Let’s explore social events in Portland, OR happening this week. Local events are a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Look through this page and consider going out and socializing during one of these social events.
Are you looking to take a break from your regular ventures, build friendships or develop emotional intelligence? Social events could just be just the thing you are missing. As they always say, one’s company, two’s a crowd, three’s a party. In these events, you will get to meet a whole new range of people, engage other cultures and understand different perspectives. You get opportunities to expand your circle through the interactions and conversations elicited. Whether you are looking to improve your social or work connections, this is it for you.
There are many events held across Portland, Oregon. Events range from backyard outings, outdoor activity events, singles events, professional networking, meaningful discussions, and more. They are all varied and interesting covering your lifestyle and preference. If you find it hard to make connections or socialize in these events, here are a few tips to save your situation.
Local Groups’ Events in Portland
Open Gym Fri @ Dalzell 10pm-1am ($10-12)
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Dalzell Community Gym
IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
DO NOT SIGN UP OR PAY THROUGH MEETUP!
Visit awwyeah.biz/portland-volleyball in order to see available spots, read about, and sign up for this session.
Password is “gezelligheid”
Follow us on Instagram @AWWYEAHvolleyball for updates and announcements.
This Meetup group may end up deleted later due to the costs to have Meetup Organizer!(…)
Amble & Ramble — Laurelhurst Park —meet new people!
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: Laurelhurst Park Comfort Station
Howdy! I’m Steven, and I’m passionate about making it easier for people to meet and connect. I’m sure we’ve all had moments where we’ve wanted to hang out with new folks and didn’t know where to start. That’s what this event is all about—making that first step easier and more fun!
I’m grateful for how many of you are on board with my group and I am excited to meet you all!
It’s a super simple se(…)
Social Mix & Mingle at Pine Street Market (Newbies Welcome)
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Pine Street Market
Let’s get together at the Pine Street Market, have a drink, order some delicious food, and chat with a few fun people!
The meetup starts at 6:30pm, but it’s all right if you’re a little late. Talk about upcoming adventures, fun spots you’ve discovered in Portland, new experiences you’ve had, restaurants you love, a new puppy you’ve adopted, AI technology, or anything you’re excited about. Read be(…)
11 Floors Up – eSports & Board Game Night – Holiday Kickoff
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: NedSpace Broadway
Get ready to kick off the holidays with a night of gaming and good vibes! Join us 11 floors up at NedSpace for an exciting mix of eSports, classic board games, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for connecting with fellow gamers and enthusiasts.
Whether you’re here to dominate in competitive video games, enjoy some nostalgic board game fun, or just chill with friends, there’s something for everyone(…)
Trivia recon @ Bye and Bye *join the waitlist*
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Bye and Bye
Sooo… Yard Bar isn’t doing trivia anymore. Wanna help scope out a new potential place for our group to regularly meet for trivia? Bye & Bye seems like it could be a good venue for us because it has covered and heated outdoor seating, and lots of food and drink options, but I haven’t been there for trivia before so I don’t know how busy it will be or quite what to expect.
**If you’re interested** (…)
Product Lunch PDX: 2024 Wrap-Up / 2025 Send-off
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ Where: Pine Street Market
Join Product Lunch PDX at [Pine Street Market](https://www.pinestreetpdx.com/) for a 2024 wrap-up and a 2025 send off. Touch base with your new and old product friends before we all head off into adventure and family land for the holidays. Share about your wins and struggles in 2024 and your plans for 2025. Can’t wait to see everyone there!(…)
Easy Forest Park Hike
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Germantown RD Wildwood Trail
TOTAL DISTANCE: 4.5 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: \~450 feet
PACE: Slow
ESTIMATED HIKING TIME: \~ 2.5 hr
RATING: Easy
Starting Trailhead: Wildwood and NW Germantown Road
Easy Forest Park hike at a relaxed pace on Saturday morning. This is Stephanie’s first hike as a hike leader for this group.
Hike Description: This is a nice 4.5 mile loop starting from Wildwood Trailhead and NW Germantown road. From th(…)
Beers with Engineers
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Deschutes Brewery and Public House
No agenda, no pitch, no bullshit. As always, come geek out, network, and have a good time.
Beers with Engineers is a diverse group of engineers from a variety of fields coming together to share a drink after work, commiserate with like-minded nerds, and learn more about our respective industries.
If it’s your first time joining us, welcome! We strive to make our meetup welcoming for both newcome(…)
XC on Mt. Hood
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: undefined
XC trip on Mt. Hood. Carpool location TBD. Sno Park location TBD
Will show how to do xc methods for turning, stopping, navigating, going down steep hills. Going up steep hills.
You need all of your gear before you go.
More details to follow.
How to RSVP for this event:
#1, sign the [Liability Waiver](https://www.digisigner.com/online/showTemplate?linkId=a0686f23-00de-40aa-9862-a38c95dd754e). It (…)
Skip the Small Talk at Rogue Eastside Pub & Pilot: Monday December 16, 2024
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: Rogue Eastside Pub & Pilot Brewery
**###PLEASE NOTE: Even if you RSVP on Meetup, you will need to grab a ticket here [https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/skip-the-small-talk-at-rogue-eastside-pub-pilot-brewery-monday-december-16-2024](https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/store/skip-the-small-talk-at-rogue-eastside-pub-pilot-brewery-monday-december-16-2024) in order to attend###** This event is cross-posted so Meetup RSVPs won’t accu(…)
Monthly Portland Art Happy Hour
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ Where: Rontoms Lounge
**November 19**
Easy going happy hour to network with other artists in the portland area.(…)
Junior Developer Happy Hour
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: White Owl Social Club
Join us to meet other junior developers as well as some who are further along in their careers. Get to know some friendly people in our industry! 👋 Our goal is to help build community- we want you here!
All levels of experience are welcome.(…)
Project Work Session:PASS and OPEN TWIN
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: GRAYBOX
Join us for our in-person project work nights! This is an opportunity for our project teams to meet and collaborate in-person. All skill levels are welcome, this is an inclusive learning experience for everyone. For more information, check out our website: [https://www.codepdx.org/](https://www.codepdx.org/)
If you’re new to CODE PDX, a project work session is a perfect time to connect with proje(…)
Portlandia School Spanish group at Bauman’s Cider 930 SE Oak, Portland
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Bauman’s Cider – Oak Street
Ven a practicar español y hacer nuevos amigos todos los jueves a las 7pm. Nos reunimos en persona en Bauman’s Cider en SE 9th Ave and Oak !
To do a reservation (RSVP) is necessary to participate in this group, the limit is 25 !(…)
Christmas Lights at Oaks Park (Winter Gleam)
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Oaks Park Amusement Park
**\*\*PLEASE READ\*\***
You’ll need to buy tickets in advance at the link below.
Oaks Amusement Park is starting a brand new holiday light display called Winter Gleam. They’ve transformed their historic park into a winter wonderland illuminated by dynamic light displays, immersive light tunnels, and twinkling pathways to brighten the season. The park is lit up with over 100,000 lights.
In additi(…)
Write Your Science Fiction or Fantasy at Rose City Coffee!
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Rose City Coffee Co.
Come join fellow SFF writers at Rose City Coffee, centrally located in Southeast Portland. This creative meetup follows the 10-20 format (socialize for 10 minutes, write for 20 minutes, and repeat until the time is up).
Rose City Coffee Co. has been our supportive host for years. It features excellent beverages and food choices, including a great latte and BLT, which are popular with the group.
(…)
LOA Rollerskating at Oaks Park!
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ Where: Oaks Park Amusement Park
Come join me for some laps at Oaks Park!
Many know I go every week, but I figured I’d invite my LOA friends on the 17th for some fun on wheels. It’s a good way to get the blood pumping and make some new friends. Come get out of the house during these dark, rainy days and have some fun with me. It’s a $13 entry fee and doors open at 7pm. Let’s meet there at 6:45 to group up and say hi before we ge(…)
Hearts Night [cash prize to winner]
![Hearts Night [cash prize to winner]](https://i0.wp.com/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/b/3/5/600_501455637.webp?w=640)
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: McMenamins Barley Mill Pub
I’ll be giving a cash prize to the winner for the night … $50 [you have to be a paid up member, not on a trial since prizes come from your annual dues].
38th Hearts night at McMenamins Barley Mill.
Please expect to play till about 9:00 PM and start at 6:15 PM. If you can’t
play till the end, please don’t RSVP.
[www.mcmenamins.com](https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=9514aab5f0e7c169JmltdHM9MTcwOTA(…)
Fortune
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: Fortune
Come anytime, bring any book book you’re reading :).
No pressure to socialize, you can just dive into your book if you want.
The first half hour we’ll get comfortable, get to know each other, order some food/ drinks. Then get down to reading :).
No pressure to read, come and hang out!
Can’t wait to meet you!(…)
Third Thursday @ Thirsty Lion – Hillsboro
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill – Tanasbourne
Always a great time! Good food, large bar area with a great selection of beer, wine, and spirits. Easy, well lit parking lot in the Streets of Tanasbourne mall.
[Menu link](https://www.thirstyliongastropub.com/menu)
Head counts are called in the day before, so be sure to change your RSVP ASAP if your plans change.(…)
Tips to meet people at social events
You can make more friends at one party by showing interest in them than in a month by trying to meet people online. Meeting new people and making genuine connections in local events can be fun and easy if you go with the right mindset.
When it comes to meeting new people, nothing beats showing up in the real world. But none of the tips will work if you are not coming from the right place. Keep an open mind when attending social events. Reframe strangers as potential friends, it will make it much easier to approach conversations and fully engage in them.
When choosing an event, keep an eye on interesting themes, something you can relate to. Meeting new people in the context of mutual interest increases your chances of being friends.
Research events with the types of people you want to meet. They could be people in your age group, your field of work, or a specific neighborhood. Do not be too strict though, loosen up a little bit from your expectations.
Go where people are intentionally looking to make friends such as networking events where it feels normal and expected to walk up and introduce yourself.
In this digital era, apps and websites are the most convenient solutions for finding out about local events. If you are not sure where to look for events happening in Portland, you can try out Travelportland.com, Everout.com, or Pdxpipeline.com.
RELATED: How To Meet People In Portland, Oregon
Persona Non Grata
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Twilight Cafe & Bar
No Ring Death Match Professional Wrestling Live in Oregon
Grant High School 20 Year Reunion
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Holocene
Hey Grant High School Class of 2004! Let’s reconnect at Holocene on December 21, 2024!
Ken Hop Presents Xmas Edition K Pop Vol. 11
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: 125 NW 5th Ave
Hey guys, get ready to celebrate Christmas with Ken Hop at Elevate as we bring you the 11th volume of K Pop hits – come party with us!
Portland SantaCon 2024
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: McMenamins Blue Moon Tavern & Grill
Get ready to jingle and mingle Portland SantaCon 2024 – it’s gonna be a holly jolly good time!
Upper Room Live – Christmas EDITION” 25+
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Upper Room Portland
Upper Room Live is an Exclusive live music experience in the heart of Downtown Portland. You must be 25 or over to attend this event.
Big Band Holiday! With Linda Lee Michelet and John Gilmore
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Wilf’s Restaurant & Jazz Bar at Union Station
Linda Lee Michelet and John Gilmore sing holiday classics backed by a big band of Portland’s jazz all-stars.
Songwriter Soiree 134: Unity!
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: The Village Ballroom
An inspiring night of Music, Connection, and Belonging at Portland’s longest running open mic for original music! At the Village Ballroom.
Donald Glaude, Sloane Motion, Alebongo & Brolin – FACTORY @ Wonderlove PDX
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: WonderLove
Get ready to dance all night with Donald Glaude, Sloane Motion, Alebongo & Brolin at the Factory @ Wonderlove PDX!
Vive La Posada 2024 con Vive NW
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: 914 NW Everett St
Únete y disfruta de una encantadora posada navideña, llena de magia, tradición y alegría festiva. ¡No te lo pierdas!
12.21.24 NEC Update – Zoom
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Zoom
Mandatory Class for Journeymen, Administrators and Supervisors.
IMA Portland Chapter Holiday Social at McMenamins Kennedy School
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: McMenamins Kennedy School
Join the #IMAPDX crowd at McMenamins Kennedy School for our annual Holiday Social!
Holiday Bizarre at The Laurelhurst Club
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: The Laurelhurst Club
Get ready for a wild and wacky holiday extravaganza at The Laurelhurst Club – it’s gonna be one bizarre party!
Healing Through Art
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: 1007 E Mill Plain Blvd
Come join us for a workshop that will explore our unprocessed feelings through intuitive mixed media art making.
Luvvly Speed Dating ◈ In-person First Dates ◈ Ages 28-38 ◈ Portland
◦ When: Wednesday, Dec 18th
◦ Where: Sugar Hill
The new and better way to speed date. Follow personalized notification’s sent to your phone guiding you through a mix of first dates.
Portland Women’s Circle – Winter Solstice Gathering ❄️
◦ When: Tuesday, Dec 17th
◦ Where: Awakenings Wellness Center
Come join us at Portland Women Circle – Circle of Sage Sisterhood for a night of connection, empowerment, and sisterhood!
Luvvly Speed Dating ◈ Queer Men ◈ Ages 25 – 45 ◈ Portland
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Kava Saia
The new and better way to speed date. Follow personalized notification’s sent to your phone guiding you through a mix of first dates.
Luvvly Speed Dating ◈ In-Person First Dates ◈ Ages 32 – 42 ◈ Portland
◦ When: Thursday, Dec 19th
◦ Where: Pine Street Market
The new and better way to speed date. Follow personalized notification’s sent to your phone guiding you through a mix of first dates.
Kurt Van Meter
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Ponderosa Lounge & Grill
Kurt Van Meter’s take on country music is about life. It is about Love. Love of God, Love of Family, and Love of Country.
December Plant Circle: Chamomile *In-Person*
◦ When: Saturday, Dec 21st
◦ Where: Seagrape Apothecary
Come together in community to sit with the plants and learn about their magic & their medicine!
REGGAETONLANDIA, Portland (21+)
◦ When: Friday, Dec 20th
◦ Where: Calle 6 Nightclub
Join us & our colorful world of Reggaeton & Latin EDM @ Calle 6 Night Club Portland OR