From its modest beginnings in 1990, the annual Portland Champagne Ball has blossomed into a luxe, dazzling night of celebration that is the city’s most eagerly anticipated New Year's Eve affair.

Event creator Mathew Weber had the inspiration for the Champagne Ball after a dispiriting night out for New Year’s Eve, 1989. “There were lines for everything,” he says. “I couldn’t find a seat, couldn’t find my friends and nobody was dressed up. I decided to create an event that was an upscale premium experience that took care of everything and was a lot of fun.”

Great entertainment, quick bar service and a huge countdown

The first Portland Champagne Ball debuted at the now-gone Eastbank Saloon with 115 guests, moved to the Best Western Inn at the Coliseum, the Portland Marriott, The Governor Hotel (now the Sentinel) and the Portland Hilton, attracting more party-goers and refining the concept with each move. “What we always focus on is great entertainment, quick bar service and a huge, extravagant countdown,” Weber says.

Every ticket is all-access and the vibe is very inclusive

“The reality is you learn from your guests and you make it better each year. Years ago we didn’t have reserved seating and there was always friction. Now every table in each ballroom is reserved seating - you can purchase one seat or all ten at the table — and every ticket gives access to all the areas at the event. We have lots of bars, lots of food options and the vibe is very inclusive. What makes the energy good is a wide range of ages and a great mix of couples, singles, and groups of friends. We also did ‘single beads’ before — it was a huge success and we’ll do that again this year.”

After skipping two years during the pandemic, the Portland Champagne Ball took on a new life and a new home last year at the Portland Art Museum, where more than 1,100 turned out in their party attire for live music in two ballrooms, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres buffets with desserts, dazzling decorations and carefully curated champagne selections.

With the new venue, Weber says, “I hear from people all the time - they show up and say, ‘Oh my gosh, I had no idea it was this big and this fun.’ As adults, we don’t have that much opportunity to go out and really dress up, especially in Portland, so we encourage everyone to really ‘dress to impress’ with cocktail attire or black tie. And, the experience starts when you buy your ticket and start planning your evening.”

The Northwest’s best entertainers lead to a huge video countdown

The evening’s entertainment is another huge consideration, Weber says: “We make sure that the best entertainers in the Northwest are on the scene. We create a fun atmosphere that includes live bands, DJs, and professional dancers to steadily build the excitement as the party progresses.”

The live music performed by Rockit Radio spans top 40 and party rock hits from the 80s through today. Between Rockit Radio sets, Doc Rock will spin classic dance club and top 40 hits. DJ O. G. One will be dropping the needle on a danceable mix that could include anything from Top 40 to R&B to Hip-Hop to Dance Classics to Rock.

The highlight of the evening is a high-energy video countdown with party favors, balloon drops, confetti cannons, complimentary champagne toasts and more. After the countdown at midnight, more tunes and dancing will continue until 1am on January 1, 2024.

Every detail is taken care of

Every detail, including a free coat check, has been tailored to make the evening memorable and stress-free. For those who want to skip the checkin line, this year’s Portland Champagne Ball will have staff on hand at the Portland Art Museum to scan tickets starting at 4 pm so guests can obtain their wristbands early and walk right in when the doors open at 8pm.

The nearby Portland Paramount hotel is offering Champagne Ball rates for the nights of December 30-January 1 (reserve by December 10) and a special brunch on New Year’s Day.

Ticket prices range from $119 for general admission to the platinum level $239 per person. Reserved seat tickets guarantee reserved seats and the Platinum level includes table service. General admission tickets do not guarantee guests a seat, but there is also limited general admission seating throughout the event. All tickets provide access to all rooms and dance floors. There is also an option for an “in after 10 pm” ticket  for those who may want to dine elsewhere before hitting the party.

For a complete schedule of the evening’s activities and to purchase tickets for the 2023 Portland Champagne Ball, visit champagneball.com.