MEDIA ADVISORY: Darcelle XV Plaza Invites All to “Spectacular Spectacular” Grand Opening Party Celebrating New Downtown Portland Park and LGBTQ+ Pride on June 25th
 

WHAT: Downtown Portland’s newest park DarcelleXV Plaza invites all to celebrate its opening and the legacy of Darcelle XV with a “Spectacular-Spectacular Party” on June 25th. Media will have opportunities to interview and catch remarks from state and local leaders and cover the joyous celebration including drag performances, the Oregon Symphony, dancing, and more.

​RSVP: Members of the media are asked to RSVP ahead of the event with Monice Wong, Media Relations Manager, at mwong@portlandalliance.com.

WHEN: Thursday, June 25th. Program begins at 6 p.m., with dancing and celebrating to follow until 10:00 p.m.

WHO:

• Presented by Downtown Portland Clean and Safe and the Visit Downtown Campaign, which manage programming and daily activation at Darcelle XV Plaza in partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation.
• Remarks by state and local leaders, including Mayor Wilson and an important state guest! Interview opportunities likely available.
• Program hosted by iconic local drag queen Poison Waters in collaboration with Darcelle’s (Walter Cole’s) family
• Performance by legendary New York City drag queen Sable Scities
• Performances by the cast of Darcelle XV Showplace
• Musical Performance by the Oregon Symphony

​WHERE: Darcelle XV Plaza, 800 SW Harvey Milk Street, Portland, OR

WHY:

• Darcelle XV Plaza is dedicated to the legacy of Walter Cole, a drag performer known by the stage name Darcelle XV whose Showplace is the longest-running drag cabaret on the West Coast. Darcelle also received the Guinness World Record at 89 years old for being the World’s Oldest Performing Drag Queen.
• Darcelle XV Plaza is one of the first public parks in the country named for a drag performer. Amidst erasure of public programs for diversity, equity, and inclusion across the country, the Plaza’s opening represents the permanence of Portland’s commitment to celebrating diversity.

MORE DETAILS: Learn more at DowntownPortland.org/Darcelle-Plaza

About Darcelle XV Plaza: As part of its ongoing commitment to vibrant, welcoming public spaces, Downtown Portland Clean & Safe will manage programming and daily activation at Darcelle XV Plaza in partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation. This public-private collaboration ensures the plaza is not only beautifully maintained, but actively programmed with events, performances, and community gatherings that bring people together. Through this partnership, the plaza will serve as a dynamic, inclusive space in the heart of downtown — designed to foster connection, support local culture, and create a consistent sense of energy and belonging for Portlanders and visitors alike. Learn more at DowntownPortland.org/Darcelle-Plaza

About Downtown Portland Clean & Safe: The Downtown Portland Clean & Safe District was established in 1988 to support additional cleaning and security in a 273 block-area of Portland's Central City. In addition to these important services, the district supports market research, retail recruitment and retention for Downtown Portland. The district is managed by the Portland Business Alliance under the direction of the district's board of directors.

About the Visit Downtown Campaign: Visit Downtown is a program run by Downtown Portland Clean & Safe and the Portland Metro Chamber with additional funding from the City of Portland. Learn more at DowntownPortland.org.