Pickathon 2026 Neighborhood Reveal: The Farmhouse & Orchard

Jul 30-Aug 2

Monday June 8, 2026

by Pickathon

Rooted in Place

Two sites, two organizations committed to bringing community together through hands-on placemaking and event-based activation. Portland Dream Plaza and Pickathon share a connection to agriculture through their locations: the former in the Produce Row in Portland’s Central Eastside and the latter at Pendarvis Farm in Happy Valley.

Working with Dream Big City and Creative Neighborhoods, the design team was inspired by the parallels between their ethos and the grocer trade: growth, modularity, and network. This led to a design made up of simple components transportable to different sites, fit for aggregation into larger structures, and ready to be animated by activities.

Image: City of Portland Archives

Image: Bora Architecture & Interiors

A Journey that Creates Impact

From seating modules to segments of a half-pipe, different components designed for Portland Dream Plaza version 2.0 will go on a journey from prefabrication to temporary use at the festival to their final destination at SE 9th and Taylor. At each stop, the reconfiguration of the parts and pieces and the potential for participatory artmaking will result in a custom design specific to that site as well as the opportunity to tell the stories of skate culture, creative reuse, and partnership.

At the Farmhouse and Orchard Neighborhoods of Pickathon, these components will take the form of story poles, a busking stage, a ticket booth, and a series of archways, transporting folks into the spheres of the festival.

After the festival, they’ll eventually make up Dream Plaza 2.0, which will be a safe, community-centered space that brings people of all ages together through not just skateboarding, but also artmaking and performing. Community engagement sessions and dialogue with skateboarders, youth and families are shaping this plaza into Portland’s most welcoming third space that embraces community and enriches Portland’s vibrant culture. Keep an eye out for updates!

Image: Bora Architecture & Interiors

The path between Dream Plaza and Pickathon that the components traverse will physically imprint on them along with colors representing discovery, energy, and belonging – values everyone involved in this process hopes to embody.

Image: Bora Architecture & Interiors

The Farmhouse Stage

Among the structures making their way to Pendarvis Farm this year is a brand new busking stage, situated right in the heart of the Farmhouse neighborhood. New for 2026, it will be programmed entirely with Portland artists all weekend long — from the Portland Songwriters Guild on Thursday to full bands like Rose Gerber, Mama Sam & The Jam, Vista House, AC Sapphire, and more across Friday and Saturday. A fitting first impression at the festival’s front door.

Click here to learn more about the Farmhouse live performances this year!

About the Design Team

Bora Architecture & Interiors is an award-winning national design practice based in Portland, Oregon. With health, equity and sustainability essential to their pursuit of inspiring architecture, they are committed to creating transformative environments that shape communities and elevate the human experience.

They pride themselves on thoughtfully crafted design that sparks curiosity and brings people together. Their love for the arts influences their work, infusing design in such a way that each project tells a unique and creative story. They also recognize design as a platform and responsibility, one in which they can play an active role in making our world more just and equitable.

The value they place on nature, sustainability and authenticity stems from their roots in the Pacific Northwest. Their surroundings have both grounded and inspired them while propelling a design reputation that has opened doors to work throughout the country. Through their diverse work they embrace every opportunity to advocate for meaningful spaces in which all communities can thrive.

Neighborhood Partners