Portland and Area Activities Planner - January 24, 2025

FAN EXPO PORTLAND
Jan 24-26
FAN EXPO Portland (formerly Wizard World Portland) is the ultimate place to celebrate fandom. Join tens of thousands of fans just like you and experience the ultimate playground for comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming. Three days of citywide events, family-friendly attractions and world-renowned celebrities await. Attendees can shop at hundreds of vendors and exhibitors, check out panels and workshops, meet favorite stars and creators, and celebrate what makes them geeky with thousands of other fans in cosplay. There is something for every fan at FAN EXPO Portland.

NIKKEI NEW YEARS PARTY/MOCHI DEMONSTRATION
Jan. 25
Ring in the Year of the Snake and join the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) for the annual Nikkei New Year's Party and Mochi Demonstration. These mochi-making demonstrations are free and family-friendly.

LUNAR NEW YEAR AT LAN SU CHINESE GARDEN
Jan. 29–Feb. 23
Welcome the Year of the Snake at Portland's most iconic Lunar New Year celebration experience — Lantern Viewing Evenings at Lan Su. Witness the garden aglow with hanging red lanterns, illuminating sweeping rooflines. Lake Zither reflects the lights of large-scale floating lantern sculptures, creating a scene of beauty and tranquility that captivates visitors of all ages.

NOPO WINTER BEER FEST
Jan. 24–25
Bring a Winter Beer Fest to Mississippi Avenue, you said. Well, you asked, and StormBreakr listened. Join Stormbreaker Brewing to celebrate local beers, cideries, and cocktails with all your favorite makers.

The fest is split into three sessions. An entry pass will provide you with a branded festival glass, eight tasting tickets, a StormBreaker sticker, 20% off merchandise, and a coupon for a future StormBreaker Pint on your next visit.

SOMETHING ROTTEN
Jan. 24-25
Welcome to the Renaissance! Dive into the hilariously absurd world of Something Rotten! —a musical comedy like no other. Follow brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom as they struggle to make their mark in the shadow of William Shakespeare, the rockstar of the Elizabethan stage. When a mysterious soothsayer predicts that the future of theater involves singing, dancing, and acting all at once, the Bottom brothers set out to create the world’s first musical.

Packed with show-stopping numbers, outrageous puns, and over-the-top characters, Something Rotten! is a love letter to musicals and Shakespeare that will leave you laughing and humming long after the curtain falls. Don’t miss this spectacularly clever production that promises fun for the whole family!

LUNAR NEW YEAR DRAGON AND LANTERN VIEWING
Jan. 29–Feb. 16
Don’t miss Lantern Viewing Evenings at the most iconic Lunar New Year celebration in the Pacific Northwest. Explore Lan Su Chinese Garden, adorned with dazzling lantern sculptures from China and take part in interactive cultural activities that bring the celebration to life. 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of the Year of the Snake with cymbals, drums, and lively action. Join an unforgettable experience as the Portland Lee’s Association Dragon and Lion Dance Team leads a stunning illuminated dragon dance procession, filling the garden with energy and excitement as it winds its way around. This traditional festivity is a crowd favorite every year.

HAIRSPRAY
Jan. 17–Feb. 9
The 1950s are out, and change is in the air. Hairspray, the winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is a family-friendly musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs.

It's 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire — to dance on the popular "Corny Collins Show." When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from a social outcast to a sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network… all without denting her 'do.

8-TRACK: THE SOUNDS OF THE 70'S
Jan. 23–Feb. 16
Put on your boogie shoes and experience the music of the ‘70s with the fast-paced musical revue 8-Track. With over 50 songs that define the decade, this joyful concert will take you on a time-traveling journey back to an era of vibrant songs, electric choreography, and outstanding harmonies. Featuring the music of The Bee Gees, Marvin Gaye, KC and The Sunshine Band, The Carpenters, Labelle, The Doobie Brothers, Barry Manilow, The Emotions, and more, 8-Track will bring the best of soul, pop, and disco to you

LOVE, SHAKESPEARE
Jan. 23–24
Witness the Magic of Unscripted Shakespeare. Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan based on your suggestions.

Each show is an unpredictable tribute to Shakespeare's comedy, filled with ridiculous twists and spontaneous delights. Follow a merry band of players — former buddies of the great Will himself — as they unravel one of the Bard's “unfinished” gems. This special engagement welcomes the group back for the third time, but the first time on the U.S. Bank Main Stage and the set of Twelfth Night.

CRABBING SEASON ON THE OREGON COAST
Seasonal
Winter is the most wonderful time of the year, which in Oregon is also one of the tastiest. Commercial crabbing season usually kicks off in December for a festive holiday treat. With more than 400 commercial boats working the waters from Astoria to Brookings, there’s no better time to visit a seafood market for the freshest and heaviest Dungeness crab. 

Oregon’s commercial crab fishery is the most valuable single-species fishery in the state. In 2023 crabbers hauled in more than 23.8 million pounds of Dungeness — a crab celebrated for its sweet, succulent meat that’s packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B-12. It’s also rewarding to extract its meat from the shell, yielding satisfying portions with minimal work. One crab alone can often feed two people, especially when served with sides. 

RAINY MONTHS SERIES: BIG, BANG, BOOM
Jan 26
These dynamic dads play parent-friendly, educational children’s music! That’s right! After 20 years of touring the grown-up stages, Chuck, Steve, and Eddie decided to expand their horizons and play for parents (like themselves) who want MORE from children’s music.

SNOWMAN SCAVENGER HUNT
Jan. 1, 2025 - Jan. 31
Get ready for a winter adventure. Families are invited to bundle up and join in Bridgeport Village’s Snowman Scavenger Hunt.

Pick up a Scavenger Hunt checklist at the Security Office and set off on a frosty journey to find 15 hidden snowmen in the windows of stores and restaurants around the center. After finding them all, head back to the Security Office to claim a small prize as a reward.

This exciting scavenger hunt is sure to bring smiles to little ones and is a great way for families to explore all that Bridgeport Village has to offer.

PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS
Oct. 4, 2024–Mar. 21
Come cheer on the Winterhawks, Portland's junior ice hockey team and three-time WHL champs. Winterhawks games are a great night out for fans of all ages, whether you want to sit right by the glass or a little higher up for a full-ice view.

STUDIO GHIBLI FILM FESTIVAL
Jan. 10–Feb. 9
This year’s festival includes daily screenings, special guest speakers, and an Opening Night celebration focused on the 40th anniversary of Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Watch all your favorites, from My Neighbor Totoro to Kiki’s Delivery Service, all on the largest movie screen in Portland. Select screenings will feature introductions by experts on Miyazaki’s work from Portland State University and Pacific University.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
VS OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Jan. 26
VS MILWAUKIE BUCKS
Jan 28

CARSON GOLF & SPA RESORT
Year-Round
Driving east on either side of the Columbia River Gorge with Mount Hood filling the windshield, the stunning scenery leads to an enchanted place where you can choose your own adventure, relax and enjoy the magical hot water of Carson Hot Springs. Whether you are looking for luxury and a comfortable overnight stay or something a bit more rustic with a camping option, Carson Hot Springs in Washington has something for everyone.

THE DINNER DETECTIVE MURDER MYSTERY SHOW
Oct. 19, 2024–Mar. 22
Join The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Portland for an evening filled with suspense, laughter, and delicious dining. Step into a world of intrigue as you work to solve a thrilling crime that unfolds around you. But watch out — the culprit could be anyone in the room, and you might even become a Prime Suspect yourself.

Your ticket includes a full dinner, interactive murder mystery experience, waitstaff gratuity, and a special prize for the night’s Top Sleuth. Get ready for a night you won’t forget.

PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKET
Ongoing
Come celebrate 50 years of supporting local artists, fostering connections, and embracing the spirit of Portland. Thank you for being a cherished part of our journey—here's to another 50 years of creativity, community, and countless memories!

FARMERS MARKET AT PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Year-Round
The Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University will be open every Saturday, year-round. April through October hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. November through March hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Market at PSU is located in Downtown Portland in the South Park Blocks between SW College & Montgomery Streets.

HOLLYWOOD FARMER'S MARKET
Year-Round
Year-round on Saturdays, the Hollywood Farmers Markets hosts 50+ vendors, bringing you the best of the region’s agricultural bounty.

In addition to amazingly fresh, local food,  you’ll find live music, children’s activities, and fun events throughout the season.

• April through September, every Saturday 8 AM to 1 PM,
• October and November, every Saturday 9 AM to 1 PM,, and
• December through March: 9 AM to 1PM on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month