Though February has only 28 days, there are still plenty of events and activities to pack in! Take a look at our picks for events around Portland, Vancouver, and Spokane. And, be sure to check our calendar for updated event dates and times.
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February Events in Oregon & Washington
Portland Seafood & Wine Festival
– February 3-4
Find some of the best seafood the Oregon Coast has to offer at the 12th Annual Portland Seafood & Wine Festival. The event, which falls during the heart of Dungeness Crab season, offers hundreds of seafood culinary delights and showcases over 50 Oregon wineries and craft breweries. Tickets are a very reasonable $13, with an additional $2 off when you show your Fred Meyer Rewards Card. And, by attending, you’ll be helping a great cause. Proceeds benefit the Oregon Chapter of the National MS Society.
Cascade Festival of African Films – February 3-March 4
Celebrate Black History Month at PCC’s 27th Annual Cascade Festival of African Films. This free festival is the largest and longest running African film festival in the country and focuses on films that show us “Africa through the eyes of Africans, rather than a vision of Africa packaged for Western viewers”. The films encourage viewers to develop unique perspectives and will hopefully interest them in pursuing the study of African cultures.
40th Portland International Film Festival – February 9-25
This year marks the 40th Annual Portland International Film Festival, presented by the Northwest Film Center. PIFF is the largest film event in Oregon and features well over 100 international shorts, feature films, and animated films. With film screenings at venues around Portland, there is sure to be something for everyone to watch and enjoy.
My Muddy Valentine – February 11
My Muddy Valentine is a fun (and muddy) Valentine’s Day celebration complete with a 5K obstacle course, food, drinks, bonfires, and more. A great event for couples and individuals alike, My Muddy Valentine is a fun outdoor activity that celebrates love – of any variety!
Sweetheart Hangar Dance – February 11
Step back in time at the Sweetheart Hangar Dance, held at Pearson Air Museum at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. This old-fashioned shindig features live music from the VanPort Jazz Band, hors d’oeuvres, no-host bar, raffles, and much more. Period dress and Class A uniforms are encouraged – but not required. Proceeds benefit education and interpretive programs at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
Worst Day of the Year Ride – February 12
The Worst Day of the Year Ride celebrates that signature cold and wet weather that typically defines the Northwest during February. Suit up and brave the elements for this fun bike ride. Whether you choose the 15-mile urban course or the 42-mile challenge course, you’ll be greeted at the end of your ride by hot soup, beverages, and plenty of other goodies. Be sure to bring your best costume game – this year there’s over $5,000 in prizes being awarded.
PDX Jazz Festival – February 16-26
The PDX Jazz Festival is ‘Celebrating the Centurions’ this year during its multi-venue series of performances, featuring both nationally and regionally acclaimed jazz musicians. The festival will pay tribute to jazz iconoclasts such as Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Buddy Rich.
Zwickelmania – February 18 & 25
Get your craft beer fix at Zwickelmania, the annual event where Oregon breweries open their doors for special sampling and meet-the-brewer events. This year, Zwickelmania will hold two separate weekends – one for Portland area breweries on the 18th and one for the greater state of Oregon on the 25th.
Portland Spring Home & Garden Show – February 23-26
Looking to finally start that home improvement project? Look no further than the Portland Spring Home and Garden Show. The spring months are the perfect time to refresh the look of your home or garden. The Home and Garden show has dozens of experts and professionals on hand, as well as inspiring displays to jump-start your creativity.
Inlander Restaurant Week – February 23-March 4
The Inlander Restaurant Week features over 100 of the top restaurants in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Post Falls, and Cour d’Alene. Each restaurant features a special three-course meal (ranging from $19-29) created just for the event. Inlander Restaurant Week is a great way to experience new cuisine and support local businesses around Spokane.
Polar Plunge – February 25
Take part in a state-wide fundraiser for Special Olympics Oregon and do the Polar Plunge! Last year over $415,000 was raised by “plungers” who braved the cold winter water. You can find a Plunge to participate in all across the state in the cities of Portland, Bend, Medford, Eugene, and Corvallis. The Portland event includes a 5K Fun Run and costume contest.
Vancouver Lake Half Marathon – February 26
Give yourself a physical challenge this February and take part in the Vancouver Lake Half Marathon, sponsored by the Clark County Running Club. This flat course is a perfect opportunity for seasoned runners to shake off the winter cold and chase a personal record.