About Redd East Event Space
Redd East is the events building of Ecotrust’s two-block Redd on Salmon Street campus in Portland’s Central Eastside. Located at 831 SE Salmon Street, it occupies a reclaimed 1918 ironworks (originally Hesse‐Martin/Hesse‐Ersted Iron Works) that has been beautifully renovated into a flexible event center . The venue spans roughly 16,000 square feet indoors (33,000+ including outdoor patios) and is part of a larger ecological food hub meant to “accelerate a new regional food economy” . Signature features include soaring 20-foot ceilings with massive Douglas fir and western red cedar beams (some donated by the Coquille Tribe), reclaimed brick and FSC-certified hemlock paneling lining the walls, and energy-efficient upgrades like a 101.5 kW rooftop solar array that supplies about one-third of the building’s electricity . In short, Redd East blends industrial-chic character with sustainable design – a rare wedding and event venue that doubles as a community hub for Portland’s local-food movement .
Events and Programming
Redd East hosts a wide variety of gatherings, usually centered on food, community and creativity. You’ll find everything from corporate conferences and nonprofit fundraisers to wedding receptions, cultural festivals, cooking demonstrations and farmers markets. The spacious main hall can accommodate ballroom-style banquets or even concerts – for example, the Beatles tribute band Full Circle played there in March 2019 – and the adjoining demo kitchen is used for cooking classes and tastings. Notable past events include Ecotrust’s own “Redd Reveal” opening celebration (which drew over 1,400 people) and community-centered events like the Portland Fruit Tree Project’s charity board game gathering and a Pan African Festival in late 2024 . Many events are ticketed and range widely in price: small workshops or community talks may be free or under $20, while gala dinners and packaged-cost events can run $50–$100+ per person. Corporate rentals and weddings typically command venue rentals starting in the low thousands of dollars, depending on date and services (wedding sites list Redd East packages on the order of $3,000–$6,000) . In general, events at Redd East emphasize local food and sustainability, so you might see farm-to-table dinners, craft beer tastings, artisanal pop-up markets, and even cooking competitions alongside more traditional live music or dance performances.
Tickets and Booking
Redd East itself does not sell tickets. Instead, each event is managed by its organizer or promoter, who sets ticket prices and sales channels. To attend a public event, check the specific event listing (often on Ecotrust Events’ website or community calendars), where tickets are sold through the organizer’s chosen platform. There is no permanent box office at Redd East – in most cases you must buy tickets online in advance. Door sales may be available for smaller events if they haven’t sold out, but popular shows (especially weddings or major conferences) often sell out before the day of the event. For especially high-demand events (like charity galas or seasonal markets), it’s best to subscribe to newsletters or follow Ecotrust Events on social media so you know when tickets go on sale. If you’re looking to book Redd East for a private event (wedding, party, corporate gathering, etc.), you would contact the Ecotrust Events rental team directly for pricing and availability. In short, think of Redd East as a venue space – tickets and guest lists depend on each event promoter, not on an onsite ticket booth.
Seating and Layout
The interior of Redd East is essentially a large open hall plus a couple of auxiliary rooms. The main hall is about 8,000 square feet and can be configured in many ways. For seated events it fits roughly 500 people in theater-style rows, and up to 340 at dining-style tables . In a reception or standing-room setup, it holds up to ~670 guests . The hall has polished concrete floors, a small raised stage area at one end, and high windows and wood paneling along the walls for a warm, industrial vibe. Adjacent to the hall is the Big Dawn Board Room & Suite (~500–600 sq.ft.), which seats about 40 people (ideal for VIP seating, meetings, or as a bridal suite) . There is also a large Community Kitchen (about 2,200 sq.ft.) used for demos and catering prep . Outside, the Redd Plaza is a landscaped courtyard (around 3,800 sq.ft. of usable space) that can be used for ceremonies and receptions (about 300 seated or 670 standing), and adjoining paved areas/parking bring the total outdoor event space to over 22,000 sq.ft. . Because seating is portable, there are no fixed seats – attendees often choose front-center for the best views (especially at concerts or keynote talks). For general admission concerts, front row near the stage offers the clearest sightlines and sound, but it’s also louder, so consider ear protection. The board room has large windows overlooking the hall and can provide a quiet VIP lounge or ADA-accessible seating. In short, Redd East is a flexible loft-style room: there are no “bad” permanent seats to avoid, but the side rows by the bar (if present) or immediate stage edge can sometimes be crowded or noisy.
Getting There and Parking
**Location:** Redd East sits at 831 SE Salmon St in Southeast Portland, between SE 8th and 9th Avenues and SE Salmon and Taylor Streets . By car, a common route is via Interstate 5: take exit 300B for OR-99E/US-26 east toward Oregon City, then follow signs to SE Salmon Street and turn left onto Salmon. The building is clearly marked with “The Redd” name. If using GPS or rideshare, enter “831 SE Salmon St, Portland”.
**Parking:** On-site parking at Redd East is very limited (it’s primarily an event drop-off and ADA parking area). However, the venue does provide some ADA-accessible parking for guests with mobility needs . Visitors without special placards usually find more options via street and nearby lots. Metered street parking is available on SE Salmon, Taylor and surrounding streets (check for weekday time limits and pay stations). After 6 PM or on Sundays most meters are free. For long events, there’s a public parking garage at Grand Central Bowl (about 1 block east at 840 SE Taylor Ave) and a few small lots nearby; these run roughly $5–10. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or taxi drop-off is convenient right on SE Salmon – simply have your driver pull up to the Redd’s main entrance. If you bicycle, there are bike lanes on nearby SE 7th and SE Salmon and bike parking racks on the property .
**Public Transit:** Redd East is very accessible by transit. The Portland Streetcar‘s Blue and Green (Eastside Loop) lines run a quarter-mile west on SE Grand (at Grand/Morrison and MLK/Taylor) . Four TriMet bus routes stop within a few blocks: routes 4, 6, 15 and 70 all have stops at nearby intersections (for example, Route 4 on SE Grand, Route 6 on SE MLK/Taylor, Route 15 on SE Belmont/9th, and Route 70 on SE 11th/Belmont) . These give convenient links to downtown and suburbs. The Hop Fastpass transit card is accepted on all TriMet services if you need it. The nearest MAX Light Rail station is about 1 mile away at the Rose Quarter or Lloyd Center, from which you could transfer to a bus or streetcar.
Inside the Venue
When you enter Redd East, you’ll find a cool industrial-loft atmosphere with polished concrete floors, exposed beams and modern light fixtures. The space is usually organized by event: look for on-site staff or signage directing you to the main hall or board room. Expect security checks (bag checks or metal detectors) at the entrance for larger public events. Inside, there is generally a staffed welcome desk or event table at the lobby. Restrooms are available on the main level (including an ADA-accessible restroom), and there is typically a coat check or cloakroom area in colder months if the event calls for it (sometimes a coat check fee applies). Lighting and sound are professional-grade – the hall is often pre-wired with PA and stage lighting hookups, and many events bring in their own AV crew. The main hall is naturally lit by large windows (awesome for daytime events) but fully drapable for evening use. A note on connectivity: Public Wi-Fi is not guaranteed (the venue prioritizes booked events’ own networks), but cell service in this area (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile etc.) is normally strong.
**Food and Drink:** There is no permanent café or concession stand at Redd East. Instead, events almost always feature on-site catering or food vendors. For example, weddings often have hors d’oeuvres and buffets prepared in the venue’s full-feature kitchen, and conferences may have local coffee bars or lunch buffets brought in. At public festivals or concerts, you’ll typically find food trucks or pop-up booths in the lobby or outdoor plaza, and a cash bar serving beer, wine or non-alcoholic beverages (portions and pricing vary by event). If you have dietary needs, check the event’s amenities in advance.
**Special Features:** The venue has a fully equipped demonstration kitchen with industrial appliances and prep space – sometimes open for guests to watch cooking demos or take part in interactive classes. The adjacent Big Dawn Board Room is often used as a VIP lounge or breakout room; it has large windows looking into the kitchen and can double as a green room for performers. You’ll also notice eco-friendly touches inside: recycled vinyl upcycled furniture pieces or art that reflect the building’s honoring of its industrial past. Merchandise tables are typically only present when bands or market vendors are selling goods; otherwise there is no gift shop. The Redd East foyer also sometimes houses an on-duty event coordinator or volunteer to answer questions. Overall, expect a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere rather than a formal theater or club.
Nearby Amenities
Visitors often pair a trip to Redd East with the nearby dining and nightlife of the Central Eastside and downtown areas. Within a few blocks you’ll find casual eateries and bars: for example, Ken’s Artisan Pizza is at SE 9th & Taylor (~3 blocks away), and several food carts line SE 11th & Alder (~5 blocks) offering international street food. On the Beer-and-wine side, popular spots like The Hop & Vine (11th & Hawthorne) and Urban Farmer Bistro (just across the river) are within a short drive. If you’d rather be downtown, the Burnside Bridge leads to dozens of restaurants (Portland’s Alder Street food hall is about 0.7 miles away).
**Hotels:** For out-of-town guests, there are plenty of hotels within a 5–10 minute drive of Redd East. Nearby options include the Residence Inn by Marriott (downtown, at 5th & Clay, about 1 mile NW) and the Hyatt House/Hyatt Place complex at 605 SW 10th. On the east side, the Hampton Inn at SE 3rd & Oak and the Homewood Suites in Lloyd District are roughly 2–3 city blocks away. Many guests also choose to stay in Portland’s downtown core (hotels along SW 1st–6th avenues), which is quick to reach via car, ride-share or a short streetcar ride.
**When to Arrive:** For most events, the venue doors open 30–60 minutes before showtime or as indicated on your ticket. In general, arriving 15–20 minutes early is wise so you can find parking (or check in at any pre-event registration), pick up a drink, and get oriented. Redd East has a laid-back vibe, so the line at the entrance usually forms just outside on the plaza or sidewalk (coat/cool-weather checks might occur near the front sidewalk). The all-ages atmosphere means crowds can be quite varied; evenings often fill up earlier. After-events: Portland’s Night Owl buses and Uber/Lyft taxis are readily available after 10 PM, and the streetcar runs into the late evening. Rideshare pickup is safe at the front entrance under the awning, or all-night parking garages are a short block away should you leave a car overnight.
What Makes This Venue Special
Redd East stands out because it combines historic preservation and social mission in a modern event space. Few venues layer industrial charm (exposed steel, weathered brick, vintage machinery on display) with forward-thinking sustainability – for instance, the building’s rooftop PV array provides a third of its power . It’s essentially a town hall for Portland’s local-food and equity movement: weddings and concerts share the space with demonstrations on urban farming, food equity conferences, and nonprofit gatherings. Artists and audiences alike praise its warm wood-paneled interior and daylight – a soft contrast to its warehouse roots. Furthermore, Ecotrust runs a community grant program that lets grassroots groups use the venue free or at reduced cost, emphasizing diversity and accessibility. This focus on community means you’ll often hear testimonials from local nonprofit leaders or farmers saying how meaningful it is to have such an elegant gathering space tied to Portland’s food culture. In short, Redd East isn’t just “another warehouse venue” – it’s literally a 100-year-old ironworks reborn to celebrate sustainability, local food, and community. That unique backstory and design make it as photogenic as it is functional, and a favorite for organizations that want guests to feel something special beyond a generic event hall.
Visitor Tips and Information
**Accessibility:** Redd East is fully wheelchair-accessible . There are no stairs to navigate on the main level – entrances and restrooms accommodate mobility devices, and the boardroom and kitchen areas have flat entryways. Elevators are not needed, as all public areas are on one floor. Service animals (dogs, etc.) are welcome. If you rely on TriMet paratransit or require temporary disable-permit parking, note the guests with permits can use the on-site parking area.
**What to bring or leave at home:** Events at Redd East generally have bag inspections, so don’t bring oversized backpacks or prohibited items (weapons, illegal substances, fireworks, etc.). Cameras are allowed for personal use (no professional video without permission); most people shoot photos on smartphones. Outside food or alcohol is typically *not* permitted – trust me, local events will have plenty of tasty food and drinks for sale. Dress is casual to business-casual depending on the event – you’ll be comfortable in jeans or a nice jacket. For concerts or loud events, consider bringing earplugs. Given Portland’s weather, if part of an event spills into the outdoor plaza remember it’s uncovered: a light jacket or umbrella in fall/winter is wise. Also pack any personal meds and a phone charger, since all seating is general admission (no assigned seats) and you might end up standing or sitting on a floor cushion.
**Arrival tips:** Plan to arrive a bit early. Larger events may have a line to get through the entrance (especially on Fridays/Saturdays). If you have reserved seats, early arrival saves time to get settled; if it’s general admission, arriving early lets you grab a better spot. The parking situation can fill up on weekend nights near the house music or dance events, so allow extra time to find street parking or a lot. The staff and signage are very friendly and can answer questions – don’t hesitate to ask a volunteer greeting you. Finally, double-check your ticket or event info for any special rules (e.g. “no re-entry” or photo policies). Following the venue’s basic rules will keep your visit smooth and let you focus on enjoying the event and the unique creative vibe of Redd East.
How do I buy tickets for Redd East events?
Tickets are sold by the event’s organizer, not at a box office. To buy tickets, find the event listing on the venue’s or organizer’s website and purchase there. Redd East itself has no permanent ticket office. If an event isn’t sold out, a limited number of tickets may be sold at the door on the day of the event, but large shows often sell out in advance. Always check the specific event’s information for ticket release dates and authorized sellers.
What are typical ticket prices for Redd East events?
Ticket prices vary widely depending on the event. Small community talks or workshops are often free or under $20. A multi-course dinner or cooking class might run $50–$150. Live music concerts are usually in the $15–$50 range. Charity galas and private weddings have venue rental fees (often several thousand dollars) but guests typically pay per-person for food & drinks. Always check the event’s announcement for pricing – there’s no set rate at the venue itself.
Does Redd East have an on-site box office or sell tickets at the door?
No. Redd East does not operate a ticket booth. Tickets must be purchased through the event organizer’s channels (often online). Some events may offer last-minute tickets at the door if seats remain, but you should not count on walk-up sales for popular events. If door tickets are available, it’s usually announced by the organizer. For guaranteed entry, buy in advance.
What is the exact address and how do I drive there?
Redd East’s street address is 831 SE Salmon Street, Portland, OR 97214 . It sits between SE 8th and 9th Avenues. From I-5 southbound, take exit 300B for US-26/OR-99E/OMSI (Oregon City) and follow signs to SE Salmon St. Turn left onto Salmon and you’ll see The Redd complex between 8th & 9th. GPS or a rideshare app will guide you to the same address. Counties may label it as “The Redd on Salmon Street.”
Is there parking available at Redd East, and what does it cost?
On-site parking at Redd East is very limited: primarily a few ADA-accessible spots and loading areas. For most visitors, street parking or nearby lots are the solution. Metered parking along SE Salmon and side streets is common ($1-$2/hour during the day, free after 6 PM and on Sundays), but check posted signs for restrictions. A public garage at Grand Central Bowl (SE 9th & Taylor) is about 1 block away, and some event guests park there for roughly $5–$10. If you have a state disability placard, you can use the venue’s ADA parking. Otherwise, plan to reserve extra time to find a spot or use a paid lot nearby.
What public transit serves Redd East?
Several TriMet options are close by. The Portland Streetcar (Blue/Green Loop lines) has a stop about 0.25 miles west at SE Grand/MLK Blvd . Four bus routes also stop within a few blocks: Routes 4, 6, 15 and 70 all have nearby stops (for example, #4 on SE Grand, #6 on SE MLK/Taylor, #15 on SE Belmont/9th, #70 on SE 11th/Belmont) . No direct light rail stop is adjacent, but buses link to the nearest MAX stations. In short, you can reach Redd East by tram or bus with only a short (2-3 block) walk.
What is the seating capacity of the main hall?
The main hall is about 8,000 sq.ft. and is very flexible. It can seat roughly 500 guests in theater-style rows, or about 340 at round banquet tables . In a standing-room reception configuration, it holds up to ~670 people . (Remember these numbers exclude the boardroom, kitchen and outdoor plaza.) If the outdoor plaza is also used, the total campus capacity rises up to ~2,000 people . Bear in mind that Redd East has no fixed seats—layouts are determined by each event.
Do events use general admission or reserved seating?
It depends on the event. Many nights (concerts, dance shows, some festivals) are general admission – you stand or choose any open chair. Other events (weddings, conferences, theater productions) will have push-in seating or arranged tables. There are no permanent seats at Redd East; any “reserved” seats in a performance would be set up by the event staff (with name tags or tickets). Always check your ticket or event info: if it’s general admission, seating/standing is first-come. If they mention “reserved seating,” there will be assigned rows or tables. GoldCircle or VIP tickets, if offered, often correspond to front-center positions at Redd East.
Are there VIP or ADA viewing areas?
There is no built-in VIP section or balcony. However, event organizers sometimes set aside front-center rows or a side corner as VIP seating. The main ADA-accessible area is the Big Dawn Board Room: this adjoining 40-seat room connects to the hall, and it has space at its windows where wheelchair users or guests with mobility concerns can sit and watch the events in the main hall on TV monitors (or enter the hall itself easily). Otherwise, the hall’s open floor has multiple entry points, so ADA patrons can typically enter at the front or side and occupy any wheelchair space. If you need special accommodations, contact the event in advance – the venue itself strives to be fully accessible , but organizers can arrange specific accessible seating on request.
What items are prohibited at Redd East?
The venue follows standard event rules. Prohibited items usually include weapons of any kind, fireworks or open flames, large banners attached to poles, illegal drugs, and outside alcohol. (Staff will inspect bags at the door.) Outside food is typically not allowed unless the event explicitly permits it, as most events provide catering. Cameras are allowed for personal use (smartphones or small point-and-shoots); professional video cameras may require prior approval. Pets are not allowed, except service animals. Smoking is prohibited inside (smokers may step outside to the sidewalk). If you’re unsure, check the specific event’s policy – many organizers list prohibited items on their tickets or website.
Are outside food and alcohol allowed?
Generally no. Redd East events almost always have food and drink served by vendors or caterers (weddings often include a meal, concerts may have snack bars or food trucks, etc.). Outside food and drink (including alcohol) are not permitted. If you have special dietary needs, it’s best to bring snacks that fit those needs and ask the event staff if you can carry them in discreetly. Alcohol service is handled by the event (they will have bartenders and will ID-check for alcohol). Remember that most events follow Oregon liquor laws, so no open containers brought in, and remember to drink responsibly.
Is Redd East wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Redd East is fully ADA-compliant . All public spaces are on one level with no stairs, entrances have ramps or are flush with street level, and there are accessible restrooms. Staff at the entrance will help visitors with any mobility needs. The venue provides wide aisles and space for wheelchairs in the hall; if you have special requirements, it’s best to notify the event organizer in advance so they can reserve an appropriate spot.
Are restrooms and coat checks available?
Yes. Restrooms are located on the main floor near the event spaces (including at least one ADA-accessible stall). For large events in cooler weather, a coat check service is usually provided by the organizer (often for a small fee to cover handling), so you can drop off jackets or umbrellas. If it’s a smaller event, guests often hang coats on racks in the lobby. In any case, there’s always a place to leave outerwear – just ask a volunteer or staff member when you enter.
Are there dining options inside or nearby?
The venue itself doesn’t have a permanent restaurant, but many events have catered food or vendors. Immediately offsite, a few local eateries are within a 5-minute drive or 10-minute walk. (For example, Ken’s Artisan Pizza and a handful of food carts on SE 11th offer quick meals.) A short walk across the Hawthorne Bridge or through downtown leads to dozens of dining options. The area around SE 9th & Belmont/Morrison has pubs and cafés, and many downtown Portland restaurants are only a 0.7-mile stroll away. If you’re arriving early for an event, you’ll find good pre-show lunch or dinner spots on Burnside or near 6th Avenue.
Is Wi-Fi or cell service available?
Redd East does not offer a public Wi-Fi network for general use. However, one can usually get strong cell coverage indoors (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all work well here). Attendees often disconnect to enjoy the event. If you need internet for business or press, ask the event organizer – they can often provide a temporary network or hotspot access. Otherwise, plan on relying on your data plan.
Are there hotels near Redd East?
Yes. The Central Eastside is close to downtown, so many major hotels are within a short distance. On the east side, the Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites (SE 3rd Ave) and the adjoining Hyatt hotels (SW 10th) are just a few blocks away. Downtown hotels like the Residence Inn (SW Clayton St at 5th Ave) and AC Hotel by Marriott (SW 3rd & Clay) are also nearby (approximately 0.5–1 mile walk). If you prefer staying truly in “Old Town/Downtown,” the area is just across the river via bridges. In summary, you have choices ranging from budget inns to high-end downtown hotels, all within easy reach by a short drive or transit ride from Redd East.
What makes Redd East unique or historically significant?
Redd East is unique because it brings together Portland’s industrial heritage and its modern food/sustainability mission. Historically, this building started life as the Hesse‐Ersted Iron Works foundry (circa 1917) making railroad and shipping hardware . Its massive steel-and-wood framework still creates an authentic “old factory” feel, but the space has been transformed into a luminous event hall. It's also noteworthy for its green design: for example, it features 1/3 of its energy from rooftop solar panels, low-VOC finishes, and locally-sourced cedar beams . Perhaps most distinctively, it’s run by a nonprofit with a food-justice mission – so every wedding or conference here winds up supporting local food entrepreneurs. That combination of history, eco-friendly design, and a community-driven purpose makes Redd East far more than just a nicely restored venue .
What was the building used for before it became an event space?
For most of the 20th century, the Redd East building was an active metalworks/foundry. It began as Hesse-Martin Iron Works around 1917, then became Hesse-Ersted Iron Works (specializing in ship anchor equipment) through the 1940s . Later it was a factory/warehouse (Custom Stamping) for many decades before Ecotrust acquired and renovated it in the 2010s. Some of the original heavy machinery is even displayed on-site today as homage to its industrial roots.
Is Redd East family-friendly?
Most public events at Redd East are family-friendly. The space itself is comfortable for children (safe open areas, stroller access). However, individual events set their own age rules: some evenings may be 21+ if alcohol is served or if it’s a late-night club event. To be safe, check if the event listing mentions an age restriction. Daytime events like food festivals, markets, or community classes tend to welcome all ages. In general, expect a mixed crowd – you’ll see young families, middle-aged locals, and older grandparents at the same event.
