A summer picnic Silent Reading Party in Portland

Read under the shade of a 500-year-old tree on July 17 at Topaz Farms

Have a seat at a picnic table, or bring your own chair. Also bring a book or two.

If you’ve ever thought we should try an outdoor Silent Reading Party — but there should still be live music and drinks and food — well, you’re in luck.

Especially if you live in Portland, Oregon, or can get there easily.

The first summer picnic Silent Reading Party is happening at Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island on Wednesday, July 17, from 6:15 to 8:15 pm.

This summer Silent Reading Party picnic is hosted by FrizzLit club leaders Audrey Van Buskirk and Chris Lydgate.

That’s a 500-year-old Oregon White Oak tree known as the Grandmother Tree.

As the event description says:

Hosted by Portland writer and editor Audrey Van Buskirk, the reading portion of the event will begin at 6:15 pm after a few remarks about what makes Portland one of the most literate cities in America. As you read, you’ll listen to live background strumming by ukulele master Chris Lydgate. And the birds. And the wind. 

A few more things to know: A drink comes included with the ticket price, and you don’t necessarily have to sit at the picnic tables.

Bring whatever you like to read and enjoy our picnic tables for seating or bring your own blanket or chair. Your ticket price includes one drink; additional food and drinks will be available for purchase. Note outside food and drink are not permitted.

This place looks dreamy. It makes me wish I lived in Portland!

And here’s a bonus we don’t offer in Seattle — personalized book recommendations in advance, if you’re trying to think what to bring:

And if you need book suggestions, send a description of what you’re looking for to askaudreypdx@gmail.com. 

Another bonus:

Since this party isn’t in a bar like the Silent Reading Party in Seattle, you don’t have to be 21+ to attend. As the ticket page says says: “minors welcome as long as they can happily read quietly for two hours”. 

I won’t be able to make it down to Portland for this, but if you live in the area, I hope you go and support it. The reading party is expanding! Heck yeah!!

You get to read under a 500-year-old oak tree, just like Orlando in Orlando!

If you do go, I hope you take pics and report back.

I’ll post any pics you take here on Substack.

Or post them on social media with the hashtag #silentreadingparty

Performing live on ukulele: Chris Lydgate!! Also performing live: the birds and the wind.