February Events
Portland warms up winter with these exciting 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.
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.
Upcoming February Events 2025
Check out our picks for top things to do in February in Portland.
Farmers Market at Portland State University
The Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University will be open every Saturday, year-round. April through October hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. November through March hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Market at PSU is located in Downtown Portland in the South Park Blocks between SW College & Montgomery Streets.
First Friday PDX
Located in Portland’s vibrant East Side Arts District, the First Friday Art Walk takes place on the first Friday evening of every month year-round. Offering a gateway into Portland’s thriving arts culture, First Friday PDX includes more than 23 independent galleries, shops, and studios and a street exhibition from April to October. The self-guided tour…
Waterfalls, Mt Hood, and Wine Tour
Prepare for an adventure of epic proportions as passionate guides take you on a journey to the most stunning sights in the Gorge and Hood River Valley. Brace yourself for a spellbinding history lesson on this magical land while you whisk away to one of the most tantalizing wineries that showcase the mesmerizing Columbia River,…
Showdown
The Hunger Games of Comedy. Six players enter the stage. Only one will survive. Curious Comedy Showdown pits Portland’s finest comedians against one another in competitive improv comedy cage matches that will make you laugh until you cry. Armed with only razor-sharp wit and your suggestions, the players must create fast-paced and hilarious scenes on the…
Dropped Notes: An Outrageous Musical Revue
This is an outrageous musical improv revue where anything can happen. A box of audience suggestions sits on the stage, and the cast has no idea what the night has in store, but it's guaranteed to be hilarious, surprising, and at least as bold as you are. Featuring a diverse cast of extraordinary singers, improvisers, and storytellers, Dropped…
Open Court All Play Improv Jam
Portland’s Longest-Running Improv Jam, Open Court, is the Fun, Beloved, Long-Form Comedy Jam Open to All. What happens when improvisers of all levels of skill and experience, from all different theaters and troupes in Portland and beyond, come together to perform long-form improv comedy for each other and the audience? FUN. Everyone is welcome to…
Sunday School: Indie Improv Showcase
An indie team improv showcase — Curious Comedy’s Sunday School — is a long-form improv showcase for those devoted to improvised comedy. Sunday School is a bi-monthly showcase of the top improv teams from Curious Comedy Theater, the greater Portland area, and beyond. Every show has an exciting mix of student teams, indie teams,…
Bard Bingo at Wonderwood Springs
Bard Bingo at Portland Artist Mike Bennett's Wonderwood Springs is a lively bingo event hosted by a traveling bard's musical musings. Held every Tuesday night, this event features four exciting rounds with cards priced at $5 each. It's cash-only, offering chances to win various prizes such as original artwork, stickers, gift cards, lawn signs,…
Bangerz Comedy
Portland comics Bjorn RG and Eliza Butler host this weekly show at Neighbors Taproom with curated lineups of local and nationally touring comedians. 21+
LGBTQIA+ Improv Jam
A free LGBTQIA+ Improv Social every 2nd Sunday in the Curious Comedy Annex Theater. Show up at 3 p.m. for a 30-minute crash course on the joy and play of improvisation. Followed by an hour of improv games and scenes and an after-jam social with complimentary snacks and drinks.* All Ages and Experience Levels Are…
Game Face
A Short-Form Improv Jam. Do you play along to Whose Line games in your living room and want to give it a go in person? Are you already in love with the art and want more time to play? Could you use a bright spot in your week and a good laugh? Come to…
The Gauntlet
Fifteen improvisers — only one champion. Fifteen improvisers enter, but only one will be crowned Champion of the Gauntlet. The Gauntlet is a survivor-style improv tournament. The audience decides, and players must compete for their affection while navigating out-of-the-box challenges and surprises. As the show goes on, players will fall, and the challenges will only get more outrageous. As…
Workshop: Yes and Family
This fun and dynamic class introduces kids and parents alike to the fun of improv. Improv gives access to play, to creating together, communicating and understanding one another. Have fun listening, supporting, and telling new stories. "Yes And" builds confidence, encourages creative thinking, and inspires fun and stronger communication in families of all kinds and…
Curious Playground
Curious Playground is an ALL-AGES interactive comedy show for all ages. Imagination Welcome. Curious Playground is a fun and exciting opportunity for audiences of all ages to see live comedy, and get the chance to jump into the show. Every 4th Sunday immediately after the "Yes-And Family Workshop" So, whether you want to join in on the…
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