PORTLAND, Oregon — With the final days of 2023 here, many people are making last-minute plans for New Year's Eve. There are plenty of events around the Portland metro area, from live music and dancing, to cultural dances and activities for children.
TriMet is offering free rides again on all bus and MAX lines. Riders won't have to pay fare after 8 p.m. on Sunday until service ends early on Jan. 1.
Here's a roundup of some free, ticketed and family-friendly events happening in the area.
Free celebrations
New Year's Eve Kick-Off Party at Freeland Spirits
- Where: Freeland Spirits: 2671 NW Vaugh St., Portland, OR
- When: Dec. 31, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- What: The distillery Freeland Spirits is hosting a New Years Eve-themed party to help people kick off evening celebrations. There will be a live DJ, classic cocktails and champagne Jell-O shots for those interested. Minors are allowed and there is no cover charge. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.
New Year's Eve at Toro
- Where: Toro Mexican Kitchen 1355 NW Everett St., Portland, OR
- When: Dec. 31, 9 p.m. - Jan. 1, 12:30 a.m.
- What: Love music and dancing? Want to ring in 2024 by hitting the dance floor? DJ Ethan will be putting on a high-energy show at Toro Mexican Kitchen. There's no cover charge.
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NARA's New Year's Eve Sobriety Powwow
- Where: Wingspan Event & Conference Center: 873 NE 34th Ave., Hillsboro, OR
- When: Dec. 31, 1 p.m. - Jan. 1, 12 a.m.
- What: The Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest (NARA) is hosting its 36th annual New Year's Eve Sobriety Powwow. The day of fun starts with a youth powwow and games at 1 p.m. There will be a performance by the MexicaTiahui Aztec dance group at 4:30 p.m. This is an alcohol, drug and tobacco-free event, and it's open to everyone.
Family-friendly celebrations
‘Bing’ in the new year in downtown Milwaukie
- Where: Parking lot near 10723 SE Main St., Milwaukie OR (location of the Milwaukie Farmers Market)
- When: Dec. 31, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
- What: The Milwaukie Arts Committee is inviting families to celebrate the new year with food, dance and art! People not wanting to stay up until midnight can mark 2024 with a lighted cherry ball drop at 9 p.m. There will also be the unveiling of a permanent cherry sculpture from artist Tyler FuQua in the City Sculpture Garden. The festivities don't stop there. Attendees can also see a Chinese lion dance performance and live music by Roadside Attraction.
Oaks Park New Year's Eve Skate Party
- Where: Oaks Park Roller Rink: 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR
- When: Dec. 31, 7 p.m. - Jan. 1, 1 a.m.
- What: Oaks Park Roller Rink's annual New Year's Eve event features a live DJ, party favors and the obligatory countdown to midnight. Anyone 21 and older can join in on a champagne toast, but tickets for that are only available online. Details about all levels of ticket prices are posted on Oaks Park's website.
Ticketed New Year's Eve events
Space is still available for the celebrations below, as of Dec. 28.
Darcelle XV New Year's Eve
- Where: Darcelle XV nightclub: 208 NW 3rd Ave., Portland, OR
- When: Dec. 31, 8 p.m., - Jan. 1, 1 a.m.
- What: The Darcelle XV cast and special guests will be celebrating the new year with party favors and champagne and breakfast will be served at midnight. Tickets cost $45 and the event is open to anyone 21 and older.
Champagne Ball at the Portland Art Museum
- Where: Portland At Museum: 1219 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR
- When: Dec. 31, - Jan. 1, 1 a.m.
- What: The 31st annual Champagne Ball is back! Normally held at the Hilton Portland Downtown, this year's venue is the Portland Art Museum. The event features a number of DJs and musical performances, two dance floors, 12 bars and a karaoke lounge. The event is open to anyone 21 and older. Anyone planning to attend is required to dress in cocktail or black tie attire. Ticket costs vary and more details are available online.
