Hello friends and neighbors!

June is when Portland really earns its reputation. Between the Rose Festival, a packed arts calendar, and community events happening all across the metro, there's genuinely something for everyone this month — and I had a hard time narrowing this list down. I'm also shining a spotlight on a Portland solar company I think is doing things the right way, which feels especially timely as electricity rates keep climbing. Lots to share — here we go!

🏠 Local Business Spotlight: A&R Solar

Portland electricity bills have climbed dramatically in recent years, and if you've been thinking about solar, there has never been a better time to take a serious look. A&R Solar is a local, employee-owned solar installation company that has been designing and installing solar energy systems across Oregon and Washington since 2007 — and they stand out in a crowded field for a few reasons.

When you reach out, you're talking to an actual employee — and quite possibly an employee-owner. Second, they don't subcontract their electrical work, which means real accountability from start to finish. Third, they back every residential system with a 10-year warranty on performance, workmanship, and labor — on top of the manufacturers' warranties that typically run 25–30 years. They're also a Certified B Corporation and Social Purpose Corporation, meaning they've formally committed to putting people and planet alongside profit.

Their team designs every system to fit your specific home, energy needs, and Portland's unique climate — yes, solar works beautifully here even in our rainy winters. Whether you're interested in solar panels, battery storage, or both, A&R can walk you through the options without pressure.

Contact: Isabelle Nagel-Brice Website: a-rsolar.com

2105 Bridle Way

West Linn, OR 97068

3 beds | 3 baths
2375 sqft

$799,000

MLS# 599306872

This beautiful single-level ranch features 3 large bedrooms and includes a versatile den or office. The oversized living room is the heart of the home. The hardwood floors flow through the foyer, formal living room, dining room, kitchen, and nook. With plentiful cabinetry and expansive counters, the kitchen is ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions. The informal family room off the kitchen is a cozy gathering space with a second fireplace with built-ins and a wall of bookshelves. The spacious primary suite features double sinks, and a soaking tub. Outside, the oversized lot is a gardener’s paradise with mature landscaping with colorful bulbs and perennials that brighten the yard each spring and summer. The sliding glass doors in the nook and primary bedroom open to the patio and deck. All of this is nestled in West Linn’s Hidden Springs neighborhood which offers a peaceful residential setting just moments from both Trillium Creek Primary and Rosemont Ridge Middle Schools. This area is known for its established streets and convenient access to parks, pathways, everyday amenities and just moments from I-205. Newer roof, furnace, AC, deck & exterior paint. For decades, this home has been filled with love, laughter, and memories. Now it’s ready to embrace its new owners — don’t miss this rare opportunity to make it your own.

📅 The Monthly Edit: June Events That Have My Attention

🌸 Bloom Tour | Through June 8 | Downtown Portland & Old Town

Already underway and wrapping up the first week of June, the Rose Festival's Bloom Tour is a wonderful excuse to wander downtown. Now in its fourth year, this self-guided tour features more than 40 floral installations and art pieces created by local florists and artists in collaboration with downtown retailers. It's free, it's beautiful, and it supports Portland's small businesses at the same time. Check the map and take a stroll before it wraps on June 8. rosefestival.org

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🌹 Rose Festival Grand Floral Starlight Parade & CityFair | June 6 | Downtown Portland

This year's Rose Festival is doing something bold and new — the Grand Floral Parade and Starlight Parade are being combined into one spectacular evening event. The Grand Floral portion steps off at 6:30 p.m. with floral floats, marching bands, and equestrian units while it's still light out. Then, as darkness falls, the Starlight portion kicks off at 8:30 p.m. with illuminated floats and all the glowing magic we've come to love. Timbers captain Diego Chara is this year's Grand Marshal — very PDX.

Look for the Windermere Foundation float and wave! I'll be walking alongside and would love to see your smiling face!

And don't forget CityFair at Tom McCall Waterfront Park! The carnival runs on weekends through June 7, with rides, games, food, and live entertainment.  rosefestival.org

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🏳️‍🌈 Pride LO — Hosted by LO for LOve | Sunday, June 7 | Millennium Plaza Park, Lake Oswego

The third annual Pride LO celebration takes place right here in our community, hosted by LO for LOve — the organization that has been working since 2016 to build a more inclusive Lake Oswego. The event runs 12:00–4:00 p.m. and is joyful, family-friendly, and a wonderful reminder of what this community is capable of when we show up for each other. Check in for details on performances, vendors, and community organizations. loforlove.org

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😄 Kickstand Comedy in the Park | Fridays Starting June 6 | Laurelhurst Park, SE Portland

One of my favorite summer traditions is back! Kickstand Comedy brings free outdoor stand-up to Laurelhurst Park every Friday evening all summer long. Blankets drop at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 6:30 p.m. — pack a picnic, bring the family (and the dog), and settle in for an evening of collective joy. This beloved nonprofit draws 3,500–4,000 people on a good night. No tickets or purchase required, though donations to this 501(c)(3) are always welcome. June 6 kicks things off and the series runs through September. kickstandcomedy.org

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🍽️ Farm to Plate Dinners at Topaz Farm | Saturdays in June | Sauvie Island

If you're looking for a truly special dining experience this summer, this is it. Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island hosts multi-course, family-style dinners beneath a magnificent 500-year-old oak tree, with menus designed days in advance using produce harvested from the farm that very week. Resident chefs Christian and Janelle Ephrem bring Michelin-star experience to this hyperlocal setting — it's farm-to-plate taken to its fullest expression. June dinners run June 6, 13, 20, and 27 (check-in at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m.). This is a 21+ event. tickets.topazfarm.com

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🎈 Tigard Festival of Balloons | June 26–28 | Cook Park, Tigard

Hot air balloons over the South Metro — yes please. The annual Festival of Balloons returns to Cook Park in Tigard for a full weekend of colorful launches, tethered rides, live entertainment, carnival fun, food, and the beloved NW Natural Night Glow at sunset each evening. Balloon launches happen very early (5:45–6:15 a.m.), so set that alarm if you want to see them in flight. The rest of the day is packed with activities for all ages. This one is always worth the trip down to Tigard. tigardballoon.org

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🎨 Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts | June 26–28 | Lakewood Center & George Rogers Park, Lake Oswego

Right in our own backyard to close out the month! The 63rd annual Festival of the Arts is one of the largest and most beloved community arts events in the region, drawing up to 30,000 visitors over three days. This year's featured exhibit is "Wild & Luscious," a stunning celebration of heritage plants and botanical art presented by the Oregon Botanical Artists and Pacific Northwest Botanical Artists. You'll also find more than 600 artists across indoor galleries and outdoor booths, culinary demonstrations, live music all weekend (including the Cherry Poppin' Daddies!), and dedicated kids' activities. Free with a suggested donation — shuttles available. lakewood-center.org

What are you into this month? I am always interested in hearing about fun stuff around our beloved PDX and I love a good book recommendation or song/album suggestion. 😊

As always, feel free to reach out to me anytime with questions or just to catch up. I'm here to help in any way I can! 

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