Come aboard the longest-running bar tour of its kind in the country! It starts with a hearty tropical-themed brunch, then our yellow "school of rum" buses split up and head into the wilds of Portland for an exciting tour of commercial, basement and backyard bars.
Last year the tour included a special Sunday brunch at Trader Vic's, a stop at Hale Pele, and visits to four amazing home bars. Where are we headed this year? Into the Barmuda Triangle of mystery. Our destinations are a secret--you have to take the tour to find out!
The finale is a party at the studio and nursery of Bamboo Craftsman Company in North Portland, where the groups of Tiki tourists converge for a catered dinner and entertainment.
- Buses depart the Red Lion lobby at 10:00 a.m. and return at 5:30 p.m. Times are approximate.
- Continuous shuttle service available between Bamboo Craftsman Company and the Red Lion, so you can stay as long as you like.
- Cost: included with First Class and Full Weekend passes only, not available for separate purchase.
Photo by David Bales
Photos by Kamala Kingsley
Frequently Asked Questions
Are food and drinks included?
Yes! We provide food and/or cocktails at every stop. Additional food and beverages are available for purchase at some of the bars. We also provide bottled water to keep you hydrated and happy.
What kind of people go on the bar tour?
All kinds, of all ages! Well, not all ages, you must be 21 or over. The tour is customized for fans of Tiki drinks and tropical lifestyles from all backgrounds. We're a friendly, genteel bunch, but we know how to have a good time. Our home bar hosts have generously invited us into their homes, so we expect guests to be civilized and respectful.
Can I buy just a bar tour ticket, without attending Tiki Kon?
No, sorry. The tour is only available with a First Class or Full Weekend Pass. We reserve the bar tour for our most enthusiastic guests who help make the whole weekend a colorful success. We have great entertainment lined up for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, and fun activities all day Saturday. Come join us!
My flight/train/bus departs before the tour ends. Is it possible to leave the tour early?
Yes, you may jump off the tour at any time, but we cannot provide transportation back to the hotel until the tour ends. If you'd like to join us on the tour, we recommend extending your stay at the Red Lion through Sunday night, so you can relax, enjoy yourself and leave the driving to us.
I can't afford the bar tour, or tickets are sold out. Can I still get into the bars?
Maybe. We need volunteers to help out on the tour or at the home bars. This is a great way to see one or two of them for free and help make the magic happen for the other guests. Please contact us at info@tikikon.com if you'd like to volunteer.
Can you give me directions to the bars and let me follow in my car?
No, sorry. We work very hard on a tight budget to organize the tour and ensure there is enough food and drink for registered guests. And we ask a lot from our bar hosts, with so many people visiting their homes at one time. We can't possibly allow any more guests than we have planned for.
Are the buses air conditioned?
No, but we are very conscious of our heat-sensitive guests and do what we can to mitigate extreme heat. Summer temperatures have been known to reach triple digits in Portland. However, the cocktails are always iced, and we make sure to provide plenty of water to keep guests cool and hydrated. In the days before the tour, we will allow refunds if you choose to give up your seat due to an extreme heat advisory. We want to make sure everyone enjoys their day with us.
Photo by Greg Clapp