February Events

The arrival of February heralds some of Portland’s favorite annual activities, including a celebration of Black History Month, the Portland Jazz Festival, and one of the world’s largest tango festivals (to name a few). Scroll down for some annual February picks, or search the events calendar to see everything on offer.

Biamp Portland Jazz Festival

Celebrating both the jazz genre and preserving America’s indigenous art form, the Biamp Portland Jazz Festival happens every February. This popular festival is packed with more than 150 concerts, including performances by major international artists and scores of gigs showcasing local talent.

Cascade Festival of African Films

Billed as America’s longest-running nonprofit African film festival, 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. Presented by Portland Community College (PCC), the festival is being presented in a hybrid format for 2024, with a limited number of in-person screenings at the Hollywood Theatre, PCC Campus and Tomorrow Theater.

Northwest Black Comedy Festival

Laugh along with some of Portland’s funniest Black comics at the Northwest Black Comedy Festival. This annual festival features live storytelling, LGBTQ+ performers, new and upcoming comedians as well as headliners from around the country. Enjoy four nights of side-splitting comedy taking place at Curious Comedy Theater and the Alberta Abbey.

Lunar New Year

Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Portland and welcome in the Year of the Dragon. The Lan Su Chinese Gardens invites guests to participate in the festive Dragon and Lantern Viewing Evenings or enjoy a calmer observance at the Tea and Lantern Viewing Evenings. The Portland Chinatown Museum hosts the annual Lunar New Year Dragon Dance Parade in Old Town Chinatown.

Portland Winter Light Festival

For a few nights each year, the Portland Winter Light Festival transforms the City of Roses into a city of lights. Designed to bring light to the wintry darkness, this free festival returns every February with imaginative works that combine light and technology to create interactive experiences.

Credit: David Alvarado, Travel Portland

Zwickelmania

Hosted by the Oregon Brewers Guild over President’s Day weekend, Zwickelmania is a statewide tasting event with more than 120 breweries across Oregon — and more than 50 in the Portland metropolitan area — opening their doors and offering free tastings, food pairings, educational talks and more. Brewer-led discussions and tours give visitors a unique backstage pass to some of the world’s best craft breweries.

​​Trail Blazers: Celebration of Black History

Join Portland Trail Blazers in their annual Celebration of Black History, honoring Portland’s Black and African American community. The event consists of many amazing performances and multiple fundraising efforts. This year’s fundraising effort goes to help the Black Educational Achievement Movement (BEAM), a nonprofit with a mission to build relationships with the youth of African descent and help prepare them for the global marketplace.

Mardi Gras Parade

Grab your beads, head to Mississippi Neighborhood, and dance in the street at the Portland Mardi Gras Parade. This free, family-friendly event invites everyone to dress up and join the Carnival celebration. There is also a kids’ costume contest before the parade starts. For more adult-themed revelry, the Mardi Gras Ball keeps the celebration going well into the night.

ValenTango

Founded in 1997, Portland’s legendary dance event, ValenTango, is the largest and longest-running tango festival in North America. It is filled with thrilling milongas, live orchestras, DJ music, and world-class instruction from some of tango’s best professional dancers. This event offers ample opportunities for people of all abilities to hone their tango skills in a fun, welcoming environment.