Portland, Oregon, often celebrated for its thriving indie music scene and craft breweries, also pulses with an energetic dance club culture ready to ignite your nights. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the city offers a diverse array of venues to get your groove on. Let’s explore the best Dance Clubs Portland Oregon has to offer, neighborhood by neighborhood and style by style.
Exploring Dance Clubs by Neighborhood in Portland
Portland’s nightlife is as diverse as its neighborhoods. From the historic charm of Old Town Chinatown to the trendy vibes of the Central Eastside, each area boasts unique dance club experiences.
Old Town Chinatown: The Heart of Portland’s Dance Scene
Old Town Chinatown is renowned as Portland’s premier nightlife hub, packed with a high concentration of dance clubs. This vibrant district is home to iconic spots like Stag PDX and the Dixie Tavern, known for their lively atmosphere. For the LGBTQ+ crowd, CC Slaughters offers a welcoming space with a live DJ spinning tunes every night, and don’t miss their popular all-request dance nights on Wednesdays.
Downtown Portland: Dance the Night Away in the City Center
In the heart of Downtown Portland, Lola’s Room, located beneath the legendary Crystal Ballroom, is unmissable thanks to its bright neon “Dance” sign. This intimate venue is a favorite for themed nights, especially its regular ’80s and ’90s nights that guarantee a nostalgic and fun-filled experience. It’s the perfect spot to pop into for a spontaneous dance adventure in Downtown Portland.
Central Eastside: Industrial Spaces Meet Modern Beats
Venture into the Central Eastside and discover clubs that have transformed industrial spaces into vibrant nightlife destinations. Holocene, for instance, has been a cornerstone of Portland’s dance scene for over a decade, housed in a 5,000-square-foot former auto-parts warehouse. It’s known for blending DJ sets with captivating visuals and hosting diverse local performers. Nearby, 45 East continues the trend of repurposed industrial spaces, offering an upstairs lounge and a downstairs dance floor that frequently hosts high-energy EDM shows.
For a more laid-back and local experience, The Goodfoot Lounge is the go-to spot. This two-level dance hall is beloved by Portlanders for its unpretentious atmosphere and eclectic music selection, ranging from funk to dubstep, all guaranteed to get you moving on their hardwood dance floor.
Northeast Portland: Latin Rhythms and Eclectic Vibes
In Northeast Portland’s Lloyd neighborhood, Aztec Willies is your destination for salsa and Latin dance rhythms. With different Latin-themed nights throughout the week, it’s a fantastic place to immerse yourself in vibrant music and dance. For a unique and cozy experience on Sandy Boulevard, Church offers an ironically Roman Catholic-themed setting with live music and DJ sets, creating an intimate atmosphere for dancing.
Dance Clubs by Style: Find Your Perfect Beat in Portland
Portland’s dance club scene isn’t just about location; it’s about style. Whether you’re into country line dancing or goth industrial beats, Portland has a club to match your taste.
Country Western: Bushwackers
For country dance enthusiasts, Bushwackers is the ultimate honky-tonk destination. Located a short drive south of downtown Portland in Tualatin, this club boasts a Texas-sized dance floor perfect for two-stepping, line dancing, and waltzing. Embrace the country spirit – cowboy boots are encouraged!
Goth/Industrial: The Coffin Club
Embrace the darker side of dance at The Coffin Club, formerly known as Lovecraft Bar. This horror-themed bar provides a unique goth club experience with a constant stream of industrial and darkwave music, perfect for those who prefer their dance floors with a touch of the macabre.
80s & 90s Throwbacks: Lola’s Room
Lola’s Room truly shines with its themed dance parties. Every Friday night, “80s Video Dance Attack” takes over, transporting you back to the MTV era with classic music videos and iconic tunes. Saturday nights are dedicated to the 90s with “Comes As You Are: 90s Dance Flashback,” playing hits from Nirvana to Snoop Dogg.
Tango: Tango Berretin
Portland is a hub for Argentine tango, and Tango Berretin in the Foster-Powell neighborhood is at the heart of this passionate dance community. Owned by renowned tango instructor Alex Krebs, this intimate venue offers lessons, practices, and social dances (milongas). Experience the charm of a Spanish salon and the sensuality of tango in this unique Portland dance space.
Salsa & Latin: Trio Lounge
For a taste of Miami nightlife in Portland, Trio Lounge is the place to be. This neon-lit club offers a vibrant salsa scene with three dance floors and DJs spinning everything from traditional mambo to Latin EDM. Salsa Sunday at Trio Club is legendary, keeping the party going until the early hours of Monday morning.
Get Ready to Dance in Portland
From high-energy EDM clubs to intimate tango halls, Portland’s dance club scene offers something for everyone. Explore these diverse venues and discover your perfect night out in Portland, Oregon. Don’t just visit Portland – dance through it!
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