The crowd went wild when Portland Thorns star Sophia Wilson scored during the 2023 Women's World Cup. (Ben McBee / City Cast Portland)
When it comes to Downtown Portland, there’s almost too much to tackle in one visit, so we’re keeping this week’s wander focused on places within a few blocks (or along the light rail) from Pioneer Courthouse Square.
🏆 Why You Should Visit This Week: The Beautiful Game
Not having a more sizable stadium (or one with real grass) may have sunk Portland’s hopes of hosting the World Cup in 2026 — we still love you, Providence Park — but thankfully, that doesn’t mean the passionate footy fans of Soccer City, USA have to miss out on the excitement completely.
From Friday, June 12, through Monday, June 15, the Portland Timbers will host the Soccer Celebration at Pioneer Courthouse Square, a free event featuring interactive activities, merch booths, fan giveaways, and live viewings of group stage games from this year’s tournament. Not only will you be able to watch the U.S. men’s team kick off their quest for glory against Paraguay on the big screen (June 12 at 6 p.m.), but you can also see other nations’ matches throughout the weekend, morning to night.
Hungry at halftime or in need of a hydration break? Local food carts will be open and the Casamigos Club will offer boozy beverages.
🥟 Food & Drink: Dumplings On High
Of course, there are plenty of other options for a bite and bev within walking distance to the Square.
🥡 Departure pairs rooftop views from atop the Meier & Frank Building with pan-Asian dishes, such as spicy tuna rolls and bao made with Korean fried chicken and a gochujang glaze.
🍝 The modern Italian menu and intimate setting at Mucca Osteria make perfect sense for a romantic date night or for hosting out-of-towners. Don’t overlook the pizzeria next door if you couldn’t snag reservations.
🦀 Southpark Seafood has all the fruits de mer you could ever want, from oysters on the half shell to Dungeness crab legs and salmon tartare.
🌳 Toward the waterfront, you’ll find Treebeerd's Taphouse, a “Lord of the Rings” inspired hangout with 36 rotating beer and cider taps that also allows outside food.
♣️ Motorcycles hanging from the ceiling and nightly musical acts are the draw for Kelly’s Olympian, the third-oldest continually open and operated bar in Portland.
🦦 Fun & Facts: From Coral Reefs to the Cupola
Did you know about the Portland Aquarium at the corner of 11th Avenue and Harvey Milk Street? No one will declare you a Dory if you didn’t, because instead of giant tanks filled with water, you’ll find a series of rooms teeming with aquatic cartoon critters painted by artist Mike Bennett. The immersive experience guides visitors through six different biomes, challenging you to locate every species listed in the fact-filled compendium, from the clownfish to the blue whale; it also serves as a platform for the Elakha Alliance’s efforts to reestablish a healthy sea otter population in Oregon.
Now for a different type of exploration. Pioneer Courthouse Square has worn many faces over its lifetime — first as a school, then a hotel, followed by a parking lot, and finally, after an international design competition, the plaza we know today. Since 1875, its namesake hall of justice, Pioneer Courthouse, has watched the changes unfold. Taking the self-guided tour of the building opens a fascinating window to the past and the tales that unfolded in the judges’ chambers, the library, the cupola, and other historic spaces.
Did we miss something nearby Pioneer Courthouse Square? Send us a line to share your recs.
