Portland Winter Light Festival. Photo by Brooke Hoyer.
Portland winters are long, dark and rainy. Bring a little light, music and culture into the drizzly season at these Portland winter festivals. Find one that sparks your interest.
From dazzling light displays to cultural festivals, Portland winters a filled with opportunities for the community to come together and celebrate.
Embark on a journey through the heart of Portland’s winter celebrations, where the city’s unique charm converges with the enchanting allure of the colder months.
2025 Portland Winter Festivals
Photo by Loc Dang
Studio Ghibli Film Fest
January 10-February 9
Join the monthlong celebration of Japanese animation during the Studio Ghibli Film Festival at OMSI. Experience 21 unforgettable adventures from the acclaimed animation studio. Tickets are $9 per film, except for opening night and Reel Eats events.
Photo by Jonathan Ley courtesy of Portland Japanese Garden
O-Shogatsu Festival
January 12
Portland Japanese Garden invites you to kick off the year of the snake during O-Shogatsu, Japanese New Year. Celebrate the start of a new year and hope for happiness and prosperity in the months ahead.
For the celebration, the garden is decorated in Kadomatsu, traditional arrangements of pine, bamboo, and plum branches.
Special activities are included with general admission, $21.95.
Photo courtesy of Stormbreaker Brewing
St. Johns Winter Beer Fest
January 17-18
Winter in St. Johns just got a whole lot warmer! The St. Johns Winter Beer Fest at Stormbreaker Brewing features 20+ local beers, ciders and craft cocktails. Also, there are some nonalcoholic cocktails available.
Tickets are $25 per person.
Lunar New Year
January 29-February 23
Portland’s most popular Lunar New Year Celebration is back at Lan Su Chinese Garden. The festival features hanging red lanterns, cultural displays, family-friendly activities and more.
General admission for the daytime festival is $16. Lantern viewing evenings are also available on select nights.
Image courtesy of Mt. Angel Volksfest
Volksfest
January 31-February 2
Head to Mount Angel for the annual Volksfest featuring authentic German and local food, beer and wine along with live music and family-friendly entertainment. Tickets are $15.
Portland Winter Light Festival. Photo by Amy Sakurai
Portland Winter Light Festival
February 7-15
Portland Winter Light Festival is a citywide art display featuring illuminated art installations, vibrant performances and kinetic fire sculptures throughout the city. For its 10th year, the festival will have more than 120 art displays. On weekends, the event features three anchor locations with food carts, artwork and amenities located in the heart of Portland. This event is free to attend.
Logo courtesy of PDX Jazz
Portland Jazz Festival
February 20-March 1
The Portland Jazz Festival has celebrated jazz music and culture in Portland for more than 20 years. View all of the free performances scheduled during the two-week festival.
Logo courtesy of NW Black Comedy Festival
NW Black Comedy Festival
February 20-23
Black comics from all over the country are coming to Portland for four days of laughter, joy and the celebration of humor during the NW Black Comedy Festival. This year’s event takes place at Curious Comedy. The 2025 schedule and tickets prices will be announced soon.
Photo by Anna Tis from Pexels
Portland Seafood and Wine Festival
March 1-2
The Portland Seafood and Wine Festival features more than 100 exhibitors ready to serve you a delicious bounty from our state. Along with seafood, craft beer, cider, and distilled spirit vendors are more than 30 of Oregon’s finest wineries offering tastings. Tickets are $18.
Photo courtesy of Mysti Krewe of Nimbus
Portland Mardi Gras Parade
March 4
Celebrate Fat Tuesday at the most authentic Louisiana Mardi Gras experience in the Pacific Northwest. Every year, the Portland Mardi Gras Parade on North Mississippi Avenue.
The free, family-friendly event starts at 7 p.m. View all the activities and performers.
2024 Events
I will update these events as soon as 2025 details are announced.
Logo courtesy of Cascade Festival of African Films
Cascade Festival of African Films (2024)
I’ll update this festival as soon as 2025 information is announced.
In celebration of Black History Month, Portland Community College is hosting the 34th Annual Cascade Festival of African Films. The films celebrate Africa’s achievements, expose its failures, and reveal possibilities for a hopeful future. You can choose to watch the films in-person or online.
Photo courtesy of Nordic Northwest
Fastelavn Nordic Kids Carnival (2024)
I’ll update this festival as soon as 2025 information is announced.
Fastelavn is a Danish holiday marking the transition from winter to spring. Enjoy an afternoon of family-friendly activities, snacks, beverages and entertainment. Tickets are $10.
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