Central Eastside Industrial Council to Offer Free Portland Streetcar Rides May 2–3
Hop on. Ride free. Spend the weekend where Portland comes alive.
The Central Eastside Industrial Council (CEIC) and its Transportation and Parking Advisory Committee (TPAC) announce a special weekend of free rides on the Portland Streetcar—all day on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3 along the A and B loops.
This two-day transit celebration is more than just a free ride—it’s an invitation to (re)discover the heart of the city and experience why Portland’s Central Eastside remains one of the most creative, resilient, and dynamic neighborhoods in the region.
"Public transportation is a vital connector for our community, and the streetcar is one of the best ways to explore the Central Eastside,” said Carolyne Holcomb, Executive Director of CEIC. “We hope this gesture encourages Portlanders to leave the car behind, support local businesses, and see what makes this district so vibrant.”
Whether you're a lifelong Portlander or visiting for the first time, this weekend offers the perfect excuse to explore the Central Eastside’s lineup of landmark events, including:
Portland Night Market – Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this beloved market returns with 175+ local vendors, food, art, music, and the energy only Portland can deliver.
Down to Clown – A one-night-only, all-ages comedy event where joy, laughter, and a little circus magic collide.
Springtober Fest – Hosted by Bauman Cider, this two-day street festival features cider, crafts, food trucks, music, and springtime fun.
With easy access via streetcar and a weekend packed with culture and community, this activation exemplifies how smart transportation investments can support small businesses and neighborhood vitality.
The free streetcar ride weekend is proudly sponsored by CEIC and TPAC, in collaboration with Portland Bureau of Transportation, as part of their ongoing work to enhance transportation access and economic development in the Central Eastside. No tickets necessary - just hop on!
For more information on the CEIC and how to support local businesses, visit www.centraleastside.biz.
Central Eastside Industrial Council
Founded in 1980, the Central Eastside Industrial Council (CEIC) is the voice of one of Portland’s most vital economic engines—the Central Eastside Industrial District (CEID). Covering 681 acres and 345 blocks—nearly a quarter of Portland’s Central City—the CEID is a powerhouse of innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry. Home to over 1,300 businesses, 22,000 employees, and a growing residential population, the district thrives at the intersection of creativity and commerce. As a designated Urban Renewal and Enhanced Services District, the CEIC leads with a mission to foster a vibrant, prosperous, safe, and welcoming environment where businesses and communities can thrive. From small makers to global brands, the Central Eastside is where Portland gets to work—and gets inspired.