The next Tunnel Concert is lining up to take place on September 12, 2026 from 2-6pm at the Rocky Butte Tunnel! The first annual acoustic concert happened on September 20th 2025. It was a collaboration between the Rocky Butte Preservation Society, The Friends of Rocky Butte, and the Madison South Neighborhood Association. The idea originated among neighbors who love to hear “Alex, the guy who plays his saxophone in the tunnel”. Being a giant macaroni-noodle shaped tunnel carved into an extinct volcano, this architectural structure is simultaneously an amazing acoustic structure that amplifies his melodies across the whole neighborhood. A summer date was set and a variety of other musicians and instruments joined to fill the space with sound. A significant number of community members trekked up the butte to gather in this unique landmark, absent of cars. The general vibe of the event was a simple potluck block party, but instead of picnic tables and grass lawns there were masonry walls and concrete curbs, all which were recently swept and sprayed clean by volunteers the week prior. Families, kids, dogs and cyclists came together to enjoy the party. The local Fresh Love Neighborhood Cafe and Market feed the musicians and many neighbors brought a bounty of treats to make it a down home good time. The mission of the Rocky Butte Preservation Society and the Friends of Rocky Butte is to create safe public access to the natural wonders and historical features of the butte. It was a local celebration to promote local preservation! (Photos by Keri Friedman) Click here to see an article by the Willamette Week published in the month leading up the event in 2025.
Rocky Butte Preservation Society 
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