Portland’s New Gay Bar Opens Just in Time for Pride

Portland’s newest gay bar is taking the place of one of its oldest. Camp, on Southwest Harvey Milk Street, sits in the same location where Scandals served Portland’s LGBTQ+ community for decades.

Camp had its grand opening last weekend.

“It’s everything that we wanted. The community was on very, very high energy. It was great to see the community back in this space,” said Andrew Picard, head bartender at Camp.

Scandals closed in September, but the owners of Camp hated seeing the empty space and made it a point to get a bar back on Harvey Milk Street before the next Pride celebration.

“We did what we could to get open as quickly as possible and that was our main goal. We did want to be open for Pride and get that space back open for them,” Picard said.

The grand opening was a success and gave staff a good idea of how prepared they would need to be for Pride, traditionally the busiest weekend of the year for a gay bar.

“Definitely woke up our eyes that we were going to be busy. That we thought from the get-go, but that’s not a bad problem to have,” Picard said.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to celebrate Pride in Portland this weekend.

“This event is the largest visibility gathering of reaching our community, and it is a huge opportunity for nonprofits to get new volunteers, to do fundraisers; companies are looking for customers, so it’s a full range down here,” Debra Porta, executive director of Pride Northwest, said.

Admission to the festival is free, with a suggested $10 donation to Pride Northwest.

The parade kicks off Sunday at 11 a.m. at Northwest Broadway and Davis Street. It’ll be streamed live on KGW.com, the KGW YouTube channel, the KGW mobile app, and on streaming platforms like Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

Key Highlights of the New Bar Experience

• Community Focus: Camp has been designed with the LGBTQ+ community in mind, offering a welcoming environment that honors the legacy of Scandals while introducing new elements.
• Quick Turnaround: The team behind Camp worked swiftly to ensure the bar was ready for Pride, reflecting their commitment to the community.
• High Energy Atmosphere: The grand opening was filled with excitement, showing that the bar is well-positioned to handle the influx of visitors during Pride.

What to Expect During Portland Pride

• Free Admission: Attendees can enjoy the festival without any cost, though a suggested donation supports local initiatives.
• Live Streaming Options: For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be available online through multiple platforms, making it accessible to a wider audience.
• Cultural Significance: The event serves as a major platform for local organizations, businesses, and individuals to connect and celebrate diversity.

Tips for Attending the Parade

• Plan Ahead: With large crowds expected, it’s wise to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
• Stay Hydrated: Portland’s weather can be unpredictable, so bringing water is essential.
• Support Local Vendors: Many local businesses participate in the parade, offering unique products and services that reflect the city’s vibrant culture.

The Impact of Pride on the Community

Pride events like this one in Portland play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity and awareness. They provide an opportunity for individuals to express their identities openly and for organizations to raise funds and awareness for important causes. The presence of a strong, visible LGBTQ+ community helps to create a more accepting and supportive environment for all residents.

For many, the parade is not just a celebration but a powerful statement of resilience and pride. As the event continues to grow, it remains a vital part of Portland’s cultural landscape, bringing people together in a shared spirit of unity and celebration.