Where Will You Be Spending New Year’s Eve In Portland?

Start the New Year Off Right in PDX

Give the New Year a Proper Welcome in 2016

The people of Portland, Oregon know how to turn just about anything into a party. After all, this is a city where you can have a beer while getting a haircut. At noon. On a Wednesday. You read that correctly.

And if we know how to turn a cut and style into a party, well, you know we know how to ring in the New Year with relish. Artisanal relish, of course!

Whether you’re a seasoned Portlander, a newly minted resident, or a holiday visitor, take a few minutes to read through our guide to having the time of your life on New Year’s Eve this year in PDX.

Champagne Ball

Bottoms Up at Portland's Champagne Ball!

Mathew Weber, a guy who had spent the previous New Years Eve standing in long lines alone and bummed out, founded the Champagne Ball in 1991.

Arguably Portland’s best-known New Year’s Eve party, the Champagne Ball features top-notch party bands, taste-making DJs, plenty of beautiful people, and one of the most dazzling countdowns you’ll find anywhere in the city. And of course, plenty of libations and well-staffed bars, because waiting in line all night is for suckers.

New Year's Eve Extravaganza & Free Chocolate Buffet at Pix Patisserie

Free chocolate buffet? Three otherwise reasonable but positive words, when placed side by side, conspire to create something truly magical for New Year’s Eve. That’s right, people – free chocolate bugget – how much more of a description do you really need? Chocolate beer. Chocolate cake. Chocolate mousse. Chocolate meringue. What a way to begin 2016! Details and tickets available on the Pix website, here.

First Run: 10K, 10 pm, 12/31. DJ, Food & Beverages, Dancing

Race Course for This Year's First Run Along the Waterfront

In 2016, why not start the New Year off in a healthy, fun and slightly chilly way when you join in the 5K Run/Walk or 10K Run, starting at midnight on New Year’s Eve! Participants will huddle together like cozy penguins as they march along the waterfront in Downtown Portland, with food and beverages (including beer from Deschutes Brewery), music, dancing and more! Get details on the AA Sports website, here.

The official start time for the event and run is Thursday, December 31st at the World Trade Center, 121 SW Salmon St.

Brew Year's Eve Sponsored by 105.9 The Brew

Guns N' Roses in the New Year, Anyone?

Here’s your chance to officially keep Portland weird as you headbang in the New Year with pizza, beer, and a few of the most notorious heavy metal tribute bands around. Rock out to the music of Guns N’ Roses, Metallica and Dio starting at 8pm, with the event taking place at the Aladdin Theater.

And the best news? If you’re currently grooming a young one to become a future headbanger, you don’t have to find a babysitter on New Year’s Eve, because minors are allowed into the show when they show up with an adult!

Crystal Ballroom New Year’s Eve Celebration

The Crystal Ballroom is a Portland Institution known for its bouncy floors and its über-hip show calendar. This year’s New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Crystal will feature indie darlings Calexico, homegrown folk-popsters Blind Pilot, and Ages and Ages, who can best be described as the sound of a psychedelic-tinged tent revival.

Can't Get Much More PDX Than the Crystal Ballroom

Revolution Hall: a Very Special New Year’s Eve

When Washington High School closed down, many Portlanders wondered what would become of the historic building. It sat vacant for years, occasionally playing host to events such as the Time Based Arts Festival (TBA).

In true Portland fashion, the former school is now a concert hall and event space, and what a space it is! This year, revelers at the rechristened Revolution Hall will swoon to the sounds of local boys made good, the Helio Sequence, together with dream-pop artists, Wild Ones. It’s sure to be an enchanting evening.

New Year’s Eve Cruise on the Portland Spirit

For a sophisticated New Year’s Eve on the Willamette River, you can’t beat the Portland Spirit New Year’s Eve Cruise. This year’s bill features Redwood Son & Brady Goss Band, not to mention stunning views of the Portland waterfront, a champagne toast, delicious hors d’ouvres, and a complimentary boarding photo.

Bundle Up and Show Some Spirit in 2016!

New Year’s Eve Dance Party Extravaganza @ the Melody Ballroom

The first time DJ Anjali and the Incredible Kid played as a duo was 15 years ago this NYE. Since then, they’ve become known as the city’s premiere proponents of Bollywood, bhagra, and global bass music.

If you want to be carried into your New Year by the undeniable rhythms of Desi Latino soundclash, this is the party for you. There will also be a live samba band and guest DJ sets from Uproot Andy and DJ Michael Bruce!

InspireTruth New Year’s Eve Celebration

The folks at Beloved Presents have elevated the New Year’s Eve party to an art form. This year, they’ll take over two of Portland’s most stunning ballrooms and turn them into one immersive and inspiring NYE wonderland, complete with interactive experiences, live dance music, and good vibes aplenty.

Tip #1: Pace Yourself

Portland loves the booze. It’s easy to see why: we’re basically the center of the craft-brew universe, and we have plenty of spirit-makers here, too. But we don’t want you passing out before the ball drops. If you do, who will we kiss? Pace yourself, and you’ll avoid spending New Year’s Day with a bad case of whiskey flu.

Tip #2: Dress Warm

Portland may not be the Midwest, but it does get cold here. If you’re new to the Rose City and come here expecting LA-style weather, you’ll be in for a real shock. Dress as crazy as you want, but make sure you bring a coat, and preferably one with a rain hood!

Tip #3: Catch a Ride

New Year’s eve is one of the craziest nights of the year, and some folks get behind the wheel when they have no business even putting on lipstick. Don’t be one of them. Thankfully, Portland has a top-notch public transit system, not to mention plenty of eager cabbies, Uber drivers, town cars, and limousines. This year, resolve to ride safe.

Happy New Year From Urban Nest!

Hey, you! Welcome to Portland! We hope you have the best New Year’s Eve ever. And if your resolutions include buying a home in our fair city, well, you have our number. Cheers!

[Photos Via: ApartmentGuide; Champagne Ball; AA Sports; Aladdin Theater; PDXNYEParties; OregonLive]