Downtown
Explore diverse shopping, dining and cultural offerings in downtown Portland.
Know Before You Go
Downtown Portland is well served by TriMet, the city’s public light rail, Portland Streetcar and bus system.
Portland’s compact, walkable downtown offers easy access to great food, green spaces, cultural offerings, tax-free shopping and seemingly endless things to do. Browse the Rose City’s most diverse mix of retail brands, see a show and grab a bite at a food cart or fine restaurant — all conveniently located in downtown Portland.
Where to Stay in Downtown
The city center offers easy access to shopping, entertainment, culture —and other districts, making downtown Portland a natural jumping-off point for visits to the city. Downtown is home to more than 35 hotels, from independent boutiques to big-name shopping brands. With a direct MAX light rail connection to Portland International Airport, Portland Streetcar service, and short, walkable blocks, downtown is great for a car-free stay.
Where to Eat and Drink in Downtown
Coffee connoisseurs select from a hand-written menu of single-origin, house-roasted beans at Courier Coffee Bar. Once you’ve made your choice, baristas grind the beans right in front of you to prepare a perfect pour-over into a steaming mason jar. Never short on local-roasted coffee, for award-winning single-origin coffee, visit the green wall at Coava Coffee for an urban escape after wandering the city center.
Flying Elephants, a Portland-local chain across from Director Park, offers deli fare from a fresh salad or sandwich with classic pastries to sate the sweet tooth. For a modern and romantic experience, head to Q Restaurant & Bar with electric menus featuring dishes inspired by Pacific Northwest cuisine.
As the evening winds down, relax into a leather armchair at Multnomah Whiskey Library, where expert staff offers recommendations from 1,500 available spirits. Count on a line to get in; downstairs, The Green Room serves as a sophisticated (and thirst-quenching) waiting area.
Explore Downtown Portland
Eat, shop and play in the lively central city.
Downtown and Central City Shopping
Downtown Portland boasts a wide array of shopping options, from major national and international retailers to locally owned boutiques and specialty shops.
Downtown Restaurants
Downtown Portland restaurants run the gamut — you'll find everything from budget lunch options at a multitude of food carts to delicious fine dining at acclaimed dinner spots in central city.
Central City Activities
Walk to a wide range of entertainment in central city and downtown Portland including theaters, museums and parks that play host to festivals and farmers' markets.
Things to Do in Downtown
Museums, parks, sports arenas, shopping, and theaters; these attractions in downtown Portland are enough to keep any traveler busy for days. Known as Portland’s living room, Pioneer Courthouse Square is a gathering space where most days, you can see people enjoying their lunch breaks or taking a beat from exploring the city. From food carts to art installations and performances, The Square is a must-see.
Walk along the South Park Blocks, a green strip spanning 12 city blocks ending at the campus of Portland State University, to discover public art, the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Historical Society, and seasonally, the Portland Farmers Market at PSU, in the heart of Downtown’s cultural hub.
Take in some music -folk, jazz, a hundred flavors of indie rock, soul, singer-songwriter- at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, a historic Portland music hall that remains among the most vital and central venues in the city. It features high ceilings, a balcony, grand chandeliers, wide, arched windows, and “floors that bounce.” The ballroom complex includes Lola’s Room, a much smaller venue and bar on the second floor beneath the ballroom. Ringlers Pub is on the street level, featuring beer from the Crystal Brewery. And the Crystal Hotel is nearby, with its own restaurant and music venue.
Favorite Theaters
This neighborhood offers a thriving theater community with major venues within a few city blocks.
Downtown Shopping Highlights
Parisian-style shopping at Union Way provides only in-Portland shopping. This sleek arcade houses iconic local brands like Danner, the iconic Oregon boot brand, which has opened its first-ever stand-alone retail shop in the alley. Also, find trendy denim boutique Self Edge and if you need a sweet treat after shopping, try Wailua Shave Ice.
Nearby boutiques Frances May, Pinkham Millinery, and Tender Loving Empire feature local designers and artisans, while Woonwinkel offers a curated selection of housewares and jewelry from local and international artists.
Step into WILDFANG, a bastion of tomboy fashion, beloved by celebrities like Janelle Monae and Kristen Stewart for its feminist T-shirts and gender-binary-breaking collection of blazers, bow ties, and button-ups.
Central city’s premier shopping center, Pioneer Place boasts more than 75 stores, including H&M, Apple, and J. Crew. (Did we mention that all shopping in Oregon is tax-free?)
Things To Do Outdoors
Visit verdant parks and outdoor attractions nestled amid downtown's hustle and bustle.
Portland's Central City
There's a lot more to Portland's urban core than Downtown, a center for retail, restaurants and cultural attractions. Goose Hollow is home to Providence Park soccer stadium, while the Pearl District is famous for upscale bars, boutiques and galleries. Old Town Chinatown offers streetwear shops, Saturday Market and Lan Su Chinese Garden and Northwest/Nob Hill boasts shopping, dining and access to Forest Park and the historic Pittock Mansion. East of the Willamette River, the Central Eastside offers family-friendly attractions, shopping and nightlife, while Lloyd is home to the Oregon Convention Center and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Downtown Events
Explore Downtown Portland and all that it has to offer at these upcoming events.
In Concert on Downtown’s Transit Mall
Picture this: A serene mid-day in Portland, the sun gently casting its warmth over Pioneer Square. As you sit down for lunch, the air is filled with the melodic strains of live music. It's Concerts on Downtown’s Transit Mall, an oasis of sound amidst the bustling city. Let the music serenade you as you savor…
Four Course Wine Pairing Menu at Bellpine
Bellpine is delighted to unveil a culinary journey in partnership with the esteemed Gran Moraine, Penner-Ash, and WillaKenzie Estate wineries to celebrate Oregon Wine Month. The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, chefs have curated a supplemental menu meticulously crafted to complement the season’s freshest offerings with the finest Oregon wines. Available Sundays through Thursdays during May, experience the…
BeerQuest Haunted Pub Tour
Uncover Portland’s dark side on this spine-tingling walking pub tour. In the early 1900s, unsuspecting sailors were often ruthlessly abducted and whisked away through the notorious Shanghai Tunnels. Tour guides will tell you how notorious criminals kidnapped thousands of people and why their ghosts still haunt Portland today. This is Portland’s longest-running ghost tour with…
H.W. Brands
H.W. (Henry William) Brands was born in Oregon, went to college in California, sold cutlery across the American West, and earned graduate degrees in mathematics and history in Oregon and Texas. He taught at Vanderbilt University and Texas A&M University before joining the faculty at the University of Texas at Austin, where he holds the…
Throughlines: Connections in the Collection
Throughlines embraces wonder and curiosity, bringing together artworks from across the Museum’s collections to explore the range of artistic innovation. From diverse geographies, cultures, and time periods, artists have consistently created images, objects, and experiences that ask us to consider ourselves and the world from different perspectives. Visitors will encounter playful groupings that reveal how artists…
Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks
Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks is a groundbreaking new exhibition that features nearly 60 futuristic footwear designs pushing the boundaries of what art can be. Featuring an incredible mix of fashion, design, gaming, new media, architecture, and material arts as well as sustainable and collaborative practices, the exhibition features work by designers as diverse…
Picnic in the Park
Come enjoy lunch in Director Park with music and fun games such as corn hole, giant chess, and jump rope. Special appearance from Shoehorn Conley on Thursdays.
Duniway Live Music
Enjoy live music by local musicians in the Mayrose Lounge Bar with Happy Hour specials from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Receive a 20% Local Discount on all food and drink. Must show ID.
The Innocents
Now the subject of an award-winning documentary film, The Innocents, is social justice advocacy through performance art. The work is an effort to delve deeply into the current issues surrounding the subject of wrongful imprisonment and exoneration, as well as a commitment to connect with the communities in which it is performed. This work cuts…
Matt Rife
Matthew Steven Rife is an American comedian and actor. Rife is best known for his self-produced comedy specials, Only Fans, Matthew Steven Rife and Walking Red Flag, as well as his 2023 Netflix special Natural Selection and previous recurring role on the sketch improv comedy and rap show Wild 'n Out.
Legally Blonde The Musical
A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances – this musical is so much fun it should be illegal. Elle Woods appears to…
Prepare for the Night with DJ George the Mixologist
Come enjoy music from DJ, George the Mixologist, who will bring vibes to the park every Friday evening before people enjoy all the nighttime entertainment downtown has to offer.
PSU Steinway Piano Series: Oxana Yablonskaya
The PSU Steinway Piano Series presents an exciting weekend of masterful piano performances: Friday, May 10 at 7:00 PM Concert with guest pianist Oxana Yablonskaya. This powerful concert will include solo works by CPE Bach, Schubert, Schubert/Liszt, Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky. Ms. Yablonskaya will also perform the piano 4-hands version of Franck’s Prelude, Fugue and Variation,…
Tesla City Stories
Original Portland production. A monthly night of vintage radio comedy/drama live onstage. Straight outta 1944. Laughs, chills, romance, danger, eats, bar, live Foley/sound F/X, 1940s live music, prizes, audience participation. Return to Tesla City and rejoin a pair of the TBC’s most popular characters in episodes unheard by audiences in eighty years. In an intense outing of…
Bloom Tour
The Bloom Tour is part walking tour and part art show with a focus on supporting some of Portland’s unique shops, restaurants and hotels. The Bloom Tour will showcase the work of talented artists and florists who have designed and created these eye-catching art pieces that can be viewed rain or shine. Whether you’re a local…
Farmers Market at Portland State University
The Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University will be open every Saturday, year-round. April through October hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. November through March hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Market at PSU is located in Downtown Portland in the South Park Blocks between SW College & Montgomery Streets.
Oregon Humane Society's Doggie Dash
Welcome to Doggie Dash, a walk-in support of animals at the Oregon Humane Society. Oregon Humane Society's largest fundraiser of the year, Doggie Dash, brings together thousands of animal lovers to help OHS provide lifesaving programs and services to needy animals. Your registration fee and any additional funds you raise as a Dasher make this possible. Each…
Archaeology Roadshow
The Archaeology Roadshow once again returns to Portland State University. Immerse yourself in the history and archaeology of Oregon through exhibits and hands-on activities hosted by archaeologists and heritage specialists from PSU, Tribes, museums, private and nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. The 2024 theme is the Archaeology of Food: try salmon, elk, or wappato and…
Portland Saturday Market
Open every Saturday from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.
She Persisted: The Musical
Fourth-grader Naomi's field trip to a Women's History Museum turns into a time travel adventure where she encounters inspirational women who have overcome barriers and made waves throughout U.S. history. From activists to athletes, artists and more, this musical features the stories of female trailblazers such as Harriet Tubman, Virginia Apgar, Ruby Bridges, Sally Ride,…
Play in the Park
Join every Saturday in the partnership with Whimsy Care and IDEALPDX to provide family friendly entertainment and activities in Director Park. Fairy house building? Seed planting? Bubbles? Magicians? All to be expected throughout the Play in the Park series.
John Clifford's A Midsummer Night's Dream
The Portland Ballet presents John Clifford’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a family friendly and witty confection of a ballet, danced to Felix Mendelssohn’s gorgeous music. This amusing and elegant adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy showcases a variety of challenging choreography: the fleet-footedness of fairies, the antics of rustics, and the style and grace of nobility. The…
Meagan Sky's Self-Love Soiree
Join a Mother's Day event centered around women, wellness and self-care. There will be vendors, live music, drinks, snacks, and more. Fill your cup + fuel your soul. Bring your mom and/or treat yourself to an evening where you truly feel taken care of. You can treat yourself and walk away feeling uplifted and inspired to follow…
Puccini: In Concert
One hundred years after he died in 1924, we celebrate a one-night-only concert featuring Giacomo Puccini’s enduring compositions. Experience the drama and passion of these cultural touchstones, brought to life by an exciting ensemble of featured guest artists. Treat yourself, get fancy with friends, and enjoy a brilliant night out. We’ll cherish the iconic music…
Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
A rollercoaster of pianistic flourishes, Rachmaninoff’s ravishing rhapsody is given a tour-de- force performance by soloist Simon Trpčeski. Dvořák’s distinctly Bohemian style shines in his brooding, mysterious Seventh Symphony, in which the composer gives voice to personal grief and the struggles of his nation. *In Salem on Friday, May 10, 2024, 7:30 pm Program Dobrinka…
Alicia Villarreal
Martha Alicia Villarreal Esparza, known simply and professionally as Alicia Villarreal, is a Mexican singer. Villarreal participated in different bands in Monterrey, before becoming the lead singer for Grupo Límite in 1995. After nearly eight years of success, Villarreal left the band pursuing a solo career.
Celtic Woman
On the heels of the successful “Postcards From Ireland,” Celtic Woman will carry on its legacy of uplifting performances packed with breath-taking harmonies and instrumental virtuosity. The group announced it will bring an all-new live show to celebrate its 20th anniversary to Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on Tuesday, May 14, 2023. The Celtic Woman 20th…
Annie
Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return…
Slamlandia
Poetry Open Mic and Slam in Portland, Oregon. It is the mission of Slamlandia to provide an open mic and poetry slam that is creative, fun, and welcoming to all literary communities in Portland. They strive towards a safer space for poets to share work, witness others, and participate in the community.
Celeste Barber
Hailed as the “Australian Queen of Comedy”, Celeste’s original celebrity parody Instagram account has attracted over 8.1 million followers. In 2019 she released her best-selling book Challenge Accepted and she was also seen on the 2019 Showtime special of the same name. In 2020, she won the AACTA (The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television…
Go Dog. Go!
P.D. Eastman’s classic children’s book skates, swerves, and leaps from page to stage in Go Dog, Go! Dogs rule in this fantastical world. Yellow Dog, Blue Dog, Red Dog and dogs of all colors, shapes, and sizes can do everything from singing and dancing to snorkeling and driving. They howl at the moon. They ride a…
Newsies, JR.
Daring kids take on newspaper giants in this toe-tapping underdog story inspired by the 1899 Newsboys’ Strike. Featuring “King of New York,” “The World Will Know,” and more empowering anthems from the original Disney film, this musical will have you singing, dancing, and seizing the day. This Catalyst production features teens in starring roles…
Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique
Berlioz paints a portrait of obsessive love with opium-fueled visions of cinematic realism, featuring haunting ballroom waltzes, a march to the guillotine, and maniacal witches’ dances. Opening the program, Debussy’s tone poem heaves with hazy sensuality, and violinist Carolin Widmann explores nature and love in works by Takemitsu and Chausson. Program Debussy: Prelude to an…
Brothers Osborne
Grammy-nominated duo Brothers Osborne is bringing their brand new 'We’re Not For Everyone Tour' to Portland on Oct 20, 2021. Brothers Osborne is an American country music duo consisting of brothers T.J. Osborne and John Osborne. Born in Deale, Maryland, the duo signed a recording contract with EMI Records Nashville in 2012 and began releasing music the following year.
West End Wednesdays
West End Wednesday exists to ignite new energy and define a common vision for downtown SW Portland. Building relationships with neighbors and business partners is not just organizing a once-a-month event… it is actively creating, together, a neighborhood everyone can love to live, work and play in. West End Wednesdays is the West End's signature celebration…
Fatai
Come and see Fatai and her stupidly-vibing band for an evening of phenomenal music. Featuring songs from her new EP and her infamously flipped covers, this tour will be one not to miss.
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Tedeschi Trucks Band is a Grammy Award-winning 12-piece rock and soul powerhouse that holds a well-deserved reputation as one of the best live acts touring today. Led by husband and wife guitarist Derek Trucks and singer/guitarist Susan Tedeschi — hailed as “two of the best roots rock musicians of their generation” (NPR), the 12-piece Tedeschi…
Downtown Ducky Drop
Celebrate the opening of the Teachers Fountain at Director Park and help announce the summer series of programs, Summer in the City. Approx. Eight hundred rubber ducks will be dumped into Teachers Fountain using a Backhoe in partnership with Hoffman Construction and Star Rentals. Everyone can play in the fountain with the rubber duckies, take…
Journey to the Future
Join the Portland Art Museum for a cutting-edge workshop designed for families with kids ages 11+ who are curious about technology and eager to dive into the world of virtual reality. In this hands-on, collaborative program, discover what VR is all about and how to navigate its wonders. Using hands-on activities, participants will experiment with…
Harry Potter And the Deathly Hallows Part I in Concert
The end begins… Witness the beginning of Harry’s most important battle yet, with the feature film accompanied by a live symphony orchestra. Harry, Ron, and Hermione set out to track down the secret to Voldemort’s power Artists Deanna Tham, Conductor Oregon Symphony
Jacob Collier
Recognized by audiences, critics and fellow musicians alike as one of the most gifted young artists of modern times, 29-year-old Jacob Collier already boasts a seemingly endless list of achievements including five Grammy wins – which saw him become the first British act in history to win four Grammys for each of his first four…
Sesame Street Live: Say Hello
Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! In Sesame Street Live! Say Hello. You can sing and dance with your favorite furry friends while enjoying fun surprises along the way. So wear your dancing shoes and go to where the air is sweet…
Jazz Combo Nights
The Jazz Are Combos present a series of performances featuring several small groups. Students present a variety of jazz and contemporary music arranged or composed for their ensemble peers. Directed by Darrell Grant, Sherry Alves, Owen Broder, George Colligan, Todd Marston and Ben Medler.
PSU University Band Concert
Portland State University Band presents their spring concert. The PSU University Band is PSU's largest band and is open to players of all abilities. This ensemble is a great option for non-performance majors to earn their large ensemble credits while performing with a fun and diverse group of musicians.
PSU Percussion Ensemble
The PSU Percussion Ensemble presents its Spring concert, featuring contemporary percussion works, and command performances by members of the PSU Percussion Studio.
Wild Kratts LIVE!
The Wild Kratts LIVE! stage show that has kids across North America buzzing is coming to Portland with an ALL NEW show: “Wild Kratts LIVE 2.0 – Activate Creature Power!” Get ready to dive into another classic Wild Kratts adventure with the Kratt brothers as they combine live action and animation, with Martin and Chris…
Carrie Jennings
Live music by singer-songwriter Carrie Jennings from Seattle, WA. Her music is deliberate and sultry, combining melancholic singer-songwriter lyricism, soulful horn lines, and dreamy indie pop aesthetics. Her performances are both tender and bold, with lush instrumentals and endearing stage banter. She is a storyteller and groove-maker compelled to explore the depths of the human experience…
Sabertooth
McMenamins, Portland Mercury, X-Ray and doPDX proudly present Sabertooth 2024. With its roots in Portland’s Crystal Ballroom’s psychedelic history, Sabertooth comes to both the Crystal Ballroom and Spanish Ballroom for two nights of psychedelic stoner rock.
A Century of Unforgettable Music
PYP concludes its centennial season with a performance of Franz Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony – the first piece ever performed by this orchestra, formerly known as the Portland Junior Symphony. Don’t miss your last chance to be thrilled by Season 100’s Portland Youth Philharmonic on the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall stage. PYP welcomes special guests to…
NW Dance Project – Moving Stories
True to form, Portland’s award-winning contemporary dance company offers up another diverse and delightful double-bill evening featuring inspired and inspiring fresh dance works fresh dance works from NW Dance Project’s most acclaimed choreographers, Artistic Director Sarah Slipper, and Resident Choreographer Ihsan Rustem. A grand finale for NW Dance Project’s 20th anniversary Season. Celebrating 20 years and 350+ original contemporary dance works…
Portland's Central City
There's a lot more to Portland's urban core than Downtown, a center for retail, restaurants and cultural attractions. Goose Hollow is home to Providence Park soccer stadium, while the Pearl District is famous for upscale bars, boutiques and galleries. Old Town Chinatown offers streetwear shops, Saturday Market and Lan Su Chinese Garden and Northwest/Nob Hill boasts shopping, dining and access to Forest Park and the historic Pittock Mansion. East of the Willamette River, the Central Eastside offers family-friendly attractions, shopping and nightlife, while Lloyd is home to the Oregon Convention Center and the Portland Trail Blazers.
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