When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
The People's Courts
Why The People's Courts is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The People's Courts in Portland, Oregon, offers an expansive 48,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor recreational activities combined with exceptional food and drinks, making it an ideal place to meet up with friends and enjoy a vibrant social atmosphere. Featuring five indoor and six outdoor pickleball courts, multiple bocce courts, cornhole setups, ping pong tables, and a unique 9-hole putt-putt disc golf course, the venue caters to a wide range of interests and skill levels. In addition to sports, The People's Courts boasts a fully loaded arcade, a sports viewing theater, and plush lounges complete with board games and giant Jenga, encouraging casual hangouts or lively competitions. Food lovers can delight in eclectic menus crafted by renowned local chefs Brian Spangler and Nate Tilden, with offerings from gourmet caprese skewers and charcuterie boards to smashburgers and fries. Two fully stocked bars provide local beers, wines, ciders, and specialty cocktails for those seeking refreshing beverages. Special weekly events such as free game Fridays, featuring fun games like bocce ball and cornhole, and Thursday trivia nights with prizes add to the engaging community vibe, making The People's Courts a perfect destination for groups looking for entertainment combined with social dining. Its versatility also extends to hosting rehearsal dinners, showers, and parties, accommodating large groups with over 300 guest capacity, ensuring memorable celebrations wrapped in fun and camaraderie.
Here's what people think of The People's Courts
As of recent, The People's Courts holds a 4.6-star rating based on 177 reviews.
User feedback on The People's Courts highlights a generally positive experience, with many appreciating the innovative combination of games and quality food offerings in a spacious setting. Positive reviews often praise the variety of activities available, noting that the multiple courts for pickleball and other lawn games provide ample opportunity for friendly competition and group fun. Guests enjoy the eclectic menu created by local culinary figures and the diverse selection of drinks which enhance social gatherings. Furthermore, the venue’s special events like trivia nights and free game Fridays are favored for creating lively, community-oriented atmospheres. Users also commend the staff's helpfulness and the venue’s family-friendly environment, making it suitable for all ages and occasions. On the downside, some reviews mention that the indoor putting course has issues such as noisy sound systems and maintenance concerns, suggesting room for improvement in some facilities. A few users have noted that pricing, especially for certain attractions, may feel on the higher side relative to the experience. Additionally, some feedback lamented the closure of certain course areas, signaling that some features may not always be reliably available. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus is that The People's Courts offers a unique and enjoyable option for social meetups and celebrations in Portland. Most guests conclude that the blend of games, food, and drink in a large, lively environment makes this venue stand out as a great place to gather with friends or host events.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Leah Maurer
This place is SO wonderful! We had our son's graduation party hosted here (after several other great experiences of going there as a family) and it was such a great experience! Michelle and her team were wonderful about communication and meeting our needs and the staff the day of the party was excellent. Would highly recommend this spot for any upcoming celebrations you have! Our son and his friends had SO much fun...guests from ages 13-73 ALL enjoyed it!
Leah Johnson
TPC has a very inviting atmosphere. It's very self guided space. Had a slice of wood fired, thin crust pizza - yummy, would've liked a little more sauce. Also had a good mocktail. Staff was friendly and helpful.
Kate Boyle
This was our first pickleball experience. It was very fun and it was easy to reserve a court and rent paddles. I wish the ceilings were higher and that the courts were better enclosed and maybe there were some fans to help the ventilation, but none of this took away from the experience. It's a clean facility with nice staff. Food smelled really good but we had plans elsewhere. I think we'll be back!
Mila Cheung
Great pickleball spot—clean, welcoming, and inclusive. The bathrooms are spotless, and the food options are solid too. So why 4 stars instead of 5? The indoor courts have a low ceiling, which limits high lobs. Outdoor courts are mostly great, though. Still a fun place to play!
ISRAEL ZARATE
Great and fun place to spend time with family and friends! We celebrated our first birthday for my son at the Den and fit 50 people, we ordered pizza’s and salad with a reasonable price that worth the good taste. Drinks food and fun for a good value.
How to reach The People's Courts
None
Website: None
Why rally at The People's Courts with your friends? Because it offers an unparalleled blend of fun, food, and festivities all under one roof, making it the ideal destination to gather, laugh, compete, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to unwind after a hectic week, The People's Courts invites you to share joy in a uniquely vibrant atmosphere that caters to groups of all sizes. The spacious 48,000 square-foot venue is designed as an all-in-one entertainment hub where your crew can engage in an array of games that spark friendly competition and endless fun. Beyond games and activities, it boasts carefully curated food and beverage options that elevate the social experience, making every meetup feel like a party. From the moment you step inside, The People's Courts is not just a venue; it’s a playground for friendships to deepen and for groups to reconnect through shared experiences and exciting challenges.
What activities can you enjoy at The People's Courts? The venue is a playground of diverse games that cater to various interests and skill levels, perfect for friends and family looking to combine socializing with active entertainment. Among its crown jewels are five indoor pickleball courts and six outdoor courts, offering one of the best facilities for this rapidly growing sport. Pickleball is widely popular for its engaging and fast-paced gameplay that’s easy to learn yet challenging to master, making it a fantastic group activity. Alongside pickleball, guests can dive into games like cornhole and bocce ball, which are classic crowd-pleasers that encourage teamwork and light-hearted competition. If you’re looking to test your precision and strategy, there are numerous ping pong tables ready for fast rallies and friendly matches. Moreover, The People's Courts features a 9-hole putt-putt disc golf course, adding an innovative twist to traditional mini-golf that’s enjoyable for diverse age groups. The game variety here ensures everyone finds something that suits their preferences, from high-energy sports to relaxed social games.
Why is The People's Courts perfect for a group meetup beyond just games? It’s the comprehensive entertainment environment and event-ready spaces that make it stand out. The venue is designed to comfortably accommodate large groups in its expansive 48,000 square-foot space, where you can secure courts, lounges, and even entire sections for private events. Beyond the games, there’s a fully loaded arcade and a sports viewing theater, which provide additional layers of entertainment that keep the energy high and the fun continuous throughout your meetup. The plush lounges are stocked with board games and giant Jenga, offering a cozy alternative for groups who want to socialise in a relaxed setting between rounds of physical games. The two in-house restaurants add a critical social element with eclectic menus crafted by acclaimed local chefs, offering everything from upscale charcuterie and caprese skewers to casual smashburgers and fries, ensuring your group will never go hungry. Add to this two fully stocked bars with local beers, wines, ciders, and specialty cocktails, and you’ve got a venue that expertly combines play, food, and drinks into one seamless social experience.
How does The People's Courts create a unique atmosphere for social events? The venue fosters a welcoming and dynamic atmosphere that energizes every gathering by blending competitive fun with quality social time. The aesthetic and layout emphasize openness and comfort, making it easy for groups to flow between different activities and conversation zones. Special programming, like the free trivia night on Thursdays and Free Game Fridays, encourages repeat visits and group participation in lively, themed events. Trivia nights bring groups together over shared knowledge and laughter, while Free Game Fridays offer a chance to enjoy popular games such as bocce ball, cornhole, and ping pong without extra cost, facilitating spontaneous competition and camaraderie. The combination of curated events, top-tier game selection, and excellent food and drink options produces a high-energy social hub where every gathering feels fun and inclusive. Whether you want an all-day event or a casual evening out, The People's Courts sets the perfect tone for group celebrations and casual meetups alike.
What special occasions can you host at The People's Courts? This venue is not only a hotspot for casual group outings but is also a premier location for celebratory events such as birthday parties, wedding rehearsals, corporate team-building, and family reunions. With its versatile facilities and expansive space, The People's Courts can tailor experiences for up to 300 guests, making it ideal for both intimate gatherings and large-scale festivities. The professional event staff is experienced in co-creating customized packages that include game time, catering options from the in-house kitchens, and beverage service from the full bars. The blend of recreational activities uniquely positioned alongside high-quality dining means your event will be memorable not just for the program but for the vibrant, interactive environment. Whether your agenda is focused on sports and games, food and drink, or a mix of everything, The People's Courts provides the perfect backdrop for making your special occasion both entertaining and stress-free.
How does The People's Courts support group dynamics and interaction? The layout and activity selections are designed to promote connection not only through competition but also through collaboration and downtime. Games like bocce ball and cornhole, which are inherently social and less intense, help foster conversation and bonding, especially for groups where participants have varying levels of athleticism. Fast-paced games like ping pong or pickleball serve as a great icebreaker or energizer, fueling laughter and friendly rivalry that strengthen relationships. The social lounges with board games present options for quieter, more intimate connections, allowing groups to mix high-energy play with periods of relaxation naturally. The venue’s attentive staff also contribute by encouraging group participation in special events and trivia, helping to maintain group cohesion and shared enthusiasm. This thoughtful approach to entertainment and socialization enables groups to enjoy a complete experience where every member feels engaged, whether through physical activity, strategy, or casual social play.
What makes the food and drink offerings at The People's Courts special for groups? The presence of two in-house restaurants, shaped by well-known local chefs, offers groups a diverse and high-quality culinary experience that complements the active and social vibe of the venue. The menus are eclectic, perfect for diverse tastes – whether your group wants to nibble on light appetizers like caprese skewers and charcuterie to accompany drinks or dive into indulgent comfort food such as smashburgers and fries. This flexibility means everyone in your party can find something to enjoy, supporting longer visits and uninterrupted socializing. The two fully stocked bars further enhance the experience with a wide range of local craft beers, fine wines, and refreshing ciders, along with creative specialty cocktails crafted by skilled bartenders. These offerings paired with the venue’s event-friendly layout allow groups to balance game time and dining effortlessly, creating a holistic environment that nurtures social engagement and shared celebration. The quality and variety in food and drinks truly elevate meetups from simple gatherings into memorable occasions.
In what ways does The People's Courts integrate local culture and community into its experience? Situated in Portland, The People's Courts draws heavily on the region’s vibrant culinary scene by collaborating with local chefs and sourcing drinks from area breweries and cideries. This commitment to local flavors provides an authentic taste of Portland that resonates well with residents and visitors alike, giving groups a meaningful connection to the city while they play and socialize. The venue’s programming often taps into local culture as well, such as hosting trivia nights that include Portland-themed questions and events that promote community engagement. By blending sport, recreation, food, and culture, The People's Courts offers more than just a place to host meetups—it creates an experience that celebrates what makes Portland unique. This strong local identity means your group’s gathering supports and participates in the wider community’s culture while enjoying state-of-the-art amenities and entertainment.
What logistics should groups consider when planning their visit to The People's Courts? The venue is open seven days a week with flexible options for both walk-in play and private event bookings, making it highly accessible for spontaneous meetups or well-planned celebrations. Its sizeable footprint means there is ample parking and room to spread out, which helps accommodate large groups comfortably. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekends or special occasions, to secure preferred courts and dining areas. The staff are experienced in managing group logistics, from game scheduling to food and beverage service, ensuring smooth coordination so your group can focus on fun. Additionally, the venue’s inclusive environment and diverse programming mean groups with mixed ages and skill levels will find suitable activities and spaces, making The People's Courts a hassle-free, versatile option for any social event.
In summary, The People's Courts stands out as a premier destination for friends and families to rally, play, and celebrate together. Its expansive suite of high-quality courts and games, excellent food and beverage offerings, and thoughtfully crafted social spaces combine to create an all-encompassing entertainment hub. Whether you’re planning a casual night out or a milestone event, this venue’s dedication to fun, inclusivity, and local culture ensures your gathering will be memorable and joy-filled. For anyone seeking a dynamic venue that truly understands the art of social connection through play, The People's Courts presents an unbeatable option in the heart of Portland.