January Events
The first month of the New Year brings dozens of events, festivals and things to do in and around Portland.
January in Portland brings some of the city’s favorite events and activities. Explore the city’s arts and culture scenes, sip on seasonal cocktails, and hit the slopes on Mount Hood. Scroll down to see our top picks of things to do, see and experience in Portland, or search the full events calendar to look at everything on offer.
Portland Old Time Music Gathering
Since 1999, the Portland Old Time Music Gathering has celebrated traditional, Appalachian-style string-band music by showcasing some of the country’s best artists with several days of concerts, community jam sessions, and dancing opportunities.
Portland Folk Festival
The Portland Folk Festival highlights Portland’s rich folk and Americana music scene. This two-day celebration brings bands together from all over the Pacific Northwest to the stage at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom.
Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast
Every year, the Skanner Foundation invites the community to share in the MLK Breakfast, celebrating the life, work, and vision of civil rights of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Attendees will hear inspiring words from elected officials and previous student scholarship winners and enjoy local musical talent.
January Highlights
Explore more things to do and see in January in Portland.
January is Portland Music Month
January is officially Portland Music Month and MusicPortland has curated a lineup of 100+ local artists to support the music community. Get tickets to hear extraordinary live music that will light up the winters at venues all over Portland.
Fertile Ground Festival
See Portland's newest theater and dance works every January at the annual Fertile Ground Festival.
Lunar New Year Celebrations in Portland
Portland's Asian communities celebrate the Lunar New Year with traditional dances, lantern ceremonies and stunning performances.
O-Shogatsu, Japanese New Year
At O-Shogatsu, Japanese New Year, you can celebrate the new year with wishes for happiness and prosperity at Portland Japanese Garden. Immerse yourself in peace within the picturesque setting of pine, bamboo, and plum branches.
Portland Metro Reptile Expo
If you enjoy scales, slithering, and all things cold-blooded, be sure not to miss the Portland Metro Reptile Expo, the longest-running reptile show in Oregon. Featuring a venomous reptile display, several reptile rescues, and an educational display.
FAN Expo Portland
Previously known as Wizard World Portland, FAN Expo Portland is where you can explore your love of sci-fi, comics, anime and gaming. Held at the Oregon Convention Center, attendees can shop at hundreds of vendors and exhibitors, check out panels and workshops, meet stars and creators, and celebrate what makes them geeky with thousands of other fans in cosplay.
Rose City Classic Dog Show
Not into scales? Maybe furry friends are for you. The Rose City Classic Dog Show, held annually at the Portland Expo Center, is one of the largest and most popular dog events in the United States. Over 170 breeds compete at the five-day show to beat out the competition in agility, breed judging or to win the coveted title of Best in Show.
Upcoming January Events 2025
Check out our picks for top things to do in January in Portland.
Karaoke From Hell
The Northwest's original live karaoke band, Karaoke From Hell, has been rocking Portland for over 25 years and counting. The catalog boasts nearly 700 songs for you to sing, covering every genre from show tunes to skate punk. Catch it every Monday at Dante's and every Thursday at The Spare Room.
Psychedelic Rock Posters and Fashion of the 1960s
Psychedelic Rock Posters and Fashion of the 1960s reveals the passion and creativity of the era through the iconic rock posters of San Francisco and beyond. The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco was an incubator for ideas, expression, social thought, and, above all, music. Young people from across the nation gathered there to explore alternative ways…
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+
Howler Comedy Hour at Gol
Live Comedy at a local bar in an intimate environment with regional headliners and local comics. Gol is a Portland Timbers-centric bar for the fútbol enthusiast, showing the MLS, Champions League and international soccer matches. Located in inner-SE Portland, a unique soccer bar with a European feel and Portland's home to the World Cup.
Winter Fun in and Near Portland
The city's cooler months bring gorgeous walks, festive lights and ways to enjoy Mount Hood.
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