If lacing up your shoes is how you get your kicks, then Portland’s sixth annual Sneaker Week (Thurs., Aug. 4-Wed., Aug. 10) is the place to be. Undoubtedly, the footwear festival fits the city well, considering the industry giants that call it home.

For co-founders Herbert Beauclere and Megan Davis, it goes many steps beyond what you put on your feet — it’s about the why, the how, and each person’s story. This year’s theme is “neXposure,” a push to elevate future designers, entrepreneurs, and influencers by connecting them with working professionals. At its sole, it’s a celebration of the sneakerhead community and culture.

The week is fun for families and fans of all ages. | Photo via Sneaker Week

Single-day tickets are available for $30, or you can pick-and-choose what to attend. So whether you’re new to the game or actually running out of closet room, here’s a sneak peek at the upcoming events.

🎨 Art | Thurs., Aug. 4 | Various locations

Start things with a Hightop Happy Hour at Doug Fir Lounge before heading across the street to Jupiter NEXT for The Kick Off Party, where you can mix and mingle with creatives, learn tips and tricks of the trade, and express your own style.

✍️ Design | Fri., Aug. 5 | Various locations

Network at Sunshine Noodles, then witness the behind-the-scenes ideation and innovation at The Design Combine, an innovative gathering hosted by the Bodecker Foundation.

Marvel at 3D installations + custom works of art. | Photo via Sneaker Week

🎺 Music | Sat., Aug. 6 | Various locations

Spend the day at Albina’s Best Music Festival, a multi-disciplinary talent contest and exploration of sonic branding, beat-making, poetry, and choreography centered in Portland’s historically Black neighborhood.

🏀 Sport | Sun., Aug. 7 | Various locations

Athletics and the outdoors are on full display, as are the people + products pushing the boundaries of physical limitations by thinking outside the box; highlights include a barber battle and “Black x Asian AF,” a community conversation organized by Woke PDX.

🎥 Media | Mon., Aug. 8 | Alberta Abbey, 126 NE Alberta St.

Explore the words + visuals that shape the narrative of sneaker culture from journalists, videographers, and social media and marketing creators. Then grab some popcorn (or a craft cocktail) for the night’s premiere, “Kick Flicks,” an exhibition for aspiring filmmakers who love to document shoes as they are meant to be — in motion.

Bringing the next generation of sneakerheads together is the goal. | Photo via Sneaker Week

💡 Tech | Tues., Aug. 10 | Pearl West, 1455 NW Irving St.

Join a panel discussion about how leaders are blazing a trail toward the future of footwear, including the state of NFTs, plus digital and virtual footwear design.

🔬 Science | Wed., Aug. 11 | OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave.

Take a look at the industry through the STEM lens, and wrap up the entertainment on an eco-conscious note at The Sustainability Soiree.