Portland boasts its beer culture and nightlife scene as must-sees, but for students who haven’t quite hit that 21st birthday, there’s much more to the city than the weekend pub crawl.
Portland boasts its beer culture and nightlife scene as must-sees, but for students who haven’t quite hit that 21st birthday, there’s much more to the city than the weekend pub crawl.
Some of the top picks include Backspace Café and the Roseland Theatre for low-key, all-ages entertainment. For food, The Roxy and Voodoo Donuts are a safe bet for good grub. On campus, Portland State’s 5th Avenue Cinema offers free movies and popcorn with a student I.D.
Backspace Café is located near Pioneer Square. It offers band performances, art shows, slam poetry, gaming and food. Their March art gallery features the artist Christian Collins and his “Cosmic Collages” display, and upcoming musical performances for March and April include Tope and Wizard Rifle.
Backspace also highlights a unique twist on open-mic nights called Battery Powered Music. This particular open-mic session allows people interested in mixing beats and creating techno jams to show their skills on the turn tables. Portland State resident assistant Solay Freeman said that with all the café has to offer, Backspace is her top suggestion for her underage residents.
“It’s convenient; it is a quick walk or MAX ride to Northwest 5th and Couch,” Freeman said. “Sunday nights are free open mic, and although beer is served to those of-age, it is a relaxing café atmosphere.”
While downtown, students can also drop by local favorite Voodoo Donuts, located on Southwest 3rd Street, about a block south of Burnside. Voodoo was highlighted on the Travel Channel show Man Vs. Food. The shop offers everything from your basic crème-filled donut to the more unusual maple-bacon creation, and even offers vegan options as well.
Also near downtown, The Roxy on Southwest Stark Street. and 11th Avenue. offers up a late night option for good, solid American food. Freeman said that it is a bit of a walk, but is a good distance to go with friends on a weekend.
Other than Backspace for music, the Roseland Theatre at Northwest 6th Avenue, and Wonder Ballroom on NE Russell St. offer certain all-ages events. The next big name coming to the Roseland is Young the Giant on April 5. Say Anything will be at the Wonder Ballroom March 25.
For the nights when students simply want to stick around campus, PSU offers a lot of low-key events on campus. Food for Thought offers open-mic night every Tuesday. Freeman added that the 5th Avenue Cinema is another good option for students. They have Friday and Saturday movies at 7 and 9:30 p.m., which include free admission and popcorn for students.
Whether it is a quick, late-night bite to eat, practicing song talents at open-mic night or just exploring the Rose City, Portland certainly has more to offer on the weekends than just a pub crawl.
