Drones will again light up the sky over Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square on Dec. 31 in a free New Year’s Eve light show.
Revelers can join a dance party starting at 8 p.m. and marvel at two drone displays by the city: a 9 p.m. show for families and people early to bed – and a true New Year’s countdown at midnight.
“This family-friendly event in Portland’s Living Room is quickly becoming a new downtown Portland tradition,” Mayor Keith Wilson said in a news release. “I want to invite everyone to join us and celebrate the arrival of 2026 and all that a new year has to offer.”
This is the second year in a row Portland has hosted the New Year’s Eve drone celebration. Last year’s party cost $150,000 dollars and drew nearly 20,000 people, Prosper Portland communications manager Shawn Uhlman said.
TriMet will offer extended hours on New Year’s Eve for people hoping to partake in the party but avoid a parking hassle. The city’s transportation bureau is also sponsoring discounted Uber and Lyft tickets as part of its Safe Ride Home program. The $10 discount coupon will be available on this website starting Dec. 31 and is valid from 7 p.m. New Year’s Eve to 4 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Also on New Year’s Eve: “Portlandia” star Fred Armisen teams up with comedian John Mulaney for a show at the Moda Center.