Katie Vaughan
Katie Vaughan is a writer and marketing coordinator living in Portland. Read More
Portland’s Entertainment District
These vibrant downtown blocks become a pedestrian-only party zone on weekend evenings.
Katie Vaughan
Katie Vaughan is a writer and marketing coordinator living in Portland. Read More
Located at the heart of the city in the vibrant Old Town Chinatown neighborhood, Portland’s Entertainment District is a go-to spot for late-night frivolity, whether it’s live DJs, tasty cocktails or rowdy dance floors. To maximize fun, visit on Friday and Saturday nights after 10 p.m. when the blocks between W. Burnside St., N.W. Everett St., N.W. Second Ave. and N.W. Fourth Ave. are closed to cars, transforming the area into a pedestrian-friendly party zone.
Set within walking distance of a number of popular nighttime destinations, the Society Hotel, a newly revived 19th-century sailor’s boarding house, provides a perfect weekend basecamp. Fuel up for your evening adventures at Kasbah Moroccan Cafe, an inviting restaurant serving authentic Moroccan fare, like kefta meatball tagine.
Neighborhood Nightlife
Late-Night Dining
Where to eat after last call? These Portland bars and restaurants keep their kitchens open late, serving high-quality food into the night.
Dance Clubs
Portland may be best known for its indie music, but with a wide variety of dance clubs, the city has a rhythm that'll get just about anyone moving.
LGBTQ+ Nightlife
Historical architecture and nightlife options fill the blocks near the west end of the Burnside Bridge.
To pair your bites with local brews, grab a slice at Old Town Pizza and Brewing and sample the potent Shanghai’d IPA. Located in the historic Merchant Building, the space is rumored to be haunted.
Looking for a laid-back vibe? Check out the affable bar Hobo’s . If you’re ready to groove, head to Fortune, a hip lounge with an emphasis on good food, great drinks and top-notch DJs, or check out Tube for a grittier vibe and more great beats in a unique space.
For the full-blown dance club experience, CC Slaughters and Dirty Nightclub are always bustling on weekends and often feature energetic live DJs. If you prefer a more down-and-dirty, rock-and-roll vibe, swing by Dixie Tavern, where servers are known to dance on the bar and brave revelers are sometimes invited to join in.
Portland’s Best Hotel Bars
Dancing-averse night owls have plenty of options too: Check out the “all-request” dueling pianos at the Barrel Room or catch a cabaret performance courtesy of the legendary Darcelle XV and friends, who have been delighting audiences with nightly drag shows since 1967.
When the inevitable late-night munchies strike, you’ll find several options near the Entertainment District. At Asian-influenced Portland City Grill, kung pao calamari and chili-ginger pork ribs are served until 1 a.m. on weekends. Queue up for your obligatory Voodoo Doughnut conveniently open 24 hours.