Darcelle XV Plaza is one of the first parks in the nation named in honor of a drag queen, celebrating the legacy of the legendary Darcelle XV and Portland’s deep commitment to inclusion and self-expression. As the newest addition to the city’s park collection, the plaza has been intentionally designed as a vibrant event space and welcoming public gathering place, built for performances, celebrations, and community moments that reflect the spirit of Portland.
A TRIBUTE TO DARCELLE XV
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PORTLAND'S PLAZA FOR ALL
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A TRIBUTE TO DARCELLE XV ✳︎ PORTLAND'S PLAZA FOR ALL ✳︎
Legacy of Darcelle XV and Walter Cole:
Darcelle XV — the stage persona of Walter Cole — was a pioneering performer, entrepreneur, and LGBTQ+ icon whose influence shaped generations of Portlanders. For more than five decades, Walter led one of the longest-running drag cabarets on the West Coast, creating a space where authenticity, humor, and heart took center stage. His legacy is one of resilience, generosity, and radical welcome, reminding us that joy, visibility, and community can transform a city.
The Summer of 2026 we are hosting the Summer of Love
We invite you to get involved!
The Spectacular-Spectacular Grand Opening June 25, 2026
The Spectacular–Spectacular Grand Opening and the Summer of Love concert series mark a new era for Darcelle XV Plaza. Spectacular–Spectacular will debut the plaza with an unforgettable celebration of performance, color, and community, honoring Darcelle’s legacy while welcoming Portland into its newest civic gathering space. Summer of Love carries that energy forward with a curated series of free outdoor concerts and cultural moments designed to fill the plaza with music, movement, and connection all season long. This is more than programming, it’s the transformation of a public space into a living, joyful stage for the city. See below for upcoming events and learn how you can help support this park’s next chapter.
Have a great community event and want to host it in Darcelle XV Plaza?
STREET SIGNAGE
Block Party Barricades
BATHROOMS
Willy Make It
EVENT RENTALS
Peter Corvallis
Amazing! We want to hear from you.
Preferred Vendor List
LIGHTING