PolaCon Portland
- andyodom
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
PolaCon Portland - August 7-9, 2026
PolaCon Portland is coming August 7–9, 2026! Join a three-day instant film celebration featuring workshops, photowalks, demos, and community fun.
PolaCon Portland is the latest regional expression of the ultimate three-day instant film photography festival. Join us in beautiful Portland, Oregon for immersive workshops, guided photowalks, artist talks, and gear demos. Whether a pro, enthusiast, or complete beginner, come celebrate, learn, and connect with the instant film community.
PolaCon Portland takes place at multiple venues across three days. Please read the schedule carefully!
Full schedule (some details still to come, and details are subject to change):
8/6: Day 0
For locals who can't wait to start the festivities, or early out-of-towners excited to experience more of Portland, we're hosting our legendary unofficial official Day 0!
3:00pm - 4:30pm: Portland Art Museum Hangout (Free)
1219 SW Park Ave, Portland
5:00pm: Art Gallery Meetup - ArtReach Gallery
1126 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205
5:00pm - 8:00pm: First Thursday Art Walk
Self-paced walk around galleries at First Thursday Artwalk, NW 13th from Hoyt to Kearny
8:00pm - ???: Welcome To Portland Hangout - Kelly's Olympian
426 SW Washington St, Portland, OR 97204
8/7: Day 1 of 3
Our sponsor Blue Moon Camera will be open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM for you to stock up on film and whatever other camera-related shopping you need.
8417 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203
12:00 PM–3:00 PM: Welcome to Portland Photo Walk
Meet at Director Park
815 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205
3:00 PM–5:00 PM: Choose Your Own Adventure Lunch Break
5:00 PM–8:00 PM: Formal PolaCon PDX Welcome Party at Ground Kontrol
115 NW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
8:00 PM–11:00 PM PDX Film League Presents "Neon Night Tour of Portland" Ticket add-on required!*
Will depart from Ground Kontrol*
11:00 PM–????: Still want more instant film fun? We'll meet up at Quarterworld Arcade. NOTE: 21+ only.
4811 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215
8/8: Day 2 of 3
ALL DAY: Commonwealth Skate
1425 SE 20th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
9:00 AM–11:00 AM: Early Bird Instant Photowalk: Ladd's Addition
Starting at Floyd's Coffeehouse and Wine Bar
1996 SE Ladd Ave, Portland, OR 97214
11:30 AM – 6:00 PM: MAIN EVENT at Commonwealth
1425 SE 20th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Workshops include:
Cyanotypes
Large Format Polaroids
Mastering Instant Film Portraits
Action Photography on Instant Film (like skateboarders, cyclists, etc.)
Queer Instant Photography
RA4 Presentation & Photo Booth
1212 Project
Collage Art with Instant Film
& More!
6:00 PM–8:00 PM: Choose Your Own Adventure Dinner Break
8:00 PM–11:00 PM: Saturday Night Party at Revolution Hall rooftop for more community fun. NOTE: 21+ only.
1300 SE Stark St #203, Portland, OR 97214
8/9: Day 3 of 3
10AM - 12PM: Sunday Brunch J & M Cafe
537 SE Ash St, Portland, OR 97214
12PM - 3PM: PolaPedal Instant Photo Bike/Skate*
WIll depart from J&M Cafe
Hosted by GrainyTrish and Bikes and Film Cameras Club as part of Pedalpalooza/Bikesummer
4:00 PM–6:00 PM: PolaPicNic
Japanese American Historical Plaza, Portland, OR 97209
6PM - 7PM: Choose Your Own Adventure Break
7PM - Late: KARAOKE!
The Ambassador
4744 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213
What your three-day pass gets you: Instant Film Society is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to education and promoting the art of instant film photography. Your ticket price supports our efforts, provides the resources necessary to stage PolaCon Portland, and ensures the future of PolaCon for the entire instant film community. Plus, you get a special poster and swag bag! Thank you for your support!
PolaCon Portland is a rain or shine event!
*Riders do so at their own risk.
Want to help PolaCon? Want to attend for free? Sign up for a single three-hour volunteer shift to earn a three-day pass!
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE: Are you a student? Are you facing financial hardship? Unable to volunteer? NO ONE should miss PolaCon because they can’t afford a ticket. Thanks to our sponsors, we have a limited number of scholarships available. Send us an email with "Scholarship" in the subject line and we'll be happy to work with you.
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