Around Oregon | February 2016

lan su chinese garden, portland

written by Bronte Dod | photo courtesy of Lan Su Chinese Garden


Portland | Chinese New Year | February 8-22

Celebrate the Chinese New Year at Portland’s celebrated Lan Su Chinese Garden. The traditional Chinese Garden will host two weeks of celebrations to ring in the New Year, including lion dances and glowing lanterns. There will be a variety of activities for families every day during the celebration.

Why it’s on our list: The garden is a beautiful destination in Portland that is often overlooked.

 

Southern Oregon | Winter Wings Festival | February 11-14

Birders and photographers flock to the Klamath Basin to take part in workshops, field trips, youth activities and presentations for the thirty-seventh annual Winter Wings Festival. Keynote speakers will be James Currier, a birder and wildlife enthusiast and the host of Nikon’s TV show “Birding Adventures,” and Stephen Johnson, a renowned photographer, author and educator who was named one of Canon’s Explorers of Light in 2006. Read about the experience of a first-time birder at last year’s festival.

Why it’s on our list: The Klamath Basin has been a refuge for migrating birds for millennia, and the habitat is currently being threatened.

 

Portland | Portland International Film Festival | February 11-27

More than 140 short and feature-length films will be premiering at the Portland Film Festival this year. The event draws tens of thousands of film buffs and novices to the city. For two weeks, the festival screens international films at locations across Portland. The festival is produced by the nwFilmCenter. Tickets for individual films begin at $10 for adults and $7 for children. 

Why it’s on our list: We’re big fans of Oregon filmmakers.

 

Central Oregon | Oregon Winterfest | February 12-14 

Oregon Winterfest brings the community outside for a winter festival in Bend. Now in its fourth year, the festival features live music, performances and an arts and crafts marketplace from local vendors. Food carts and craft beer will also be available to purchase. Held along the banks of the Deschutes River, there will also be a competition to create the best firepit. Throughout the weekend, ice carving shows and competitions will take place. Families have the opportunity to take a picture with the Fire King and Ice Queen, and OMSI is hosting an activities center for kids. Tickets start at $10 for general admission, and individual tickets for special events can be purchased.

Why it’s on our list: Oregon Winterfest sounds like one of the best après ski parties this winter.

 

Statewide | Zwickelmania | February 13 

On the eve of Valentine’s Day, beer drinkers across the state can celebrate their love for craft beer during the annual Oregon Brewery Tour. Zwickelmania, put on by the Oregon Brewers Guild and more than 120 participating breweries, is a free, one-day event. Lovers of beer can meet brewers, taste generous samples, tour brewing facilities and much more. If you’re wondering about the meaning behind the name, a “zwickel” is a sampling valve on the side of a beer fermenter or maturation tank. Go, for the love of beer.

Why it’s on our list: Let us count the ways.

 

Newport Seafood and Wine Festival | February 25-28

For one of the best culinary events this month, you’ll want to head to the coast. The Newport Seafood and Wine Festival is one of longest-running winter coast festivals in Oregon. While you sip on some of the best wines in the region and enjoy the fresh seafood, there will be also be an artisans fair, highlighting the work of craftsmen and artists in Oregon.

Why it’s on our list: Off-season is the best season at the coast.

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