Events
Member Drop-In Hours (New Extended Hours & New Location!)
NEW LOCATION (123 NE 3rd ave)
NEW EXTENDED HOURS! (open until 8:30pm instead of 7pm)
Drop-in hours for members of any tier to drop by the library every Thursday 4-8:30pm, no RSVP needed!
If you’ve never been to the library before and want to check it out, feel free to stop by at this time. Check in with our facilitators when you arrive and we’ll introduce you to the space.
Thursday, June 18th, 2026
(Recurs same time every Thursday)
4 pm - 8:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~ Our new location ~
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
Modular System Design
Join us for a panel discussion on everything you need to know before starting or expanding your own modular system. Beginners are encouraged!
Our panel of local artists will share what they’ve learned after years of composing and performing with modular systems. We will explain the basics of the Eurorack format and discuss how to choose modules and cases that fit your budget and design goals.
We will leave ample time for Q&A. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to ask your modular questions in a judgement-free environment.
Listen to music made by the panelists:
Limanjaya
Audrey E
Quemal
OkayMolg
Presented by Jakob Kintzele
image credit: Tomi (@tomifromspace)and Brenton Salo (@brentonsalo)
Saturday, June 20th, 2026
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
Portland, OR 97232
~ Our new location ~
$10-20 sliding scale
(tickets required to attend, no one turned away for lack of funds, email info@synthlibraryportland.org for no-cost tickets)
Rooftop House Warming
Join us for drinks & music on our spectacular rooftop event space to celebrate the opening of our new location in Central Eastside. We are so thrilled to have such a wonderful space to blossom into as we continue growing over the next 5 years. We’re thrilled that we’re now able to offer multiple concurrent events as well as access stretching late into the evenings - something we never had while at the mercy of mall hours. And the cherry on top is this gorgeous rooftop event space hovering above the Burnside Bridge. It’s a special place where we’ll be having shows with live sets, learning synthesis in the great outdoors, and parties for the community like this one where we share our favorite tunes.
Bring some tracks or just sit back and let SLP DJs spin while sipping (21+ drinks) as the sun goes down, with all proceeds going to help our library.
Open decks 6-7pm
Synth Library DJs 7-9pm
—-
Saturday, June 20th
6pm - 9pm (21+)
Open decks 6-7pm
Synth Library DJs 7-9pm
@ Rooftop of Eastside Exchange building
123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
Enter through Synth Library Portland on the ground floor of the 2nd Ave side of the building.
~ Our new location ~
$5 - $10 sliding scale
All ticket sales go straight to Synth Library Portland
(no one turned away for lack of funds
Intro to Synthesis
Learn the fundamentals of synthesis (focusing on hardware modular) in this beginner workshop, with no prior knowledge necessary. Hands-on instruction puts concepts into practice. Open to all. Great for total newcomers to electronic music or as a way to get folks with some experience introduced to modular gear.
Sunday, June 21st, 2026
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
Portland, OR 97232
~ Our new location ~
$10-20 sliding scale
(tickets required to attend, no one turned away for lack of funds, email info@synthlibraryportland.org for no-cost tickets)
Gay Synth Hang
It's pride and we're inviting you to join us for the first of a new monthly event series that provides a warm space for gay people to learn, jam, and connect with other artists in the area. Inclusivity is at the heart of our ethos so queers of all kinds are welcome here. We use the term gay here to mean LGBTQIA+ in the broadest sense, encompassing the entire queer umbrella. If you’re wondering whether this event is for you or not, the answer is a resounding "yes!"
We want to create a welcoming environment to help grow our community of electronic musicians. It's for all gay folks regardless of skill level or experience. Socialize, learn, create, connect, and jam out!
Wednesday, June 24th, 2026
(Recurs every 4 weeks exactly, same time and place)
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Synth Library Portland
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map) Portland, OR 97232
~Entrance to the Library is on 2nd Ave side~
Lot parking (2nd ave side) is free from 5-9pm on Wednesdays
PLEASE SEE SIGN INSIDE PARKING VALIDATION PROCEDURE
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
Member Drop-In Hours (New Extended Hours & New Location!)
NEW LOCATION (123 NE 3rd ave)
NEW EXTENDED HOURS! (open until 8:30pm instead of 7pm)
Drop-in hours for members of any tier to drop by the library every Thursday 4-8:30pm, no RSVP needed!
If you’ve never been to the library before and want to check it out, feel free to stop by at this time. Check in with our facilitators when you arrive and we’ll introduce you to the space.
Thursday, June 25th, 2026
(Recurs same time every Thursday)
4 pm - 8:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~ Our new location ~
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
Contact Mics and Piezos: Every Speaker is a Microphone
Ever wanted to hear the sound of ice melting? Or record the sound of metal expanding? Contact mics can make that possible!
In this workshop we'll be exploring the mighty piezo crystal, how to convert vibrations into sound and back into vibrations again, and how to turn a colander into a custom reverb device.
You'll learn how to make your own contact mic and how to build a simple amplifier for a piezo transducer. All parts for these will be provided, but feel free to bring something from home to use for the custom reverb device. Anything that will vibrate can work, but the best results tend to be with metal objects or thin plastic.
This workshop involves soldering, and beginners are welcome. No prior knowledge of soldering or audio electronics is required. Attendees will build their own devices at separate soldering stations and all building/soldering tools will be provided on site.
NOTE: This workshop is followed by the "Make a Mikrophonie" DIY Eurorack module build workshop, both of which are piezo/contact mic focused, and this was not by mere coincidence! We grouped these two workshops together because they have complementary yet distinct material covered and very different DIY projects to take home. We encourage folks sign up to both and make a whole afternoon of it! What a technically simple yet amazingly useful and philosophically intriguing way to create or capture sound!
Saturday, June 27th, 2026
12 pm - 2:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~ Our new location ~
$40
includes supplies to build two contact mics and an amplifier
Taught by: Jon Daries
Make A Mikrophonie DIY Eurorack Module
Learn to make your own contact mic and preamp in eurorack form! In this workshop you will assemble and take home a Music Thing Modular Mikrophonie V3 module.
DIY beginners are welcome! No prior experience necesssary and we are happy to teach you how to solder
This workshop is preceded by the "Contact Mics & Piezos: Every Speaker is a Microphone" DIY workshop, both of which are piezo/contact mic focused, and this was not by mere coincidence! We grouped these two workshops together because they have complementary yet distinct material covered and very different DIY projects to take home. We encourage folks sign up to both and make a whole afternoon of it! What a technically simple yet amazingly useful and philosophically intriguing way to create or capture sound!
Saturday, June 27th, 2026
3 pm - 5 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~ Our new location ~
$45
(Workshop fee includes all tools and supplies to build a module. We will have soldering irons/solder available for all attendees. A small portion of the fee also goes to support Synth Library Portland so we can continue to host events like this one)
MEMLNaut: Controlling Synths & Sequencers using Embodied Machine Learning
Geeky Punks and Emute Lab Instruments invite everyone to a hands-on workshop exploring the MEMLNaut, a new approach to controlling and sequencing synthesizers, effects, drum machines, sequencers etc, using on-the-fly Embodied Machine Learning through simple hardware controls. Participants will get a brief non-technical introduction to what Machine Learning is, what it means for musicians and other creative practices, and how it can be used for interactive shaping of sound design, composition, production, live performance and more. Then, for the rest of the session, attendees will experiment and gain hands-on experience with using the MEMLNaut to play with all kinds of software and external gear.
Participants are encouraged (but not required) to bring their own headphones and, if any, hardware devices (they should support being controlled via at least one of: CV inputs, MIDI DIN, or MIDI-over-USB). Additionally, participants can bring their own laptop with software like DAWs, plugins, Pure Data or Max/MSP etc, as well as hardware controllers like MIDI controllers or console-style gamepads. Several other hardware synths will also be available to play and experiment with, courtesy of the Synth Library Portland.
Even if you are not planning to personally use them, consider bringing the following gear in to facilitate other's exploration if you have the following:
---Laptop
----USB A/C to USB B (for connecting to hardware)
----USB-MIDI interface (for laptop -> hardware)
---MIDI-CV interface or module (for laptop -> Eurorack)
---Gamepads and MIDI CC controllers
Goal: Attendees understand at a basic, practical, and intuitive level, what Machine Learning is and how it can be used to control synths, drum machines, sequencers etc.
No prior experience is required, all levels welcomed!
Links:
https://geekypunks.com/
https://www.emutelab.org/
https://meml.lnfinitemonkeys.org/a-immersive.html
(older) https://musicallyembodiedml.github.io/memlnaut/
Sunday, June 28th, 2026
3:30 pm - 7 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~At our new location in Eastside Exchange building~
(Entrance is on 2nd Ave side of building)
Please use metered parking on street which is free on Sundays, or pay to park in parking lot at kiosk if using the official lot on 2nd Ave. Please email info@synthlibraryportland.org if you have questions.
$10-20 Sliding Scale
Tickets are Required to attend.
If tickets present a financial hardship preventing your attendance, please contact info@synthlibraryportland.org to ask about low cost tickets.
Synth DIY Meetup
Come join us at the Synth Library Portland for a bi-monthly Synth DIY Meetup.
A place for SDIY folks to discuss their current projects, build, debug, and grow community together.
While this isn't a place to drop off non-working gear for repair we can discuss ways to debug your projects and provide the necessary equipment for you to work on it yourself: Oscilloscopes, Function Generators, etc.
We hope to see you there!
Wednesday, July 1st, 2026
(Recurs every other Wednesday)
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
Portland, OR 97232
Lot parking is free from 5-9pm on Wednesdays, See staff inside for parking validation info
Free for Members (RSVP encouraged, not required)
$5-10 Sliding Scale for non-members
Help support us with a donation at check out!
No one turned away for lack of funds
Member Drop-In Hours
Drop-in hours for members of any tier to drop by the library every Thursday 4-8:30pm, no RSVP needed!
If you’ve never been to the library before and want to check it out, feel free to stop by at this time. Check in with our facilitators when you arrive and we’ll introduce you to the space.
Thursday, July 2nd, 2026
(Recurs same time every Thursday)
4 pm - 8:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~ Our new location ~
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
New Member Orientation
at our new location:
123 NE 3rd Ave
Portland OR 97232
(lot parking is free during Friday at this time)
In this brief in-person gathering you can learn about our organization, how to begin checking out gear from our lending program, and how to access all our member resources including weekly drop-in hours, studio hours, and more!
(signup form may refer only to the nearest upcoming date but these take place monthly and you will receive reminders each month until you actually attend or request to be taken off this list)
Friday, July 3rd, 2026
6 pm - 7 pm
Recurs Every 4 weeks
(Email us if your work schedule prevents attendance)
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~ Our new location ~
Modular On The Spot Portland - July @ Pier Park
Join us for an evening of live music outdoors at MOTS PDX presented monthly all summer by Synth Library Portland. Watch some of Portland's finest audio-wranglers play 6 back-to-back sets using all modular/hardware gear!
The show will start at 6 PM and continue until approximately 9 PM but you are welcome to come and go as you please. This is an informal all ages show so bring your friends and family.
Performers:
- 6 pm -
dsp mystic
Empty Gestures
Trust Anchor
Wired Habitat
Limanjaya
Clayton Davis
- 9 pm -
Sunday, July 5th, 2026
6 pm - 9 pm
@ Pier Park
10325 N Lombard St, Portland, OR
$5-$25 Suggested Donation
(donations to Synth Library Portland encouraged, just buy a ticket at the link below)
(New Date/Time!) Women and Non-Binary Electronic Music Meetup
All women and non-binary folks are welcome to join us for a monthly event series that encourages learning together, jam together, and connect with other artists in the area. We want to create a welcoming environment to help grow our community of electronic musicians for all femmes and enbies regardless of skill level or experience.
(New Date/Time/Schedule)
Wednesday, July 8th, 2026
(Recurs every 4 weeks exactly, same time and place)
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
(Now twice as long!)
Synth Library Portland (new location)
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map) Portland, OR 97232
~Entrance to the Library is on 2nd Ave side~
Lot parking (2nd ave side) is free from 5-9pm on Wednesdays
PLEASE SEE SIGN INSIDE PARKING VALIDATION PROCEDURE
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
Member Drop-In Hours
Drop-in hours for members of any tier to drop by the library every Thursday 4-8:30pm, no RSVP needed!
If you’ve never been to the library before and want to check it out, feel free to stop by at this time. Check in with our facilitators when you arrive and we’ll introduce you to the space.
Thursday, July 9th, 2026
(Recurs same time every Thursday)
4 pm - 8:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~ Our new location ~
We are likely to wrap up early and head to Process PDX for our 10th Anniversary Party!
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
SLP 10th Anniversary Party
Synth Library Portland invites you to celebrate our 10th anniversary with our biggest event of the year, a very special night of live electronic music!
Performances by:
Eric Schlappi
Golden Donna
Wet Mango
Baseck
Live visuals by:
Synth Library VJs
Thursday, July 9th, 2026
8pm to midnight, 21+
at Process PDX (5040 SE Milwaukie Ave, Portland, OR 97202)
$15-23
New Volunteer Orientation
Have you wanted to get more involved with the library but didn’t know where to start?
This in-person onboarding seminar will get you up to speed about the many types of work that helps run and grow our organization.
We’ll cover in detail how to facilitate our lending program, host or assist workshops, manage event logistics, and many more behind-the-scenes administrative tasks inherent to non-profits.
Click Here to Sign Up (signup form may refer only to the nearest upcoming date but these take place monthly and you will receive reminders each month until you actually attend or request to be taken off this list)
Friday, July 10th, 2026
5:30pm - 7:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~ Library Entrance and Parking Lot on 2nd Ave Side ~
PARKING NOTE:
Parking is free on Friday from 5-9pm but be sure to check with staff on arrival for validation procedure, or else you might get a ticket
NOTE: We ask those wishing to attend to first attend the library’s new member orientation if they have not already done so.
Portland Synth Improvisers Collective (PSiC) Meetup & Jam
A Wonderful group jam! Bring your own instruments and play electronic music with fellow community members.
See PSIC’s webpage or the event page listed below for more info.
Arrive at 3 pm to setup; the jam starts at 3:30 pm. Breakdown and cleanup by 5:30.
Sunday, July 12th, 2026
3 pm - 5:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
Portland, OR 97232
~ Our new location ~
Generally recurs the 2nd Sunday every other month but be sure to RSVP separately to each event.
Free
(RSVP required to attend)
Synth DIY Meetup
Come join us at the Synth Library Portland for a bi-monthly Synth DIY Meetup.
A place for SDIY folks to discuss their current projects, build, debug, and grow community together.
While this isn't a place to drop off non-working gear for repair we can discuss ways to debug your projects and provide the necessary equipment for you to work on it yourself: Oscilloscopes, Function Generators, etc.
We hope to see you there!
Wednesday, July 15th, 2026
(Recurs every other Wednesday)
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
Portland, OR 97232
Lot parking is free from 5-9pm on Wednesdays, See staff inside for parking validation info
Free for Members (RSVP encouraged, not required)
$5-10 Sliding Scale for non-members
Help support us with a donation at check out!
No one turned away for lack of funds
Member Drop-In Hours
Drop-in hours for members of any tier to drop by the library every Thursday 4-8:30pm, no RSVP needed!
If you’ve never been to the library before and want to check it out, feel free to stop by at this time. Check in with our facilitators when you arrive and we’ll introduce you to the space.
Thursday, July 16th, 2026
(Recurs same time every Thursday)
4 pm - 8:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~ Our new location ~
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
Build a Nosio Levitation Oscillator Drone Synth
SOLD OUT
In this workshop participants will build and take home a Noisio Levitation Oscillator. The Leviation Oscillator is a 10 oscillator drone synth. https://noisio.de/boards/levitation-oscillator
The Noisio Levitation Oscillator kit contains all parts needed to assemble this module. This kit is appopriate for beginners, there are no surface mount components and all parts are large and easy to solder.
DIY beginners are welcome! No prior experience is necessary. If you are brand new to DIY we can teach you the skills you need to complete the project (including how to solder) and facilitators will be there to assist with troubleshooting to help get your build working if you run into any problems.
Price includes:
——Kit with other necessary parts/components for the build
——a small ~$10 dollar donation to Synth Library Portland (the rest of the ticket price entirely goes to cover parts costs for each kit)
(Like other SLP DIY workshops where the price is mostly parts costs, we cannot offer no-cost or reduced-cost/NOTAFLOF tickets, nor can we offer membership discounts this time.)
~~~
Saturday, July 18th, 2026
1 pm - 4 pm
@ Our new location in the Eastside Exchange building
123 NE 3rd Ave, Suite 012
Portland, OR 97232
Tickets are required to attend.
$70
SOLD OUT
Intro to Synthesis for Women, Femmes, and Non-Binary Folks
Welcome all Women, Femmes, and Non-Binary folks! This introductory workshop teaches the fundamentals of modular synthesis. If you are new to synths don't worry! Neither a traditional background in music nor a familiarity with electronic instruments are necessary to attend - in fact, the course is explicitly designed for total beginners.
Sunday, July 19th, 2026
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
Portland, OR 97232
~ Our new location ~
$10-20 sliding scale
(tickets required to attend, no one turned away for lack of funds, email info@synthlibraryportland.org for no-cost tickets)
Member Drop-In Hours
Drop-in hours for members of any tier to drop by the library every Thursday 4-8:30pm, no RSVP needed!
If you’ve never been to the library before and want to check it out, feel free to stop by at this time. Check in with our facilitators when you arrive and we’ll introduce you to the space.
Thursday, July 23rd, 2026
(Recurs same time every Thursday)
4 pm - 8:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~ Our new location ~
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
Synth DIY Meetup
Come join us at the Synth Library Portland for a bi-monthly Synth DIY Meetup.
A place for SDIY folks to discuss their current projects, build, debug, and grow community together.
While this isn't a place to drop off non-working gear for repair we can discuss ways to debug your projects and provide the necessary equipment for you to work on it yourself: Oscilloscopes, Function Generators, etc.
We hope to see you there!
Wednesday, July 29th, 2026
(Recurs every other Wednesday)
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
Portland, OR 97232
Lot parking is free from 5-9pm on Wednesdays, See staff inside for parking validation info
Free for Members (RSVP encouraged, not required)
$5-10 Sliding Scale for non-members
Help support us with a donation at check out!
No one turned away for lack of funds
Member Drop-In Hours
Drop-in hours for members of any tier to drop by the library every Thursday 4-8:30pm, no RSVP needed!
If you’ve never been to the library before and want to check it out, feel free to stop by at this time. Check in with our facilitators when you arrive and we’ll introduce you to the space.
Thursday, July 30th, 2026
(Recurs same time every Thursday)
4 pm - 8:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~ Our new location ~
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
Modular On The Spot Portland - August @ Cathedral Park
Join us for an evening of live music outdoors at MOTS PDX presented monthly all summer by Synth Library Portland. Watch some of Portland's finest audio-wranglers play 6 back-to-back sets using all modular/hardware gear!
The show will start at 6 PM and continue until approximately 9 PM but you are welcome to come and go as you please. This is an informal all ages show so bring your friends and family.
Performers:
- 6 pm -
Stuart Frederich-Smith
Demodex
Production Unit Xero
Matthew Rempes
Ivan Jan
Hemadaxis
- 9 pm -
Sunday, August 2nd 2026
6 pm - 9 pm
@ Cathedral City Park (at the Outdoor Stage)
6705 N Pittsburg Ave, Portland, OR 97203
Google Map Link for Outdoor Stage
$5-$25 Suggested Donation
(donations to Synth Library Portland encouraged, just buy a ticket at the link below)
Build a DIY Gristleizer Pedal
In this workshop, we will be building the legendary Gristleizer pedal. Based on a design by a British teen in an electronics hobbyist magazine, the Gristleizer was named by Chris Carter of Throbbing Gristle, and you can hear its strange effect on many of their tracks (the vocals on Hamburger Lady are a very clear example). The Gristleizer gives a type of tremolo effect, with controls for changing the waveshape and speed of the tremolo's LFO, a switch to toggle between VCA and VCF, a wet/dry knob, and an effect gain control that, when cranked, can add some pleasant distortion to the output.
The workshop includes all the supplies needed to build the pedal and a metal enclosure to house it in. While some soldering experience will make the build go faster, this project is beginner friendly and we will teach you how to solder.
DIY beginners are welcome! No prior experience is necessary, and we are happy to teach you how to solder.
Led by Jon Daries
~~~
Sunday, August 9th, 2026
1 pm - 4 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
Portland, OR 97232
~ Our new location ~
Tickets are required to attend.
Price for SLP members: $75
Price for Non-members: $100
(note that you must be logged into your WithFriends account with an active membership to obtain the discounted price)
Workshop fee includes all tools and supplies to build a pedal including the metal enclosure. We will have soldering irons and solder available for all attendees.)
Tickets are required to attend
Synth DIY Meetup
Come join us at the Synth Library Portland for a bi-monthly Synth DIY Meetup.
A place for SDIY folks to discuss their current projects, build, debug, and grow community together.
While this isn't a place to drop off non-working gear for repair we can discuss ways to debug your projects and provide the necessary equipment for you to work on it yourself: Oscilloscopes, Function Generators, etc.
We hope to see you there!
Wednesday, August 12th, 2026
(Recurs every other Wednesday)
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
Portland, OR 97232
Lot parking is free from 5-9pm on Wednesdays, See staff inside for parking validation info
Free for Members (RSVP encouraged, not required)
$5-10 Sliding Scale for non-members
Help support us with a donation at check out!
No one turned away for lack of funds
Modular On The Spot Portland - Quadraphonic @ Pier Park
Join us for an evening of live music outdoors and in resplendent quadraphonic sound, presented by Synth Library Portland. Watch some of Portland's finest audio-wranglers play 6 back-to-back sets using modular/hardware gear!
Listeners will be experiencing this immersive sound experience up close by sitting within the radius of our four speaker/sub array, with all performers situated in the very center.
The show will start at 6 PM and continue until approximately 9 PM but you are welcome to come and go as you please. This is an informal all ages show so bring your friends and family.
Performers:
- 6 pm -
Lewis Guignard
Zachary Egge
amoja
vyger
CRBN
Francisco Botello
- 9 pm -
Accessible restrooms and water fountains are on site but we encourage everyone to come prepared. Please bring your own food, beverages, and blankets/chairs to sit on. It's important to stay hydrated in the heat so bring plenty of water. Be prepared for the weather as there may not be shade available everywhere - bring sunglasses, sunscreen, sun shelters, umbrellas, appropriate clothing, etc. as you see fit.
In the spirit of the ambient tradition, engage or disengage from the music as you wish. Feel free to read, paint, write, dance, listen, and deeply listen. Quadraphonic performances can be drastically different depending on where the listener is situated so feel free to change location or walk around during the show, so long as this is not disruptive to other listeners. Also, while talking during performances is acceptable, we ask that you are respectful to the performers and those around you when doing so. Please be good stewards of the park by picking up any recycling/trash and not disturbing neighboring houses on the way out post-show.
Plenty of street parking nearby!
Sunday, August 16th 2026
6-9 PM
@ Pier Park
10325 N Lombard St, Portland, OR
$5-$25 Suggested Donation
(donations to Synth Library Portland encouraged, just buy a ticket at the link below)
Donations to Synth Library Portland are encouraged!!!
Modular On The Spot Portland - September @ Kenilworth
Join us for an evening of live music outdoors at MOTS PDX presented monthly all summer by Synth Library Portland. Watch some of Portland's finest audio-wranglers play 6 back-to-back sets using all modular/hardware gear!
The show will start at 5 PM and continue until approximately 8 PM but you are welcome to come and go as you please. This is an informal all ages show so bring your friends and family.
Performers:
- 5 pm -
Machine Self
Geoffrey PB
Porcelain Girls
Cave Cricket
CJA
glossolalia swamp
- 8 pm -
Sunday, September 6th 2026
5 pm - 8 pm
ONE HOUR EARLIER THAN PRIOR MOTS 2026 SHOWS
@ Kenilworth Park
SE Holgate Blvd & SE 34th Ave
$5-$25 Suggested Donation
(donations to Synth Library Portland encouraged, just buy a ticket at the link below)
Synth DIY Meetup
Come join us at the Synth Library Portland for a bi-monthly Synth DIY Meetup.
A place for SDIY folks to discuss their current projects, build, debug, and grow community together.
While this isn't a place to drop off non-working gear for repair we can discuss ways to debug your projects and provide the necessary equipment for you to work on it yourself: Oscilloscopes, Function Generators, etc.
We hope to see you there!
Wednesday, June 17th, 2026
(Recurs every other Wednesday)
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
Portland, OR 97232
Lot parking is free from 5-9pm on Wednesdays, See staff inside for parking validation info
Free for Members (RSVP encouraged, not required)
$5-10 Sliding Scale for non-members
Help support us with a donation at check out!
Open Channels (New Date)
The mixer channels are open—bring some gear and share your sounds or just come to see what happens. This monthly gathering is for electronic musicians of all experience levels to connect, experiment, and share with the community. Our goal is to lower the barrier to entry and bridge the gap between performer and audience. It's perfect for new musicians or experienced musicians looking to simply try out new material and techniques in a low-stakes environment. Watch: Open Channels April 2026: Full Performance
New date!
Sunday, June 14th, 2026
3 pm - 6 pm
Performance slot signup at 3 pm, Music starts at 3:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave, Suite 012 (view map)
~ Our new location ~
Free
(Performance slots are determined on site on a first come, first served basis. RSVP encouraged to receive an email reminder about the event but does not reserve a performance time slot.)
Rhythm 101
This workshop for beginners will cover the fundamental elements of rhythm in electronic music, from time signatures to sequencing beats. Using examples from famous electronic grooves, students will engage in guided, exercises to better appreciate and compose rhythms with drum machines and software.
Because the Synth Library has very few drum machines in our permanent collection, attendees who want to follow along with the demonstrations are encouraged to bring a phone, tablet, or laptop with their favorite digital audio workstation (like Ableton Live or Garage Band) or any drum software with a sequencer (we can offer recommendations at the event, and may be able to offer a laptop for use if it is not already in use).
Presented by Clayton Davis
Saturday, June 13th, 2026
1 pm - 3 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
Portland, OR 97232
~ Our new location ~
$10-20 sliding scale
(tickets required to attend, no one turned away for lack of funds, email info@synthlibraryportland.org for no-cost tickets)
Member Drop-In Hours (New Extended Hours & New Location!)
NEW LOCATION (123 NE 3rd ave)
NEW EXTENDED HOURS! (open until 8:30pm instead of 7pm)
Drop-in hours for members of any tier to drop by the library every Thursday 4-8:30pm, no RSVP needed!
If you’ve never been to the library before and want to check it out, feel free to stop by at this time. Check in with our facilitators when you arrive and we’ll introduce you to the space.
Thursday, June 11th, 2026
(Recurs same time every Thursday)
4 pm - 8:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~ Our new location ~
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
New Volunteer Orientation (@ New Location!)
Have you wanted to get more involved with the library but didn’t know where to start?
This in-person onboarding seminar will get you up to speed about the many types of work that helps run and grow our organization.
We’ll cover in detail how to facilitate our lending program, host or assist workshops, manage event logistics, and many more behind-the-scenes administrative tasks inherent to non-profits.
Click Here to Sign Up (signup form may refer only to the nearest upcoming date but these take place monthly and you will receive reminders each month until you actually attend or request to be taken off this list)
Wednesday, June 10th, 2026
5:30pm - 7:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~ Our new location ~
PARKING NOTE:
Parking is free on Wednesdays from 5-9pm
NOTE: We ask those wishing to attend to first attend the library’s new member orientation if they have not already done so.
Modular On The Spot Portland - June @ Overlook Park
Join us for an evening of live music outdoors at MOTS PDX presented monthly all summer by Synth Library Portland. Watch some of Portland's finest audio-wranglers play 6 back-to-back sets using all modular/hardware gear!
The show will start at 6 PM and continue until approximately 9 PM but you are welcome to come and go as you please. This is an informal all ages show so bring your friends and family.
Performers:
- 6 pm -
nolan ashley
Weird Things For Imaginary People
Blippoo Boyz
Quemal
Musique Mystique
Casual Decay
- 9 pm -
Sunday, June 7th, 2026
6 pm - 9 pm
@ Overlook Park
1599 N Fremont St, Portland, OR
$5-$25 Suggested Donation
(donations to Synth Library Portland encouraged, just buy a ticket at the link below)
Build a CCTV Simple Gates DIY Eurorack Module
In this workshop participants will build and take home a CCTV Simple Gates DIY Eurorack module. Simple Gates is a dual low pass vactrol gate 4HP module with 3 filter types and a 2-pole mode in a 4HP DIY Kit. Inspired by classic Buchla designs, Simple Gates is entirely passive, drawing power from the incoming CV only.
Each low pass vactrol gate (2 in the module) has an input (on the left) and an output (on the right). Both are DC Coupled. The CV input is below and indicated by an LED and a lightning bolt symbol. CV can be applied to the CV input to open the gate (positive voltages above 1.2V open the gate). The gate can be more or less open depending on voltage applied. Short gates can be used to create plucky, percussive bursts of sound, or gradual, slow CV can be used to subtly shape the sound.
The three position switch switches between 3 different modes:
LPG - A classic low pass gate frequency response. Fully closed, the cutoff is at 20Hz, fully open the cutoff is at 6KHz. Useful for audio sources and percussive sounds. This is the traditional sound most associated with LPGs.
VCA - This mode applies no filtering to input signal, the frequency response is mostly flat. This is useful to add an additional VCA to your system, when waveshaping is to be applied elsewhere. This mode is also great for Amplitude Modulation and Frequency mixing - sending one frequency into the input and another into the CV input to obtain unusual signals on the output. Great for CV too.
LOW - an Extremely Low Pass Filter - This mode has an off-state cutoff frequency at 0.1 Hz and a on-state cutoff frequency of about 800Hz. This is fantastic for bass synths or kick drum synthesis.
Once patched, it's easy to switch between the three modes to experience how each shapes the tone. You will fall in love with this flexibility.
The bottom CV Input is normalized to the top CV Input, and the top Output can be normalized to the bottom input (via a solder jumper on the rear). This allows a 2-pole mode where a source is connected to the top input, a control voltage signal to the top CV Input, and take the output from the bottom gate's output. This mode allows 2 poles of filtering, the filtering done by first the top vactrol gate and then the bottom. This allows 9 different modes of gating to further sculpt your sound.
The Simple Gates Kit contains all parts needed to assemble this module. This kit is appopriate for beginners, there are no surface mount components and all parts are large and easy to solder.
DIY beginners are welcome! No prior experience is necessary. If you are brand new to DIY we can teach you the skills you need to complete the project (including how to solder) and facilitators will be there to assist with troubleshooting to help get your build working if you run into any problems
- NEW DATE & LOCATION -
Saturday, June 6th, 2026
1 pm - 3 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~ Our new location ~
(previous date/location was May 30th @ Lloyd Center)
Tickets are required to attend.
$45
Price includes:
-Kit with other necessary parts/components for the build
-a small ~$10 dollar donation to Synth Library Portland (the rest of the ticket price entirely goes to cover parts costs for each kit)
(Like other SLP DIY workshops where the price is mostly parts costs, we cannot offer no-cost or reduced-cost/NOTAFLOF tickets, nor can we offer membership discounts this time.)
New Member Orientation (@ Our New Location!)
First New Member Orientation at our new location:
123 NE 3rd Ave
Portland OR 97232
(lot parking is free during Friday at this time)
In this brief in-person gathering you can learn about our organization, how to begin checking out gear from our lending program, and how to access all our member resources including weekly drop-in hours, studio hours, and more!
(signup form may refer only to the nearest upcoming date but these take place monthly and you will receive reminders each month until you actually attend or request to be taken off this list)
Friday, June 5th, 2026
6 pm - 7 pm
Recurs Every 4 weeks
(Email us if your work schedule prevents attendance)
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~ Our new location ~
Member Drop-In Hours (New Extended Hours & New Location!)
NEW LOCATION (123 NE 3rd ave)
NEW EXTENDED HOURS! (open until 8:30pm instead of 7pm)
Drop-in hours for members of any tier to drop by the library every Thursday 4-8:30pm, no RSVP needed!
If you’ve never been to the library before and want to check it out, feel free to stop by at this time. Check in with our facilitators when you arrive and we’ll introduce you to the space.
Thursday, June 4th, 2026
(Recurs same time every Thursday)
4 pm - 8:30 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~ Our new location ~
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
Women and Nonbinary Electronic Music Meetup (@ Our New Location!)
All women and non-binary folks are welcome to join us for a monthly event series that encourages learning together, jam together, and connect with other artists in the area. We want to create a welcoming environment to help grow our community of electronic musicians for all femmes and enbies regardless of skill level or experience.
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026
(Recurs every first Wednesday of the month)
5:30 pm - 7 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
Portland, OR 97232
~ First event in our new location! ~
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
Member Drop-In Hours (Last one at Lloyd Center)
Drop-in hours for members of any tier to drop by the library every Thursday 4-7 pm, no RSVP needed!
If you’ve never been to the library before and want to check it out, feel free to stop by at this time. Check in with our facilitators when you arrive and we’ll introduce you to the space.
Thursday, May 28th, 2026
(THIS IS THE FINAL DROP IN HOURS FROM 4-7)
4 pm - 7 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map) first
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Free
Electronic Music Meetup for People in Recovery
All people in recovery are welcome to join us at Synth Library Portland for a monthly event series designed to foster connection, creativity, collaboration, and community among local artists.
We aim to create a supportive and empowering space where people in recovery—however they choose to define it—can grow, express themselves, and build relationships, regardless of experience or skill level. This is an inclusive, welcoming space for all.
While Synth Library Portland is providing the gathering space and sponsoring this free event you do not need to be a member of the library to attend, though we hope you consider joining our diverse crew of creatives.
Tuesday, May 26th, 2026
Repeats same time every last Tuesday of the Month!
5:30 pm - 7 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map)
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
Intermediate Synthesis: Patching Beyond Subtractive
Looking to take the next step in your synthesis journey? This intermediate workshop teaches synthesis concepts beyond the standard subtractive patch we teach in our intro class. Familiarity with the basics of modular synthesis is encouraged, but we welcome those who just want to hear some cool sounds.
We will discuss processes that add harmonic complexity to sounds, resulting in more sound design freedom than subtractive synthesis. These include frequency modulation (FM), amplitude/ring modulation, distortion, and wavefolding: the techniques used by all of your favorite electronic musicians. Join us on June 21st at the Synth Library and expand your sonic palette!
Presented by Jakob Kintzele
—
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
1 pm - 4 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map)
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
$10-20 sliding scale
(tickets required to attend, no one turned away for lack of funds, email info@synthlibraryportland.org for no-cost tickets)
Member Drop-In Hours
Drop-in hours for members of any tier to drop by the library every Thursday 4-7 pm, no RSVP needed!
If you’ve never been to the library before and want to check it out, feel free to stop by at this time. Check in with our facilitators when you arrive and we’ll introduce you to the space.
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
(Recurs every Thursday at the same time until June)
4 pm - 7 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map) first
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Free
Intro to Synthesis for Women, Femmes, and Non-Binary Folks
Welcome all Women, Femmes, and Non-Binary folks! This introductory workshop teaches the fundamentals of modular synthesis. If you are new to synths don't worry! Neither a traditional background in music nor a familiarity with electronic instruments are necessary to attend - in fact, the course is explicitly designed for total beginners.
Sunday, May 17th, 2026
3 pm - 6 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map)
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
$10-20 sliding scale
(tickets required to attend, no one turned away for lack of funds, email info@synthlibraryportland.org for no-cost tickets)
Member Drop-In Hours
Drop-in hours for members of any tier to drop by the library every Thursday 4-7 pm, no RSVP needed!
If you’ve never been to the library before and want to check it out, feel free to stop by at this time. Check in with our facilitators when you arrive and we’ll introduce you to the space.
Thursday, May 14th, 2026
(Recurs every Thursday at the same time until June)
4 pm - 7 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map) first
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
New Volunteer Orientation
Have you wanted to get more involved with the library but didn’t know where to start?
This in-person onboarding seminar will get you up to speed about the many types of work that helps run and grow our organization.
We’ll cover in detail how to facilitate our lending program, host or assist workshops, manage event logistics, and many more behind-the-scenes administrative tasks inherent to non-profits.
Click Here to Sign Up (signup form may refer only to the nearest upcoming date but these take place monthly and you will receive reminders each month until you actually attend or request to be taken off this list)
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
5:30pm - 7:30 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
RSVP Required
NOTE: We ask those wishing to attend to first attend the library’s new member orientation if they have not already done so.
Portland Synth Improvisers Collective (PSiC) Meetup & Jam
A Wonderful group jam! Bring your own instruments and play electronic music with fellow community members.
See PSIC’s webpage or the event page listed below for more info.
Arrive at 3 pm to setup; the jam starts at 3:30 pm. Breakdown and cleanup by 5:30.
Sunday, May 10th, 2026
3 pm - 5:30 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map)
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Generally recurs the 2nd Sunday every other month but be sure to RSVP separately to each event.
Free
(RSVP required to attend)
Synth Library Open House @ Lloyd Center Mall Crawl
During this time the library will be open for all to explore our collection of gear and meet our facilitators! It’s also a great chance to learn more about member perks like our lending program, drop-in hours, and studio hours.
This is a special Open House occurring during Lloyd Center Mall Crawl, a community strengthening event every second Saturday where folks can come explore the mall and discover all that Lloyd has to offer. Synth Library Portland will be opening its doors during this event and we hope to meet new faces!
Find out more about the Mall Crawl
Find out more about SLP's Open House events at the link below!
Saturday, May 9th, 2026
12 pm - 3:30 pm
(Come at any time, or stay the whole time!)
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map)
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
New Member Orientation
In this brief in-person gathering you can learn about our organization, how to begin checking out gear from our lending program, and how to access all our member resources including weekly drop-in hours, studio hours, and more!
(signup form may refer only to the nearest upcoming date but these take place monthly and you will receive reminders each month until you actually attend or request to be taken off this list)
Friday, May 8th, 2026
6 pm - 7 pm
Recurs Every 4 weeks
(Email us if your work schedule prevents attendance)
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map)
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Member Drop-In Hours
Drop-in hours for members of any tier to drop by the library every Thursday 4-7 pm, no RSVP needed!
If you’ve never been to the library before and want to check it out, feel free to stop by at this time. Check in with our facilitators when you arrive and we’ll introduce you to the space.
Thursday, May 7th, 2026
(Recurs every Thursday at the same time until June)
4 pm - 7 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map) first
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
Women and Nonbinary Electronic Music Meetup
All women and non-binary folks are welcome to join us for a monthly event series that encourages learning together, jam together, and connect with other artists in the area. We want to create a welcoming environment to help grow our community of electronic musicians for all femmes and enbies regardless of skill level or experience.
Wednesday, May 6th, 2026
(Recurs every first Wednesday of the month)
5:30 pm - 7 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map) first
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
Intro to Tape Loops
In this workshop you will learn the magic of tape loops—how they work, how to make them, and why they've been a beloved technique for years. This two-hour workshop is beginner friendly--no experience is required.
We will be teaching you:
- how audio tape works,
- how cassettes and cassette players work,
- and how to hack a cassette to make a tape loop.
By the end of the workshop you will have made at least one tape loop and will go home with supplies to make some more on your own.
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026
4 pm - 6 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map)
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
$20
(tickets required to attend, no one turned away for lack of funds, email info@synthlibraryportland.org for no-cost tickets)
Music Theory and Keyboard Skills for Electronic Musicians
Do you struggle to put chords together, or find melodies that fit comfortably over them? Have you ever backed out of joining in on a jam or improv session because you don’t know your way around a keyboard? Have you ever wanted to study how your favorite artists put together chords, beats, and melodies, but weren’t sure how to start? These are all problems that can be solved by music theory: the collected wisdom of musicians, composers, and performers over the centuries, from J.S. Bach to Boards of Canada. With a little music theory—and enough keyboard skills to plonk them down on an instrument—you can expand your musical toolkit, and learn the basic terms that musicians use to communicate with each other.
In this workshop, we will look at practical concepts in music theory and keyboard playing for beginners and self-taught musicians looking to improve their skills. Forget complicated harmonic hierarchies, endless scale practice, and medieval Italian vocabulary—this is music theory and keyboard knowledge that you can actually use as a modern electronic musician and performer. Using instruments at the Synth Library, tools from Ableton Live, and musical examples from this century, students will get a chance to practice and discuss these ideas with our instructors, along with some helpful exercises to try at home.
Taught by Clayton Davis
-
Sunday, May 3rd 2026
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map)
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
All ages, 10+ recommended - beginners absolutely welcome)
$20 general admission
$10-19 sliding scale
Tickets are required to attend. No one is turned away for lack of funds, so email info@synthlibraryportland.org for lower/no-cost tickets.
Member Drop-In Hours
Drop-in hours for members of any tier to drop by the library every Thursday 4-7 pm, no RSVP needed!
If you’ve never been to the library before and want to check it out, feel free to stop by at this time. Check in with our facilitators when you arrive and we’ll introduce you to the space.
Thursday, April 30th, 2026
(Recurs every Thursday at the same time)
4 pm - 7 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map) first
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Free
Electronic Music Meetup for People in Recovery
All people in recovery are welcome to join us at Synth Library Portland for a monthly event series designed to foster connection, creativity, collaboration, and community among local artists.
We aim to create a supportive and empowering space where people in recovery—however they choose to define it—can grow, express themselves, and build relationships, regardless of experience or skill level. This is an inclusive, welcoming space for all.
While Synth Library Portland is providing the gathering space and sponsoring this free event you do not need to be a member of the library to attend, though we hope you consider joining our diverse crew of creatives.
Tuesday, April 28th, 2026
Repeats same time every last Tuesday of the Month!
5:30 pm - 7 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map)
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
Fundamentals of VCV Rack with MetaModule
Join Ross of 4ms/Moffenzeef to learn the fundamentals of VCV Rack and how they relate to MetaModule by 4ms.
MetaModule: https://4mscompany.com/metamodule
VCV Rack: https://vcvrack.com/
In addition to going over the basic workflow of VCV Rack, students will also learn how to transfer their patches to MetaModule and set them up for hardware performance. No previous experience with VCV Rack or MetaModule required.
-
Sunday, April 26th 2026
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map)
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
All ages - Beginners welcome but the instructor will assume understanding some basic synth/modular terminology
$20 general admission
$10-19 sliding scale
Tickets are required to attend. No one is turned away for lack of funds, so email info@synthlibraryportland.org for lower/no-cost tickets.
Synth Library Open House
During this time the library will be open for all to explore our collection of gear and meet our facilitators! It’s also a great chance to learn more about member perks like our lending program, drop-in hours, and studio hours.
Saturday, April 25th, 2026
(Recurs about every 4 weeks)
1 pm - 4 pm
(Come at any time, or stay the whole time!)
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map)
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Free
(RSVP encouraged but not required)
Member Drop-In Hours
Drop-in hours for members of any tier to drop by the library every Thursday 4-7 pm, no RSVP needed!
If you’ve never been to the library before and want to check it out, feel free to stop by at this time. Check in with our facilitators when you arrive and we’ll introduce you to the space.
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
(Recurs every Thursday at the same time)
4 pm - 7 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map) first
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
Free
Intro to Synthesis
Learn the fundamentals of synthesis (focusing on hardware modular) in this beginner workshop, with no prior knowledge necessary. Hands-on instruction puts concepts into practice. Open to all. Great for total newcomers to electronic music or as a way to get folks with some experience introduced to modular gear.
Sunday, April 19th, 2026
3 pm - 6 pm
@ 1256 Lloyd Center (view map)
2nd Floor, near Dicepool
$10-20 sliding scale
(tickets required to attend, no one turned away for lack of funds, email info@synthlibraryportland.org for no-cost tickets)