About Portland
From its awe-inspiring river confluence to its ever-evolving art scene, Portland, Oregon, is an urban oasis of culture and nature that provides something for everyone. Home to world-renowned chefs in one of the most vibrant eatery scenes around — there are even hundreds of food carts — you can explore art galleries and unique boutiques or embark on unparalleled outdoor adventures.
Portland is the perfect destination for an outdoor celebration! From its lush parks to vast public spaces, there's no shortage of wonderful picnic and barbecue spots where you can host your event. Furthermore, Portland's temperate climate makes it one of few cities ideal for year-round gatherings. Make memories in style with friends or family — from special occasions to simple days spent soaking up some sunshine — without worrying about Mother Nature crashing your party.
Outdoor Party Options in Portland
- Event Planners
Event planners are creative and organized professionals with experience coordinating parties and other special occasions. They collaborate with vendors to ensure all the necessary elements, such as decorations, food, drinks, music, entertainment, and more, are considered. They know how to budget effectively, create events that stay within a client's budget, and impress guests.
- Bartenders
Bartenders are skilled mixologists that use their knowledge of drinks to create delicious cocktails for guests at outdoor parties. They typically have extensive experience working in bars or restaurants and a thorough understanding of different types of alcohol worldwide. Bartenders prepare and serve beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits, while ensuring responsible alcohol service standards are met.
- DJs
DJs provide the soundtrack for outdoor parties by playing music that fits the vibe of each event. They typically have a deep understanding of different genres and an expansive library of songs they can draw from when creating playlists. DJs come prepared with their equipment, such as speakers, turntables, laptops, or other devices connected to sound systems to mix tracks correctly.
Outdoor Party Vendors in Portland
- EJP Events
EJP Events provides event planning services in Portland and the surrounding areas. They have experience in organizing various types of events, including virtual events. Their services cover multiple areas, including invitations, logistics, accessibility, and signage. By entrusting the details of your event to a company like EJP Events, you can relax and enjoy the occasion, knowing that everything is being taken care of.
- Party to Go Go
Party to Go Go's team plans small weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers, and baby showers. Their experienced event planners work with clients to ensure their vision for the party is brought to life. They take care of everything from venue selection to catering and entertainment to create a flawless event. Party to Go Go is proud to be a company of women aiming to uplift and inspire.
- Portland Florist Shop
Portland Florist Shop, formerly Menlo Park Flowers of Portland, is a family-owned and operated business serving the Portland metro area since 1957. Despite the name change, the shop still offers the same quality floral designs and the best prices in the area. The shop sources fresh flowers from all over the world and guarantees the quality of their work. Portland Florist Shop is even among the top 50 florists Teleflora chooses yearly. The shop specializes in unique custom work, weddings, sympathy arrangements, special occasions, balloons, gourmet baskets, chocolates, cakes, and espresso.
Pros and Cons of Outdoor Parties in Portland
If you're planning an outdoor party in Portland, you may wonder whether this is the best decision. The following pros and cons are worth considering:
Advantages:
- An outdoor party venue can be less expensive than an indoor venue as the natural outdoors is an ideal backdrop for fun.
- Natural lighting can be more flattering for pictures.
- You will be able to take advantage of the nice weather at an outdoor party, celebrating the beauty of the season.
- Being outdoors can make people feel more relaxed and comfortable, and they may enjoy lingering.
Disadvantages:
- If the weather is bad, the party must be moved indoors. Be sure to have a backup plan.
- There may be noise restrictions if the party is near residential areas.
- You may need to rent additional equipment like tents or portable heaters if you host your party in cooler weather.
- Pests could be a problem if the event is in an area with much vegetation.
Tips on How to Organize Outdoor Parties in Portland
There’s no better way to enjoy the outdoors than hosting an outdoor party. But before you invite your guests over, there are a few things you'll need to do to get the space party-ready.
- Look for outdoor furniture to ensure your guests will be comfortable and create a more inviting look.
- Take care of any landscaping that needs to be done. Trimming the lawn, pulling weeds, and planting flowers can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your space.
- Think about how you'll be entertaining your guests. Will you be grilling? Setting up a bar? Or just serving simple appetizers?
Famous Locations in Portland
- Powell's City of Books
Powell's City of Books is a must-visit location in Portland for book lovers. It is the world's largest independent bookstore, spanning an entire city block and housing over one million books. The store is organized by color-coded rooms and sections, making it easy to find whatever you want. Powell's also hosts author events and book clubs, making it a vibrant cultural hub for the literary community in Portland.
- Portland Japanese Garden
The Portland Japanese Garden is a serene and peaceful oasis in the city's heart. The garden spans 5.5 acres and features a traditional Japanese garden design with a tea house, koi pond, and five distinct garden styles. Visitors can stroll through the tranquil pathways and enjoy the garden's natural beauty. The garden also hosts cultural events and educational programs throughout the year.
- Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum is a world-class museum that houses an extensive collection of art from around the globe. The museum's permanent collection includes over 50,000 works of art, including ancient artifacts, European paintings, contemporary art, and Native American art. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions, lectures, and events, making it a dynamic cultural center in Portland. Visitors can take guided tours or explore the museum at their own pace. The museum also features a café and gift shop for visitors to enjoy.