it!
 Eagle Eyes – Eagles Tribute Band | Eagle Eyes Eagles Tribute Band Eagles Eyes tribute is ‘THE’ tribute to the legendary California country rock band. Audiences are mesmerized by this group of Vancouver, B.C. musicians’ precise vocal harmonies and service to the smallest of details in performing songs spanning the extensive Eagles’ Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame Career. Thursday, July 17 from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm |
🍴 Bite Club (Food & Drink)
Craveable bites, fork-worthy finds, and snack-sized updates from around town.
This week I am excited to be going downtown to visit some of the local businesses and try some new restaurants I’ve been seeing pop up on our Instagram to report back! Be sure to follow us over there and TikTok so that you can tag us in your favorite food place. Dinner, Breakfast, Date, Drink, or Snack…we want it all! But first. A quick pick-me-up for you!
🧀 The Snackdown
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is this:
The Orenco Press is looking for the best of the best in Hillsboro. A friendly, but fierce competition for the ultimate honor of being on Brewster’s List (the lovable Bigfoot carrying a latte and a camping pack in the header…) with 5 tacos. Because stars are beautiful but tacos are delicious.
So we need YOU, Hillsboro! What should we put up as the first competition? The best burgers? The best wings? The best chai? Let us know so we can go on the hunt! Send your requests for this most sacred competition to [email protected] or leave us a comment on our socials. Because we take our food very seriously, and Hillsboro has some SERIOUSLY good food! 😋
🚚 Food Truck Frenzy — “Fresh, fast, and parked near you.”
Have you ever been to Pre-Tea at the Foodlandia food pod? The one right on Century Boulevard by Freddy’s on TV? It’s this editor’s FAVORITE place for Thai Tea! I always get the Thai Tea with Oat milk and my kiddo always gets the Raspberry Smoothie with strawberry boba. They are soon good, they are usually half gone by the time we’ve gotten our lunch! Definitely worth a pit stop next time you’re at the food carts! |  Pre-Tea at Foodlandia |
🛋️ Meanwhile, in Real Life (Lifestyle)
The good stuff we’d tell you over coffee — grounded, practical, and actually helpful.
Sometimes you just need a day trip to get away. Sometimes you need to finally get to that Honey-do list. And sometimes, you simply want to connect with others.
🛠️ Ask A Local Pro — “Tips and tricks to make life easier.”
Now that we are in the midst of our sunniest time of year, it is a great time to take care of some of the outdoor maintenance on our homes. You can always hire a local small business to handle these projects for you, but if you have the DIY spirit and are willing to spend some time in the heat, you can tackle these on a day off!
  Sealing Decks & Fences | Sealing Decks & FencesIf you have a natural wood deck or fence, sealing the wood is important to maintaining the wood, and it should be done every 1-3 years. If you’re starting to notice fading color, cracks or splinters- it may be time! First, take the time to clean the wood and remove any dirt or debris. It needs to be totally dry before you start applying the sealant. Choose a water resistant sealant that works with your deck or fence material. You can spray, roll or brush the sealant on- just be sure to follow the instructions on the best application method for the sealant you are using. Rachel Callahan Sponsored by Callahan Construction and Design |
🚙 Worth the Trip — “Not too far. Totally worth it.”
I am an avid lover of the forest, but sometimes I don’t have the capacity to go on a full hike. Sometimes, I just want a quiet, beautiful drive with a wonderful reward from Mother Nature at the end. And Fern Creek Falls is perfect for that. It is right off of Oregon route 6 about 30 minutes from Hillsboro on your way to Tillamook. If you’re really ambitious you could go on the Drift Creek Trailhead on your way back home after you appreciate this great little waterfall.
Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 25′
Length of Hike: Roadside
🌿 The Nature of Things — “Sky above, soil below, and everything in season.”
There’s something about mid-July in Hillsboro — the way the trees hum with heat, the breeze carries hints of blackberries and BBQ, and the farmers market is bursting with color like it's showing off.
The sun hangs high, the air smells like fresh-cut lawns and ripe tomatoes, and the sidewalks shimmer just enough to make you grateful for shade.
This is the season for iced coffee strolls, spontaneous sprinkler dashes, and staying out just a little longer than planned.
Soak it in, Hillsboro. Summer’s in session.
There’s plenty more planned, and lots more to do so I can provide the bestest neighborhood newsletter this side of the tunnel! But for now I just want to say thanks. Thanks for joining my very long group chat in my brain, for all your future suggestions to share with others, and for hanging out all the way to the end.
I’ll see you next Wednesday, and I hope you have a GREAT week!
~ Amanda, Founder | Editor
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