Top Cheap Events at Portland McMenamins

Photo courtesy of McMenamins

McMenamins are iconic gathering places throughout Portland. Plus, the historic sites are known for hosting cheap events and activities everyone can enjoy.

Founded by brothers Mike and Brian McMenamin, this beloved Pacific Northwest institution is known for transforming historic buildings into eclectic pubs, music venues and destination hotels. Each location tells its own story with hand-painted murals, hidden bars, soaking pools paired with pub-style menus and house-brewed beer.

From catching a concert in a former school gymnasium to sipping a Ruby Ale in a candlelit basement bar, McMenamins invites you to linger, explore and embrace Portland’s offbeat spirit.

Here are great ways to experience these Portland institutions without overspending. All of these events and activities are available year-round. 

Top Cheap Events and Activities at Portland McMenamins

There are so many ways to soak in all that McMenamins has to offer. Here are five activities you can enjoy year-round: 

Watch a Movie

McMenamins locations throughout the city offer cheap movie-going experiences along with the opportunity to enjoy a full meal with your film. Comfy seating placed behind full tables makes for a relaxing way to fill up on food and beverages while catching the latest films. 

Best of all, ticket prices at these McMenamins theaters are inexpensive, ($6-$11.50) making them some of the best places to catch a cheap movie in Portland. 

Here’s what to go: 

Kennedy School Theater, at 5736 N.E. 33rd Ave., is a former school auditorium showing second-run feature films every night. 

St. Johns Theater & Pub, at 8203 N. Ivanhoe St., features a spectacular domed roof and eclectic decor.

Bagdad Theater & Pub, 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd., the renovated 1920s building is a sight to see with movie-style seating and a mezzanine in the historic theater. 

Power Station Theater, at 2126 S.W. Halsey St. in Troutdale, shows movies in a former boiler room on McMenamins Edgefield property.

Enjoy Live Entertainment and Performances

While McMenamins has grown its live music venues to attract international talent, you can still catch local and traveling performers for cheap at several venues. Here are a few recommendations for free and cheap live performances most nights of the week:

Al’s Den, located in the cozy basement setting at the Crystal Hotel with a intimate bar attached. It hosts events nearly every night of the week, including comedy, open mics and music. Plus, tickets to most shows are under $20 and some events are free. Head to 303 SW 12th Ave.

White Eagle Saloon, known as a historic haunted watering hole, hosts an extensive lineup of performances with a wide range of genres each week. My favorite special event is the monthly Sunday Scaries: Spooky Stories from Portland Comedians. Tickets are typically under $20 and some events are free. Visit at 836 N Russell St.

If you’re game for a drive outside the city limits, the Garage Door at the Grand Lodge has free live music several nights a week. Visit 3505 Pacific Ave. in Forest Grove.

Learn Something New at a Science Pub

McMenamins teams up with OMSI to host Science Pub events each month. Topic experts share their passions with audiences at the museum and Kennedy School Theater. Some of the science pub topics focus on what’s happening right here in Oregon, while others take you around the world to explore the many wonders of our planet and ourselves.

Best of all, you can enjoy a night of learning something new for only $8. Check out the upcoming events.

Warm Your Bones at a Soaking Pool

The soaking pools at McMenamins are both relaxing and beautiful. Each pool offers a unique saltwater spa system known for being eco- and earth-friendly. I should also add budget friendly at only $10 per person.

In the Portland area, you have two soaking options that are open to the public at McMenamins:

• Kennedy School at 5736 NE 33rd Ave. in Portland.
• Grand Lodge at 3505 Pacific Ave. in Forest Grove.

Reservations can be made online in advance for each location.

Step Back in Time at at History Pub

McMenamins building are full of rich history. So it makes sense that locations throughout the city celebrate our rich local history by hosting topic experts.

McMenamins History Pub is like attending a college lecture with a good drink and full menu of tasty food. There are a range of topics to explore and new events each month. 

History Pubs are only $5 and typically take place at Kennedy School, Edgefield and Grand Lodge. Choose an upcoming event.

There are countless opportunities to explore McMenamins in Portland. Visit the website and plan your adventure. 

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