Find Event spaces for rent in Portland, OR

About Portland

Portland, nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, offers a rich combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its roots stretching back to the mid-19th century, it has grown from a bustling pioneer settlement to a vibrant urban center, renowned for its commitment to arts, environmental sustainability, and community.

Famous places like the historic Pittock Mansion, the enchanting International Rose Test Garden, and the expansive Forest Park are some of the city's famous attractions that first-time visitors shouldn't miss. If you want to see some artwork, then the Jordan Schnitzer Museum is highly recommended for its collection of Oriental art. The city is teeming with parks as well, such as Washington Park, Portland Japanese Garden, Lan Su Chinese Garden, and Laurelhurst Park. For a wonderful hiking experience, don't forget to see the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, the only one of its kind in the world.

If you want to catch a live show, see memorable films, or watch a theater performance, then check out the Clinton Street Theater, which is one of the oldest operating cinemas in the United States. This theater is known for its weekly run of The Rocky Horror Picture Show movie. This hilarious musical tells the story of a couple who, after getting a flat tire, discovers the mansion of a transvestite scientist where they meet several wild characters. Hawthorne Theatre is another hundred-year-old theater where you can see an eclectic range of shows, from comedy acts to youth poetry showcases.

Portland's scenic landscapes, historical charm, and modern innovation create an ideal backdrop for various events. Here, you can find a plethora of event spaces, from stunning lofts to outdoor parks. Whether you want a rustic farmhouse or a fancy ballroom, you can find it in Portland. Plus, you'll have access to experienced party vendors who can spruce up your space and help you create a wonderful event.

Event Options in Portland

Once you pick your event space, you will want to find some vendors and entertainment companies to help you with the details. Why not let the professionals handle all that for you?

Photographers
You do not want to spend all your time at your event taking photos. And if you are not a professional, you may not get the desired quality of photos. Hire a photographer to take care of that for you—make sure to get someone who specializes in events and read reviews from past clients so you know what to expect.

Florists
Hiring a professional florist to decorate your Portland event space helps you save time while letting the design experts do the work for you. These people are often familiar with the venues in the area so they already know how to decorate the space that works well with the event theme.

Caterers
Hiring a caterer is common practice in events unless you plan on doing all the cooking and setup yourself. There are thousands of fantastic caterers in Portland to choose from that offer traditional American food or international dishes.

Transportation
With all of the reliable transportation services available now, you should consider hiring a car service for your event. This can save a lot of time and hassle for your guests and can be a lifesaver if you are serving adult beverages. Try one of the rideshare services or organized carpooling.

Furniture Rentals
Depending on your chosen venue, you may have to provide the seating and other furniture for your event. If you have booked an outdoor venue or a large open space, you will need to find a furniture rental place in Portland to bring you what you need. From dining room tables and chairs to cozy couches and loveseats, you can rent just about anything for your event space in Portland.

Event Companies in Portland

Planning Portland events can be difficult, whether it is just a few dozen people or a few thousand. But if you get an event planner, you do not have to worry about a thing. Event planners love detail, so let them take care of it all.

EJP Events
Since 2002, EJP Events has been planning events, parties, and weddings, but Emee Pumarega has been working in hospitality services since 1997. She has teams of up to 50 staff who can handle all kinds of events, from corporate parties to private events. From the moment the guests receive their invitations up to the time they go home from the event, EJP Events makes sure to take care of every detail.

Event Cracker
Whether you are having a company retreat for 500 or a family event for 50, Event Cracker is your one-stop event solution. They have been in business for over a decade, so you know they will make everything perfect for you. Event Cracker specializes in ethnic and multicultural events, Indian weddings, and more.

Cindy Thompson Events
Cindy Thompson Events is a well-known event planner in Portland and considers herself a magic maker. She even produced the KGW Neighborfair, the City of Portland’s largest one-day celebration of more than 300,000 people. With her 30+ years of experience, Cindy and her team can give you an event that everyone will remember forever.

Pros and Cons of Events in Portland

With a diverse variety of event spaces in Portland, it is an ideal place for any kind of event, from business to pleasure. However, you should know the advantages and disadvantages of Portland first.

Advantages

They have no sales tax
Portland has no sales tax at all, so whatever the price tag is, that is how much you pay. In fact, the entire state of Oregon is tax-free. This way, you can save some big bucks on those high-ticket items.

Summers are fantastic
You will love summer in Portland if you are not a fan of 90- to 100-degree weather. The highs in the summer are typically 80 degrees or below at the hottest time of the day and evenings are somewhat chilly, even in August.

The vibe is casual
Even in the heart of the city, you may feel like you are in a laid-back rural area with all of the easy-going people living there. This makes it the perfect location for casual get-togethers with friends or family.

Tons of green spaces
With more than 200 parks and gardens in Portland, the lush greenery from all of the precipitation makes the whole place seem healthier than other cities. You should explore the Director Park, which is 3 minutes away from Portland State University.

The food is great
Portland has some of the best cuisines with all of the star chefs in the city. Some of the iconic foods to enjoy in Portland include fried chicken, oysters, fish sauce wings, donuts, ice cream, and of course, beer. Portland has more breweries and pubs than any other place in the US.

Disadvantages

High crime rate
While the crime rate in Portland continues to go down, it still has one of the highest crime rates in the United States. The safest neighborhoods here include Roanoke, Portland Heights, and Englewood, so consider renting your event space in one of these areas.

Traffic is bad
Portland is one of the most congested cities in the United States (and the world), so expect that the traffic here can get really bad. Try to avoid scheduling your event during the rush hour, which is typically between 7 am and 9 am and 4 pm and 6 pm.

Swimming may not be as fun
If you are a fan of water sports, you may want to bring a wetsuit when you hit the water because it rarely gets comfortable. You may be able to enjoy a dip in August at the hottest time of the day, but you will want to be out before dark when the temperature drops. Make sure you try the water before 00 pm.

Not as much sun
Portland, compared to other US cities, only gets about 144 sunny days on average per year. The cloud cover hangs out much of the time, so if you are trying to get some sun, you may want to head to Miami instead.

Not much diversity
Portland is not what you would call a diverse city. It has struggled with this problem for decades and although it is improving, the city just does not have a large number of varying ethnicities.

Famous Event Locations in Portland

Forest Park
As one of the largest urban forests in the United States, Forest Park provides an expansive natural setting ideal for outdoor events. Its miles of trails and secluded clearings are perfect for Earth Day activities, focusing on nature conservation and environmental education. The park's dense foliage and serene ambiance also make it a sought-after location for filming or hosting gatherings that require a touch of nature's tranquility.

Oregon Zoo
Situated within the verdant Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo hosts a variety of programs including summer concerts where music fills the air against a backdrop of exotic animals and natural habitats. The zoo's annual Earth Day celebration is a highlight, offering educational activities that promote sustainability and conservation.

Pittock Mansion
Perched atop Portland's West Hills, Pittock Mansion is a historic house museum with sweeping views of the city and its surrounding forests. This grand estate has beautifully maintained grounds and gardens. The gardens, with their variety of flora, can be considered Portland's version of a moon garden, especially enchanting under the night sky. Their events calendar consists of a wide variety of activities to check out, from butterfly tours to art exhibits.