Top five all-ages venues

McMenamin’s Crystal Ballroom

1332 W Burnside St.

Offering a great atmosphere and an excellent location, the Crystal offers a wealth of all-ages shows from some of the biggest names in music. While some shows are sanctioned off to the 21-and-over crowd, it remains a great place to bond with mellow music aficionados whether it is host to a laid-back reggae show or a heavy metal mosh pit.

The Roseland

10 NW 6th Ave.

Right in the middle of downtown, the Roseland is the host for a ridiculous amount of all-ages fun. With a capacity of just over 1,400, the venue can be jam-packed full of sweaty teens. The Roseland definitely does not fail to impress, bringing in musicians from all over the country. With an eclectic mix of artists, the Roseland appeals to every music taste. For all-ages shows, there is standing room only, so be ready to be on your feet for the duration of whatever show you attend. Get your tickets fast if you want to hit up this musical powerhouse.

Backspace

115 NW 5th Ave.

Coffee shop by day, Backspace converts into an ultra-hip, ultra-intimate music venue at night. Tickets to shows usually hover around the $10-–$15 range, making it affordable for college students on a tight budget. Every show at Backspace is all-ages, so parents wanting to bring their kids for a rocking time are more than welcome. They also have a large snack and drink menu that has a variety of vegan and vegetarian options that can suit any need. For a truly all-ages experience, Backspace is the place to go.

Branx

320 SE 2nd Ave.

A newly re-renovated venue, Branx is brand new to the Portland music scene in comparison to the other venues on the list. While unimpressive on the outside, the inside of Branx features a nicely sized dance floor that can be packed with the bodies of young, smelly hipsters. For the older folks who want a break from the raucous shenanigans of youth, they also offer a bar area and balcony. For the all-ages crowd, they also serve a variety of sugary, caffeinated drinks to keep you dancing all night. Hidden in the industrial area of Southeast Portland, just a stone’s throw from OMSI, the Branx has the potential to be a great new venue.

2410

2410 N Mississippi Ave.

Host to an entirely different kind of music, 2410 is a venue dedicated to providing a taste of the rave scene—AKA, spectacles of hedonism and pure debauchery. This massive space can be filled to the brim with 16-and-over kids on most Saturday nights. The major downside to this venue is its unhealthy love of the “Honey Bucket.” That’s right—you must be Porta-Potty friendly if you want to get down at this venue that provides amazing music from local deejays, massive crowds and an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. Plus, you get the special opportunity to observe ravers in their natural habitat, and they’re more than willing to share with you their love of the glow stick.