Welcome to the first in a new series we're calling the nau guides, covering a range of topics related to outdoor enrichment in the Pacific Northwest and sustainability in fashion.
Nau, we love Portland for its proximity to stunning natural scenes, of course, but also for “keeping it weird” with some very fun local community events. Here is a round up of some of the nau staff favorites throughout the year. We are adding them to the calendar and thought you might want to as well— whether you live here or are planning your trip to the PNW.We’ll see you there! (Wear your nau apparel so we know to say hello. 😉)
Spring events—
"It's is more of a natural event, but it's spring blooms in the Gorge! Only lasts about 2 weeks and it's spectacular. The Dog Mountain hike is fab!"
—Erica, store manager
"My favorite annual event is to enjoy Cherry Blossoms in Tom McCall Waterfront Park between Morrison Bridge and Steel Bridge every March. I feel the Spring comes to Portland again when I enjoy the Cherry Blossoms there."
—JJ, VP
"I would say the St. Johns Parade is my favorite, usually there’s a 'bizarre' with shops and bands to go along with it. Great event for all ages. It hasn’t happened for a couple years but hopefully it will be back this year, usually mid-May."
- JB, graphic design
"The Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, OR is beautiful and a fun scene."
—Helen, operations
Summer events—
"My favorite event is the Portland Rose Festival —because it signifies the beginning of summer with fun events including parades, the starlight run, and especially the dragon boat races
- Josh, accounting manager
"Portland Pickles baseball games: Fun, cheap, easy, good for families. Close to Zoiglhaus Brewing to pregame 😊"
- Anthony, operations manager
"Usually the Corgi Walk and the Mt. Tabor Soapbox Derby happen on the same day in August — it's one of my favorite Saturdays in the entire summer."
-Amanda, marketing manager
Fall events—
"Rose City Comic Con in September—not super unique to PDX, but I go almost every year. Fun time to be nerdy, and in early October: Greek Fest — A Portland tradition! Fill up on delicious Greek food!"
—Anthony (again)
"My pick for PNW event is Mt Angel Oktoberfest. It's super family friendly and fun for all ages."
—Youngsoon, product line manager
Happy Holidays from the Nau U.S. Team!
We rounded up the staff faves for the season — click through to see the top picks for the eco-friendly and fashion forward on your gift list this holiday season. (Hint: It's 100% Recycled Poly Fleece FTW)
Nothing brings more joy than seeing someone make something beautiful. Earlier this month local artist Jerilyn Gallardo was commissioned by NAU Portland to create a stunning window mural.
Teaming up with the NAU marketing department, Jerilyn was asked to represent our favorite sustainable material of Recycled Down through her own eyes. Together, the team created something very special for the winter season using local talent, creative collaboration, and, of course recycled materials. Take a peek at the images below to see the artist in action.
Our world feels overwhelming at the moment due to the stress of living in a pandemic. The messaging of "Falling For Down" brings a sense of welcome weightlessness, perfectly captured in the brush strokes of the artist. With this installment, NAU hopes to give the Portland community art that evokes lightness to the darkest time of year.
Where can people find out more about the artist? Check out her Instagram and make sure to stop by our retail location in the Pearl District, Portland Oregon. The mural install will run from 12/9/21 through the end of January, and keep checking our blog posts for more collaborations.
Nau has a long history of striving to make our company more than just a clothing line. One way we can meet this goal is by supporting organizations that advocate for environmental protections. We can meet this goal by donating 2% of purchases to Conservation Alliance. This Father’s Day, pick up a gift with Nau so that your purchase gives more than just a gift. It means you’re investing in our dedication to #Actrightnau by supporting a foundation that protects the wild places in North America.
Why Support Grants?
The Conservation Alliance seeks to protect threatened wild places throughout North America for their habitat and recreational values. As a group of outdoor companies, they recognize our responsibility to help protect the wild lands and waterways on which our customers recreate, and wildlife thrives. To achieve that goal, they make grants to nonprofit organizations working to protect the special wild lands and waters in their backyards.
How Can I Help?
When deciding what to get someone as a Father’s Day gift, make the choice to get something that gives back to what being a father means; being a role model for future generations. Follow the link below to see more information on organizations that Nau supports.
Donations With Nau
You may be wondering if there's a story behind our new temporary mural. The #ACTRIGHTNAU mural was created by local artist Sage Ascar. It's a literal approach to our sustainable clothing, showcasing some of our most popular styles hung on a clothing line, as if it had been hand washed.
Sick of sitting around in sweats and looking lackluster after a long lockdown? While few would celebrate the arrival of the rainy season and winter colds, with the right apparel, a little planning and practicing for the cold temperatures can help you take celebrations outdoors to avoid COVID-19.