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Zelos Marchandt
Zelos Marchandt is a multimedia creative living in Portland. Read More
Black History Month in Portland
Celebrate African American excellence with music, art, festivals and more.
Zelos Marchandt
Zelos Marchandt is a multimedia creative living in Portland. Read More
Every February, Americans of all races and backgrounds celebrate Black History Month by commemorating iconic civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, and Black History Month’s founder, Carter G. Woodson. A citywide celebration includes the annual Black History Festival NW, which hosts events all month long. Join in celebrating, honoring and acknowledging Black history in Portland and beyond at these local events.
Know Before You Go
To slow the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, effective Aug. 27, a statewide mask mandate is in place. Oregonians and visitors ages 5 and up are required to wear face coverings in all public indoor settings, as well as crowded outdoor public spaces where physical distancing is not possible, regardless of vaccination status. This rule does not apply to individuals actively eating or drinking.
Additionally, some event organizers and venues may require proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID test, for admission. Other events may be canceled, postponed or held virtually. Please check individual event websites for the most up-to-date information.
PDX Jazz Festival
Jumptown, Portland’s raucous jazz scene of the 1940s, is sadly lost, but every year around February (coinciding with Black History Month), visitors can dive into today’s sea of jazz greats at the PDX Jazz Festival. The festival honors special jazz anniversaries and legends, along with feature performances by legendary artists. Previous performers have included the likes of Grammy award-winning bass extraordinaire Stanley Clarke. PDX Jazz Festival performances — including many free shows — are held at multiple venues across the city every year.
Cascade Festival of African Films
Billed as the longest-running nonprofit African film festival in America, Portland’s free Cascade Festival of African Films has celebrated African achievements and hopes for the future since 1991. Through its roster of films, the month-long festival aims to share stories of Africa as told by actual Africans, rather than the Western-made narratives that Americans typically see. Hosted by the Hollywood Theatre and Portland Community College’s Cascade Campus, the festival also includes staged theatrical readings, talk-backs with the films’ creators, an African marketplace and a social hour with food and live music every Saturday.
Annual Events
Get to know Portland's vibrant maker, dining and music scenes at these annual events.
My People’s Market Spotlights Local Entrepreneurs of Color
My People’s Market showcases local entrepreneurs and makers of color, connecting them with industry professionals and consumers.
Sneaker Week
Sneaker Week offers fun events for sneaker addicts and footwear newbies alike.
Support Black-Owned Restaurants in Portland
Eateries owned by Black Portlanders are featured during August's Support Black-Owned Restaurant Week, but they shine all year long.
Meet a Local
These Portlanders are innovating the city's food, drink, cannabis and maker scenes.
Music and Dancing
Enjoy a night of music and dancing with these local performers and venues around Portland.
The New Class of the Portland R&B Scene
A new generation of artists is attracting more light to the Portland R&B scene than ever before.
The Portland Hip-Hop Scene
Take a deep dive into the past, present and future of Portland's hip-hop scene with our expert guide to the best performers, showcases, stores and more.
Young, Gifted and Brown Fosters Community Through Dance in Portland
Y.G.B. aims to create healing spaces for Black and Brown Portlanders through music, dance and collaborative experiences.
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