Search Weird
Diverse dining options, unique outdoor experiences and unexpected attractions make Portland one of a kind.
In Portland, being dubbed “weird” is never an insult. Locals delight in enjoying the pleasantly unexpected, whether it be watching adults zoom down an extinct volcano in soapbox derby cars, joining in on one of the world’s largest naked bike rides, or crafting deliciously strange new types of doughnuts. Do as locals do and embrace the city’s quirky vibes using our guide to Portland’s weird culture.
Weird Taste
If you’re in the mood for doughnuts with peculiar flavor combinations, like, say, one topped with Cap’n Crunch Cereal, then make sure to include a visit to Voodoo Doughnut. With multiple locations across the nation, this Portland shop attracts customers with crowd pleasers such as the Maple Bacon Bar and their more adventurous (and hotter) varieties like the Ring of Fire Doughnut — a Devil’s food cake dusted with cinnamon sugar, cayenne pepper and topped with a whole, dried red chili pepper. Open 24 hours a day, almost every day of the year, Voodoo has one-of-a-kind treats for every taste.
Credit: Justin Katigbak
Wyrd Leatherworks and Meadery, set in the basement of a vintage Portland building in the Woodstock neighborhood, is a medieval fantasy-themed mead hall. Made with local honey in their subterranean space, expect to find LARPers and fans of cosplay kicking around this distinctive bar.
With several small bars and a brewery, McMenamins Kennedy School is an unusual place to get an education in hops and barley. Now home to a 57-room hotel, the decommissioned 1915 schoolhouse features a movie theater, and a saltwater soaking pool (they even allow cigar smoking in the “Detention Bar”). And with Portland’s abundance of breweries, there’s no better place to work on your advanced degree in craft beer appreciation.
Credit: Ashley Anderson
Serving up original recipes all over town, from the PB&J Fries at Potato Champion to the Bulgogi tacos of Koi Fusion, hundreds of local food carts also help define Portland’s inimitable DNA.
And if you’re still craving something more daring, you might find it at Sushi Mazi, where they’re serving up grasshopper sushi along with other delicious and unique takes on classic Japanese dishes.
Unique Culture in Portland
For a peek into the city's uniqueness, start at these eccentric events and attractions.
Weird Outdoor Adventures
Hike your way to the Witch’s Castle in the 5,172-acre Forest Park. As the largest, forested natural area within city limits in the U.S., it is home to more than 100 species of birds and dozens of kinds of mammals. It’s an unparalleled urban wildlife asylum with miles of hiking and biking trails, and epic views of Mt. Hood.
Credit: Nick Mendez
Visit (or walk by) the world’s smallest park on your way to people-watch at the much larger waterfront. Initially planted in 1946 by a writer whose street-facing desk overlooked a hole dug up for a pole that was never installed, Mills Ends Park is now officially maintained by the city. There is lore that leprechauns frequent the area, so many passersby will leave offerings, including tiny swimming pools, statues and a Ferris wheel. You never know what you’ll find at this quirky spot.
Check out an abandoned UFO boat located on a clothing-optional beach in Sauvie Island. The fang-shaped vessel was initially built as an apocalyptic-proof floating bunker able to house twelve people. Now heavily graffitied, the chassis shows the remnants of a once functional kitchen and a small living space. Safety precautions should be taken if entering the structure.
Only-in-Portland Places
These unique attractions offer a look into Portland's unusual (in a good way!) spirit.
Alternative Entertainment
As for hand-built marvels, Stumptown has more than its share. Constructed by skateboarders without the city’s permission, the Burnside Skatepark is a massive cement mecca for the sport located under the Burnside Bridge’s eastern side. Eventually approved by the local government, the rebellious ramps and half-pipes are community-run and packed with skaters — sometimes even pros like Tony Hawk stop by, too.
The atmosphere is much less competitive at Oaks Amusement Park, where the Northwest’s largest roller rink still features music played on a nostalgic old pipe organ. Since its opening in 1905, the park has provided nearly a century of nonstop kid-friendly games, rides, and memories.
Credit: Jason Quigley
And while the renovated Crystal Ballroom is not quite as old, it has an equally remarkable vintage feature: a 90-year-old, mechanical “floating” dance floor that has springs under its surface. The music comes in a bewildering range of styles—folk, jazz, a hundred flavors of indie rock, soul and singer-songwriter. The list of touring bands and locals goes on and on. With its high ceilings, ornate balcony, grand chandeliers, and expansive floor-to-ceiling arched windows, this venue is keeping dancers bouncing around and moving like nowhere else.
If you prefer non-pipe organ music for your roller skating fun, the not-so-secret Secret Roller Disco might be more your scene. This free event happens every Thursday night, rain or shine. Location and times can change depending on the season, so be sure to check their Instagram for the latest. Festive attire is encouraged.
Explore Weird Landmarks
Find art and oddity in every street corner of Portland.
“The Simpsons” Landmarks in Portland
Check out the landmarks that inspired the characters and places in "The Simpsons," created by Portland’s own Matt Groening.
Explore Southeast Portland’s Little Free Landmarks
Walk or bike through Southeast Portland to visit quirky sidewalk art galleries, little free libraries and more.
Mill Ends Park
Located in downtown Portland, the world’s smallest park is kind of a big deal. The stories of how Mill Ends Park came to be hold a big surprise for 452 square inches.
Quirky Events
To understand the bumper stickers and Old Town mural calling to “Keep Portland Weird,” look no further than the weird ways that Portlanders celebrate, from the thousands-strong World Naked Bike Ride, the summer-long Pedalpalooza, to the daredevil antics of the Zoobombers and the Portland Adult Soapbox Derby. Not as weird, but no less distinctive, are the beer festivals held nearly every month (and almost every week in the summer), which include celebrations of specific types of beer, like organic, sour, rye, and fruit.
Credit: Kathleen Nyberg
About 40 minutes southwest of Portland, you can find McMinnville’s UFO Festival. The family-friendly UFO Festival includes three days of special events, including live music, expert speaker panels, a colorful parade, a pet alien costume contest, and more.
Upcoming Weird Events
Check out our editor's top picks for weird events in Portland.
Karaoke From Hell
The Northwest's original live karaoke band, Karaoke From Hell, has been rocking Portland for over 25 years and counting. The catalog boasts nearly 700 songs for you to sing, covering every genre from show tunes to skate punk. Catch it every Monday at Dante's and every Thursday at The Spare Room.
UFO Festival
Every May, thousands of visitors flock to the city’s famous UFO Festival, featuring four days of parades, costume contests and expert speakers.
Haunted Shanghai Tunnel Tour
Old Town Pizza & Brewing is built directly above Portland's infamous Shanghai tunnels. The same tunnels that were used to house kidnapped sailors during the early 1900s. Book a tour and explore the rich history of Portland, and the legacy of Old Town.
Pedalpalooza
Portland's cycling culture peaks during summer's multi-week Pedalpalooza, featuring 200+ local-led, themed rides, all open to the public.
Star Trek Ride
It's time to take the helm and shift gears to Warp 9. Explore strange new roads and seek out new pit stops and new destinations. Along the way, expect trivia, music, costumes, and prizes.
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