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
Pottery Glazing Workshop: Mug Mania!
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Color Me MIne
**Clackamas Pottery Painting Meetup: Mug Mania! ☕**
Get ready to unleash your inner artist and sip your coffee in style! Join us at **Color Me Mine Clackamas** for a fun-filled pottery painting meetup where we’ll be learning exciting painting techniques to design the mug of your dreams.
**🗓 Event Details:**
* **When:** Thursday, January 23rd from 6pm-8pm
* **Where:** Color Me Mine – Clackamas 84(…)
Ladies Night!
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Pink Rabbit
Join us for our very first Ladies Night at the Pink Rabbit!
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your tech journey, come and enjoy a relaxed, supportive atmosphere where you can meet other women in tech, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections.
Please note: Drinks will be available for purchase at the bar. 🥂🥂(…)
Tuesday Boardgames Evening at Mox Boarding House
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Mox Boarding House
Hi all! Lets continue the boardgames evening meetup! The location will be the following:
**Mox Boarding House** \~6:00pm-8:00pm
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 make sure we get a big table for the group, please be puntual at the time.**
(…)
Friday Night Bar Hopping: Northwest 21st Avenue
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Silver Dollar Pizza Company
The list of bars are the following:
**Silver Dollar Pizza** \~7:00pm-9:00pm (\****Tournament of Table Tennis***\*)
501 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
**McMenamins Blue Moon Tavern & Grill** \~9:00pm-10:00pm
432 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
**Twenty First Ave Kitchen & Bar** \~10:00pm-End of Night (**Karaoke bar**)
721 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
\*For the first bar I was thinking it wo(…)
Thursday Mix & Mingle @ Jackie’s
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Jackie’s
**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(…)
Radio Room
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ 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!(…)
Demolicious – JANUARY 2025 (WESTSIDE)
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: UpStart Collective (westside)
**JANUARY Demolicious will be at the NEW westside UpStart Collective location!**
**::::::: Please use the form below to apply to pitch for 2025!:::::::::**
Demolicious is back! This monthly pitch event brings together founders and the community to learn about what is being built here and around Portland.
**How this all works:** If you are a founder, you will **[apply to pitch here](https://form(…)
Pre2K skate night!
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Oaks Park Roller Skating Rink
Hey y’all, let’s go skating!!!
They’ll be playing “the jams of the 1970s through 1990 prime roller rink era” and this is an open skate night unlike Tuesdays Adult skate night.
Admission is $13/person and includes skate rental, and parking is about $4/car. On [https://www.oakspark.com/roller-skating-rink](https://www.oakspark.com/roller-skating-rink) it also says: “A limited number of tickets are(…)
Singles Dance at Casa Maya
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Casa Maya
Ladies and gentlemen!
We’ve now had some amazing dance events and we are continuing the journey with a dance at Casa Maya!
We will begin with social hour starting at 6:30pm. This gives us the opportunity to get to know each other prior to dancing 🙂
Dance lessons begin at 7:30pm. Post dance lesson, we will be dancing to Kizomba Fusion between 8pm-11pm
Reminder, please support the venue by orde(…)
Taylor your needs for breakfast
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Paramount Hotel
Let’s try a new venue. Taylor Street Tavern is located in the Paramount Hotel in lovely downtown Portland.
Check out the menu:
https://taylorstreettavern.com/breakfast/(…)
(Rescheduled) Unleashing AI’s Potential: Navigating the Agile Landscape
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Pepper Foster Consulting
**Continuing the AI & Agility Speaker Series: Empowering the Future of Agile Teams**
Join us as we continue our enlightening evening series designed specifically for Scrum Masters, Developers, and Product Managers/Owners eager to explore the transformative intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Agile methodologies.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your understanding of AI and its(…)
Monthly Portland Art Happy Hour
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Rontoms Lounge
**November 19**
Easy going happy hour to network with other artists in the portland area.(…)
Coached Play 2.0 – 2.75 Grow Your Skills!
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Hillside Community Center
**Prerequisite: You need to know the basic rules and how to keep score to attend this session.** 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 review the rules and basic strategy as needed, and learn some new tactics, too, all with p(…)
2025 Kick-Off Party: re:Invent Recap, tech talk, & more
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Lucky Labrador Beer Hall
Join the Portland ASW User Group’s Kick-Off Part at Lucky Labs in NW on Thursday, January 23rd from 6-9 pm.
**Location:** Private room at Lucky Labs NW!
**Food:** Pizza & Salads provided!
**Drinks:** Drink ticket provided!
**Agenda:**
* **Networking & Food/Drinks**
* **AWS User Group Updates for 2025** w/ Emily Soward, AI Security & Privacy Technology Leader @ AWS
* **re:Invent Recap** w/ Andrew(…)
Think & Drink | Topic: Adaptation | @ Proof Reader
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Proof•Reader Whiskey + Craft + Kitchen, Restaurant & Bar
Each week in our regions all around the world, interesting locals line yourself get together to talk, share ideas and learn from the perspectives of others on a posted topic.
This weeks topic is: Adaptation
It is one of the most powerful traits of every living thing, a core tenet of life itself. Survival. Evolution, understanding, every day life is full of adaptations, some we aren’t even aware (…)
10 AM Portland SW Hills Stairway to Heaven(ly) Coffee Walk
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Stairway to Heaven(ly) Coffee Hike
*Adapted from the 2010 edition of “Portland Stair Walks” by Laura O.Foster*
Incredible 3.4 miles, 328 ascending and 300+ descending stairs. Lovely coffee shops near the end of the walk.
Excellent views and architecture of the neighborhood above and around the PSU campus.
You might want to bring water…you’ll sweat or glow.
Limited parking near the start on SW 20th Ave and SW Howards Way south of J(…)
MLK Day of Service planting @ Powell Butte 🌳
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: Powell Butte Nature Park
Want to get a little dirty and restore a natural area with like-minded single folks? Or maybe you’d like a distraction or something positive to do on January 20th because… reasons?
Let’s get together for an event with Johnson Creek Watershed Council\* and Portland Parks & Rec to help improve wildlife habitat and air/water quality.
This MLK Day event is also a fundraiser of sorts. Johnson Creek(…)
Weekly Forest Park Tuesday Hike and Pizza (Lower Macleay to Pittock Mansion)
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: Lower Macleay Park
A weekly hike up to Pittock Mansion to view the city!
Miles: 5.0
Elevation Gain: 921 ft
Things to bring: headlamp/flashlight during the short days of winter (it gets dark on this hike starting in September!), hiking boots, water.
Please note that although this hike is relatively short, the elevation gain in such a short period can be challenging for those that are beginning to hike. The group m(…)
Happy Hour at The Old Market Pub
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: The Old Market Pub & Brewery
Happy New Year, let’s reconnect after the holidays and head back to the west side to meet up at [The Old Market Pub](http://www.drinkbeerhere.com/). This great location has a [well-curated beverage list](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/573664403c44d8a1804c0ced/t/619b1d289f839250f26bf4ef/1637555498984/2021_11_20+omp+beer+menu.pdf) of beers, cocktails, and soda, to go along with a [great food(…)
Washington Park/Thru Hoyt
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: Portland Japanese Garden
Meet at the Tennis Courts parking lot to walk for about 3.5-4 miles in Washington Park and the Hoyt Arboretum. This is a fairly quick paced hike!(…)
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
The Essence of Women (Portland)
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Muslim Educational Trust
Join renowned speaker Dr. Haifaa Younis for an enlightening event, “The Essence of Women.” in Portland
ONYX STORM Release Party
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: Powell’s City of Books
Dragon Riders, join us to celebrate the highly anticipated third Empyrean book, ONYX STORM!! Choose from two locations.
CREDC’s Annual Investor Event 2025
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: AC Hotel Vancouver Waterfront – Marriott
Join us for our Annual Investor Event—an evening dedicated to celebrating the collaborative spirit driving economic growth in SW Washington
ANGRYBABY presented by CIRCUIT at FACTORY Winter Wonderland
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: WonderLove
CIRCUIT and BEATROX are starting 2025 hot at the FACTORY warehouse! Bringing you ANGRYBABY for his long overdue return to Portland!
Pizza & Prosecco with Oregon Wedding Day – An Issue Release Party
◦ When: Wednesday, Jan 22nd
◦ Where: The Arc Light Event Space
Mingle with your fellow wedding professionals at our Spring / Summer 2025 Issue Release party as we launch our latest issue!
Samsara – Jan 25 (Opening Night)
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Artists Repertory Theatre
A hysterical take on what to expect when you’re expecting someone else’s child.
School of Rock
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Brickhouse Bar & Grill
Get ready to rock out at the School of Rock event, where you can unleash your inner rockstar and jam with fellow music lovers!
From the Stands to the Sideline: Capturing the Rip City Remix w/Howard Lao
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Pro Photo Supply – Event Center
Join Pro Photo Supply and Portland-based Photographer Howard Lao to learn the basics of shooting basketball in this multi-part workshop!
Hands-On, In-Person Blueberry Pruning Workshop
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: 78th Street Heritage Farm
Hands-on, in person blueberry pruning workshop
Samsara – Jan 24 (2nd Preview + Preshow by DJ Prashant)
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: Artists Repertory Theatre
A hysterical take on what to expect when you’re expecting someone else’s child.
The Energy Exchange: Expand Your Network, Elevate Your Future
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Kiln
Come join us at The Energy Exchange to meet new people, make valuable connections, and take your future to the next level!
Great Gatsby Masquerade
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: L’Atelier Yaffe
enchanting night of mystery & glamour at Artsy.mercia’s Great Gatsby-inspired masquerade ball. Dress to impress in 1920 style attires.
Telltale Presents: The Cozy Show
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Curious Comedy Theater
Curated storytelling for people that want to get vulnerable and take no shit.
Samsara – Jan 23 (1st Preview + Pride Affinity Night)
◦ When: Thursday, Jan 23rd
◦ Where: Artists Repertory Theatre
A hysterical take on what to expect when you’re expecting someone else’s child.
January D&F
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Level Beer
Join us for an night of beer, food and Dungeons and Dragons.
Ken Hop Presents Iconic Edition K Pop Vol 13
◦ When: Friday, Jan 24th
◦ Where: 125 NW 5th Ave
Join us at Ken Hop Presents Iconic Edition K Pop Vol 13 for a night of unforgettable performances and K-pop music!
AAAH’s HUD-Approved Homebuyer Education Class
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: African American Alliance For Homeownership, Northeast 20th Avenue, Portland, OR, USA
Get ready to learn everything you need to know about buying a home with AAAH’s HUD-Approved Homebuyer Education Class!
Queer Resistance Art Show
◦ When: Monday, Jan 20th
◦ Where: Bishop & Wilde at Tin House
Join us for an evening of art and community action as we raise money to help trans, non-binary, and queer folks relocate to safety in the US
CLUB ALIVE
◦ When: Tuesday, Jan 21st
◦ Where: Kelly’s Olympian
Rave meets experimental late-night talk show at CLUB ALIVE, a multidisciplinary queer performance party
Shafty – Portland’s Tribute to Phish: ACOUSTIC at Tomorrow’s Verse Taproom
◦ When: Saturday, Jan 25th
◦ Where: Tomorrow’s Verse ~ Taproom & Bottle Shop, Northeast Fremont Street, Portland, OR, USA
In what may become tradition, Shafty – Portland’s Tribute to Phish starts 2025 with a special acoustic show at Tomorrow’s Verse Taproom!