There was nothing wrong with the band. In fact, it was probably my favorite concert I've ever been to. The performers did just a fantastic job. My main problem is with the venue itself. I get that concerts usually get pretty hot, and it was in the low 80s that day, but Star theater had no seating, only standing room, body to body. As a result, it was unbelievably hot the entire time. A couple of people even passed out before the concert started because of how hot it was. They should seriously invest in better AC. In addition, I spent several hours waiting in line before the concert for the sound check and meet and greet, then a couple more hours after the concert for pictures with the band. There was basically no security outside the venue, and this is downtown Portland, so we had a plethora of people coming up to us asking for money or drugs, and even one man sexually soliciting himself in an extremely vulgar way. We definitely didn't feel safe to say the least. read more

Star Theater - Before the concert. Standing room only. - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I've come for shows at least 5 times now and the only thing I don't like about this place is how gross the bathrooms are. They are super dirty so make sure and wash your shoes with bleach after. The doors always seem to open and don't close. I thought they'd fix this issue over the years but looks like a normal complaint now. The drinks are good. They used to have a couple people at the bar and now it's only on person and it's very slow. The shows are great though. Fix your bathrooms. Hire more staff. read more

Asked for water after a concert and the bartender refused after giving others water. Ignored me and walked away.

First time to this venue. Service was fine but prices were outrageous. Could have used more seating.

Came to town for metalmania. What a treat! First off, the staff was amazing, the security guy was friendly and chatted with us while we waited in line, and came to check on us when a homeless person was wondering by and struck up a conversation. He wasn't really bothering us too much, but it felt good to know the security was aware and cared about their guests. That guy needs a fat raise. The show was awesome too. The undisputed champions of the world, oxygen destroyers, rip, and glitter wizards all tore the stage down, really getting the crowd into it. I had to find a bench to the side because I have back issues sometimes, but I found a great spot between the stage and the wrestling ring that kind of made me feel like I had front row to both. The pictures look like you are a lot further than you actually are. The wrestling show was fantastic. Petrov, the rat king and the face in the last match(I can't remember his name) were my favorites. Really just Lol around an amazing time.i wish they had the balcony open for more then just merch cause that would have been perfect for me, but that wasn't so much a down side. Would love to go see other shows there, it seems like the whole neighborhood has tons to do, so I'm sure we will be back again. If you are planning on staying the night near here I would recommend the society hotel. Very reasonable price, and close proximity... See my review on that if you need more details. read more

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I really enjoyed the size of this venue and how much space I had to myself while at the concert. Easy to move around and get drinks from the bar in the back. Would like to see another show here. read more

What a gem! Treat yourself and go see a show here. Upstairs bar and outdoor bar provide quick service

I have nothing but positive things to say about this music venue. They (and Dante's) both seem to be owned by stand up owners who are nice to artists. I have been to an array of different shows with different Genres and they all have had attentive sound people, door people, and the bar is quick and nice. I have enjoyed some of my favorite artist/ shows including Sage Francis, The Minus Five, Help the Hoople, Epic Beardman, Worlds Finest. Please keep the large array of artist here without the pretentiousness of 'new' Portland. read more

Star Theater - The Delines - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Great venue! Free water! Just be careful when you go to the bathroom to push your foot on the door Happy I could sit read more

Super cool venue! The decor, stage, lighting, and acoustics make this a very special venue. I don't recommend it for people with walking disabilities- the restrooms are downstairs and difficult to navigate. Also, seating on main level is limited, so may have to navigate dark awkward stairs to get to upper level. Not in a nice part of Portland. Be sure to lock car and don't leave valuables. Wish I could pick this beautiful venue up and place it in a nicer area. read more

We went this past weekend to see Makaya McCraven for PDX Jazz Fest. The folx at the door were warm and courteous, as were the bartenders. It's a small venue and the main listening area is flat. Good acoustics though, and if you're lucky, you can grab a table on the floor. The balcony is reserved for members. read more

Now that I have moved to Portland, I have been starting to learn about the local music scene. I am surprised I'm learning quickly because 13 years living in Dallas and I still don't know a lot about that one. I have been to several theaters and have been pretty impressed by the places. The Star is now another to add to my list. It is one of the smaller places I've been to (Wonder, Alhambra and Tonic being the others) but it just means you can be closer to the band, which I got that chance. I have no issues going to shows by myself, because I'm there for the music. On this occasion, I was there to see a "bucket list" band. The Mad Caddies. This is a band that until recently, only toured the west coast and Europe. I moved here and they now will be touring the rest of the US, including Dallas, TX. Go fig. The Star is a pretty cool place. Small balcony area with a second bar (wasn't open) and a nice outside area with a small kitchen out there. Gourmet mac and cheese, which I've been told is really good. Good views of the stage area and even seating, but everyone was on their feet for the music. The bands were great, the audio was great, the lighting? A bit heavy on the red lights, but whatever. I had a great time seeing some great bands and even discovered a new local band to enjoy. Steady Riot (good laid back reggae) I look forward to seeing some more bands here. Enjoy. read more

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I really wanted to give this place 5 stars because it's such a cute venue with a decent set up. However, the lighting was so dark and the floors were super sticky. I guess maybe it's a good idea that it was so dark in there. I would have ordered food had I known that food was available. However I didn't see a menu nor did I see anything on the tables etc. So maybe a little advertisement would be nice. All and all it was a decent place and I would definitely come back here again. read more

Star Theater - View from the left side of the room from a bench seat with a table. - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Wonderful in every way. Staff are extremely kind and helpful. Awesome security. This truly is the only club I feel safe in in this town. Stellar drinks, great service, yummy emergency bento- and the star of the show is Sarah the sweet and spicy tuxedo club kitty there for your pleasure Sarah is the entire show. read more

Star-Crossed The former Princess Theater has been many thing to many different people over the past 100+ years. Silent film cinema, burlesque theater, adult film theater, and a strip joint. Gus Van Sant owned it for a short spell in the late 90's, and Courtney Love was a stripper here in the mid 80's. It has a haunted, slightly sad vibe going on. This can be a good thing, if you're into that. Today it hosts an array of live performances and music shows. I've seen a few cool shows here over the years. Stephen Malkmus, Portland Sings Out: The Dandy Warhols, & Pete Krebs, Bob The Drag Queen, and Alison Moyet. Out front the doorman/ bouncer will guide you inside. Once inside, after having your tickets taken at the ticket counter, they have a coat check to the right of the entry. Immediately following the coat check is a small passage way that leads to the outside patio that you can venture out to for fresh(er) air, grab drinks/food/grub, before, during, or after the show. A rancid grease smell emits from the deep fryer out back, and wafts into the main theater, which is bothersome. I hate that smell. Tables and chairs are placed sporadically throughout the patio. I saw people smoking out there. There is a small fire pit that can be comforting on cool nights. Inside: a bar takes up the front area of the theater and is flanked with stairs leading down to restrooms, and up to the balcony that had with additional seating. The gender-neutral, single-stall restrooms are located downstairs in the basement. They have initially had working locks back in 2014, but now have been busted. Maybe too many shenanigans going on? On the main floor a few chairs line each side of the walls that frame the stage, with additional booths with tables. The pit in front of the stage is fenced in, of sorts. This is where the VIP section is when the event warrants it. This is the area that eager fans flock to when their musician of the day is playing. I steer clear of the area since I'm short and don't like jockeying for my position constantly. The juxtaposition of the ornate facade, (circa 1911) set against the modern skyscraper (Big Pink) is really cool. The performances are extremely intimate. Portland is lucky to have this spot. Overheard from a 50+ couple while attending a recent show, "We are out of our element". read more

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My first time at this theater to watch L.P. She was amazing!! This is a small theater. It sort of reminds me of the Neptune in Seattle but a smaller version of it. The acoustics were decent. The area near the stage is standing room only. If you have issues with standing for hours, I suggest coming early when the doors open to grab a seat near the bar in the back. All the seats have tables, which have a direct view of the stage as the area is raised. There is also an upstairs balcony with another bar. There are seats upstairs but they fill up quickly. There is also an outdoor patio area with a fire pit to keep you warm and very hot heaters hanging above. There's another bar outside and food is available for purchase with varying menu items. I highly recommend you do any of your bathroom duties before you arrive here or limit your drinking. The bathrooms are scary gross. There is a $3 fee to check-in your coat so bring cash. The store where CDs, shirts, etc. are sold is across from the coat check area. It's oddly placed as its right at the entrance. It's packed once it's time for everyone to leave. Oh... and there is only one way in and out. Even the performers go through the same door everyone else does. They don't allow anyone out through the outside patio area. Overall, everyone in our party enjoyed ourselves. We were about 5 feet from the stage and had a great view. read more

Star Theater - LP (May 13, 2017) - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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**WC** I still love this venue. They have a great outside area which is very aired out and HUGE! for smokers or people who just want to get some air, or a taco?!? between sets. I warn you though that the RAMP is not for the out of shape or faint of heart. I went up and down it twice alone and I manually wheel. A guy behind me grabbed the reins and (no shit) started wheeling me before saying something to the effect of he was giving me a push. Folks, very nice thought but do not touch someone or their machinery without asking - lucky enough I have fast reflexes but seriously you could harm someone's fingers. Also, I consider hills like that my strength training and I worked damned hard to wheel myself around. Do not ASSUME! Anyhoo...no sweat with the up and down for a scooter but not the friendliest layout - especially the bathroom. I haven't braved that when I was walking. There is one down a treacherous flight of stairs or another on the main landing around the corner which has an entrance hall half the width of a wheelchair which matches the door. So pee before you leave home or at your own risk. There are great tables right at perfect stage sight line though and the bar staff is perfection! read more

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I have seen very few shows at this venue after security forced me out of a meet and greet, the bracelet that was out in my wrist(very haphazardly) was pulling my arm hairs out, I showed the security guy what was going on ,when we tried to get a new one, the person in charge couldn't be found, so I pulled in it, and wrinkled the sticky part to keep it from sticking to my arm more. After the show, I was in upper area for the meet and greet, but needed to use the restroom . I asked the guards if I could run down to the men's room real fast, there was no issue. On my way back up, a different guy stopped me, and questioned the condition of ny bracelet, he then brought over the guard that said I could use the restroom, and together they decided that I was sneaking into to the meet... I tried to explain to the larger guy that he just saw me, and that he tried to help me with my bracelet earlier. He began telling me that I had to leave. The smaller guy started in on me as well. They began sh*t talking me and the bigger of the two started pushing me with his chest against my shoulder, realizing that there was no way that I was going to make it back up to the event, or even talk reasonably with the two guys I said that I'd leave, as the larger guy continued to push me, even when I turned my back on him and was walking out, he felt the need to continue walking on my heals with his chest on my back. I ended up at Dante's to file a proper complaint with the head of security, who in his defense said that the the other guards were wrong, but the event was over and the money wasted. I really hate giving this venue money, and will only attend a show that I really want to see, and the band isn't playing anywhere else in Oregon.The rest of the staff seem to be decent, the sound is hit or miss. It's either way to loud or to quiet . There should be seating for alter abled people, as well as restrooms. My friend will not attend shows here due to the lack of ada seating. read more

Had a great time seeing one of my favorite bands! Sound was great, not too loud and I loved that there was a lower section and a higher section. Tiny bathrooms were actually so tiny they were cute! Overall great vibes! read more

Star Theater - Blaqk Audio - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I've been to Star Theater maybe six or seven times, both for shows ( Lazerpunk and Perturbator) and for the weekly Hive on Sunday's. I really like this venue, as far as atmosphere and acoustics go. The lighting has always been amazing too, which makes a huge difference when synthwave or darkwave artists play there. The patio is a really nice area to sit at in between artists or sets playing. I think they serve food there and it always smells good! My only complaint is I'd like more varieties of beer, particularly more sours. I was so happy when I saw they had one sour on draft but it was a sweetish strawberry crush and I prefer more sours sours. ;) I also wish they'd bring blood Mary's back. read more

This venue has more lives than a cat. It's current incarnation is competent and functional, though the programming needs work. But if you like the owner's programming, this is one of the relatively A-OK venues in Portland. I had a recent opportunity to sample it for a farewell to Portland performance by a friend moving to another country. Musicians flew in to accompany. Star Theater originally was a burlesque theater in an over 100 year old structure. In a decayed state it was bought by a film director who planned a penthouse above the adjacent corner store. The individual's fortunes improved and they bought a condo in a more respectable neighborhood. The property became a nightclub project of a trust funder notorious for unforgivable transgressions. Now it is part of the Dante's group. Downtown club, three bars when busy, standard drinks. Spacious outdoor area with firepit. Good sound given the hard surfaces. Classic old club where darkness hides chips and chanks of an ancient building. Bathrooms middle for a club. Lines form. Not Satyricon and not Blue Hour. Notches below, say, Mississippi. The main performance area is the old stage. There are two main floor levels made from the original inclined seating areas. The lower about 25 feet square is dancing. The middle area has some tables as does the small balcony. 90's style steel railings. I wonder what the setup was in the burlesque days. It's not Studio 54. Could be but won't be. Portland is still waiting for a great new clean music venue which draws the best of local mixed with international acts. In the meantime, Star Theater is an A-OK venue if your interests match the music. read more

Five stars for the amazing mac & cheese they have there. WOW. Did not expect that. Otherwise an okay theater, good drinks & good shows! read more

Smaller venue but certainly has that comfy vibe. Bar area is slightly elevated and has a few old leather circular couches for seating along with some tables. Bar has some decent beers on tap and prices are reasonable. Outdoor area is a treat if it's nicer weather. Bar out there as well. Acoustics are decent since it is a smaller area and the lighting system when I saw Savoy there was pretty awesome Had never been before but it's not a bad venue for some music! NOTES: There were seperate bathrooms for 18+ and 21+ (21+ located in bar area). Didn't realize this at first and waited quite some time Coat check filled up before I even got there :( Bring cash read more

Really cool layout. We went to Portland for the weekend, there was an event at The Star Theater last Saturday! Glow Job 2014! There's an upstairs and downstairs. I had a great time here. They security was really laid back and nice. Bartenders were great and there was 500+ ppl there drinking all night. After all it was a sold out show! read more

Star Theater - Awesome party!!!! Loved every minute of it!!! - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Saw the Growlers, Guantanamo Baywatch and the Night Beats on 2-15-13. The venue is very comfortable and the drinks were nice and strong. This was our first time and we enjoyed the ambiance (and, of course, the music). There really didn't seem to be a bad seat or space in the venue. After drinking quite a bit, we headed down to the patio to have grilled cheese and potato salad at the grill. It was a perfect caprese grilled cheese. We even met a member of the Growlers on the patio. We're anxious to return to a comfy place to see great music. read more

Star Theater - Guantanamo Baywatch at Star Theater 2-15-13. - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

My wife and I were forced to walk out of last night's Kingfish show. I suffer from hip and back issues and tend to avoid venues with no/limited seating because of this. I carefully checked both the FB event page and the ticket sellers site and found no mention of this so I felt confident that I was paying my money for a seat. Sadly, if maybe someone in your organization had thought to provide ADA seating or even a video feed to the patio so people who needed to sit could enjoy the show, this would have been a non issue. I also did not appreciate your security officer shoving me into the railing on the ramp as he escorted two females down to the floor as we were attempting to exit the venue due to the overcrowding. I want to be clear, I am not upset that the show was, as your door man put it "really sold out" (oversold?) but that there was no disclosure of the lack of seating in advance. I have only attended two performances at The Star in the past, both seated burlesque shows, so I am sure the loss of my business will be of absolutely no impact. I know we are not The Star Theater's prime demographic, nor do I expect to be catered to, but a single line on the event page, maybe right before the cut and paste bio of Christone, would have allowed me to make an informed choice and to avoid the venue altogether. Is that so unreasonable? read more

Had a very good time at this venue last night. Sound system was better than most venues here in Portland. The stage is pretty small and the stage floor can be slippery. The outdoor area is well thought out and comfortable... If it's not raining...it is Portland tho..bar tender upstairs in the balcony was really cool and moved drinks at a high speed. The sound is better on the main level than the balcony area. Here is where is goes south...the restroom.. I felt like a zombie hooker was going to jump out and murder me. Other than that, its a cool place to see a show or play a show. read more

Star Theater - Balcony. - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I've seen so many cool shows and themed music nights here. Legendary venue conveniently located in Downtown. Staff is very friendly and generous with drinks. Sound is awesome. Acoustics are great. read more

The Star Theater was a haven for Gothic (Goth for short) Girls who are about my height and without an escort or fiance' for the evening. (Although, I wouldn't go without my Darling Husband now.) There I said it. I am Black and Goth. I have been attending Goth Nights and other Events at the Star Theater since 2000. Once, my friend (he's a Prince look a like, and he plays keyboards... and also guitar in his band The Erotic City Prince Tribute Band) played a gig here. It was a Friday night. Since I didn't work early the following morning at my day job... I walked from the nearby TriMet bus stop a few feet away. When I walked up to the window I was told by the door guy... "It's not Goth Night tonight." I told the guy,... "I was invited by my friend, who is the featured performer." The door guy then asked me... "Where should I eat dinner?" I told him... "The Pizza Window is out! Go eat the Broccolini dish at Star." Anyway,... he said that the security guard would be in soon, so I didn't have to worry about my stalkers on that night. The door guy basically was assuring that I would have an exceptional time. I have only had one horrible night at the Star Theater... and it wasn't the fault of any employed by the venue/ theater. There are too many Criminals who frequent the Downtown area, you see. read more

We liked it! The sound was good. The music in between acts was on the loud side and needed less high frequency and more bass. Ear piercing. Glad we brought earplugs. The bartenders were very officiant and did a great job! Another suggested improvements would be: Get a bathroom attendant! The bathrooms are a disaster! Build a better cage or booth for the sound engineers! You should thank me! I saved the show last night because the "fence" that wasn't attached to anything was about to be pushed over onto the engineers! This guy who was so drunk and high and swaying all around not able to stand at times was leaning on the "fence." Lucky that I had a strong hold on that fence! He was about to go over! Looks like they have a pretty cool patio. Looks like they serve some food. It was hot outside so we stayed indoors where it had A/C so we will check out that patio another time! Yes we would come back here to see a show again! read more

Magical little venue with great drinks, food and outdoor patio. Get there early to grab a seat if you need one, because most shows fill up quickly. read more

Great outdoor area for smoking/vaping/straight west coasting. Small one stage setup with some side tables and a dance floor. I saw a fantastic J Dilla tribute concert with Guilty, Slum Village...it was awesome. Most of the musical acts aren't my style, but they have an eclectic mix of artists I can appreciate. The outdoor patio area was pretty cool with a bar you can buy drinks from and some fire pits and decent seating. The atmosphere was great and I was surprised at how many people were into Slum Village. I'd go back, but haven't found any musical acts I've been into to try. Bring back Slum Village and I'll be there. read more

Star Theater is the place to go for afterhours! Ok..ok...not everyone is a nightowl like me, but there are some people. So, after you are done doing your partying downtown, you definitely do not want to get in the car and drive. Unless, you're sober, in which case this place will do you no good anyways. Star is usually open until about 6am. Yes, you read right. A fun place to go to, sit, eat, and dance. Usually, the DJs of Spun Academy keep you moving with some awesome music. And a hot muthereffin go-go dancer dancing on top of a GIANT fish tank AND a pole?!??! Come one people, this is better than most strip clubs these days!!! The reason for the 3 stars: usually a high cover, but totally worth it for what you get. Once you start going for a while, you may learn some more of the secrets of Star Theater, but I will leave that challenge up to you... read more

The Star Theater used to be burlesque house. After that it became an adult theater that along with movies also had strippers on stage. In the 70's they even had "live sex shows". Apparently when they went back to adult movies and live strippers in the late 70's to early 80's a teenage Courtney Love was one of these strippers. Very interesting. Wikipedia doesn't lie. Thankfully for those that like live music, the Star Theater is now another good venue in a town that isn't hurting for good music venues. I finally walked through the doors last night for the first time and was surprised at what I found inside. The Star Theater is really nice. It is an intimate setting with the bar in the back of the house and the stage in the front. In between is an area with tables and chairs. This is a place where you actually sit down to watch a concert. Not meaning you can't stand. I certainly went up to the front when the show started. There is the area in front of the stage that is almost like a pit. You need to walk down a few steps to get there. There is also a balcony which has tables and chairs too. Overall seems like a good place to see a band. Sound was pretty good. It isn't the Roseland across the street (that isn't a bad thing) and it seems to cater to an older crowd. Or at least on this night. I look forward to seeing more shows here. read more

I met a bassist I having been wanting to meet for 35 years here. Arena sound with personable surroundings. Great staff!!

This was an excellent venue for Alison Moyet -- the sound was awesome! Friday, September 22,2017 --sold out! Staff and cocktails were great! read more

Star Theater - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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After you get past the normal pains of waiting to get in through the doors of this, or any other music venue, your mood should drastically improve. Indoor and outdoor bars offering choices for your adult beverages from local beers on tap to your standard well drinks. My party got through the doors about 20 minutes before show time and snagged a corner table for 6 as a couple of two had just departed. I was shocked to see someone giving up prime seats but I guess they wanted to get closer to the action. Already having a super comfortable spot the table and seats got even better when a server came by and offered to take our drink orders.....Hells yes! The bands came on a little later, drinks were brought to our table, decent view to the stage since the theater only extends a couple hundred feet to the back. Acoustics were fine and the look of the theater is AWESOME. I would go back and see a band at that theater any freaking time. We saw ALT-J since tickets in Seattle sold out in about 5 minutes. read more

I like this venue in general, it needs more acoustic treatment so it sounds better in there, the sounds system is good but the room has too much reverb time. The space is good, the patio is nice, there is an indoor and outdoor bars, a fire pit. That would normally warrant at least four stars, however, the last time I was there, the whole inside bar smelled like bleach or sanitizer or something. The glasses, the beer they poured for me, it was horrible. Serving a beer like that to a customer is kind of crazy. I don't know if there beer lines are clean, I would doubt it after this experience. They also serve the $5 beers they sell in 12 oz plastic cups when you are outside, but you do get a proper pint glass at the inside bar. I may update this review if I visit again and have a better experience, the beer situation really sullied an otherwise good experience, hopefully just a one time thing. read more

Great place to see a show: a small-ish venue with tiered floors means there's full view of the stage from anywhere in the house, plus the beer is cheap! It's located just off Burnside in downtown PDX, across the street from the Roseland Theater. I recently attended my first concert at the Star Theater, and I was impressed. First of all, they weren't doing pat-downs at the door which was a pleasant change from most of the shows I've been to in Seattle. The prices at the bar also beat the shit out of any of the Seattle concert venues-- $3 tall boys! And since this place is in Oregon, there's no added sales tax. Inside the theater there's a central floor with a bar, a smaller balcony area (with another bar) above, and a 'pit' area below. Plus, there's a big semi-covered outdoor beer garden with another bar! The sound and lights for the concert were excellent, and I loved that the design of the theater allows for unobstructed views of the stage (well, unless you're vertically challenged and get stuck behind someone who isn't). My biggest gripe, though, is that there's a bottleneck getting down into the pit-- if you're not already there when the lights go down, it can be tough to do so once the music starts, or vice versa. I enjoyed the heck out of my first experience here; looking forward to more shows in the future! read more

We went and saw Muppet's burlesque there last week, this was my first time going to the star, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. They have done a great job maintaining the charm of an old school theater inside while still having a modern feel to there outside seating area. The staff was really nice, and handled the huge crowd really well. The bartenders did a great job of getting people through the line quickly, and the price for drinks wasn't as insane as most venues like this. The only thing that was odd about the night, was that we (the whole crowd) were informed that we needed to vacate the theater by 11pm in order for the Roseland (across the street) to have their after party at the star. I don't know if that is the normal way the star does things, but if that hadn't been the case, I think a lot of us would have been interested in staying and having a few more drinks and just enjoying an awesome night. I can't wait for the next Muppet's burlesque show, I just hope next time we aren't kicked out right after the show. read more

Star Theater - Miss Piggy at Muppet's burlesque. - Music Venues Near Me - Portland, Oregon