In large cities across the country, parallel parking in impossibly tight spaces is seen almost as a rite of passage.
On Saturday, those skills were put to the test, as dozens of people competed in a Parallel Parking Competition in Southeast Portland.
A driver makes their attempt during the Parallel Parking Competition in Portland, Ore. on June 28, 2025.
Joni Land / OPB
The coveted parking spot, at the corner of Pine Street and 29th Avenue, was in front of the driveway of Daniel Lyman and his husband Casey Schreiner. They had announced the competition on social media only a couple days prior.
Their friend Stefanie Lynch helped organize the event, and said she heard the idea from a friend in Pittsburgh, where a similar competition is held.
“I asked them no follow-up questions and we had to figure it all out on our own,” Lynch said. “Daniel and I have a history of egging each other on in very stupid ways, so it felt like perfect timing.”
By Saturday afternoon, the field was set. Pool noodles were strapped to the bumpers of each car in the space. Chalk measurements were drawn on the ground to figure out exactly how long each car was, and how far away they were from the curb. The shorter the car, the fewer points awarded.
Beyond that, the rules were simple: don’t hit the bumper, don’t hit the curb, and attempt to park as cleanly and quickly as possible. All backup cameras were covered with cardboard. Style points were also awarded.
No backup cameras are allowed during the Parallel Parking Competition. Drivers also can not hit the curb or surrounding cars.
Joni Land / OPB
The winner would be awarded a small trophy, constructed with a toy Subaru spray-painted gold and a small plaque that read “Grand Prize.”
The competition started slowly, with only the occasional car stopping by to participate. But within an hour, multiple cars were lined down Southeast Pine Street and a crowd of around 40 people had gathered around to watch.
With each attempt, the small crowd watched nervously as cars came dangerously close to touching the curb.
Schreiner, donning a neon safety vest and holding a copy of the rules, directed traffic and informed drivers of the process. He said the turnout was more than he anticipated.
“This is a really fun turnout and it’s great to have people cheering folks on,” he said. “This is definitely in that spirit of just keeping Portland weird.”
The "Grand Prize" at the first Parallel Parking Competition in Portland. The winning driver also won a leftover gift certificate, organizer Daniel Lyman said.
Joni Land / OPB
David Cano said he heard about the competition from a friend that happened to walk by. Having grown up in San Francisco, he had plenty of experience squeezing his car into tight spaces.
“It was a lot more nerve wracking than I initially anticipated,” Cano said. “Honestly, I felt great out there. It’s wonderful having everyone cheer you on.”
Schreiner and Lyman said they might hold the event annually, and that it was all about having a fun and free event for the public.
Cano had a thought about how the organizers could up the stakes next year.
“Left-side parallel parking,” he said. “That’s a real challenge.”