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.
Social events are great and offer a world of possibilities. You can make new friends, learn new skills, see things from different perspectives and it’s fantastic for your mental health. And never before has companionship and being able to spend time with others been as important as it is today.
You probably remember being a kid and going up to another person your age and saying, “Do you want to be friends?” and that was pretty much that. Friend made. Alas, it’s not quite as simple now that we’re grown up, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult or as awkward as we think. There are thousands of people out there who would love to meet up with others, finding them just takes a bit of help and that’s what we’re here for.
On this page, we hope you’ll find some interesting events in Portland where you can make some new friends.
Local Groups’ Events in Portland
Queer Affinity Group
◦ When: Friday, Mar 14th
◦ Where: Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Washington County
Stop by our affinity group for the queer and/or trans community within Washington County and surrounding areas.
We welcome all who identify as LGBTQ2SIA+ as well as those who are curious or questioning their sexual orientation and/or gender identities.
**This event is hosted in the Gathering Hall**. Enter the church from our main entrance and you can’t miss us!
We are creating a safe and welcom(…)
Startup founders: Where are they now…?
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 12th
◦ Where: Instrument
Remember that amazing founder you saw on stage a few years ago? Where are they now? **We want you to know.**
That’s why Built Oregon, Latino Founders, Pitch Black, Pitch Latino, PIE, and Vanport Studio are partnering to celebrate women founders from our programs by learning more about the journeys of our alums since we last saw them on stage — **even if that journey no longer involves startups**.(…)
AI Portland Co-working Day
◦ When: Friday, Mar 14th
◦ Where: Kiln
Whether you’re working on a business plan, creative ideas, or just need a change of scenery, this is a fantastic opportunity to meet and network with others, share experiences, and gain inspiration in a collaborative environment.
Connect with a diverse group of professionals and creatives in a space designed for innovation and productivity.(…)
Play pool. Talk tech
◦ When: Friday, Mar 14th
◦ Where: Rialto Poolroom
This is a fun networking event to play pool and talk tech. We will have free tables to play on and Happy Hour runs until 6pm. Everyone is welcome, you do not have to be great at pool to attend!(…)
Tuesday Boardgames Evening at Mox Boarding House
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 12th
◦ Where: Mox Boarding House
Hi all! Lets continue the boardgames evening meetup! The location will be the following:
**Mox Boarding House** \~6:00pm-10:00pm
1938 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209
The spots are **limited**, due to we do not have any reservation. Mox Portland offers a free game library while you enjoy their food and cocktails.
To help me out organizing this event, please follow the following rules:
**1) Pl(…)
Conversational Lube (LIVE comedy dating show)
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 15th
◦ Where: Al’s Den
We had a great time at the Valentine’s Day “Conversational Lube: The First LIVE Comedy Dating Show” at McMenamins Al’s Den in downtown Portland, so we’re doing it again 3/14 (Pi day!).
This unique event brings dating to the stage as real singles [from the audience] go on first dates—live—guided by a comedian who keeps the conversation flowing (and hilarious). Expect witty banter, awkward moments,(…)
New Members Welcome Mixer @ Fortune Bar
◦ When: Friday, Mar 14th
◦ Where: Fortune Bar
**Follow us on IG @mixandminglepdx for event updates and stories! Tag us with #mixandminglepdx**
Find friends to build your next social circle
Find your next business contact
Find a fun experience to fill your evening
Everyone is looking for something, someone might be looking for someone like you!
Each event will be centered around organic, free-flow socializing. No pressure, no awkward ice break(…)
Your Startup Idea Lab –> Flyway w/ Sungjoon Steve Won
Flyway w/ Sungjoon Steve Won”>
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 13th
◦ Where: Upstart Collective
As a founder or entrepreneur starting a new venture, validating your early-stage idea can be challenging. Getting relevant feedback and understanding key considerations is crucial, especially for first-time founders.
That’s why Be01 built Flyway – a tool to help founders, entrepreneurs, and idea builders brainstorm, validate, and strengthen early business or product ideas. It helps evaluate each (…)
Radio Room
◦ When: Tuesday, Mar 11th
◦ Where: Radio Room
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!(…)
Lunar Eclipse Viewing
◦ When: Friday, Mar 14th
◦ Where: OMSI
Join us at OMSI’s free lunar eclipse viewing party! Let’s meet at 21:30, the party officially starts at 2200. The eclipse reaches its maximum just before midnight, and ends at 1:47. Feel free to leave before that!
It is forecasting a cloudy day, so this won’t happen unless we can actually see the moon.
For more information, see OMSI’s page: https://omsi.edu/events/omsi-star-party/(…)
Drink and Draw in PDX: Figure Drawing/happy hour
◦ When: Friday, Mar 14th
◦ Where: Oregon Society of Artists
Hi all! We are having an amazing time at twice-monthly Drink and Draw Sessions with a figure model last week. Join us again for an art-related happy hour(s)! Hosted by the [Oregon Society of Artists](https://www.osartists.org/), the $15 entry fee pays for your share of the model fee, wine and snacks. (Easels, horses and chairs are provided, you bring your own art supplies). From 6-6:30 pm, sociali(…)
Psychedelics and Buddhism — Micro-dosing & Meditation talk
◦ When: Tuesday, Mar 11th
◦ Where: Taborspace
**🌟 Special Event: Micro-dosing & Meditation. A talk by Michael S. Kelly. 🌟**
Michael recently published a study **Exploring Psilocybin Microdosing and Meditation as an Intervention for Anxiety and Depression**.
In recent years, psilocybin-assisted therapy and mindfulness practices have emerged as powerful tools for mental health. But what happens when we combine them?
Join us for an engaging(…)
March Happy Hour at Rontoms
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 15th
◦ Where: Rontoms
Returning to where we started it all! We’ve had more monthly happy hours at Rontoms than anywhere else. It has been a while, so it seems like a good time to go back, especially because Rontoms has a big patio and a big inside, so we’ll be all set regardless of the unpredictable March weather. Join us for a drink, bite, and conversation. We’ll put up an East Coast Expats sign at the table to make i(…)
Singles Billiards night! 🎱
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 13th
◦ Where: Sams Hollywood Billiards
Hello there singles!
Who’s up for some social time billiards! 🎱
This is yet another great opportunity to meet more local singles while playing pool and/or hanging back enjoying a drink and food.
Sam’s provides a great atmosphere for small and big groups alike. They’ve got great tables (sizes vary), friendly staff, great drinks and lots of good options.
The pool tables do cost $10.00 per hour (…)
Entrepreneurs Looking to Grow through Networking
◦ When: Friday, Mar 14th
◦ Where: Thunderbird Bar
We are a diverse group that prefers a casual setting to meet fellow entrepreneurs and expand our networks. Whether you’re established or just getting started, we all can learn and share our experiences of what’s working or what needs more attention in our businesses. We’ll gather around 5:00pm and start with a quick introduction/topic of discussion. From there, attendees are encouraged to break of(…)
Singles Social & 80’s Dance Night!
◦ When: Friday, Mar 14th
◦ Where: Aztec Willies
Hello Singles!
For this exciting night time event, we will be meeting at Aztec Willie’s for 80’s dance night!
As always I like to make sure that we have time to socialize prior to dancing. This means that we will begin with social hour from 7:00PM-8:00PM. This is a great opportunity to meet and socialize with singles from our group. During social hour I’ll provide everyone with a glow stick or t(…)
Coached Play 2.0 – 2.75 Grow Your Skills!
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 15th
◦ Where: Hillside Community Center
**Our Events Have 300+ Five-Star Reviews!**
**Prerequisite: You need to know the basic rules and how to keep score to attend this session. Complete beginners will be asked to sit out.**
If you’ve taken a beginner pickleball class, it’s time to start playing more pickleball! Join other newer players on the court to play Pickleball with coaching and refereeing from instructor Robert Wolfe. We will(…)
Women’s Wednesday👟👟 Wanderers NW 53rd Wildwood trailhead.
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 12th
◦ Where: Forest Park | NW 53rd Trailhead
“Ladies only”, sorry guys.
**Let’s get out once a month and go for a hike…or maybe just a simple walk! Nothing crazy.**
Come explore with me, on our casual hike around NW trails. Our “adventures” will last an hour to 90 minutes covering 2 to 5 miles followed by coffee and munchies. We’re just after some fresh air, some fun and fitness with a group of likeminded women. If you’re looking for an incl(…)
Saturday Coffee Social
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 15th
◦ Where: Good Coffee
**Follow us on IG @mixandminglepdx for event updates and stories! Tag us with #mixandminglepdx**
\*Event is dependent on weather, if it is raining please assume it is cancelled\*
Each week we will gather at the same spot, the open area down the stairs in front of “Good Coffee” coffee shop.
This will be a recurring self-led casual gathering for our growing community! **There will not be an offic(…)
I pick Forest Park over Netflix – Evening Hike
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 13th
◦ Where: NW 53rd Dr trailhead
TOTAL DISTANCE: 6 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: \~650 feet
PACE: \~ 3 mph (fast pace)
ESTIMATED HIKING TIME: \~ 2 hr
RATING: Moderate
Starting Trailhead: NW 53rd Drive
Weekday local Forest park hike is empowering, when you decide to not succumb to the desire for comfort of being front of a screen. We will meet at Forest Park’s NW 53rd Drive Trailhead and depart at 5:15 pm. PLEASE reach 5-10 min earlier t(…)
Tips to meet people at social events
One of the best ways to meet new people at social events in Portland is by choosing a common theme or interest. If you like movies, why not go see a screening with people who also like movies! Then you already have something to talk about. Or if you’re into coffee or beer, a Coffee and Beer Garden Meet and Greet could be perfect for you. And keep in mind that smaller group settings can be less intimidating and easier to start conversations in.
Another thing that might worry you is introductions. Some people aren’t as keen on introducing themselves and others worry or get nervous about it. Why not level the playing field and go to an event where everyone is expected to introduce themselves and talk? It could be a networking event, an acting class, a singles event, or a book club. Not only are people looking to introduce themselves at these events but they’re also there to make friends.
Our final tip is on the age of the people you are going to meet. If you have your heart set on meeting people close to your own age, then research events so that you can find your chosen demographic. At the same time, we want to encourage you not to limit yourself. An age gap doesn’t necessarily mean a disconnect and the great thing about different age groups is that they can learn from each other!
You can find even more events in Portland on Travelportland.com, Everout.com, or Pdxpipeline.com.
RELATED: How To Meet People In Portland, Oregon
CRE Vancouver, WA – Cascadia Reptile Expo
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 15th
◦ Where: 7607 NE 26th Ave
CRE is a public trade show, Saturday • 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (V.I.P. get in at 9:00 a.m. Saturday), Sunday • 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
23rd Annual Labor & Employment Law Conference
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 12th
◦ Where: Sentinel
Please join us for the Oregon SHRM Advanced Practice Labor & Employment Law Conference ~Celebrating 23 Years of Partnership with Stoel Rives
Housing Land Advocates 2025 Annual Conference
◦ When: Friday, Mar 14th
◦ Where: Smith Memorial Student Union
Join us at the Housing Land Advocates 2025 Annual Conference to connect, learn, and advocate for affordable housing solutions!
Foot Traffic Spring Track Clubs and Spring Break Camp 2025
◦ When: Monday, Mar 10th
◦ Where: Portland Downtown
Youth Track and Running program for grades 2-8 with locations at Grant Park, Sellwood Park, and Terra Linda Park.
Portland Menopause Collective presents: Hot Flashes and Cool Solutions
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 15th
◦ Where: Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel
A fun half day of developing your personal roadmap during menopause!
Portland’s Irish Festival
◦ When: Friday, Mar 14th
◦ Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Portland’s Irish Festival hosted by Kells Irish Pub
Elevate 2025 In-Person
◦ When: Wednesday, Mar 12th
◦ Where: AVENUE
Elevate: a conference for fundraising events
B Bash 2025
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 13th
◦ Where: Wieden & Kennedy
Join us on March 13 for the biggest B Corp party of the year!
Waterfront of Possibility
◦ When: Monday, Mar 10th
◦ Where: Show Bar
A fast-paced look at the limitations and opportunities of Portland’s relationship to the Willamette River.
AMTRAC at Nova PDX – presented by Circuit, No Vacancy, Beatrox
◦ When: Friday, Mar 14th
◦ Where: The Bossanova Ballroom
AMTRAC is back in Portland bringing his Generator DJ Tour to the newly re-branded Nova PDX (formerly Bossanova)
BETTY – a queer dance party 3Y ANNIVERSARY w/ special guest Uffie
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 15th
◦ Where: 1002 SE 8th Ave
queer dance party in the warehouse district // always sells out // if you know you know
The Inhabitants of this DREAM
◦ When: Friday, Mar 14th
◦ Where: Ira Keller Fountain Park
An illuminating outdoor performance at the downtown Ira Keller Fountain
Come as You Are 2025
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 13th
◦ Where: PLACE
Heidi Duckler Dance/Northwest makes a return to PLACE studio for an intimate salon
Garcia Birthday Band
◦ When: Friday, Mar 14th
◦ Where: Alberta Abbey
Garcia Birthday Band, based in Portland Oregon, isn’t your mother’s Grateful Dead cover band.
Book Riot Podcast
◦ When: Thursday, Mar 13th
◦ Where: Powell’s City of Books
Join Book Riot’s Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Schinsky as they share the 20 most recommendable books of the 21st century so far in a live edition
Mesh Mélange -enTaiko concert 2025
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 15th
◦ Where: Portland Community College – Performing Arts Center
Get ready for a mind-blowing fusion of traditional taiko drumming and modern music at enTaiko concert 2025 [Mesh Mélange]!
Purim Carnival 2025: The Party of the Year Is Here!
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 15th
◦ Where: Barrel Room
Portland Purim Party Productions Presents: Purim Carnival 2025!
Felida Shamrock Run
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 15th
◦ Where: Mahoney’s Public House
Run (or walk), give back, and create memories in our community! Join us for our 3rd annual charity run to benefit Vancouver Public Schools
“Wide-Angle Y2K City Walk” Portrait Meet
◦ When: Saturday, Mar 15th
◦ Where: Smith Teamaker
A vibrant Y2K-themed city walk portrait meet, capturing wide-angle urban aesthetics.