January Events

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.

Fertile Ground Festival

Founded in 2009, Fertile Ground is focused on showcasing Portland’s newest art. The 10-day, citywide festival showcases theater premieres, vibrant art installations, pop-up events and even in-progress projects — all of which are created by local artists.

Reel Music Festival

For more than 30 years, the Reel Music Film Festival has presented movies about music and musicians of every genre and era. Spanning several weeks, the Northwest Film Center festival often features live appearances by musicians and filmmakers.

January Highlights

Explore more things to do and see in January in Portland.

Go To Winter

Fertile Ground Festival

See Portland's newest theater and dance works every January at Portland's Fertile Ground Festival.

Lunar New Year Celebrations in Portland

Portland hosts its own Japanese Mochitsuki Festival, Vietnamese Tet Festival and multiple Chinese New Year events.

Portland Film Festivals

Portland hosts more than 20 film festivals every year. Here's an overview of some of the city's top cinematic events.

Winter Fun in and Near Portland

The city's cooler months bring seasonal cocktails, gorgeous walks and ways to enjoy Mount Hood.

Portland’s Top Winter Drinks

Portland’s award-winning brewers and mixologists help you beat winter's chill with beverages featuring seasonal flavors like eggnog and apple cider.

Winter Walks in Portland

Trade muddy trails for winter walks along the smooth, paved walkways of Portland's parks, then treat yourself to a warm mug of coffee or tea.

Winter Hikes in and Near Portland

Oregon’s great outdoors offers excellent adventures all year-round. Here are six Portland-area paths perfect for all-weather adventures.

Winter Sports on Mount Hood

Just a 90-minute drive from downtown, Mount Hood sits right in the city’s backyard and makes for a heck of a winter playground.

Snowshoeing on Mount Hood

Snowshoeing is a peaceful way to enjoy Mount Hood with friends and minimal gear and expense.

Where to Eat on Mount Hood

Don’t hit the slopes on an empty stomach! This guide dishes on where to fuel up for the day, lunch mid-mountain and relax with pizza and pints après-ski.

Rainy Day Activities

These local attractions offer a respite from the rain, along with hours of entertainment.

Go To Indoors

Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum is central to the city's cultural district, housing a large and wide-ranging collection of artworks.

Oregon Historical Society

The Oregon Historical Society collection includes thousands of historic artifacts (including the “Portland Penny"), permanent and rotating exhibits and an extensive research library.

Brew ‘N’ View – Movie Theaters That Serve Beer

Portland’s beloved “brew ‘n’ view” movie theaters run the gamut from funky to swanky, serving up all manner of drinks, food and films.

Quiet Places Made for Reading

Pick up a winning read at one of Portland’s many independent bookstores and curl up in a cozy corner of one of these eight local coffee shops.

Powell’s City of Books

Covering an entire city block, Powell's is a landmark, a great bookstore and a microcosm of the city itself.

Portland Bookstores, Beyond Powell’s

Don't stop with the largest independent bookstore in the world; these seven other shops offer an abundance of literary riches.

Upcoming January Events

Check out our editor's picks for top upcoming things to do in January in Portland.

Full Calendar

Editor's Pick

Jan. 22–23, 2021

First Taste Oregon

Oregon State Fairgrounds & Exposition Center $8 presale, $12 door, $30 VIP

EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. First Taste Oregon features 50+ of the industry’s best winemakers, craft brewers, spirit distillers, artists and culinary masters. If wine is not your thing, enjoy a hard cider or a craft brew from one of the state’s best craft brewers, or discover your new favorite…

Editor's Pick

Beer

Festival

Wine

Editor's Pick

Jan. 28–Feb. 7, 2021

Fertile Ground Festival

Virtual Free

See Portland’s newest theater and dance works every January at Portland’s Fertile Ground Festival.

Editor's Pick

Events

Festivals

Theater

Winter