Date Ideas in Portland

Watch a movie from an armchair or couch at the Kennedy School Theater, inside a converted 1915 elementary school in Northeast Portland, then stay for whatever comes next. The property also has a restaurant, several small bars, a brewery and a soaking pool, so the date can turn into dinner, drinks or a soak without another stop.

Play nine holes of mini golf at Birdie Time Pub in Buckman, or switch to the golf simulator with more than 80 courses from around the world. The bar pours house cocktails and more than 35 beers and ciders from the Pacific Northwest. Walk-ins are welcome, and the pub becomes 21+ after 7pm.

Two floors of Ground Kontrol are packed with vintage video games and pinball, and you can grab a beer or wine between rounds. Weekend live music and DJs can stretch the arcade stop into more of a night out. It is open daily from noon to midnight, all ages until 5pm and 21+ with ID afterward.

Take a slow walk through the Portland Japanese Garden in Washington Park for a calm outing that works rain or shine. Spring and fall draw the biggest crowds, and the Weaving Time textile exhibition runs from October 3 through February 14, 2027.

Pair a garden walk with tea at Lan Su Chinese Garden in Old Town Chinatown. The Yun Shui Teahouse serves traditional Chinese tea service every day, along with to-go drinks and food, while the garden is open daily from 10am to 5:30pm. The Lion Reborn art exhibit runs through November 1.

Spend a few hours together at the Portland Art Museum, the oldest art museum on the West Coast. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm and closed Mondays.

Tour Pittock Mansion in the West Hills, then step outside for the city views at sunset. Admission includes the mansion, the Gate Lodge and the current special exhibit, so the visit has more than one stop built in.

Roam the museum with a drink in hand at OMSI After Dark, the monthly 21+ night with curated vendors and lectures throughout the evening. Theory restaurant is open from 5pm to 10pm, with beer, wine and cider bars as well. The next event, OMSI After Dark: Spirits, runs October 28 from 6pm to 10pm with a Halloween science theme. Bring a government-issued photo ID.

Catch a movie at the Hollywood Theatre, a nonprofit repertory cinema in a historic 1926 theater in the Hollywood District, then add dinner for an easy rainy-day date. Programming goes beyond new releases with recurring series such as Queer Horror, B-Movie Bingo and Kung Fu Theater, plus 70mm projection. Beer and pizza are available at the theater.

Work through more than 1,000 games on original 70s, 80s and 90s consoles at Retro Game Bar in Northeast Portland, where themed cocktails and an event calendar give you more reason to stay. The bar is open daily from 5pm to midnight and is 21+ at all times.