Portland Bike Polo

Hardcourt bike polo is three-on-three, played on a hard surface with mallets and a small ball, and it moves faster than you’d expect. Portland’s weekly game at Alberta Park has been running year-round for years, drawing a mix of regulars who know every trick and curious newcomers who’ve only seen it on Instagram. The scene is gender-inclusive and genuinely welcoming — if you show up on Sunday, someone will explain the rules, hand you a mallet, and get you into a pick-up game.

First-timers don’t need to bring anything. Loaner mallets and helmets are available, and the learning curve flattens out quickly once you’re actually on the court. Your bike doesn’t need to be anything special — fixies and single-speeds are standard, but people show up on whatever they’ve got. The regular crowd tends to stick around after games to hang out, so it’s as much a social scene as it is a sport. Follow @portlandbikepolo on Instagram for any schedule updates or special events.