Swim parties at Duckworth Dock draw crowds to Willamette River – This is Oregon

No matter what you think about swimming in the Willamette River, no one can deny the thrill that comes from entering a cool body of water during the week at the end of a hot summer day.

That’s the idea behind Duckworth Dock’s weekly parties, held on Wednesdays until August on the Eastbank Esplanade, hosted by Lloyd EcoDistrict, The Human Access Project and BikeLoud.

The Human Access Project, an organization that advocates for swimming in the Willamette River, was also behind the new Cathedral Park Dock, which opened last month. If you’re concerned about taking the plunge, check out the Willamette River’s weekly updated water quality test here.

We took a trip to the Kevin Duckworth Memorial Dock on Wednesday to hear the news (definitely no party on the dock).

The music officially starts at 5:30pm and we recommend arriving early to secure a spot on the crowded dock. By 6:30pm, the dock was packed with revelers and families enjoying the atmosphere as the sun set behind downtown Portland.

The event will feature non-stop music until 8pm, featuring bicycle-powered DJ PopCartPDX and special guests.

Last Wednesday, Elias Alexander, a musician specializing in “bagpipe EDM,” literally rocked the crowd. Lifeguards were also on hand to make sure no one partied too wildly.

The weeknight was a family-friendly affair for people of all ages, with food available for purchase, including hot dogs from Shorty’s Hotdogs.

If you come along, be sure to bring towels, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a flotation device if you have one. Paddleboards are also welcome.

Duckworth Summer Wednesdays, 5:30pm-8pm, Wednesdays until August 28, admission free, Eastbank Esplanade at Kevin Duckworth Memorial Dock, ecolloyd.org/events/duckworth-summer-wednesdays