Portland Night Market — Attraction in Portland

The PDX Night Market has returned to its full, former glory, after suffering at the hands of COVID (like the rest of us). For a while there, it was pretty Spartan inside, in both booths and attendees. That's certainly not the case anymore! You'll be ducking and weaving through an endless throng of oncoming shoppers as you wind your way through this warehouse funhouse of locally made goods and foodstuffs, enduring wave after wave of bumps, nudges and elbows as you survey and sample everything from liquors, hot sauces, baked treats and more!

Out back, a massive food courtyard entices you with a sizeable selection of cuisine options, from street-side standards such as Mediterranean and Mexican, Polish sausages, Vietnamese sandwiches and noodles; all the good things, plus a few dessert options as well. Your devouring and digesting is aided by the thundering, pumping, pulsing beats emanating from the massive stage nearby, covered in glitzy lights and seasonal décor, in front of which an impromptu dance stage breaks out at irregular intervals. Hold those drinks with both hands as you pass by!

Although you wouldn't know it from my review thus far, but there's more than just food and drinks for sale here at the Night Market. You'll find everything from apparel, jewelry and accessories, to lotions and creams, household plants (hi Casey!), hand-crafted trinkets, artwork, candles, you name it...the vendors and their wares rotate with the seasons, likely due to some fierce competition for available table space. Grab a cocktail to sip while you shop, from the one of the three or four pop-up bars scattered throughout this ramshackle labyrinth, usually tucked away in the corners. There's also a not-so-obvious bar upstairs behind a narrow, rickety door that serves up a separate selection of drinks than the rest, many of them in slushie form, as well as a newly-added wine bar, movie theater, and ceramics studio (hi Liz!) in a recently renovated space above one of the main shopping galleries.

City Liquidators is the sponsor of the event as well as the landlord of the building, although their presence is relatively understated, other than their seasonally-rotating mini-market off to the right of the docking bay doors leading to the exterior food court. They usually put together an entertaining little play space, showcasing some their goods in a playful manner consistent with the season and the theme of the market, depending on the time of year in which it appears (the Night Market recurs quarterly, for one weekend at a time). They also devote most of the upper level to various art installations, galleries, DIY craft tables (there's usually at least one "help yourself" craft project available here), and Instragrammable decorations and backdrops, for the selfie-obsessed narcissist in all of us.

Oh, and did I mention...baby goats? Yeah, there's a baby goat petting zoo that has appeared for at least the last three or four iterations of the market; for $5 per person, you get 5 minutes of cuddle time with an adorable army of little spawns of Satan, bleating and baa-ing their way into your hearts, and devouring your soul! Totally worth it!

Admission to the Night Market is free, but the line out front, which regularly wraps around the building, may seem intimidating at first. Thankfully, it moves at a pretty good clip; a "fast pass" is available for purchase online that bypasses the crowd, but it's not worth it, unless it's really backed up for some reason. The hold-up is usually due to people showing IDs to get a 21+ wristband for ordering drinks, but the gatekeepers at the door are reasonably efficient at slapping these on wrists and getting people inside.

Now that things are back in full swing, the PDX Night Market is absolutely one of the best free, accessible, and family-friendly (well, maybe not all of the music they play, but...eh) events in the greater Portland area, and one that showcases and celebrates the community and craftsman ship that makes our city welcoming, diverse and...you...

Make your way to the Portland Night Market. I believe it’s here to stay and will become a Portland must see destination for locals and those visiting our state. What I like:

Vibe-It’s all Portland. Check

Vendors-They have so many to choose from. Everything from food, handmade, things you may have not seen before. Local at its best. They are inclusive. There are vendors here that are literally just starting out alongside the established ones. Check out those delicious pastries!

Music- Inside music was fantastic. Outside a treat.

Security- They have done a great job here. Security is present throughout the market. It’s not there is a problem but they are putting in an effort and finances to make sure everyone is safe. Thank you.

Stroller parking-Huge room for stroller drop off. Definitely bring a baby carrier so you can easily move through the market with your little one.

Wheelchair/Ramp friendly- Ramps throughout so you can enjoy the experience inside and out.

Space- Inside was huge and I never felt crowded. Outside just as great. Check...

A must go experience. Great venue that blends the night life vibe with a market of local vendors selling amazing hand made and small business goods. The food though is next level. The music is inside and out, with a small dance area in front of the DJ. If you love music as much as I do you will find yourself dancing your way between the merchants, through the indoor bars and out to get some delicious eats and maybe hold a baby goat. It was an experience. I'll be back for every night market in the future. The movie theater in the bar behind the wine venue on the second floor was something I didn't spend enough time really to enjoy. It's a cool date night idea though, for those that don't necessarily enjoy the loud music and crowds, head up to the movie room and enjoy a cute spot. The second floor above the west side has a few cool hang out spots, some selfy/group photo moments and of course a super cute bar tucked in the corner. It's rare to find a market with so many intimate settings as well as great...