Woodstock
Overview
Woodstock is a charming, laid-back Southeast Portland neighborhood centered on a walkable main street that feels like a small town. With its vintage theater, independent bookstores, family-friendly restaurants, and access to miles of green space along the Springwater Corridor, Woodstock is one of Portland's best kept secrets — beloved by locals who want community without the crowds.
History
Woodstock was developed in the late 1800s as a streetcar suburb, with a commercial district centered on 42nd Avenue and Woodstock Boulevard. The neighborhood was named for Woodstock, New York, reflecting the original developers' upstate New York roots. The Moreland Theater opened in 1926 as a silent movie house and has operated continuously since (now a pub theater). Woodstock remained a quiet middle-class neighborhood through the 20th century, largely insulated from the rapid changes affecting inner Southeast. This has preserved its small-town character — the main street still has a pharmacy, hardware store, and independent businesses that have served the community for generations.
Highlights
- Moreland Theater — a historic 1926 movie theater now serving pizza and beer
- Woodstock Boulevard's walkable main street with independent shops
- Springwater Corridor Trail access
- Woodstock Park — a 10-acre park with a wading pool and sports fields
- Tabor Space / North Tabor — a community hub in a former church
- Close to Reed College, Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, and Eastmoreland
Top Attractions
- Moreland Theater — A 1926 movie theater showing second-run films with beer, pizza, and couches.
- Woodstock Park — A 10-acre park with a wading pool, playground, sports fields, and a community garden.
- Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden — A 9-acre botanical garden with over 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, and a spring-fed lake.
Parks & Green Spaces
🌲 Woodstock Park
A 10-acre park with a wading pool, playground, baseball fields, tennis courts, and a skate park.
🌲 Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
A 9-acre garden with 2,500+ rhododendrons, waterfowl sanctuary, and accessible paths.
🌲 Springwater Corridor Trail
A 21-mile car-free multi-use trail running through the southern edge of Woodstock.
🌲 Reed College Canyon
A 28-acre natural canyon on the Reed College campus, open to the public for walking.
Things to Do
🎬 Moreland Theater
Catch a second-run film with pizza and beer at this historic 1926 neighborhood theater.
🌸 Crystal Springs Garden
Visit in April–May for peak rhododendron bloom — one of Portland's most beautiful hidden gardens.
☕ Woodstock Main Street
Walk the strip and explore independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.
🌳 Reed College Canyon
Walk the woodland trail through Reed's 28-acre urban canyon — a hidden nature escape.
🚲 Springwater Trail
Access the Springwater Corridor for a bike ride to Sellwood or downtown.
🍽️ Brunch on Woodstock
Try Sckavone's, Pine State Biscuits, or the Woodstock location of Baerlic Brewing.
☕ Coffee & Cafes
Woodstock Coffee House
A charming neighborhood cafe with excellent coffee, cozy seating, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Sckavone's Cafe
A Woodstock institution serving Italian coffee, pastries, and sandwiches in a warm, old-school setting.
🌙 Nightlife & Bars
Moreland Theater Pub
Historic 1926 theater showing second-run films with beer, pizza, and couches instead of traditional seats.
Baerlic Brewing Taproom
A neighborhood brewery taproom with excellent IPAs and a family-friendly beer garden.
🛍️ Shopping
- Woodstock Main Street — A charming walkable main street with a pharmacy, hardware store, independent bookstore, and family-owned restaurants.
- Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden Gift Shop — A beautiful garden gift shop with unique plant-themed items, garden tools, and locally-made crafts.
💡 Insider Tips
- Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is best in April-May when rhododendrons and azaleas are in peak bloom — $5 admission.
- Moreland Theater is a bargain — $4 movies and beer you can bring to your seat.
- The Woodstock Pharmacy has a real soda fountain — one of the last in Portland.
Food Carts & Dining
Several food carts on Woodstock Boulevard and near Reed College