Campus Events & Student Union

Students take part in the annual Party in the Park in the South Park Blocks outside of Smith

Portland State Outdoor Event Spaces

What you need to know

Portland State University has several outdoor spaces available for events and tabling — including the South Park Blocks, Montgomery Plaza, Urban Plaza, and Walk of the Heroines. Here's a quick guide to help you understand what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to reserve a space.

Outdoor Hours & General Rules

  • Events can only happen between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
  • Tabling (setting up an activity or informational table) is only allowed  8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday and requires a reservation through Portland State University's Campus Events & Student Union (CESU) office.
  • No amplified sound is allowed at tabling sessions.
  • Use of event equipment onsite (tables, chairs, fixed signage, etc.) requires a reservation through CESU.
  • No overnight storage or camping is allowed — all items must be removed right after your event ends.
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Additional Location-Specific Guidelines

Walk of the Heroines
  • Must keep an 11-foot-wide emergency lane open at all times.
South Park Blocks
  • Only PSU departments and student organizations can reserve this space through PSU.
  • Non-PSU groups must book this space directly through Portland Parks & Recreation at 503-865-2376.
  • The City of Portland can cancel Park Block events at any time.
Montgomery Plaza
  • Must keep an 11-foot-wide emergency lane open at all times.
  • You also need a clearly marked ADA-accessible walkway.
  • Additional permits may be required (e.g. noise, food service, etc.). Talk with CESU staff to go over your event details.
Screen shot of the campus map with the Park Blocks, Walk of Heroines, tabling areas and Montgomery Plaza highlighted for reference.

Image of campus map shows general reservable areas highlighted. The Urban Plaza is also reservable by PSU groups and departments through CESU. Click to reach the Portland State Interactive Campus Map. 

Amplified Noise Requirements

Amplified sound? You’ll need a Noise Variance Permit from the City of Portland, and your event must be scheduled through CESU.

  • CESU cannot guarantee the absence of noise disruptions from nearby outdoor activities— including fairs, rallies, construction, and outdoor concerts.
  • Outdoor amplified sound may not exceed a maximum of 75 decibels (dbs) as measured from 50 feet in any direction.
  • CESU reserves the right to require events to lower the volume of outdoor amplified sound. 

! - No amplified sound is ever allowed at tabling locations - !
 

 

How to Reserve an Outdoors Space

For PSU Departments & Student Groups
  • Log in to the 25Live events reservation system using your Odin credentials. Submit your event request form within the required processing window for outdoor events. 
For External Clients (Non-PSU)
For South Park Blocks (Non-PSU Groups)
  • Contact Portland Parks & Recreation directly: 503-865-2376
Required Processing Times for Outdoor Events:
  • Ad hoc Internal PSU Tabling Events - 5 business days required (Internal Clients only) Internal departments and student groups may request an ad hoc table location within 5 business days of their desired event date. This applies to the SMSU Atrium locations only.
  • Simple Tabling Events - 10 business days required (All Clients) - All clients may request a tabling location within 10 business days for all tabling locations (including SMSU Atrium, Park Blocks, Montgomery Plaza, and Urban Plaza).
  • Standard Outdoor Events - 15 business days required (All Clients) - Any event that does not require local or regional permits (excluding Noise Variance Permits and Temporary Restaurant Licenses) may be accommodated within a 15-business-day window.
  • Complex Outdoor Events - 25 business days required (All Clients) - All other events must be submitted within a 25-business-day window.
     
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What You Can Do Without a Reservation

Free speech and small, informal gatherings are generally allowed without a reservation, ensuring they don't meet the previous stated requirements.

PSU is a public institution that supports free expression, even when messages may be controversial. For more info, visit the Free Speech at PSU page.

If you need community support during campus events, you can reach out to: