Beat the Heat: Summer Activities for PSU Alumni

As summer plans heat up across Portland, there's no limit on ways to spend the season in Rose City. With a range of activities to be done, we compiled a list of favorites, making sure to include those that alumni have special access to. Whether it's finding some AC for cooling off indoors, or soaking up the sun, read our list of Portland summer hits.

Swim in the Rec Center pool*

The PSU Rec Center has a 6-lane pool that stays at a refreshing temperature of 80-82 degrees year-round, which can be particularly appealing in the summer when heatwaves or crowds may deter you from jumping in other popular swimming options. Alums get a discount on membership to the Rec Center as well, so even if you're not there for a swim, you can reap all the benefits of the gym, basketball courts, rock wall, or classes in the comfort of the air-conditioned Rec Center.

Wander the JSMA

For the AC-inclined, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art on campus will open its doors on August 20 to display a new exhibit, Color Outside the Lines, from the collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and his Family Foundation. The JSMA is free and open to the public, so grab a friend and wander amongst the art.

Catch a free movie at the 5th Ave Cinema*

Another popular pick for those aiming to duck out of the heat of summer is to catch a movie. For Alumni, this is an easy decision to make when you have access to free flicks and popcorn at 5th Avenue Cinema. Returning with its Friday, Saturday, and Sunday showings in August, the cinema house is completely student-run, and features an eclectic selection of camp, cult, classic, and contemporary independent and mainstream films. Plus, Alumni can rent out the theater for private events at the discounted rate of $18/hour!

Picnic in the Park Blocks

While anyone can enjoy the Park Blocks beautifully woven into the city, there's a certain nostalgia for alumni who spread their blanket under the shade of the tall trees, sit down amidst the history and memories that PSU holds, and enjoy a meal al fresco.

Visit the PSU Farmers Market

With piles of peaches, cartons of cherries, and boxes of bright berries spilling out of vendors' booths, summer is the perfect time for the PNW to show off its locally-grown produce. Stroll past aromatic bouquets, ripe seasonal veg, tempting pastries, and fresh dairy products, and grab a bite, all while walking right through the heart of PSU. With several alumni vendors, you can stock up on summer favorites while supporting your fellow Vikings!

Enjoy Alumni Book Club Reads*

With upwards of 15 hours of sunlight on these long summer days, what better way to use it up than cracking open a book and tackling your summer reading? Turning pages by the water, on the grass, or on your favorite bench, read along with a community of fellow alums by joining the Alumni Book Club. Join as they set off to a cherry farm in Michigan in its next read, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett.

It certainly pays to be a Portland State graduate. While you can enjoy a multitude of Alumni Association discounts and benefits year-round, don't miss the summer fun; request your free digital Alumni Card today!

*Alumni Specific Benefit

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