Here’s a guide to where to watch the Tour de France in Portland, combining local venues, streaming options, and community events—all in an informative, expository style.
🚴 Why Watch It in Portland?
So, you’re in Portland and want to catch all the epic climbs, sprints, and strategic showdowns of the Tour de France. It’s not just about seeing the race—the experience is amplified in a group setting: community energy, cycling fan camaraderie, good coffee, and craft beer.
📺 Streaming & Broadcast Options
1. Peacock & NBC Sports (U.S. Coverage)
All 21 stages in 2025 are available via Peacock Premium, starting early in the morning (around 6:30 a.m. ET), and select stages also air on NBC (bikeportland.org, velo.outsideonline.com).
- Why it matters: You get live coverage, replays, stage highlights, and expert commentary at your convenience.
2. Cable & Satellite Coverage
If you have cable, NBCSN sometimes airs stages live or delayed. Be sure to check the NBC Sports schedule.
🍻 Best Local Spots in Portland
3. Velo Cult
- Type: Bike shop + pub
- Details: Known for movie-sized screens broadcasting each stage at ~5 p.m., plus beer, live music, and cycling culture (bicycling.com).
- Why go: Professionalivelike atmosphere with fellow cycling fans.
4. BAR Botellón
- Location: 606 NE Davis
- Details: Wine bar with tapas, screens on for race stages (bikeportland.org).
- Ideal for: A cozy, low-key gathering.
5. Jackrabbit PDX
- Location: 830 SW 6th Ave
- Details: Full-service bar and restaurant, TV tuned in daily (bikeportland.org).
- Why go: Good food and spacious environment.
6. Apex Beer Bar
- Location: SE Division & 12th
- Details: Craft beer paradise, opens early for key mountain stages (bikeportland.org).
- Great for: Cyclists who love beer and lively chat.
7. The Fields Bar & Grill
- Location: Pearl District
- Details: Sports bar atmosphere with TVs and hearty fare (en.wikipedia.org).
- Why go: Classic sports environment with cycling flair.
8. Century Bar
- Location: Multiple sports channels, high-energy vibe .
- Ideal for: A buzzing crowd and rooftop views.
9. Horse Brass Pub
- Location: SE Belmont
- Details: Cozy, historic pub with lots of taps (en.wikipedia.org).
- Good for: Understated comfort and community TV viewing.
10. Bailey’s Taproom & Victoria Bar
- Why visit: If you’re looking for world-class beer pairings with the Tour, these craft beer gems are great options (en.wikipedia.org).
📅 Portland Watch Parties & Events
BikePortland regularly lists viewing parties during Tour season. For example:
- Migration Brewing used to host stage-night events with local cycling fans, rides, and prizes (bikeportland.org).
- St. Honore Bakery (NW Thurman) often screens stages with a French twist, thanks to live streams (bikeportland.org).
Local bike shops may also host morning coffee-and-watching sessions for early-morning stages.
⏰ When to Head Out
The bulk of live coverage in Portland typically starts around 5:00 p.m., syncing up with Europe’s afternoon stages (bicycling.com, bikeportland.org).
Mountain stages and key timeline days may prompt early openings, especially at places like Apex Bar (bikeportland.org).
📝 Quick Comparison Table
Venue | Atmosphere | Best For |
---|---|---|
Velo Cult | Bike-culture pub | Real fans, big screens |
BAR Botellón | Cozy wine & tapas bar | Relaxed viewing |
Jackrabbit PDX | Spacious bar + food | Group gatherings |
Apex Beer Bar | Craft beer-heavy | Stage perfection/Newbies |
The Fields Bar | Classic sports bar | Pub crowd, hearty meals |
Century Bar | Rooftop, energetic feel | High-energy sports viewing |
Horse Brass Pub | Historic British pub | Quiet comfort, local charm |
Bailey’s Taproom | Expert beer tasting | Connoisseurs |
Victoria Bar | Cocktail lounge | Trendy crowd |
✅ Extra Viewing Choices
- Home viewing via Peacock/NBC ensures you never miss an early stage.
- Bike shop lounges occasionally offer morning coffees and live streams.
- BikePortland articles and r/CyclePDX discussions provide updates on pop-up events (velo.outsideonline.com, bikeportland.org, bicycling.com, en.wikipedia.org, pdx.eater.com, bikeportland.org, en.wikipedia.org, nbc.com, en.wikipedia.org, reddit.com).
🎯 Final Thoughts
Portland offers something for every Tour fan—from intense cycling pub vibes to casual coffee shop watchers. Whether you’re chasing craft brews, gourmet eats, or energetic crowds, local venues, bike shops, and your living room all offer ways to experience the drama, strategy, and spectacle of the Tour.
Key takeaways:
- Use Peacock or NBC for guaranteed stage coverage.
- Head to Velo Cult, Apex, or Century Bar for a vibrant environment.
- Prefer something more laid-back? Try BAR Botellón or Horse Brass.
- Stay plugged into BikePortland for fresh listings and special events.
📚 References
- BikePortland. “Where to watch the Tour de France in Portland – UPDATED” (2010) (reddit.com, bikeportland.org, bikeportland.org)
- BikePortland. “Watch the Tour de France at these three local hangouts” (2017) (bikeportland.org)
- Bicycling Magazine. “Tour de France Viewing Parties” (bicycling.com)
- Velo. “How to watch the Tour de France in 2025” (velo.outsideonline.com)
💬 Planning to watch the Tour in PDX? Drop your favorite venue or tips below—Allez, allez!