Hillsboro celebrates 150 years of cityhood with a free festival at Civic Center Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 17.

The 150th Anniversary Celebration runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. alongside the Hillsboro Farmers Market. The event features live music, face painting, mini goats, a mini golf course, free snacks and giveaways from more than a dozen community organizations, according to the city's event listing.

Hillsboro was incorporated in October 1876, when the state legislature granted its original city charter. The city has grown from a farming community to one serving more than 111,000 residents.

Mayor Beach Pace, on the city's 150th Anniversary page, called the milestone a chance to recognize the people, cultures, industries and identities that have shaped the community over a century and a half.

What to expect

Four musical acts anchor the morning. Sofi Nava opens at 9 a.m., followed by Maddie Hurst at 9:40 a.m. and the Liberty High School Band at 10:20 a.m. Hit Machine closes out the celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kids and families can visit Nicole's Face Painting, meet Portland Mini Goats or try the mini golf course. All activities are free.

Community booths will line the plaza. Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, the Police Department, Parks & Recreation, the Water Department and the Historic Landmarks Advisory Committee will share city history and programming. Nonprofits including Community Action, HomePlate Youth Services, the Domestic Violence Resource Center and The Salvation Army will offer resources and hands-on activities. The Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Jackson Bottom Wetlands will also have booths.

Free 150th anniversary swag and giveaways from local businesses will be available at the Parks & Recreation tent.

More anniversary events

The celebration is part of a broader slate of 150th anniversary programming. The city has launched a community Picture Mosaic project where residents can submit photos online by Saturday, Oct. 31. All images will be combined into the 150th anniversary logo. The mosaic will be on display at the Oct. 17 celebration for in-person viewing and photo submissions.

The city also unveiled Hillsboro's first community flag at the 2026 State of the City event, designed with input from the 2025 Civic Leadership Academy and a community vote.

Upcoming

• Friday, Oct. 16, 4–5:30 p.m. — "Department Diaries: Hillsboro Storytime Edition," a bilingual storytime in English and Spanish about Hillsboro's history with Mayor Pace. Final installment of a four-part series honoring the 150th anniversary.
• Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. — 150th Anniversary Celebration, Civic Center Plaza. Free admission.
• Saturday, Oct. 31 — Deadline to submit photos for the community Picture Mosaic.