Portland guide
Portland Date Night Ideas That Aren't Just Dinner
The best Portland date nights right now are happening events, not restaurant reservations: comedy at Helium, gallery nights at the Portland Art Museum, jazz at Keys Lounge on Killingsworth, and low-pressure activities across SE and NE Portland. Every idea below is a real, dated event with its actual cost — updated daily from local venue calendars.
These are pulled live from Portland venue calendars and tagged date-night by how they actually feel: conversation-friendly, low logistics, easy to say yes to. Each one carries a candid one-line take so you know what you're walking into before you suggest it.
Last updated 9/16/2026, 10:38:10 AM171 matching events currently listedsourced from Portland venue calendars
- Wed16Sep
Intermediate Two-Step Lessons with Peggy and Dillon
$13.86–$20.017:00 PM · Showdown Saloon
“This is for dancers who already know two-step — no beginner review, so it'll feel fast if you're new.”
- Wed16Sep
Lauren Lapkus & Mary Holland
7:00 PM · Helium Comedy Club
“Two sharp improv comedians sharing a bill — good bet if you want a lively night of stand-up with a friend.”
- Thu17Sep
The Maker’s Table: Soter Vineyards
Portland Art Museum
“An after-hours museum mixer pairing wine with art and conversation, nice for a low-pressure social evening.”
- Thu17Sep
Chart House - Prisoner Wine Dinner - Portland
Chart House
“Five-course dinner paired with Prisoner wines, a good pick for a slow, food-focused evening.”
- Thu17Sep
The Maker’s Table | A Winemaker Dinner Series
6:00 PM · Portland Art Museum
“An after-hours wine and art pairing at PAM with Oregon winemakers and artists — intimate, and not free, so know that going in.”
- Thu17Sep
MEL BROWN B3 ORGAN GROUP - Jazz Titan Thursdays
$31.39–$237.397:00 PM · Jack London Revue
“A veteran B3 organ jazz combo in a small room with table seating — mellow, grown-up night out, not a rager.”
- Thu17Sep
Kelsey Cook
7:30 PM · Helium Comedy Club
“She's done the Tonight Show and has her own specials, so this is a real headliner set, not a local open mic.”
- Thu17Sep
Lounge Vibrations at Keys Lounge
Free8:00 PM · Keys Lounge
“Free live music every Thursday at Keys Lounge, a low-key rotating residency with no cover.”
- Fri18Sep
Garden Tea Tastings (11:30 AM)
$37 – $5611:30 AM · Lan Su Chinese Garden
“Small-group tea tasting in a garden pavilion led by tea masters, slow and a bit pricey but genuinely contemplative.”
- Fri18Sep
Carsie Blanton
Aladdin Theater
“A Philly singer-songwriter with an opener - solid pick if you like lyric-driven folk.”
- Fri18Sep
The Airborne Toxic Event
Revolution Hall
“LA indie rockers known for 'Sometime Around Midnight' hit Revolution Hall — good bet if that song still gets you.”
- Fri18Sep
Garden Tea Tastings (1:00 PM)
$37 – $561:00 PM · Lan Su Chinese Garden
“Small-group traditional tea tasting in a garden pavilion, a slow deliberate treat if you're not rushing.”
- Fri18Sep
Amy Miller Stand Up
7:00 PM · PAM CUT's Tomorrow Theater
“No details beyond the name here, so check tomorrowtheater.org before you plan around it.”
- Sat19Sep
Sunflower Festivals
PDX Parent
“A list of sunflower fields and festivals to check out, not one specific event so read the linked guide first.”
- Sat19Sep
Tour + Pour (Ticketed Experience)
$28 – $3411:30 AM · Lan Su Chinese Garden
“A guided garden tour paired with a tea tasting — a gentle option for a first date or a solo slow afternoon.”
- Sat19Sep
American Aquarium
Aladdin Theater
“Long-running NC Americana band led by BJ Barham plays Aladdin Theater — solid pick if you like alt-country songwriting.”
- Sat19Sep
Steve Hofstetter in Portland, OR!
Portland Center Stage
“Just a touring comedian's name and venue, so expect a standard stand-up set with no other specifics to go on.”
- Sat19Sep
Croatian Roots, American Problems - Standup Comedy in Portland
Curious Comedy Annex Theater
“Standup from two touring Croatian-American comedians, a solid bet if immigrant-perspective comedy is your thing.”
- Sat19Sep
Chrissa Sparkles
4:00 PM · Helium Comedy Club
“A comedian and drag artist sharing a set at Helium, good if you like your comedy with some camp mixed in.”
- Sat19Sep
Late-Night Live Jazz at Keys Lounge
Free10:00 PM · Keys Lounge
“Free weekly late-night jazz set, no cover, low light and cocktails, easy hang whether you're solo or on a date.”
- Sat19Sep
BURLY-Q REVUE
$23.1510:30 PM · Jack London Revue
“Late-night burlesque cabaret with Rose City dancers, hosted by the Mad Marquis, kicks off after the opening music set.”
- Sat19Sep
The Rocky Horror Picture Show with the Clinton Street Cabaret
$1210:30 PM · Clinton Street Theater
“Weekly Rocky Horror with a live cabaret cast - go if you're up for a rowdy, campy midnight crowd, not for a quiet night in.”
- Sun20Sep
Sunflower Festivals
PDX Parent
“A list of sunflower fields and festivals to check out, not one specific event so read the linked guide first.”
- Sun20Sep
Garden Tea Tastings (11:30 AM)
$37 – $5611:30 AM · Lan Su Chinese Garden
“Small-group tea tasting in a garden pavilion led by tea masters, slow and a bit pricey but genuinely contemplative.”
- Sun20Sep
The Front Bottoms
Revolution Hall
“NJ indie/folk-punk duo marking 11 years of 'Back On Top' at Revolution Hall — good if you already know the record.”
- Sun20Sep
Golden Hour Thai Yoga + Soak
The Soaking Garden
“Yoga plus a soak sounds like a nice reset, but there's no price or detail here so go in with modest expectations.”
- Sun20Sep
Garden Tea Tastings (1:00 PM)
$37 – $561:00 PM · Lan Su Chinese Garden
“Small-group traditional tea tasting in a garden pavilion, a slow deliberate treat if you're not rushing.”
- Sun20Sep
Kika x Director Fits
2:00 PM · Portland Art Museum
“A stylish 1993 Almodóvar black comedy with a Gaultier wardrobe, screened as part of a fashion-and-film series — niche but fun if that's your thing.”
- Sun20Sep
Erin Cholakian
7:00 PM · Helium Comedy Club
“A standup set from comedian Erin Cholakian at Helium — solid bet for a casual comedy night out.”
- Tue22Sep
Everything Everything
Aladdin Theater
“UK art-rockers Everything Everything play their 'Get To Heaven' album in full for its 10th anniversary, with Psymon Spine opening.”
- Tue22Sep
The Session at Keys — Jazz with Pablo Rivarola
Free8:00 PM · Keys Lounge
“Free three hours of live jazz at a classic NE cocktail lounge, no cover, low-key solo or date-night pick.”
- Wed23Sep
Intermediate Two-Step Lessons with Peggy and Dillon
$13.86–$20.017:00 PM · Showdown Saloon
“This is for dancers who already know two-step — no beginner review, so it'll feel fast if you're new.”
- Wed23Sep
Joanne McNally
7:30 PM · Helium Comedy Club
“Irish comedian Joanne McNally, of My Therapist Ghosted Me, brings her stand-up to Helium.”
- Thu24Sep
Lauren Sanderson
Aladdin Theater
“Pop/alt singer-songwriter at the Aladdin, solid pick if you already know her stuff.”
- Thu24Sep
Aldous Harding
Revolution Hall
“NZ art-folk with Sam Burton opening, more atmosphere than singalong, good for a quiet focused night.”
- Thu24Sep
Winston Hodges
Helium Comedy Club (Neon Room)
“Comic who's done Kevin Hart's Funny AF and Don't Tell Comedy sets, a safe bet for stand-up.”
- Thu24Sep
CHUCK ISRAELS JAZZ ORCH - Jazz Titan Thursdays
$26.24–$206.497:00 PM · Jack London Revue
“A Grammy-winning bassist who played with jazz legends leads this one, but ticket prices climb steeply by tier.”
- Thu24Sep
George Lopez
7:30 PM · Helium Comedy Club
“A well-known comic doing an intimate club run, a safer bet than gambling on an unknown act.”
- Thu24Sep
Lounge Vibrations at Keys Lounge
Free8:00 PM · Keys Lounge
“Free live music every Thursday at Keys Lounge, a low-key rotating residency with no cover.”
- Fri25Sep
Fall Member Artists Show 2026
11:00 AM · Rental Sales Gallery
“A packed gallery opening with 200-plus new works up for sale or rent, good for browsing without pressure to buy.”
- Fri25Sep
Garden Tea Tastings (11:30 AM)
$37 – $5611:30 AM · Lan Su Chinese Garden
“Small-group tea tasting in a garden pavilion led by tea masters, slow and a bit pricey but genuinely contemplative.”
- Fri25Sep
Garden Tea Tastings (1:00 PM)
$37 – $561:00 PM · Lan Su Chinese Garden
“Small-group traditional tea tasting in a garden pavilion, a slow deliberate treat if you're not rushing.”
- Fri25Sep
Steep & Paint
$56.95 – $66.952:00 PM · Lan Su Chinese Garden
“A slow, pricey afternoon of tea and painting in a pretty garden — nice if you want a mellow creative treat.”
- Sat26Sep
Peter Hook & The Light
Crystal Ballroom
“Joy Division/New Order bassist playing the old catalog live, a nostalgia trip for post-punk fans.”
- Sat26Sep
Late-Night Live Jazz at Keys Lounge
Free10:00 PM · Keys Lounge
“Free weekly late-night jazz set, no cover, low light and cocktails, easy hang whether you're solo or on a date.”
- Sat26Sep
BURLY-Q REVUE
$23.1510:30 PM · Jack London Revue
“Late-night burlesque cabaret with Rose City dancers, hosted by the Mad Marquis, kicks off after the opening music set.”
- Sun27Sep
Garden Tea Tastings (11:30 AM)
$37 – $5611:30 AM · Lan Su Chinese Garden
“Small-group tea tasting in a garden pavilion led by tea masters, slow and a bit pricey but genuinely contemplative.”
- Sun27Sep
Don West
Aladdin Theater
“Australian soul-revival singer-songwriter touring a new album, good for an easy sit-down show.”
- Sun27Sep
Kruder & Dorfmeister
Crystal Ballroom
“Austrian trip-hop duo known for chill, groove-heavy downtempo sets, good for a mellow dance night.”
- Sun27Sep
Garden Tea Tastings (1:00 PM)
$37 – $561:00 PM · Lan Su Chinese Garden
“Small-group traditional tea tasting in a garden pavilion, a slow deliberate treat if you're not rushing.”
- Sun27Sep
10 Things I Hate About You Crafternoon x Ritual Dyes
2:00 PM · PAM CUT's Tomorrow Theater
“A movie-themed craft afternoon at Tomorrow Theater - details are thin, so check their site first.”
- Sun27Sep
NT Live: The Misanthrope // Presented by Third Rail Repertory Theatre
5:00 PM · PAM CUT's Tomorrow Theater
“A filmed stage production of The Misanthrope at Tomorrow Theater, from Third Rail Rep.”
- Sun27Sep
Melange: A Queer and P.O.C. Variety Show
$156:00 PM · Clinton Street Theater
“21+ drag, burlesque and circus variety show built for queer and POC performers and audiences - good if you want a lively, welcoming crowd.”
- Mon28Sep
She & Him
Revolution Hall
“It's Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward's easygoing indie-pop duo — sweet and low-key, not a night that needs hype.”
- Tue29Sep
Michelle Branch
Crystal Ballroom
“Michelle Branch is playing her early-2000s hits live — solid nostalgia trip if 'Everywhere' still lives in your head.”
- Tue29Sep
Manhattan Short
$107:00 PM · Clinton Street Theater
“Ten short films from around the world, and you get to vote for your favorite — good if you like discovering new filmmakers.”
- Tue29Sep
The Session at Keys — Jazz with Pablo Rivarola
Free8:00 PM · Keys Lounge
“Free three hours of live jazz at a classic NE cocktail lounge, no cover, low-key solo or date-night pick.”
- Wed30Sep
Adela
Crystal Ballroom
“Adela is a singer-songwriter at Crystal Ballroom — thin on details, so go if the venue and a quiet set appeal to you.”
- Wed30Sep
Intermediate Two-Step Lessons with Peggy and Dillon
$13.86–$20.017:00 PM · Showdown Saloon
“This is for dancers who already know two-step — no beginner review, so it'll feel fast if you're new.”
- Wed30Sep
Herman Wrice
7:30 PM · Helium Comedy Club
“Standard club comedy night with a touring comedian, solid if you just want laughs and don't need a known name.”
- Wed30Sep
Whiskey Wednesday with The Neon Prairie Dogs
$15.928:30 PM · Showdown Saloon
“A casual weeknight country bar show — no big description here, so treat it as a low-stakes Wednesday hang.”
- Thu1Oct
A.J. Croce
Revolution Hall
“A.J. Croce plays his own songs plus a tribute set to his dad Jim Croce — sentimental if that music means something to you.”
- Thu1Oct
MEL BROWN B3 ORGAN GROUP - Jazz Titan Thursdays
$31.39–$237.397:00 PM · Jack London Revue
“A veteran B3 organ jazz combo in a small room with table seating — mellow, grown-up night out, not a rager.”
- Thu1Oct
Peter Antoniou
7:00 PM · Helium Comedy Club
“A comedy psychic act from an AGT alum, worth it if mentalism-as-comedy sounds fun rather than gimmicky.”
- Thu1Oct
Sinners
$107:00 PM · Clinton Street Theater
“A tense, buzzy horror drama with Michael B. Jordan playing twins — good if you'd rather see it on a real screen than stream it.”
- Thu1Oct
Lounge Vibrations at Keys Lounge
Free8:00 PM · Keys Lounge
“Free live music every Thursday at Keys Lounge, a low-key rotating residency with no cover.”
- Fri2Oct
Garden Tea Tastings (11:30 AM)
$37 – $5611:30 AM · Lan Su Chinese Garden
“Small-group tea tasting in a garden pavilion led by tea masters, slow and a bit pricey but genuinely contemplative.”
- Fri2Oct
Deer Tick
Aladdin Theater
“Deer Tick brings scrappy indie alt-country with Presley Haile opening — a solid pick if you like guitars and grit.”
- Fri2Oct
Punch Brothers
Revolution Hall
“Chris Thile's virtuosic bluegrass crew, worth it if you like musicianship over hooks.”
- Fri2Oct
Garden Tea Tastings (1:00 PM)
$37 – $561:00 PM · Lan Su Chinese Garden
“Small-group traditional tea tasting in a garden pavilion, a slow deliberate treat if you're not rushing.”
- Fri2Oct
Deric Cahill
7:00 PM · Helium Comedy Club
“A headlining comedy set with little else specified, go if you're already up for a night of stand-up.”
- Sat3Oct
Tour + Pour (Ticketed Experience)
$28 – $3411:30 AM · Lan Su Chinese Garden
“A guided garden tour paired with a tea tasting — a gentle option for a first date or a solo slow afternoon.”
- Sat3Oct
Cavetown
Crystal Ballroom
“Bedroom-pop favorite with an opener (Chloe Moriondo) big enough to headline on her own.”
- Sat3Oct
Nick Hakim
Aladdin Theater
“Moody, experimental soul that rewards close listening more than dancing.”
- Sat3Oct
The Thing (1982)
2:00 PM · Portland Art Museum
“Carpenter's shape-shifting alien classic on the big screen, a solid pick if you already love horror.”
- Sat3Oct
Late-Night Live Jazz at Keys Lounge
Free10:00 PM · Keys Lounge
“Free weekly late-night jazz set, no cover, low light and cocktails, easy hang whether you're solo or on a date.”
- Sat3Oct
BURLY-Q REVUE
$23.1510:30 PM · Jack London Revue
“Late-night burlesque cabaret with Rose City dancers, hosted by the Mad Marquis, kicks off after the opening music set.”
- Sat3Oct
The Rocky Horror Picture Show with the Clinton Street Cabaret
$2010:30 PM · Clinton Street Theater
“Weekly Rocky Horror with a live cabaret cast - go if you're up for a rowdy, campy midnight crowd, not for a quiet night in.”
- Sun4Oct
Garden Tea Tastings (11:30 AM)
$37 – $5611:30 AM · Lan Su Chinese Garden
“Small-group tea tasting in a garden pavilion led by tea masters, slow and a bit pricey but genuinely contemplative.”
- Sun4Oct
Andy Woodhull
Helium Comedy Club (Neon Room)
“Road-tested standup with Conan and Comedy Central credits, reliable laughs over surprises.”
Plus 91 more on the full calendar.
Good to know
What's a good date night in Portland that isn't dinner?
Pick an event with a built-in conversation starter: a comedy show, a gallery opening, live jazz, a night market, or a hands-on class. Portland's venue calendars run dozens of these weekly — the list above filters them to ones that are genuinely date-friendly, with real dates and prices.
What are cheap date ideas in Portland?
Portland has more free and under-$15 date options than most cities: First Thursday gallery walks, free outdoor concerts in summer, no-cover jazz nights like Keys Lounge on Killingsworth, and community events. Filter this site by Free or Under $15 to see everything current.
Where can I find what's happening in Portland this weekend for a date?
FunPDX aggregates Portland venue calendars daily and tags each event by vibe, including date-night. The homepage's weekend filter combined with the date-night mood shows exactly what qualifies this weekend, with prices and neighborhoods.
More Portland guides
- Things to Do in Portland When It Rains
- Sober Things to Do in Portland That Aren't a Bar
- Things to Do Alone in Portland That Don't Feel Awkward
- The Best Things to Do in Portland Under $20
- The Best Portland Events for Meeting People
- Free Things to Do in Portland This Week
- What to Do in Portland This Weekend
- Live Music in Portland Tonight
- Things to Do in Portland With Kids
- The Weirdest Things to Do in Portland Right Now
- Car Shows, Meetups & Vehicle Events in Portland
- Outdoor Things to Do in Portland Right Now
- Group Bike Rides & Bike Fun Events in Portland
- Free Things to Do in Portland
- Portland This Weekend
- Rooftop Bars & Patios
- Saunas & Cold Plunges