Al Kader Shriners
Shrine International celebrated 150 years of philanthropy and fun in 2024. The first Shriners Hospital for Disabled Children was planned in 1921 for Al Kader Shrine in Portland, OR. Due to construction delays, the Portland hospital was the second hospital to open in 1924 after the hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana opened on May 12, 1922. The Portland hospital is supported by eight Shrine Centers of the Pacific Northwest in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. Al Kader Shrine Center was located in downtown Portland, and was donated to the city for museum space, which is now the Arts Building. The Al Kader Shrine Center moved out to its current site in Wilsonville in 1994, and serves as the home base for Shriners from Pendleton to the coast and South to Bend, OR.
While having fun with family and friends is high on the list of priorities for Shriners, job one is always raising money for the hospital and taking care of all Shrine children. The PDXotica event is a fundraiser not for the hospital, but for the Shrine center itself so we can help the men who help the kids.
The Shrine Event Center
Tucked away in a business park and between the Mercedes Dealership, the Gran Tourismo exotic car dealership, and the new Lamborghini Dealership, the Al Kader Shrine Center stands alone as a modern glass and steel structure as opposed to many older Shrine Centers around the country built with classical architectural elements. A 10 minute walk South across SW Elligsen Rd will place you in a large shopping center with a Target, Costco, many restaurants, a Starbucks, and a well stocked liquor store. If you might want something for your room, or have forgotten something for your room party, they have a super selection.
The Shrine Event Center will have multiple bars set up for PDXotica and can not allow outside alcohol onto the premises as part of their liquor license. Light snacks will be available for purchase at the bars. Restrooms are on each floor and in the garage where music and vending will occur. The entire complex is ADA accessible.
A Note on Fezes
The wearing of an official Shrine Fez is forbidden for non-Shriners. However, we encourage you to bring your grandfather’s fez, or that ancient one you found at a swap meet and we will do our best to inform you of the provenance of your fez. Bonus points if you can get one from Al Oha Shrine in Honolulu or Al Aska Shrine in Anchorage.
Partner Hotel
Holiday Inn I-5 S (Wilsonville)
25425 SW 95th Ave
Wilsonville, OR 97070
