This year, Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, starts at sunset on February 28 and lasts until March 29. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset throughout Ramadan, during which they contemplate their beliefs, deepen their ties to one another, and perform charitable deeds.
Iftar, a meal that unites people in homes, mosques, and community centers, is served every evening to break the fast. Mosques, cultural institutions, and other organizations are holding communal iftars throughout Oregon, and many of them invite participants from all walks of life.
These iftar parties provide a chance to partake in Muslim customs and foster cross-cultural relationships, much as Ramadan unites people in social bonding and spiritual introspection. These gatherings, whether they take the form of a potluck, a fundraiser, or a complimentary communal meal, emphasize the generosity and camaraderie that characterize Ramadan.
Eid al-Fitr, a festive event that marks the completion of fasting, marks the conclusion of the holy month. Eid al-Fitr this year starts at dusk on March 29.
During Ramadan, you can break fast at the following locations in Oregon:
Hillsboro’s Islamic Community Center
During Ramadan, the Hillsboro Islamic Community Center will offer weekly iftar parties on Fridays and Saturdays. There will be a main course served, and visitors are asked to contribute fruit, desserts, or side dishes.
Registration is necessary to guarantee that all families can take part. The waitlist is open to those who are unable to reserve a space. To help cover the expense of the meals, donations are accepted.
Registration opens at 2 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through March 29 at the Islamic Community Center of Hillsboro, located at 7270 N.W. Helvetia Road. Sundays for the next weekend; admission is free; Click here to register: zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-icch-ramadan-community-iftar-registration
Book Pub in Rose City
Every night during Ramadan, Rose City Book Pub will provide iftar dinners for individuals who are keeping the fast. Halal chicken kabsah, a typical Saudi meal, or halal lamb are the options available to diners. Meals consist of flatbread, tzatziki, hummus, tabouleh, and a date.
Meals range from $18 to $22. Rose City Book Pub, 1329 Northeast Fremont Street, Portland, March 1–29; no registration needed; iftar dinner for Ramadan
State University of Oregon
This annual iftar, hosted by the Muslim Student Association at Oregon State University, honors Malcolm X’s memory and his support of social justice. Ahlam Osman, a Somali American entrepreneur who focuses on climate and race advocacy, will be the event’s keynote speaker.
The event, which is open to the Muslim community at the university as well as anybody else who wants to join, provides a chance to eat together, make new friends, and enjoy the spirit of Ramadan.
March 4, Memorial Union, Ballroom, 2501 S.W. Jefferson Way, Corvallis, 5:30–9 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is necessary (search at atevents.oregonstate.edu). Malcom X
USA Islamic Relief
In order to raise money for humanitarian help, Islamic Relief USA invites the community to an iftar in Tigard. The national group will hold Ramadan iftars in over 20 places this year, offering a chance to consider the importance of the season and commemorate the worldwide influence of charity giving.
A halal meal, a recitation by Qari Ahmed Polovina, and a keynote speech by Ustadh Abobaker Mojadidi are all planned for the evening. The starting price for tickets is $45.
Embassy Suites Portland Tigard, 9000 S.W. Washington Square Road, Tigard, March 8, 5 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at donate.irusa.org/event/portland-or-grand-iftar/e650175; individual tickets start at $45.
The Muslim Bar Association of Oregon
Everyone in the community is welcome to the Oregon Muslim Bar Association’s Fourth Annual Ramadan Iftar dinner.
Every year, families, community members, students, and legal professionals gather for a communal iftar. Although it is not necessary, attendees are urged to bring a dessert or drink to share. Renowned violinist Daniel Shaheen Moltke will perform during the free evening event.
RSVP to [email protected] or search for Oregon Muslim Bar Association on Facebook.com. The event is free to attend and will take place at 6:30 p.m. on March 15.
Greater Portland’s Islamic Society
An annual iftar potluck is held by the Islamic Society of Greater Portland, which is the oldest recognized Muslim group in Oregon. Everyone in the community is welcome to the event.
Participants can donate $40 per family or bring a food to share. The purpose of the potluck is to promote interfaith understanding and friendships.
Register atbit.ly/4gBcUyQ;isgponline.com/annual-ramadan-potluck-iftar; bring a dish or donate $40 per family; Christ United Methodist Church, 12755 N.W. Dogwood St., Cedar Mill, March 22, 6:15 p.m.
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Chiara Profenna discusses faith, religion, and cultural ties. You may contact her at [email protected] or @chiaraprofenna, or 503-221-4327.
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