Go by TriMet to May 30 fireworks display at Waterfront Park
As fireworks light up the night skies over the Willamette River on Saturday, May 30, TriMet is ready to get you to and from the festivities safely.
The America 250 Fireworks Show is part of nationwide celebrations of the U.S. Semiquincentennial — that’s the fancy way to say our country’s 250th anniversary since independence — as well as the Portland Rose Festival, an annual tradition in the Rose City since 1907.
Go by TriMet to America 250! Thousands will gather for the 10 p.m. show at Tom McCall Waterfront Park — just a block or so east of MAX Blue Line and Red Line stations, and a short stroll from other bus stops and MAX stations in Downtown Portland.
Visit trimet.org to plan your trip now.
What you need to know
The America 250 Fireworks Show, presented by IBEW 48, is a tribute to the spirit, history and future of our nation. The show will include fireworks displays and patriotic music, celebrating nearly 250 years since our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
The show is family-friendly and transit-friendly!
The MAX Blue and Red lines serve Waterfront Park via the Old Town/Chinatown, Oak/SW 1st Ave and Yamhill District MAX stations. Many other TriMet bus lines and all MAX lines stop within a few blocks of the park.
Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People, is a popular viewing spot for fireworks shows in Downtown Portland. Spectators are welcome to observe from the pedestrian walkway of our car-free bridge. Please be mindful of other bridge users, including cyclists, and stay clear of the tracks and busway at all times.
Our trip planner at trimet.org lets you customize your travel options, choose when you want to arrive or depart, and pick the trip that’s right for you.
Touring history with TriMet
TriMet is proud to help celebrate 250 years of American independence. We’ve been part of the Portland area since 1969, getting people where they need to go, connecting communities, and supporting regional growth and development.
The history of our region is entwined with the history of public transportation.
A century ago, Portland and suburbs like Beaverton, Gresham and Lake Oswego were connected by electric railways, early predecessors to modern light rail systems like MAX and the Portland Streetcar. By the time TriMet was incorporated, these electric railways were long gone — but their legacy lives on, through the bus and MAX lines that connect neighborhoods, shopping districts and cities across our region.
MAX itself was one of the first modern light rail systems in the country when it opened nearly 40 years ago, in September 1986. Ever since, MAX has been providing clean, high-capacity, zero-emissions transit throughout the region — honoring Portland’s electric history and pointing the way toward a livable, sustainable future.
All are welcome on board
TriMet’s mission is to connect people with valued mobility options that are safe, convenient, reliable, accessible and welcoming for all.
Whether you’ve been riding with TriMet for years or you’ve never taken a trip with us before, we’re here to get you where you need to go.
First, visit trimet.org. Along with our popular trip planner, our website has everything you need to know about riding TriMet, including the basics of how to ride, our fare policy, Rules for Riding and more.
Next, hop on board! If you don’t live close to a bus stop or MAX station, TriMet Park & Ride locations throughout our region provide free parking for transit users. You can also track your vehicle and see real-time arrival information at trimet.org.
Remember to tap to pay your fare! You don’t need a Hop Fastpass® card to ride — just tap your bank card or smartphone with digital wallet at a green Hop reader to instantly pay Adult fare. Kids under 7 ride for free. Ages 7-17 pay half price with Youth fare, while adults 65+, people with disabilities, veterans and military service members, and riders who qualify based on income can also save with Honored Citizen reduced fare. If you have a TriMet pass from your work or school, use it to ride for free!
If you do need a Hop card, purchase one from fare card machines at any MAX station or transit center, participating retailers, or the TriMet Customer Support Center at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
Finally, look and listen for your stop! All stops are announced and displayed on digital readerboards on every TriMet bus and train. If you’re riding the bus, pull the yellow cord when your stop is announced. Pulling the cord lets your operator know to serve the stop.
If you need assistance, or to report a cleaning or maintenance issue, unwanted or suspicious behavior, or another public safety concern, call or text 503-238-7433 (RIDE). Our 24-hour security hotline is staffed around the clock, every day of the year.