PDX Sidewalk Joy
A community of interactive sidewalk installations and exchanges around Portland, Oregon
Sidewalk Joy Examples
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Tiny Creature Swap
Bring a toy critter & walk away with a new friend at this charming small toy swap. The Tiny Creature Swap was the brainchild of then-seven-year old Ava to bring some pandemic joy.
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Rose City Puzzle Library
Wanting to share her lifelong love of jigsaws with the neighborhood, Addie created and opened this hand-painted puzzle swap in summer 2024.
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PDX FLAG
MAP CO-FOUNDER
Free little art gallery - you can leave tiny art, take art, and/or view art in this cute diorama. Often decorated with elaborate themes.
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Robot Alley
An intergalactic loitering ground for talkative stormtroopers, robots, & probe droids — all running various interactive programs. Visits may include scares, songs, & hidden pleasures. But be warned... YOU MAY GET WET!
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Montavilla Little Free Greenhouse
Swap plants, seeds, and starts at this darling free greenhouse in Montavilla! Installed in August 2024 by Susan (the curator) and Rachael (PDX Dinorama).
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Skelekrewe
A motley “krewe” of skeletons who came to life in Oct ‘19 that feature an ever-
changing, playful, & sometimes creepy installation with costumes & props. They’re out year round braving all the elements! -
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PDX Dinorama
MAP CO-FOUNDER
Dinosaur-themed dinorama, updated regularly plus a dinosaur (and horse) exchange, Small Scenes, micro library and more!
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Morrison Street Minigallery
A tiny gallery located in funky SE PDX, with monthly rotating exhibits from local artists. Established in 2017.
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Sidewalk Ducks
Adorable duck exchange established in 2011! Take a duck and leave one if you have one to spare. Classic rubber ducks and all iterations welcome.
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Larry's Car Library
Lauren Varney, creator of The Car Library + the NE Brazee Toy Library, repurposed a vintage gas pump into another Car Library. It sits outside his dad’s house. Take a car, leave a car, and enjoy the racetrack!
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PDX Minifig Exchange
Portland’s first Lego Minifig Exchange! Leave one, take one, and keep your eye on their IG for seasonal special minifig drops!
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Twin Pines Country Club
Free, outdoor 6-hole mini golf course in a formerly unused side yard. Clubs and golf balls available to borrow onsite. Call the number on the locker for the code.
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Super Awesome Prizes
Super awesome prizes are here to
delight the neighborhood. 7 categories. 50 cents each. Try your luck.
Note: We’re still building out the functionality of the map. Stay tuned!
PDX Sidewalk Joy Map
The PDX Sidewalk Joy Map, created by PDX FLAG and PDX Dinorama, showcases the group of curated galleries, exchanges, and displays in Portland, Oregon.
Installed in curb gardens, front yards or sides of buildings these projects were created to bring a bit of whimsy and inspiration to the community.
These are all free to enjoy except Super Awesome Prizes runs on quarters and the Poetry Pottery Box has a suggested donation. Read more about the origins of the project and check out the Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map!
How to make a Sidewalk Joy spot
Our Tips:
Peruse the Sidewalk Joy Map for ideas
Read up on Portland’s rules and regulations
Make your spot (here are some tips!)
Let us know about your spot!
In the News
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![PDX Dinorama talking about Sidewalk Joy for the Oregonian]()
The Oregonian
‘Sidewalk Joy’ kiosks offer free toys, movies and art in Portland neighborhoods. Here’s where to find them
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![Rachael Harms Mahlandt (PDX Dinorama) and Grant Brady (PDX FLAG) smiling during Hello, Rose City segment]()
Hello, Rose City
Two artists, Rachael Harms Mahlandt and Grant Brady, created the map, which tracks yard art scenes around Portland
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Travel Portland
Explore Southeast Portland’s Little Free Landmarks
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![Rachael Harms Mahlandt (PDX Dinorama) and Grant Brady (PDX FLAG) laughing during Koin 6 news segment]()
KOIN 6 News
Sidewalk Joy Map is a guide to many mini exchanges
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Willamette Week
Rachael Harms Mahlandt Uses Her Sidewalk Art Installation to Advocate for Bees. The Montavilla resident is also the co-creator of PDX Sidewalk Joy.
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NextAvenue
How 'Sidewalk Joy' Kiosks Deliver Happiness and Community
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Bike Portland
‘PDX Sidewalk Joy’ map is a guide to roadside curiosities
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The Oregonian
Firecrackers nearly destroyed this mini art gallery in Portland; the family rebuilt it
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The Oregonian
Portland’s sidewalk rubber duck exchange enters 12th year of ‘take a duck, leave a duck’
About us
Rachael (PDX Dinorama) and Grant (PDX FLAG) are two buddies who met through starting their own Sidewalk Joy Spots. After Dan from the Poetry Pottery Box suggested a map, they took on the challenge and are now best buddies!
FAQ
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The cross streets for all the Sidewalk Joy Spots are listed on the map or in the directory. Happy adventuring!
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We recommend you start by checking out the PDX Sidewalk Joy Map for ideas and review Portland's rules and regulations. Here’s some tips on how to make a Sidewalk Joy spot and how to get the movement started in your area!
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There already are spots like this all over the world and we’ve heard from folks that this Portland, Oregon movement specifically is inspiring even more!
Rachael (PDX Dinorama) is maintaining the Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map. Check it out and make sure to check back as it is new and will be updated regularly.
Other maps you may enjoy:
Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map by PDX Dinorama
Map of Free Little Art Galleries by Tyler Tork
Map of Jigsaw Puzzle Libraries by the Puzzle Republic
Little Free Pantries by Mini Pantry Movement
If you don’t see any installations like this in your community, maybe it’s a sign you should start one!
Contact Us
Interested in being added to the map? Please fill out this form! Have a general question or want to say hi? Fill out the form below!