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10 Fun Things To Do At Night In Portland
Portland, Oregon is known for its vibrant nightlife and amazing attractions. From the downtown Pearl District to the waterfront Old Town, Portland is full of fun activities to enjoy after dark. Whether you’re looking for a night of dancing, live music, or simply a stroll through the city, Portland has something for everyone. Here are 10 fun things to do at night in Portland.
1. Enjoy Live Music
Portland is home to a vibrant music scene, and there are plenty of venues where you can enjoy live music. From jazz clubs to rock venues, you can find a variety of music styles in Portland. If you’re looking for a place to experience some live music, check out the Doug Fir Lounge, Mississippi Studios, and the Aladdin Theater. Each venue has a variety of shows that feature local, national, and international acts.
If you’re looking for an intimate venue, head over to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. This historic venue has hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry, and they offer a range of shows from jazz to classical to world music. For a more laid-back experience, the Crystal Ballroom is a great option. This venue is known for its eclectic mix of music, and you can find everything from hip-hop to funk.
If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, check out the Roseland Theater. This theater has been around since the 1920s, and it’s known for its eclectic mix of music. From punk to bluegrass to folk, you can find a variety of genres at the Roseland Theater.
2. Take a Night Tour of the City
If you’ve never seen Portland at night, now is the perfect time to do so. There are several tour companies in the city that offer night tours of Portland’s key attractions. These tours usually last about 2 hours and take you through the city’s main neighborhoods and attractions. As you tour the city, you’ll get to see the illuminated bridges, beautiful parks, and vibrant city lights. It’s a great way to get to know Portland and take in the sights.
On the tour, you’ll get to visit some of Portland’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Portland Japanese Garden, the International Rose Test Garden, and the Pittock Mansion. You’ll also get to explore the city’s unique neighborhoods, such as the Pearl District, Downtown Portland, and the Alphabet District. The tour also includes a visit to the world-famous Powell’s City of Books, which is the largest independent bookstore in the world.
Most night tours also include a stop at one of the city’s many breweries or wineries. This is a great way to sample some of the local craft beers or wines and get a real taste of Portland.
3. Visit a Local Brewery or Winery
Portland is home to some of the best craft breweries and wineries in the country. With over 70 breweries and 30 wineries located in the city, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a great place to sample some of the local brews and wines, head over to the Deschutes Brewery, the Rogue Ales Public House, or the Bend Brewing Company. Each of these establishments offer a wide selection of beer and wine, and they often host live music events and tasting sessions.
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, check out the Chehalem Winery or the St. Josef’s Winery. Both of these wineries offer tastings and tours, and they feature a range of wines from light whites to full-bodied reds. For a unique experience, visit the Argyle Winery, which is located in the historic King’s Hill district. Here you can sample some of Oregon’s finest sparkling wines and enjoy a romantic evening with your partner.
For a truly unique experience, visit the Cascade Brewing Barrel House. This establishment specializes in sour and wild ales, and they offer a range of beers from light and fruity to dark and complex. The Barrel House also hosts a variety of events such as live music, beer tastings, and food pairings.
4. Take a Stroll Through the Pearl District
The Pearl District is one of Portland’s most vibrant and lively neighborhoods. Located just north of downtown, this area is filled with trendy restaurants, art galleries, and boutique stores. At night, the Pearl District is alive with people taking a stroll through the area, enjoying dinner at one of the many restaurants, or simply people watching. This is a great place to wander and explore, and you’ll be sure to find something to do.
The Pearl District is also home to some of the city’s best bars and clubs. From dive bars to dance clubs, you can find a variety of places to enjoy a night out. Many of the bars and clubs feature live music, and you can find everything from local bands to national acts.
For a unique experience, head over to the Portland Saturday Market. This outdoor market takes place every Saturday and Sunday in the Pearl District and features a variety of vendors selling everything from jewelry to local crafts. It’s a great place to explore and browse, and you’re sure to find something interesting.
5. Visit the Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Located in the heart of downtown, the museum features a variety of exhibitions and events. It’s a great place to explore and take in some of the city’s finest art. The museum also hosts a variety of events such as lectures, films, and music performances.
On the first Thursday of every month, the museum stays open late and offers free admission. This is a great opportunity to explore the museum and take in some of the city’s finest art. The museum also has a café and a gift shop, so you can grab a bite to eat or pick up a souvenir.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, check out the museum’s “After Dark” event. This event takes place on the third Thursday of every month and features live music, performances, and activities. It’s a great way to explore the museum and enjoy a night of entertainment.
6. Take a Cruise on the Willamette River
The Willamette River is the lifeblood of Portland, and there’s no better way to experience it than to take a cruise. There are several companies that offer cruises on the river, and they range from short sightseeing trips to all-day excursions. You can also choose from a variety of cruises, such as dinner cruises, sunset cruises, and even private charters.
On the cruise, you’ll get to see some of Portland’s most iconic sites, such as the St. Johns Bridge, the Portland Aerial Tram, and the Portland Japanese Garden. The cruise also offers stunning views of the city skyline, and you’ll get to experience the beauty of the river at night. It’s a great way to take in the sights and sounds of Portland.
7. Check Out a Comedy Show
Portland is home to a vibrant comedy scene, and there are plenty of places to see a show. The best place to start is the Helium Comedy Club, which is located in the downtown area. This club regularly features some of the biggest names in comedy, and you can find everything from stand-up to improv to sketch comedy. If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, check out the Curious Comedy Theater. This theater features a variety of shows, and it’s a great place to catch a show and enjoy some laughs.
If you’re looking for something a little different, head over to the Oregon Zoo and check out the ZooLights event. This event takes place in the winter months and features light displays, live music, and a variety of fun activities. It’s a great way to spend an evening and experience the winter wonderland of the Oregon Zoo.
8. Join a Pub Crawl
Portland is known for its vibrant bar scene, and a great way to experience it is to join a pub crawl. There are several companies that offer pub crawls in Portland, and you can choose from a variety of routes. The most popular route is through the Old Town neighborhood, which takes you to some of the city’s most iconic bars, such as the Rogue Ales Public House and the Deschutes Brewery. You’ll get to sample some of the city’s best craft beers and experience the unique bars and pubs that Portland has to offer.
If you’re looking for a more unique experience, check out the Portland Pedal Power Pub Crawl. This pub crawl is powered by bicycles, and you’ll get to explore the city on two wheels. It’s a great way to experience Portland in a unique way and get some exercise while you’re at it.
9. Visit the Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Located in Washington Park, the zoo is home to a variety of animals, from elephants to polar bears. It’s a great place to explore and take in some of the world’s most amazing creatures. The zoo also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as the ZooLights event and the Summer Concert Series.
The zoo also offers several after-hours programs, such as the Night Hikes and the NightCrawlers. The Night Hikes are a great way to explore the zoo after dark. You’ll get to learn about the animals and their habitats, and you’ll get a unique view of the zoo at night. The NightCrawlers program is a guided tour of the zoo, and you’ll get to see the animals in a more intimate setting.
10. Catch a Movie at the Hollywood Theatre
The Hollywood Theatre is one of Portland’s oldest cinemas, and it’s a great place to catch a movie. The theatre features a variety of classic, independent, and foreign films, and it’s a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The theatre also hosts a variety of special events, such as the Cinema Unbound and the Beer and Movie Nights.
The Cinema Unbound series is a great way to experience some of the best independent films in the city. The Beer and Movie Nights are also a great way to experience the theatre. This event features a variety of beers, food, and a screening of classic films. It’s a great way to experience the Hollywood Theatre and enjoy a night of entertainment.
Summary
Portland, Oregon is full of fun activities to enjoy after dark. Whether you’re looking for a night of dancing, live music, or simply a stroll through the city, Portland has something for everyone. From taking a night tour of the city to visiting a local brewery or winery, there are plenty of things to do in Portland. You can also take a stroll through the Pearl District, visit the Portland Art Museum, take a cruise on the Willamette River, join a pub crawl, or catch a movie at the Hollywood Theatre. Whatever you choose to do in Portland, you’re sure to have a memorable night out.