SneakerWeek Portland

Closing out Sneaker Week 2025! Celebrating the legacy of Wilson Smith III with art, design, music, and heartfelt stories. Thank you to everyone who joined us in honoring his impact!

Dear Sneaker Week Attendees,
We are excited to have you at our closing event of Sneaker Week 2025 — SPARK, Inspire the next, taking place at 6pm at the Portland Art Museum.

DRESS CODE: Semi casual w/ Sneakers.
(This is not reinforced).

We are inviting you to embody your SPARK.
(Story, Passion, Art, Reflection and Knowledge).

The first week of August was proclaimed as Sneaker Week in the city of Portland! Rock your favorite sneakers and come hear our speakers share their spark as we honor the industry’s first Black footwear Designer, Wilson Smith III. Thanks in advance for your support!

All roads lead to the Portland Art Museum tonight.

SPARK — Inspire the next.

From Wieden + Kennedy’s creative showcase to the lively art vendor scene , First Thursday in the Pearl was filled with great energy!

A special thanks to & for presenting Portland Sole, a night the celebrates the culture from the ground up. Thanks to the team at ! See you tonight as we close out Sneaker Week!

History was made today at Sneaker Week Proclamation Day! 🙌🏾

Portland officially declares the first week of August as Sneaker Week, a celebration of creativity, culture, and the city’s global impact on footwear!

A time was had at the sneaker week kick off party in collaboration with 💐

Looking forward to the kick off party this evening with featuring / see you there!! 🥂🌇

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Sneaker Week K.I.C FLIX is a wrap 💐
📸:
📍: OMSI Auditorium

INTRODUCING SPARK: Inspire the Next!! 💐🔥🚀
Revealing our speakers for the closing event on August 8, as we celebrate and honor the legacy of Wilson Smith III: the Industry’s First Black Footwear Designer.

We are honored to have Ronnie Wright, Dominique Debnam, Tobie Hatfield, and Dr. D’Wayne Edwards as our featured speakers on August 8 at 6pm at the Portland Art Museum.

Presented in collaboration with , , , & its Black Employee Network, and the , S.P.A.R.K - which stands for Story, Passion, Art, Reflection and Knowledge — uplifts the creative voices and energy that define sneaker culture.

Limited capacity, get your ticket before it’s too late!
You may find the link in the bio. See you soon!!

Join the vibrant First Thursday festivities at the iconic Wieden + Kennedy offices located in the
heart of the pearl. Taking place on August 7, join & for a
night that celebrates the culture from the ground up.

Custom kicks, live performances, an
interactive photo booth, good food, better music, and an exhibition dedicated to the art of
making it yours!🙌🏾

This year Sneaker Week is making things official!! and Mayor Keith Wilson are designating the first week of August as “Sneaker Week” for the city of Portland. This moment is a celebration of both Portland’s history and our shared future. Join us as we celebrate those who helped pave the way and continue to inspire the next generation. 

We invite you to join us for our main event, SPARK: Inspire the Next—a sneaker-themed community celebration and the official closing event of Sneaker Week 2025: Sneaker Capital. Hosted at the Portland Art Museum on August 8, this special evening honors the legacy of Wilson Smith III, the footwear industry’s first Black designer.

In collaboration with , Sneaker Week is welcoming all athletes, creators, and collectors to show their support for the Portland sneaker community. In the heart of Old Town, Chinatown guests will partake in an epic tour of the city while building connections across industries.

Tag someone who should come to Deadstock runclub next week!! DM us photos from today’s run or recent photos from Deadstock runclub for a chance to get featured in one of our stories!

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Join us on Sunday, August 3rd, from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Auditorium for a family-friendly edition of K.I.C-FLIX.

Explore the world of creativity with a special screening of “Piece by Piece,” the inspiring biopic of Pharrell Williams. After the film, stick around for an exclusive Q&A with footwear designer Sarah Sabino and educational producer Aarica North.

Plus, enjoy a special DJ set from with free Lego giveaways and a building experience courtesy of ! Registration is required, so don’t miss out!

Location: 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214
FREE event, but spots are limited!

Tag your movie crew and get ready for a day of inspo!