wanderwhenyoucan
Fill Yourself With Dumplings During Dumpling Week (January 30 – February 5, 2022)
I inhale dumplings in any form – potstickers, pierogis, empanadas – I love them all. Taking tasty filling and wrapping it with dough? What’s not to love? Every week in early February, restaurants around Portland celebrate these balls of dough and deliciousness with the annual dumpling week. There’s even a map on the website of all the participating locations to better plan out your dumpling strategy. The only downside is that, unlike other Portland food weeks (like pizza week or burger week), the dumplings are not available at a discount. So if you’re trying to eat your way through all the dumpling offerings, it can add up fast.
Portland Seafood & Wine Festival (February 4-5, 2022)
Want fresh local seafood and wine? Then head over to the Portland Seafood & Wine Festival at the Oregon Convention Center to sample the best of vine and sea.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Lan Su Chinese Garden (February 3-13, 2022)
The Lan Su Chinese Garden provides a piece of tranquility in Old Town Portland all year round, but it truly shines during its lantern viewings during the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Lunar New Year. This popular event sells out fast – by the time I was looking for tickets at the end of January, every night was already sold out. Want more Lunar New Year celebrations? Enjoy traditional dishes at local restaurants, thanks to this list from Portland Monthly.
Portland Winter Light Festival (February 4-12)
This is one of my absolutely favorite winter events in Portland. Local artists utilize light and sound in creative, enchanting ways in different installations at the Portland Winter Light Festival. Historically concentrated at PSU (Portland State University), Tom McCall Waterfront Park, and around OMSI, during COVID the light displays are more spread out. Although a shame from a convenience perspective (you could hit all the major displays in one walkable night previously, which is not possible now), it makes a lot of sense in the COVID-era, as it would get quite bottlenecked in some areas. Hopefully in 2023, the Light Festival will be back to its usual locales.
Portland Nigh Market (February 11 + 12)
Missed the Night Market during the Christmas season? You’re in luck! This seasonal event is back, just in time for last minute gifts for Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day. With dozens of vendors, you can definitely find the perfect gift for your loved one (and yourself!).
Zwickelmania (President’s Day Weekend)
Put on by the Oregon Brewer’s Guild., Zwickelmania invites beer lovers to get a peek behind the scenes with meet-the-brewer events, brewery tours, and beer tastings. Zwickelmania starts in Portland, with events the Saturday of President’s Day Weekend, with the following Saturday the state-wide event.
NW Black Comedy Festival (February 17-20)
With 60 comedians and 2 live podcasts in two locations in NE Portland (Alberta Abbey and Curious Comedy Theater), the NW Black Comedy Festival, now in its sixth year, is a young but growing comedy program.
PDX Jazz Festival (February 17-20)
Put on by PDX Jazz, this festival celebrates Black History Month with a concert series put on over the last two weeks in February. Performers include Grammy Award winners and DownBeat Rising Stars. The Festival includes many free public performances, as well as ticketed shows.