Kennedy School occupies a 1911 elementary school building in Portland's Concordia neighborhood, once praised by Ladies' Home Journal for its innovative one-story architecture. McMenamins converted the historic building into a hotel and event venue, with guestrooms fashioned from former classrooms, complete with original chalkboards, and gathering spots like the Honors Bar and Detention Bar that nod to the building's school-day roots.
The property offers several indoor and outdoor event spaces accommodating up to 200 guests, including a full gymnasium with a hardwood dance floor and an adjoining outdoor courtyard, a theater, and a handful of smaller classroom-style rooms suited to more intimate gatherings. Full onsite catering is available with accommodations for dietary restrictions, along with McMenamins' own handcrafted ales, wines, and spirits.
Once the food and beverage minimum for a space is met, no additional room rental fee applies, and a sales coordinator assists with planning details in the lead-up to the event.
McMenamins Kennedy School hasn't listed their pricing yet. Connect with them directly to get a customized pricing proposal for your event.
Amenities
A/V Equipment
Coat Check
Handicap Accessible
Kosher Kitchen
Media Room
Pet Friendly
Pool
Street Parking
Valet Parking
WiFi
Windows
Dance Floor
Breakout Rooms
FAQs 16
How do I reserve an event space?
Preliminary contact and event information is taken at booking to create a reservation. A signed contract and first deposit are required within two weeks of booking, with a secondary deposit schedule outlined in the catering contract. Wedding deposits are non-refundable upon receipt.
What is a food and beverage minimum?
Private event spaces are rented per food and beverage minimums. If the minimum is met in hosted, catered food and beverage, no room fee applies; if not, the difference is owed as a rental fee. Only hosted food and beverage counts toward the minimum -- cash bar sales, service charge, rental items, corkage fees, and sales tax do not.
What is included in the rental of the event space?
Rental includes full catering staff, bartenders, event setup and breakdown, basic linens, plates, glassware, flatware, and indoor tables and chairs. Additional rented items incur extra charges.
What is your deposit policy?
Corporate and social events require a 50% deposit of the food and beverage minimum within two weeks of booking, non-refundable 45 days prior (60 days for holiday parties). Weddings require 25% within seven days of booking, with the remaining balance and a 21% service charge due 90 days prior. Personal checks are not accepted.
Can I bring in my own caterer or outside food?
No -- catering is provided for all event spaces. A traditional tiered wedding cake from a licensed, health-inspected bakery is welcome, though further dessert exceptions may vary by property.
