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The Crystal Ballroom hosts the 80s Video Attack dance party every month.
Whether it's with soul nights, '80s parties or dubstep bashes, Portland's dance clubs will get you moving.
Updated June 1, 2022 4 min read
John Patrick Pullen
Portland may be best known for its indie music, but with a wide variety of dance clubs, the city has a rhythm that’ll get just about anyone moving.
Dance Clubs by Neighborhood
Old Town Chinatown
Portland’s densest concentration of dance clubs is in the Old Town Chinatown nightlife district. Bars like Stag PDX and the Southern-themed Dixie Tavern are at the epicenter. Gay nightclub CC Slaughters boasts a live DJ seven nights a week; Wednesdays are all-request dance nights.
Dance enthusiasts could spend months grooving their way through Portland.
Downtown Portland
With a big neon sign that says “Dance,” Lola’s Room is hard to miss, located below the Crystal Ballroom. Regular ’80s and ’90s nights ensure that you’ll be glad you popped into this intimate space.
Central Eastside
Running everything from DJ sets to local performers, Holocene has mixed music with visuals for a decade-plus, turning an old auto-parts warehouse into a 5,000-square-foot temple to art and audio. Its inner southeast Portland neighbor 45 East also rocks a converted industrial space, with an upstairs lounge and downstairs dance floor hosting frequent EDM shows.
Across town, The Goodfoot Lounge is where locals go for laid-back nights of festival-style stomping on the hardwood dance floor. Great for small music and big laughs, the two-level dance hall plays everything from funk to dubstep, so long as it gets the crowd moving.
Portland’s Best Themed Bars
Take a break from the real world with the help of these themed bars in Portland, where the ambiance is just as important as the menu.
The big basement dance floor at the log-cabin-themed Doug Fir Lounge gets plenty of traffic on its electro-pop and hip-hop nights, though most of the time the club stays true to the city’s indie-rock ways with live performances.
Other popular options in Southeast include Crush, Trio Club, and The Coffin Club (formerly known as Lovecraft Bar).
Northeast Portland
Aztec Willies in Northeast Portland’s Lloyd neighborhood is a go-to for salsa and Latin grooves, with different offerings nearly every night. Church, an ironic Roman Catholic-themed bar, brings live music and DJ sets in a cozy space on Sandy Boulevard.
Dance Clubs by Style
Bossanova Ballroom
On Tuesday nights the Bossanova takes things down a notch by offering soulful, sultry blues music. Stop by before the dance for a free introductory lesson hosted by the Portland Blues and Jazz Dance Society. There’s no partner required, which is perfect if you’re flying solo. If not, enjoy cuddling up to your sweetie in a close embrace and swaying the night away.
Bushwackers
It doesn’t get more honky-tonk than Bushwackers, the premier spot for bass-thumping, foot-stomping country dance. Show off your two-step, boogie with the line dancers or waltz around the perimeter of the Texas-sized dance floor at this venue in Tualatin, 20 minutes south of downtown Portland. Belt buckles and cowboy boots aren’t required, but you might want to make room in your luggage, just in case.
The Coffin Club
A horror-themed bar complete with a child-sized coffin as decoration? Yep, Portland has that. Get your goth on at The Coffin Club (previously known as Lovecraft Bar) where Thursday is the darkest night of the week, thanks to DJ Carrion’s steady stream of industrial and darkwave.
Lola’s Room
Located on the second floor of the iconic McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, Lola’s Room plays host to Portland’s favorite dance party, ‘80s Video Dance Attack. Every Friday night, break out your scrunchies and lace up your high-top Chucks to relive MTV’s heyday and bop your head to your favorite throwbacks. Classic music videos are projected across giant screens, so it’s a lot like when you used to dance along with Paula Abdul’s “Cold Hearted Slave” in your living room (but with less carpet burn). Prefer songs and styles from the following decade? Dance to hits by Nirvana and Snoop Dog at “Comes As You Are: 90s Dance Flashback” on Saturday nights.
Tango Berretin
Portland has one of the largest Argentine tango communities in North America, with studios offering lessons, practicas and milongas (social dances) almost every night of the week. At the heart of the scene is the Tango Berretin. Owned by world-renowned tango instructor Alex Krebs, this intimate dance hall injects the old-world charm of dimly lit Spanish salons and a tango’s overt sensuality. The popular Saturday night milonga is prefaced with a beginner lesson and frequently hosts live music.
Trio Club
Trio Club is a neon beacon that beckons night owls hungry for a slice of Miami’s nightclub vibe. It looks a bit out of place in Portland, but for fans of salsa, it feels like home. With three different dance floors and DJs spinning everything from traditional mambo to Latin EDM, the Trio Club’s Salsa Sunday is sure to keep you shimmying into the wee hours of Monday morning. (The party goes ‘til 4 a.m.!)
LGBTQ+ Nightlife
Portland has no shortage of LGBTQ-owned and queer-friendly bars and clubs. Whether you're looking for a relaxing night with friends, a high-energy dance party or a drag show, Portland delivers.
Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022
Burlynomicon – A Darkly Decadent Burlesque Revue
The Coffin Club $25 – $40
The sky orb starts to retreat into slumber, and our veiled souls begin to appear in this, the most blessed of seasons. Join in a delicious reverie with a show that will delight your senses and ignite your passions… On Tuesday, October 11, Burlynomicon – A Darkly Decadent Burlesque Revue brings you another incredible, star-studded…
Ongoing
Tuesday Blues Dance
Tango Berretin $15
N95 masks (they wrap around the back of your head) and up-to-date vaccination are required. Visit pdxblues.com for more information or to pre-register your covid card. Tuesday Blues is a POC and LGBTQIA safe(r) event. This means bigotry of any kind is not tolerated. If you experience or see anything questionable, please let someone on…
Oct. 4–25, 2022
Tuesday Trivia at the 4th Wall
The 4th Wall PDX Free
The 4th Wall’s Tuesday Trivia is Hawthorne’s hottest trivia night and still the top spot to flex your nerd knowledge! October’s lineup is superbly spooktacular: 10/04- TWILIGHT10/11 – X-FILES10/18 – HARRY POTTER10/25 – HORROR MOVIE TRIVIAAs always, trivia is FREE TO PLAY, and all ages/skill levels are welcome.
Ongoing
Untapped Trivia and Taco Tuesday at Advice Booth
Advice Booth Free
Untapped Trivia is free to play every Tuesday at Advice Booth. With four rounds of trivia, that is more than just your typical pub/bar trivia. Voted “Best Trivia” in Portland, Oregon. Topics and themes are different each week. Follow @untappedtrivia on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter for specific weekly themes and hints for the night! Outside of trivia, it’s…
Ongoing
Untapped Trivia: Wednesdays at Swift Cider
Swift Cider Free
Untapped Trivia is free to play every Wednesday at Swift Cider. With four rounds of trivia, that is more than just your typical pub/bar trivia. Voted “Best Trivia” in Portland, Oregon. Topics and themes are different each week. Follow @untappedtrivia on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter for specific weekly themes, hints for the night, and to discover delicious food…
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022
Mario Kart Tournament
The 4th Wall PDX $5
Grease up those fingers because it’s poomping and drifting time. 4th Wall is hosting another Mario Kart tourney, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest one yet. All ages and skill levels are welcome, snacks and drinks available. Casual play starts at 5p, tourney is at 6:30. $5 to compete, prizes for the top…
Ongoing
Music Bingo at Tomorrow's Verse Taproom
Tomorrow's Verse Taproom Free
You love music, but do you 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 music? Test your playlist knowledge in a new challenge coming to Tomorrow’s Verse — “Last Call: Bingo Music!” from 7:00-9:00. The announcer will take the stage, supply you with a song-filled Bingo sheet, then play tunes for you to identify and, hopefully, “BINGO!” How it works: Each Last…
Ongoing
Trivia Night at the Aerie
The Aerie at Eagle Landing Free
Bridgetown Trivia brings the fun to The Aerie at Eagle Landing on the second Wednesday of each month starting in February. Order some food, grab a drink and be ready to rumble. This is a free event for those over 21 years of age. Proof of vaccination is required at entry.
Ongoing
Boardgame Night
The 4th Wall PDX Free
Boardgames, boardgames, boardgames Come out for an evening of games and goofing around. Bring your own or play one of theirs. 4th Wall strives to create a very casual, welcoming environment for anyone looking to get to know some new games and maybe some new friends. All ages are welcome; snacks and drinks are available….
Oct. 6–28, 2022
Halloween Spirit Adventure in the Klondike Tavern
Klondike Tavern $50
You are the paranormal investigator. Join psychic and St. Helens native Kathleen Dering for a spiritual adventure on the main floor of the historic and haunted Klondike Tavern. This is a private paranormal investigation for guests with special permission from the Klondike and the “residents.” Video/audio recording devices and other amateur ghost hunting equipment are…
Ongoing
Thursday Night TRIVIA
EastSide Bar & Grill Free
Weekly free trivia hosted by Mike May Trivia. EastSide Bar and Grill on the corner of Russell and 82nd just got new owners. They have already started making some improvements to the property and menu. Come support them by coming out to one of many weekly concerts, comedy night Tuesdays or Trivia night on Thursdays….
Ongoing
Untapped Trivia: Thursday at Mayfly
Mayfly Taproom Free
Join the fun. Untapped Trivia is free to play every Thursday at Mayfly. With four rounds of trivia, that is more than just your typical pub/bar trivia. Voted “Best Trivia” in Portland, Oregon. Topics and themes are different each week. At Mayfly, ASL (American Sign Language) is provided during trivia. Follow @untappedtrivia on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter for…
Ongoing
Classic Simpsons Trivia
Tomorrow's Verse Taproom Free
Simpsons pub quiz featuring questions only from seasons 2-8. Every 2nd Thursday of the month at Tomorrow’s Verse Taproom. Free to play and prizes given.
Ongoing
Oregon Public House Pub Trivia Thursdays
Oregon Public House Free
Join every Thursday for general knowledge pub trivia in the Community Room The Oregon Public House is a public benefit corporation that was founded with the belief that any business, any person can do more for their community. We invite our neighbors, friends, and visitors from afar to eat in the community and drink to…
Oct. 7–31, 2022
Fearlandia Haunted House
Fearlandia $20
The Capital City of Fear is back. New location. 2 New themes. Only $20 and a non-perishable food item for the Sunshine Division This year there will be timed ticketing. It is recommended you reserve a spot as some nights tickets may not be available at the door. Night Terrors Why is Billie so tired?…
Ongoing
Butter: The Comedy Show
Funhouse Lounge $5 at door
The churning of cream transforms its components into a semi-solid emulsion that’s used to make things better. That product is called butter, and so is this comedy show. It’s not the show that is butter, but those solitary moments that everyone shares at the show. This butter has a live band, silly antics, a try-hard…
Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022
Pigeon Milk presents: ANGEL'S EGG
The 4th Wall PDX $5
Pigeon Milk is back, and they’re live-scoring a new movie. This time around, they’ll be playing along to the Japanese art classic ANGEL’S EGG. Admission is only $5 open to all ages.
Ongoing
Tap That Showcase
Growler's Taproom Free
Tap That Comedy Showcase and Open Mic A weekly comedy showcase highlighting some of the up-and-coming comedic talents in the Portland metro area.
Ongoing
Magic Mondays: Casual Commander
The 4th Wall PDX Free
Magic the Gathering: Casual Commander Grab your decks and mana up because it’s Magic Monday. Sling some cardboard with us over a game or two of casual commander. BYO decks or play with one of theirs. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Snacks and drinks are available. And, best of all, it’s FREE.
Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022
Super Smash Bros Tournament
The 4th Wall PDX $5
There can be only one… Person who wins… The biggest and baddest Smash Bros Ultimate tournament 4th Wall has had to date. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and snacks and drinks are available. Casual play starts at 5p, tourney at 7. $5 to compete, prizes for the top three winners. Who’s your main???
Friday, Oct. 21, 2022
Everything in Between w/ Danelle Porter
The 4th Wall PDX $10
A femme-focused standup comedy showcase featuring a lineup of Portland’s finest and funniest comics that are NOT straight white guys. Can men even really BE funny? We’re not so convinced. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door only.
Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022
Appetite For Deception [Guns N' Roses Tribute] + Dr. Crüe [Mötley Crüe Tribute]
Aladdin Theater $24 – $29
Appetite For Deception Guns N’ Roses tribute is The Most Authentic GN’R Tribute On The Planet. This band sets the bar for every other tribute band around the world with ferocious performances that don’t miss a step in capturing Axl & company in their prime. As seen on season 4 of AXS TV’s “World’s Greatest…
Ongoing
Untapped Trivia: Monday at Automatic Bar
The Automatic Bar Free
Untapped Trivia is free to play on the 2nd and 4th Mondays at The Automatic Bar. With four rounds of trivia, that is more than just your typical pub/bar trivia. Voted “Best Trivia” in Portland, Oregon. Topics and themes are different each week. Follow @untappedtrivia on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter for specific weekly themes and hints for the…
Monday, Oct. 24, 2022
Starcrawler
Doug Fir Restaurant, Bar & Lounge $17
Starcrawler is a rock band for a new generation. Best known for their explosive live shows, the 5-piece band consists of full-throttle frontwoman Arrow De Wilde, guitarist Henri Cash and brother Bill Cash on pedal steel/guitar, drummer Seth Carolina, and bassist Tim Franco. With two studio albums under their belts, their upward trajectory continues to…
Ongoing
PDX Spelling Bee
Mississippi Pizza $5
Join Mississippi Pizza the last Wednesday every month for a fun and friendly Spelling Bee for adults (though kids are welcome, too). This month, proceeds will benefit The Bookmobile Babe, who had their bookmobile stolen this summer. (//bookmobilebabe.com) There are two contests–regular and low-stakes–and great prizes. Each entry gets you a raffle ticket for a…
Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022
Retro Game Night
The 4th Wall PDX $5
MORTAL KOMBAT 2 Tournament 4th Wall is teaming up with their pals over at Retro Game Bar for a throwback night with a Mortal Kombat 2 (SNES) Tournament kicking off at 6:30 pm. Admission is free, tourney signup is $5, all ages welcome. Make sure you GET THERE in time.
Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022
ROCK ‘N TEASE: A Burlesque Revue
At the Garages $25 – $35
It’s time to ROCK OUT through the ages with the best of burlesque, boylesque, and draglesque at the special Halloween Hump Day cabaret… ROCK ‘N TEASE: A Burlesque Revue presented AT THE GARAGES in Lake Oswego Doors at 7pm Show at 8pm Come get spooky and sultry and start the Halloween weekend early. Grab your…
Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022
Board Game Tournament
The 4th Wall PDX $5
Four games, four rounds, one winner. Join in for an all-out brawl across the boards. Prizes are available for the top three competitors. Entry is $5, all ages are welcome. Games at play: Sushi Go, 7 Wonders, Ticket to Ride, Catan
Oct. 28–29, 2022
Freaky Deaky Portland
Portland Expo Center Varies
Disco Donnie and Red Cube Presents: FREAKY DEAKY 2022 at the Portland Expo Center Featuring: SVDDEN DEATH, CLOZEE, LSDream, Riot Ten, Mersiv, Kaivon, Ravenscoon, Level Up, Zingara, and Kumarion Doors Open at 6 PM both days 18+ Event | 21+ To Drink
Sept. 23–Oct. 28, 2022
Comedy Open Mic Night
The 4th Wall PDX $10
Standup Comedy: OPEN MIC NIGHT w/ Amelia Evans and Jane Malone Ever wanted to take your turn at one of 4th Wall’s Funny Friday standup nights? Well, now you can. Local legends Jane Malone and Amelia Evans are back hosting the hugely hilarious Comedy Open Mic Night. Tickets are just $10, and there is no…
Friday, Oct. 28, 2022
'90s Halloween Costume Glow Ball
McMenamins Crystal Ballroom $20
’90s Night is throwing a Halloween bash. The Crystal Ballroom be playing all your favorite 90s music videos on the giant screen. Feel free to wear your favorite Halloween costume. Everyone will receive glow necklaces at the door. Help light up the Ballroom with the biggest 90s party of the year. Featuring music by Nirvana,…
Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022
Sideboob
Doug Fir Restaurant, Bar & Lounge $17
Returning for their yearly Halloween dance party, Sideboob is an all-femme 90’s pop cover super band led by Shook Twins. It was formed from all the ladies of Northwest String Summit and is a celebration of the babes of the northwest music scene. This Halloween, we will again be dawned in our most 90’s sparkly…
Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022
Extreme Halloween/Anniversary Party
The 4th Wall PDX Free
ONE YEAR IN BUSINESS TIME TO F*N PARTY Costume contest, swag and prizes, merchandise. 4th Wall has got it all. Stone Brewing will be there too, handing out beer samples and swag of their own. It’ll be SPOOKTACULAR
Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022
Portland Erotic Ball
McMenamins Crystal Ballroom $55 and up
The 2022 Portland Erotic Ball returns to the historic Crystal Ballroom on Saturday, October 29th, 2022. The Erotic Ball has become Portland’s biggest, sexiest adult Halloween party for 22 years and takes place on all 3-levels of the renowned venue. Hosted by Emmy-nominee, Sasha Scarlett, Portland Erotic Ball features Soul Vaccination, burlesque, circus acts, aerial…
Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022
Buffy Sing-a-long
The 4th Wall PDX Free
Join 4th Wall for a night of vampires, demons and bursting into song. They will watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s all-singing, all-talking musical epic: ‘Once More With Feeling.’ Doors open at 6 pm, show and sing-along at 7, followed by reading some favorite Buffy fanfic shorts. If you would like to participate in a reading,…
Monday, Oct. 31, 2022
Magic the Gathering: Innistrad Draft
The 4th Wall PDX Free
Trick or Treat 4th Wall is hosting a special Innistrad Block Draft on Halloween. Assemble your perfect deck pulling from three packs of the latest Innistrad release. The event kicks off promptly at 6 pm, Entry is $10. Costumes are not required but strongly encouraged.
Monday, Oct. 31, 2022
Night of the Living Dead
Alberta Rose Theatre $20
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD film screening with live musical soundtrack by WISTERIA LODGE Join this spooky season for an incredible experience as we unlock the vault and release a ghoulish showing of George A Romero’s Night Of The Living Dead (public domain) accompanied by a live score performed by Wisteria Lodge. See the unimaginable…
Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022
XYLØ
Doug Fir Restaurant, Bar & Lounge $15
Born and raised in the suburban outskirts of Los Angeles, XYLØ aka Paige Duddy found breakthrough success with brooding debut EP America in 2015, featuring viral hit “Afterlife”. Following a string of sold-out one-off headline shows, a platinum record with The Chainsmokers and over 350 million streams on Spotify alone, XYLØ has been described by…
Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022
Calling the Winter Court: A Samhain LARP and Night Carnival
Steep and Thorny Way to Heaven $50 – $100
Join the Summer Court as all the fae folk in the mortal realm enjoy an immersive, interactive celebration of the season’s turning. It is once again time to choose a Winter Consort from the Summer Champions – solidifying the alliance between the faerie courts and bringing peace to all the kingdoms of faerie. Bringing together…
Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022
DAPPERLESQUE: A Gender Bending Burlesque Cabaret
Alberta Rose Theatre $25 – $40
Dare to be different. Dare to be desirous. Dare to be DAPPER. Experience a stylishly seductive genderbending medley of burlesque and drag as Lacy Productions and The Alberta Rose Theatre present DAPPERLESQUE: A Gender Bending Burlesque Cabaret Bringing you the most smartly-dressed, dashingly sultry, and dare we say rakish performance artists from burlesque, boylesque, draglesque,…
Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022
The Taylor Party
Revolution Hall $18
TAYLOR SWIFT NIGHT (Taylor’s birthday party) Celebrate Taylor Swift’s birthday at a birthday party in her honor! THE TAYLOR PARTY: TAYLOR SWIFT NIGHT presents (Taylor’s birthday party) on Saturday, December 17, at Revolution Hall. Shake It Off before it’s New Year’s Day and come party forever. TSN Parties LLC is not affiliated with, endorsed by,…
Ongoing
Barefoot Fusion
Tango Berretin $15
Visit pdxblues.com for more information or to pre-register your covid card. Barefoot is a POC and LGBTQIA safe(r) event. This means bigotry of any kind is not tolerated. If you experience or see anything questionable, please let someone on the PB&J team know. Thanks for helping keep our dance a safe and welcoming space for…