Revolution Hall
Portland’s historic Washington High School is reborn as a music venue and more.
A landmark on Portland’s east side for more than a century, the redbrick-walled Washington High School sat vacant for three decades. But now, a massive overhaul has restored the school’s status as a class act: The venerable institution has been transformed into one of the city’s top destinations for live entertainment.
At the heart of the remodel is Revolution Hall, an 830-seat venue set inside the high school’s original auditorium. Vintage character abounds, with a full wraparound balcony and wooden chairs providing a great setting for an amped-up sound system — and top-notch performers.
Booked by the duo behind favorite eastside venues Mississippi Studios and the Aladdin Theater, Rev Hall opened in 2015 with performances from Neko Case and the von Trapps. Since then, it’s provided a steady lineup of local and touring indie rock, folk and pop acts.
The hall’s offerings extend to stand-up comedy and lectures, and it’s also the home of the Low Bar Chorale, a drop-in choir that lets attendees sing along with a live band twice a month.
As you walk these halls, consider that food luminary James Beard and Nobel Prize-winning chemist Linus Pauling both attended Washington High School. Yet another reason to consider heading back to school — at least for the night — in Portland.
In and Around the Venue
At Revolution Hall
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