Portland, Oregon, often celebrated for its thriving indie music scene, also harbors a dynamic and diverse dance club culture ready to ignite your nights. Whether you’re a seasoned club-goer or looking to explore Portland’s after-dark scene, this guide will navigate you through the best Dance Clubs In Portland Oregon, ensuring you find the perfect rhythm to match your mood.
Explore Dance Clubs by Neighborhood
Portland’s dance clubs are sprinkled across its unique neighborhoods, each offering a distinct vibe and musical flavor. Let’s explore some key areas to kickstart your dance adventure.
Old Town Chinatown: The Epicenter of Portland Nightlife
For the highest concentration of dance clubs in Portland Oregon, look no further than Old Town Chinatown. This historic district transforms into a vibrant nightlife hub after sunset. Venues like Stag PDX and Dixie Tavern pump up the energy, drawing crowds seeking lively atmospheres. A standout in this neighborhood is CC Slaughters, a renowned gay nightclub that keeps the dance floor moving seven nights a week with live DJs. Wednesday nights at CC Slaughters are particularly popular, featuring all-request dance sets, ensuring a personalized and energetic experience.
Downtown Portland: Dance the Night Away in the City Center
Downtown Portland also offers exciting options for dance enthusiasts. Lola’s Room, located beneath the iconic Crystal Ballroom and marked by a prominent neon “Dance” sign, is an unmissable spot. This intimate venue regularly hosts themed nights that draw dedicated crowds. Particularly popular are their ’80s and ’90s nights, where you can immerse yourself in nostalgic tunes and dance classics in a cozy and energetic setting.
Central Eastside: Industrial Chic Dance Venues
Venture across the river to the Central Eastside for dance clubs housed in creatively repurposed industrial spaces. Holocene stands out, having transformed an old auto-parts warehouse into a sprawling 5,000-square-foot art and audio temple for over a decade. Expect a mix of DJ sets and live performances, often blending music with captivating visuals. Nearby, 45 East continues the industrial-chic theme, featuring an upstairs lounge and a downstairs dance floor that frequently hosts high-energy EDM shows, making it a go-to for electronic music lovers seeking dance clubs in Portland Oregon.
For a more laid-back, local vibe, The Goodfoot Lounge is a favorite. This two-level dance hall is known for its unpretentious atmosphere and a diverse music policy that spans funk, dubstep, and everything in between, as long as it gets people moving on its welcoming hardwood dance floor. It’s a great spot to experience Portland’s local dance scene away from the more tourist-heavy areas.
Dance Clubs by Style: Find Your Groove
Portland’s dance scene isn’t just about location; it’s about finding the style that moves you. Here’s a guide to dance clubs in Portland Oregon categorized by musical genre and atmosphere.
Country Western: Bushwackers – Honky-Tonk Heaven
If you’re yearning for some country rhythm, Bushwackers is your destination. Located a short drive south of downtown Portland in Tualatin, this is the premier spot for country dance in the area. Prepare for bass-thumping, foot-stomping music that fills the Texas-sized dance floor. Whether you’re skilled in the two-step, love line dancing, or prefer a classic waltz, Bushwackers offers a welcoming, high-energy country experience. Cowboy boots and belt buckles are welcome, enhancing the authentic honky-tonk atmosphere.
Goth/Industrial: The Coffin Club – Embrace the Darkness
For those who lean towards the darker side, The Coffin Club (formerly Lovecraft Bar) offers a uniquely Portland experience. This horror-themed bar provides a haven for the goth and industrial subcultures. With its distinctive decor, including a child-sized coffin, and a steady stream of industrial and darkwave music, The Coffin Club provides a unique and immersive dance experience unlike any other dance clubs in Portland Oregon.
Retro Vibes: Lola’s Room – Throwback Dance Parties
Lola’s Room isn’t just a downtown venue; it’s a style destination for lovers of retro music. Every Friday night, “’80s Video Dance Attack” transports you back to the MTV era, complete with classic music videos projected on giant screens. Relive the days of scrunchies and high-top sneakers while dancing to iconic tracks. Saturday nights at Lola’s Room shift to the next decade with “Comes As You Are: 90s Dance Flashback,” featuring hits from Nirvana to Snoop Dogg, catering to those who grew up in the ’90s.
Tango: Tango Berretin – Passion and Elegance
Portland boasts a significant Argentine tango community, and Tango Berretin is at its heart. Located in the Foster-Powell neighborhood, this intimate dance hall, owned by renowned tango instructor Alex Krebs, exudes old-world charm. Tango Berretin offers a regular Saturday night milonga (social dance) preceded by a beginner lesson, often featuring live music. It’s a place to experience the sensuality and elegance of tango in an authentic setting. For more tango, check out Norse Hall on the second Friday of each month or participate in Portland ValenTango every February, a major event with classes and milongas.
Salsa/Latin: Trio Lounge – Miami Heat in Portland
For a taste of Miami’s vibrant nightlife in Portland, Trio Lounge is the place to be. This neon-lit venue stands out with its dedication to salsa and Latin rhythms. Trio Lounge features three different dance floors and DJs spinning everything from traditional mambo to high-energy Latin EDM. Salsa Sunday at Trio Club is a legendary event, keeping the party going until the early hours of Monday morning, making it a prime destination for Latin dance among dance clubs in Portland Oregon.
Know Before You Go: Essential Tips for Portland Dance Clubs
To make the most of your nights exploring dance clubs in Portland Oregon, here are a few helpful tips:
- Check Schedules and Events: Many clubs have specific themed nights or events. Always check their websites or social media for the most up-to-date schedules to ensure the music and atmosphere match your preference.
- Age Restrictions: Most dance clubs in Portland are 21+ venues, so ensure you have valid ID.
- Dress Codes: While Portland is generally casual, some clubs, especially those downtown or with a specific theme, might have dress codes. It’s always a good idea to check ahead, though generally, smart casual attire is acceptable.
- Transportation and Parking: Depending on the neighborhood, parking can vary. Old Town Chinatown and Downtown can be challenging for parking, so consider public transport, ride-sharing, or plan for paid parking. Central Eastside and neighborhoods further out might offer easier parking options.
- Explore Beyond Weekends: While weekends are peak times, many dance clubs in Portland Oregon offer events and dance nights throughout the week, often with smaller crowds and sometimes better deals.
Portland’s dance club scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. From high-energy EDM venues to intimate tango halls and everything in between, there’s a rhythm for everyone. So, put on your dancing shoes and explore the exciting nightlife that Portland has to offer!
