It has a lot of event venues that reflect its rich history and dynamic character, let it be from the expansive Oregon Convention Center to the intimate and historic McMenamins Kennedy. This article explores top venues in Portland.
Top Event Venues:
1. Oregon Convention Center
- Location: 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97232, USA
- Website: Oregon Convention Center
- Details:
The Oregon Convention Center is one of the largest venues in Portland, suitable to host conventions, trade shows, and large-scale events. It offers 255,000 sq. ft. of event and exhibit space with 52 meeting rooms, two grand ballrooms, 3 VIP suites, and a Skyview terrace. It was opened in 1990 and is well known by the people for its twin spires.
The twin spires are an iconic part of Portland’s skyline. One of the most interesting things about this venue is that it has the highest level of LEED Platinum certification.
2. Moda Center
- Location: 1 N Center Ct St, Portland, OR 97227, USA
- Website: Moda Center
- Details:
The Moda Center has a capacity to host up to 20,500 guests. It was opened in 1995 and since then it has served as the home for the Portland Trail Blazers. It is an ideal venue for hosting versatile concerts, sports events and other large gatherings.
It is home to the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers and it has an innovative green roof, which helps in managing stormwater and reducing the urban heat island effect. It is the first NBA arena to achieve LEED Gold certification for its eco-friendly operations.
3. The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- Location: 525 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97204, USA
- Website: The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- Details:
The Nines is a lavish hotel that offers luxurious event spaces with a capacity of 900 guests in their largest space. It is housed in the historic building, which was once home to the Meier & Frank department store.
The Meier & Frank department store is a cornerstone of Portland retail history. One of the interesting things about this venue is its name, “The Nines,” as it pays homage to the building’s prestigious history, which refers to the notion of dressing “to the nines.”
4. Portland Art Museum
- Location: 1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205, USA
- Website: Portland Art Museum
- Details:
The Portland Art Museum was opened in 1892 and is a cultural gem with the capacity to host up to 560 seated guests for banquets. It is one of the oldest art museums on the West Coast.
The museum’s architecture includes a blend of Italian Renaissance and modern styles and it has a collection of 42,000 works of art. It also has the largest collection of English silver in the world outside of the UK.
5. The Sentinel Hotel
- Location: 614 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97205, USA
- Website: The Sentinel Hotel
- Details:
The Sentinel Hotel is an iconic venue that is housed in the former Elks Temple. The former Elks Temple is a building that is steeped in history dating back to 1923. It was built in 1909 as the Seward Hotel and after some time it was renamed in honor of the roof statues that “watch over” the city.
The venue offers a variety of event spaces and has a capacity to host up to 900 guests in the Governor Ballroom, their largest space. It also has a secret library that is accessible only to its guests.
6. Hilton Portland Downtown
- Location: 921 SW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97204, United States
- Website: Hilton Portland Downtown
- Details:
The Hilton Portland Downtown is a modern hotel that is located in the heart of downtown Portland. It was opened in 1963 and since then it has been a major part of Portland’s hospitality scene. It can accommodate up to 1500 guests in their Grand Ballroom. The hotel also provides other additional spaces of different sizes accommodating a variety of events.
7. Leftbank Annex
- Location: 101 N Weidler St, Portland, OR 97227, USA
- Website: Leftbank Annex
- Details:
The Leftbank Annex was built in the early 20th century as a brewery. The venue provides a total of 14,000 sq. ft. of versatile space on two floors. It is housed in a historic building, i.e., a former warehouse that was once a part of the Portland Railway Light and Power Company.
8. Revolution Hall
- Location: 1300 SE Stark St #203, Portland, OR 97214, USA
- Website: Revolution Hall
- Details:
The Revolution Hall is a converted high school auditorium that was a part of the historic Washington High School building and it is a unique blend of historic and contemporary elements. It has a capacity to host 20 to 1000 guests. It was built in 1924 and after some time it was transformed into a concert hall in 2015.
9. Castaway Portland
- Location: 1900 NW 18th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA
- Website: Castaway Portland
- Details:
The Castaway Portland provides 10,000 sq. ft. of wide-open indoor space and 5,000 square feet of outdoor space. For meetings, it can host up to 400 guests and for cocktails, receptions, and ceremonies, it can host up to 300 guests each.
It was once a 1929 ironworks factory, which gave it a unique industrial vibe. It was built in the 1920s and it served as a factory for the American Can Company.
10. Ecotrust Event Spaces
- Location: 721 NW 9th Ave. Suite 200, Portland, OR 97209
- Website: Ecotrust Event Spaces
- Details:
The Ecotrust Event Spaces is known by the people for its commitment to sustainability and community. It can host up to 200 guests. It is housed in the historic Natural Capital Center and the building was Portland’s first LEED-certified building.
11. The Evergreen
- Location: 618 SE Alder St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
- Website: The Evergreen
- Details:
The Evergreen is a stylish venue and it is an ideal venue for hosting weddings, corporate events and parties. It is a historic building that dates back to 1925 and soon after sometime it has been restored to preserve its historical charm. It has a capacity of hosting 550 guests.
12. The Redd on Salmon Street
- Location: 831 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
- Website: The Redd on Salmon Street
- Details:
The Redd on Salmon Street is a part of a larger initiative to support the regional food economy, i.e., Ecotrust’s initiative to support local food systems and sustainable practices.
It offers many indoor spaces and provides outdoor set-up as well, with a capacity of 670 guests in their indoor main hall. It was a foundry and after some time it has been transformed into a vibrant event space while retaining its industrial roots.
13. The West End Ballroom
- Location: 1220 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR 97205, USA
- Website: The West End Ballroom
- Details:
The West End Ballroom is a historic venue that was originally built in 1924. It offers a classic and elegant setting for all the events it hosts. It can accommodate up to 250 guests. It was originally a 1920s ballroom. It was once home to a popular dance hall in the early 20th century.
14. Portland Center Stage at The Armory
- Location: 128 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA
- Website: Portland Center Stage at The Armory
- Details:
The Portland Center Stage at The Armory has a capacity to host up to 560 seated guests in the theater. It is housed in a historic armory building, due to which it adds a touch of grandeur and history to any event. It was built in 1891 and after some time it was transformed into a modern theater space while it also preserved its historical elements.
15. The Jupiter Hotel
- Location: 800 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
- Website: The Jupiter Hotel
- Details:
The Jupiter Hotel is known by the people for its vibrant, eclectic style and it has also become a cultural hub in Portland, which offers a unique event space with a modern flair. It can host up to 300 guests. It was originally a motor inn built in the mid-20th century and after some time it has been revamped into a trendy urban oasis.
16. The Benson, a Coast Hotel
- Location: 309 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205, USA
- Website: The Benson, a Coast Hotel
- Details:
The Benson is a historic and luxurious hotel with 287 guest rooms. It was opened in 1913 and since then it is one of Portland’s most historic hotels, which is known by the people for its elegant architecture and rich history. It has the woodwork in the lobby, which is made from Circassian walnut. The walnut was imported from the forests of imperial Russia.
17. The Tiffany Center
- Location: 1410 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97205, USA
- Website: The Tiffany Center
- Details:
The Tiffany Center was built in 1928, featuring stunning architecture and historical details with its grand ballroom and vintage charm. It can host over 300 guests. It originally served as a Masonic temple and soon after some time it was preserved.
18. The Adrianna Hill Grand Ballroom
- Location: 918 SW Yamhill St 2nd Floor, Portland, OR 97205, USA
- Website: The Adrianna Hill Grand Ballroom
- Details:
The Adrianna Hill Grand Ballroom can accommodate 75 – 350 guests. It is located in a building that dates back to 1901. The building originally housed a popular department store in the early 20th century.
19. McMenamins Kennedy School
- Location: 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211, USA
- Website: McMenamins Kennedy School
- Details:
The McMenamins Kennedy School is a former elementary school that was built in 1915 and it has now been transformed into a hotel and event space. It can host up to 200 guests. One of the interesting things about this venue is that the school’s classrooms have been converted into guest rooms and the auditorium has been transformed into a movie theater.
20. Portland Spirit River Cruises
- Location: 110 SE Caruthers St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
- Website: Portland Spirit River Cruises
- Details:
The Portland Spirit River Cruises has a capacity to host up to 499 guests for Portland Spirit and plated seating for 340 guests. It provides amazing views of the Portland skyline and surrounding landscapes.
21. Coopers Hall
- Location: 404 SE 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, USA
- Website: Coopers Hall
- Details:
The Coopers Hall is a venue that has a capacity of hosting 183 guests. It is known by the people for its sustainable practices, which include a focus on local and organic ingredients.
22. Willamette Valley Vineyards
- Location: Willamette Valley Vineyards, 8800 Enchanted Way SE Turner, OR 97392
- Website: Willamette Valley Vineyards
- Details:
The Willamette Valley Vineyards, located near Portland, gives a picturesque setting for all the events it hosts. It is known by the people for its award-winning wines. The specific capacity is not mentioned anywhere but the venue is an ideal venue for hosting intimate events and weddings surrounded by lush vineyards.
Conclusion:
Portland offers a plethora of unique and captivating venues for events of all kinds, ranging from historic hotels and art museums to modern event spaces and scenic river cruises. The venues in Portland provide a distinct experience that reflects the city’s vibrant character. This article explores venues that not only offer insights into the city’s architectural and cultural heritage but also highlight the innovative and sustainable practices that make Portland a standout destination.
