Free and Cheap New Year’s Eve Events in Portland

New Year’s Eve events in Portland are the perfect way to ring in a brand new decade. Yet trying to find a celebration that doesn’t cost a fortune can be difficult. Here’s a round up of free and cheap New Year’s Eve events in Portland. 

Keep in mind that entrance to these parties may be free or cheap, but food, beverages and activities will come at an additional cost. If you’re looking to dine out on December 31, view my list of Portland restaurants open on New Year’s Eve.

Another great way to save on New Year’s Eve is by leaving your car at home. Trimet is offering free rides on December 31 during select hours.

Many of these locations require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 48 hours, are required prior to entry. Click the links below for additional details and to purchase tickets.

2021 Free and Cheap New Year’s Eve Events

Blank Slate

Dress to impress for this Montavilla NYE party. Blank Slate will take you on a musical journey from the 1950s to today from 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Enjoy a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. There is no cover charge to enter this party.

Doug Fir

Enjoy a free dance part at Doug Fir Lounge! The Portland bar and music venue will feature a Retro/Future NYE Dance Party with DJ Gregarious from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Show up before 9 p.m. for free admission. After 9 p.m., tickets will be $10 at the door. This is a 21+ event.

In addition to a DJ spinning beats all night long, you’ll enjoy a sparkling toast at midnight, festive drink specials, glamorous decor, and a NYE countdown to usher in the new year.

Escape Bar & Grill

Sing your way into the new year at this back to the 90s NYE party. Escape Bar & Grill is hosting karaoke from 7:30-10:30 p.m. The end of the night will feature a dance party with DJ WildFire from 10:30 p.m.-1 a.m.

Tickets are $10 per person in advance and $15 at the door, and include a champagne toast at midnight. This is a 21+ event.

Ground Kontrol

The downtown Portland arcade is hosting New Year’s eve free play. Ground Kontrol‘s 100+ games will be open to play for one admission price on December 31.  Enjoy DJ New Year’s Reiff and Nate C. spinning an eclectic soundtrack and a glass of bubbly at midnight. The venue also has a full bar and food menu.

Tickets are $10 before 7 p.m. and $20 after 7 p.m. This is a 21+ event.

Kennedy School

McMenamins Kennedy School is hosting a special New Year’s Eve party. Free live music with fiery rhythm and blues artist Sonny Hess will be cranked in the gymnasium from 9 p.m. to midnight. The venue will host a sparkling wine toast and balloon drop at midnight. You can also get delicious drink and food specials throughout the night. 

Another option at Kennedy School is live music with Big Bad Beat playing the hits from every generation from 9 p.m. to midnight. This show costs $25. This is a 21+ event.

Oaks Park

Rink in the new year at Oaks Park! Bring together your whole family or a group of friends for a special New Year’s Eve party at the roller rink. The New Year’s Eve Skate party at Oaks Park is counting down to the new year with a live DJ, party favors, and a special, extended skate session from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Tickets are $22 per person. Conventional skate rental is included at no additional charge. If you want to attend but not skate, tickets are only $5 per person. This event is open to all ages.

Peacock Lane

December 31 is the last night this decade to enjoy the lights at Peacock Lane! The lights will be on from 6-11 p.m. Best of all, this light show is completely free and open to all ages.

Quarterworld

Spend your NYE playing classic and contemporary pinball and arcade games at Quarterworld. From 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., the SE Hawthorne arcade is hosting DJ Sonny Phono complete with a dance floor and a giant balloon drop at midnight. General admission is $10 per person. This is a 21+ event.

River Pig Saloon

Kiss 2021 goodbye in the Pearl. From 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., River Pig Saloon will be ringing in the new year with music by DJ Benny Blanco and burlesque acts throughout the entire night. Tickets are $20 per person. This is a 21+ event.

Christmas on the Campground

Take in the sights of the last day of Christmas on the Campground. The light display features life-size nativity, thousands of lights and the tallest decorated Christmas tree in Southeast Portland.

Lights will be on from dusk to dawn. Christmas music will play from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. 

Whale Watching

I know this isn’t technically in Portland, but it is whale watching season on the Oregon Coast! Take a spontaneous trip to one of 25 viewing locations along the coastline.