Where to Drink and Celebrate Labor Day in Portland

Summer is wrapping up, and Labor Day is almost upon us, marking the arrival of autumn. Many places in Portland celebrate labor day by closing their doors for the day, and the weekend sees many Portlanders leaving for a last beach trip of the year, so there are few events, but we’ve rounded up some drink-oriented ones for your Labor Day Weekend (and day) entertainment!

 

If we’ve missed one, feel free to let us know on our Facebook or Twitter.
 

Saturday, Sept. 5, 11 AM–5 PM

Just a bit outside of Portland is Blue Lake, an offshoot of the Columbia River. During the Labor Day Weekend, the state hosts a massive food festival, with vendors from all over the world, including Mexico, Brazil, Cuba, Greece, Italy, New Mexico, Louisiana, Turkey, Germany, Argentina, Romania, the Himalayas, and more. There will also be musical guests representing styles from India, Hawaii, the Andes, Brazil, and the Middle East.

Amenities and entertainment include a disc golf course, volleyball court, a nature playground, walking paths, discovery garden, and, of course, the lake itself. And it wouldn’t be Oregon (or Drink Portland) if there weren’t a beer garden for those over 21. Admission to the event is free though parking is $5, and food and beer are available for purchase. (21224 NE Blue Lake Road, Fairview)
 

Sunday, Sept. 6, 8 AM–4 PM

Tour de Lab at Lucky Labrador Brewpub

On Sunday of Labor Day Weekend, Portland’s own dog-friendly brewing company is hosting a bike ride pub crawl of its four locations. Riders can select between a “Puppy Dog Course” of 19 flat miles, which only hits three of the pubs, or a more rigorous 41 mile “Big Dog Challenge”, which visits four spots. Both rides begin at the Hawthorne location with coffee and a light breakfast, and both take stops every five miles for provided snacks, as well as doggy decorations for helmets and bikes. The rides make a full loop, concluding back at the Hawthorne location for complimentary hot dogs and Lucky Lab beers, as well as a commemorative pint glass. Everyone’s favorite therapy llamas, Rojo and Smokey, will also be there to congratulate the riders.

Registration begins at 8 AM, Sunday, September 6, with the Big Dog ride launching at 9 AM, and the Puppy Dog at 10 AM. Courses close at 3 PM, and the after party concludes at 4. The ride is $39, with kids’ tickets available for $12. Proceeds go to Dove Lewis, Portland’s 24-hour emergency pet hospital. Dogs are welcome in trailers only. Registration for the ride online here. (915 SE Hawthorne Blvd.; 503-236-3555)
 

Sunday, Sept. 6, 6–8 PM

Monday, Sept. 7, 3–8 PM

Lobster and Clambake at Thirst Bistro

Thirst Bistro, Portland’s beautiful wine bar overlooking the Willamette River, hosts its annual clam and lobster dinner over Labor Day Weekend. The clams and mussels are local while the lobsters are shipped in live from Maine, for the perfect seafood meal. Dinner is $39 per person and includes Maine lobsters, steamed clams and mussels, potato salad, cole slaw, corn on the cob, cornbread, and watermelon. For those who do not eat lobster, a chicken meal is available as well for $28.

Monday, Sept. 7, 8–11 PM

It’s Gonna Be Okay! at EastBurn

Wrap up your three-day weekend with some brilliant comedy and good drinks before heading back to work with this free comedy show. Inimitable local talent Barbara Holm hosts this stand-up revue of local and guest comedians in the air-conditioned basement lounge of Eastburn gastropub. This Labor Day features a plethora of talented comics, including Lucia Fasano, writer and star of the YouTube show Catty B’s; Adam Pasi, runner-up for Portland’s Funniest Person; Dinah Foley, comedian for the Bernie Sander’s rally in Portland; and of course, host Barbara Holm.
 

It’s Gonna Be Okay! has no cover charge, though patrons are encouraged to order drinks (responsibly) from Eastburn’s bar, and tip their bartenders appropriately. (1800 E Burnside St.; 503-236-2876)