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One of the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China, Lan Su Chinese Garden encompasses a full city block in Northwest Portland’s Old Town Chinatown.

January Events

Kick off the new year with only-in-Portland January events, from jam sessions to cosplay geek-outs to animal shows and more.

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One of the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China, Lan Su Chinese Garden encompasses a full city block in Northwest Portland’s Old Town Chinatown.
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They say what you do in January sets the tone for the year to come. Want to make sure your year is equal parts fun and unforgettable? Then get out and experience all the exciting things to do in Portland in January. Love adorable dogs doing fantastic tricks? Are fiddles and fingerpicking more your speed? Or maybe you just want to be surrounded by hundreds of lizards (yes, really!) and reptile fans. Whatever you’re into, there’s an event in Portland this January that’s a perfect fit.

January Events FAQs

What’s the weather like in Portland in January?

January is a cold month (though not so cold you can’t get outside!), with average daily low and high temperatures of 36 and 47 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 C) respectively. Expect rain showers and cloudy skies, with the possibility of a snow shower or two (though significant snowfall within city limits is rare).

Can I still get outdoors in January?

Absolutely. In fact, winter is a great time for a trip to Mount Hood, a snowy walk or a scenic hike — trails are less crowded and the views can be beautiful.

What can I do indoors?

If staying inside is your preference, there are abundant indoor activities in Portland to enjoy, from visiting museums and perusing bookstores to going shopping or catching a movie. (There are plenty of indoor activities that are perfect for kids, too.)

Portland January Events in 2026

Whatever your interests, Portland, Oregon, in January is a great place to be.

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Celebrate the New Year

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.

Music

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.

Expos and Animals

FAN Expo Portland

Previously known as Wizard World Portland, FAN Expo Portland lets you explore your love of sci-fi, comics, anime and gaming 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.

Portland Metro Reptile Expo

If you enjoy scales, slithering and all things cold-blooded, don’t miss the Portland Metro Reptile Expo, the longest-running reptile show in Oregon. Featuring a venomous reptile display, several reptile rescues, an educational display and more, this event is always a blast.

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 multiday show to beat out the competition in agility and breed judging — or even win the coveted title of Best in Show.

Winter Fun in and Near Portland

The city's cooler months bring gorgeous hikes, festive lights and ways to enjoy Mount Hood.

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a crowd mingles under a fire display and a lighted purple sculpture

Portland Winter Light Festival

Brighten your February with a visit to Portland’s annual Winter Lights Festival, where you’ll find glowing sculptures, twinkling lights, lively events and more.

a towering waterfall behind a stone bridge surrounded by snow and ice

Winter Hikes in and Near Portland

Oregon is the perfect place for outdoor adventure, any time of year — explore our selection of all-weather paths and hikes in and near Portland.

Skyline view of a mountain with snow beyond large pine trees.

What to Do on Mount Hood

Explore Mt. Hood — the tallest peak in Oregon — with this in-depth guide that covers weather, what to pack, where to stay, outdoor recreation and how to have an unforgettable experience.

an aerial view of a whale watching center and the surrounding town

Whale Watching on the Oregon Coast

Up to 20,000 gray whales migrate along Oregon's coast every winter and spring — this handy guide to whale watching on the Oregon Coast covers prime spots to see migrating whales, top whale-watching charters, when to go and more.

a statue of a man in a suit holding an umbrella in an urban park on a rainy day

Indoor Activities in Portland

Don't let a rainy day (or a hot one!) stop you from having fun in Portland — enjoy museums, movie theaters, arcades, shopping and other indoor activities.

three people doing yoga surrounded by trees

Ways to Practice Self-Care in Portland

It’s okay to admit that you occasionally get stressed or down. Thankfully Portland's self-care offerings are deep; walk in over 200 parks, find time for yoga, sauna, soaking, and health-conscious food to practice self-care like a Portlander.

A woman sips a smoothie through a straw from a plastic cup in front of a display of fresh fruit

Healthy Food in Portland

Portland may be known for its ice cream, doughnuts, cured meats and fish sauce chicken wings, but it’s also a heavenly spot for healthy eats.

Upcoming January Events 2026

Check out our picks for top things to do in Portland in January.

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