With Portland’s wealth of attractions and unique venues, planners never have a problem finding a place to hold an off-site event.
Following are just a few of Portland’s group-friendly favorites.
Lawrence Gallery (503.228.1776; www.lawrencegallery.net) is an art-lover’s dream venue right in the heart of Portland’s trendy Pearl District. The gallery, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, highlights the work of Pacific Northwest artists and also showcases originals from Matisse, Dali, Chagall, Picasso, and Rembrandt. The venue also sports a wine bar and regularly entertains groups of up to 275 indoors for sit-down dinners and groups of up to 400 for cocktail receptions in its outdoor sculpture garden.
Portland Classical Chinese Garden (503.228.8131; www.portlandchinesegarden.org) offers a distinctive garden space for events, complete with pavilions, a lake and scenic landscaping. The garden can seat 120 people for a sit-down dinner or 300 guests for a reception. Inside the garden, the venue’s teahouse is also available for gatherings of up to 50 people.
Portland Spirit River Cruises (503.224.3900; www.portlandspirit.com) offers several options for events right on the Willamette River. Groups can book private charters for dinner cruises, receptions and meetings on the Portland Spirit, hosting up to 540 guests; the Crystal Dolphin, accommodating up to 120 people; and the Willamette Star, available for up to 144 guests. From June to September, groups can charter the company’s jet boat, The Outrageous, for an exhilarating ride.
The Grotto (503.261.2408; www.thegrotto.org) is a garden oasis located only five minutes from Portland International Airport. The venue is operated by the Catholic Order of Servants of Mary and welcomes public groups for retreats, meetings, team-building exercises, and dinners. Within its 62 acres are vast gardens available for group events as well as a 2,000-square-foot conference center, which can accommodate 225 people theater style and 150 people banquet style.
