Free frybread, live drumming and more than 30 Indigenous vendors will fill Director Park on Saturday, Nov. 7, when Portland's third annual Frybread Fest opens at 11 a.m.

The festival is one of several Native American Heritage Month events across the city this November, as first reported by The Oregonian. The lineup stretches from downtown to the Portland State University campus, with free and ticketed gatherings through the end of the month.

Frybread Fest: Saturday, Nov. 7

Downtown Portland Clean & Safe is hosting the festival in partnership with Miss Indian Northwest, according to The Oregonian's Frybread Fest coverage. The event runs 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Director Park, 815 S.W. Park Ave. Admission is free, and the first 200 guests get free frybread.

The festival drew more than 8,000 people in 2025, up from about 5,500 in its first year, Hoodline reported. Organizers expanded this year's edition with more food vendors, performances and cultural demonstrations.

About 30 Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs will sell beadwork, regalia, jewelry and other goods. Visitors can watch salmon processing, hide tanning and basket weaving, and meet local elders and authors Ed Edmo and John Spence. Portland-based Indigenous jazz ensemble Wen'ípt and drum group Turquoise Pride will perform.

Frybread itself has roots in survival. The dish originated as Indigenous communities adapted to food shortages after forced relocation to reservation lands, made from flour, lard and water.

Beth Piatote reading: Saturday, Nov. 7

Nez Perce scholar and poet Beth Piatote will read from her poetry collection, distant water, in the Portland Art Museum's Native American Art Gallery. The reading runs 3 to 3:15 p.m. as part of the Portland Book Festival. A festival pass costs $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event. Attendees 17 and younger get in free.

NAYA gala: Friday, Nov. 13

The Native American Youth and Family Center's (NAYA) annual gala and auction takes place 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the Portland Art Museum, 1219 S.W. Park Ave. The fundraiser, which NAYA bills as the largest Native American Heritage Month celebration in the Pacific Northwest, brings together tribal and community leaders for a Native-inspired meal, performances and live and online auctions featuring Native art. Proceeds support NAYA's educational, housing, family support and economic development programs. The online auction runs Nov. 9 through Nov. 13. Ticket information is available at nayapdx.org.

Siletz Restoration Powwow: Saturday, Nov. 14

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians will hold their 49th annual Restoration Powwow at 6 p.m. at Chinook Winds Casino Resort, 1777 N.W. 44th St., Lincoln City. The powwow commemorates the restoration of the tribe's federal recognition in 1977. All dancers and drummers are welcome.

More events through November

Grand Ronde Restoration Celebration and Powwow: The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde mark 43 years since the Grand Ronde Restoration Act, which restored the tribe's federal recognition in 1983. Doors open at 10 a.m. Nov. 22 at Spirit Mountain Casino Event Center in Grand Ronde, with grand entries at 1 and 7 p.m.

Black Friday Indigenous Marketplace: Portland State University's Native American Student and Community Center hosts a three-day holiday marketplace Nov. 27 through Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 710 S.W. Jackson St. The free event features a rotating lineup of local Indigenous and Black artists and entrepreneurs, plus live music.

Multnomah County Library: Several free programs run throughout November, including traditional games, music and storytelling. The library's Native Family Story Hour welcomes children from birth to age 6 and their families for songs and stories presented by Native library staff. Attendance is limited and first come, first served. Full schedules are at multcolib.org/events-classes.