Portland Live Performances

Whether you're hoping to bust some moves on the dance floor or enjoy a refined evening of classical music, Portland is the live entertainment destination that always delivers.

Portland's live entertainment scene is thriving, in part due to an atmosphere that actively encourages being a little (or a lot) "out of the box." Want to see a puppet show? They've got that. A mime? They've got that. Flamenco? Oh yeah, they've got that too

With such diversity comes a dizzying array of options for visitors to Portland. Touring Broadway shows entice you with their flashy costumes and power ballads, while dark comedies in the repertory theaters appeal to a quirky sense of humor.

If festivals are more your thing, Portland's got plenty. Blues, jazz, chamber music - you name it, you can join a bunch of your newest best friends in a field somewhere and chill out together to your favorite tunes. Did we mention there's even a quiet music festival where napping is encouraged? Never change, Portland.

To help you navigate your way through Portland's live performance scene, we've highlighted some of the most popular options:

Image: Travel Portland

Live Theater

  • Head to the Pearl District for full-scale productions on Portland Center Stage, which also houses a basement studio for more intimate shows.
  • If you've ever wanted to see human-size marionettes acting alongside people (and who hasn't?), the Tears of Joy Puppet Theater was made for you.
  • Purists will be happy to know that Shakespeare is alive and well in Portland and his works are performed regularly in the summer.

Image: Travel Portland

Music Festivals

  • Visit one of Portland's famous chamber music festivals. There are several held during the year offering week-long performances by classical ensembles.
  • Portland Jazz Festival kicks off in February in honor of Black History Month and features local jazz musicians.
  • Party under the Hawthorne Bridge at the PDX Pop Now festival in July, where bands don't just play music. They go head to head in a basketball tournament and do all sorts of other quirky things just because... its Portland.

Image: Andy Batt for Travel Portland

Modern and Line Dancing

  • Show off your country dance moves and grab a bite to eat at Bushwhackers, where line dancers teach you how to flaunt your cowboy hat and have a good time.
  • Watch the beautiful choreography by the Oregon Ballet Theater for a night of upscale entertainment and a ride home full of "How do they do that?"
  • Modern dance is the star of the show at White Bird, a dance company featuring experimental pieces and contemporary art.

Created in partnership with Travel Portland