Events in Portland this January 2023
Portland is a place like no other. The city’s rich culture and thriving arts scene have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. From the food to the people, there is something about Portland that makes you want to stay forever.
There are plenty of reasons why you should visit Portland, but there are even more this January! From the much anticipated Portland Boat Show to the Portland Music Month festivities, a trip to Portland at the start of the year is guaranteed to be fun-filled. In between your hikes at Columbia River Gorge and your museum and art gallery visits, check out these exciting events in Portland this January:
January is Portland Music Month
IG Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/CZaMavWK4TD/
There’s a reason Portland consistently ranks among the top five music cities in the country — live music in Portland is huge, and the people are devoted. This January, celebrate music with the rest of the city with 31 days of live performances in 21 independent music venues. There will be over 100 music acts spread throughout the month, both from local and touring talents. Check out Portland Music Month’s calendar of shows for a complete list of festival performers. From rock to jazz, whatever music you dig, there’s a show for you.
The brainchild of MusicOregon and the visionaries behind Music Fest Northwest, the festival’s goal is to celebrate the city’s music scene while encouraging everyone to support its music culture. Proceeds from the festival will be used to fund Independent Musician Empowerment Grants. Get your Portland Music Month tickets early before they run out.
O-Shogatsu, Japanese New Year
When: January 8th, 2023, 10:30am to 3:30pm
Where: Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave., Portland, Oregon 97205
Add a little bit of culture on your trip and head to the Portland Japanese Garden for O-Shogatsu, a celebration of the Japanese New Year.
Meaning “standard month,” O-Shogatsu, is a Japanese belief that the standard you set during the first days of the first month of the year will set your fortune for the rest of the year. So, leave all the worries and negative vibes behind and celebrate the start of the year with hope for happiness and prosperity.
See the garden in a different light as it gets all decked for the new year festivities with traditional decorations. Festival activities will start from 10:30am until 3pm and include a lion dance, a tea ceremony, and a Japanese brush painting workshop where you’ll learn how to paint a rabbit.
The Portland Coffee Roasters will join this cultural event in Portland and will serve free coffee to visitors.
Portland Boat Show
When: January 11–15, 2023
Where: Portland Expo Center, 2060 N Marine Dr, Portland, OR 97217
The Portland Boat Show is the event of the year for boating enthusiasts. Find all your favorite boats for sale, as well as the best brands, dealers, and manufacturers, in one place. From kayaks to luxury cruisers, whatever floats your boat, you’ll find it at the 63rd annual Portland Boat Show at the Portland Expo Center.
Portland Folk Festival
When: January 13–15, 2023
Where: McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209
IG link: https://www.instagram.com/p/ClEzStDS_TQ/?hl=en
Although a part of the 2nd Annual Portland Music Month, the Portland Folk Festival has actually been around a bit longer — since 2018 to celebrate the burgeoning Portland live music scene and appreciate local talents. The tradition continues to date as a part of the city-wide celebration of music.
The 3-day event celebrates folk, Americana, and roots music in the city. The festival lineup includes Ron Artis II, Hillstomp, Glitterfox, Rayland Baxter, Haley Johnsen, Fox and Bones, Eddie Berman, David Ramirez, and more.
Portland Old Time Music Gathering
When: January 11-15, 2023
Where: Various venues, including Moon and Sixpence Pub, Spare Room Restaurant & Lounge, and Alberta Abbey — all in Portland
The Portland Old Time Music Gathering “is a grassroots volunteer-run festival that aims to celebrate and enrich the community of traditional old-time Appalachian style string band musicians.” More than just a series of concerts in Portland, it reimagines that feeling of friends jamming together in the living room or strangers coming together by the campfire to sing tunes at a summer festival.
Wednesday Night – Hosted jam at the Moon and Sixpence Pub with hosts Ken Torke and Laurie Prime.
Thursday Night – Cajun/Honky Tonk Dance night at the Spare Room Bar and Lounge
Friday Night – Concert at Alberta Abbey featuring Jamie Fox accompanied by Scotty Leach, Sally Jablonsky and friends, and Ben Hunter and Joe Seamons.
Saturday – Workshops, jams, singing sessions, square dances, and kids’ events at Alberta Abbey
Sunday – The Spare Room Bar with the Cabaret
Visit Portland Old Time Music Gathering’s website for the list of this year’s performers and their schedule of events in Portland.
Chinese New Year at Lan Su Chinese Garden
When: January 21 to February 5, 2023
Where: Lan Su Chinese Garden, 239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209
Chinese New Year is coming up, and what better place to celebrate it than at Lan Su Chinese Garden? Lan Su is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon at any time of year, but it’s especially magical during the Chinese New Year. The garden is filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday season—including traditional lion dancers and firecrackers! If you have never been before, now is the perfect time to go. The 16-day festival has plenty of exciting events lined up in its program this year, including a Lion Dance performance, martial art demonstration, art workshops, craft activities for families, games, and more! This event in Portland is free to the public, so you have no reason not to drop by.
Visit the garden at night for the Lantern Viewing Evenings and watch the garden glow with red lanterns hanging along roof lines and massive floating lantern sculptures lighting up Lake Zither. There will also be an illuminated dragon procession during the evenings. The evening event is not free and costs $45 for the general public.
Koleda Slavic Winter Festival
When: January 8, 2023, from 12:30pm to 6pm
Where: Oregon Latvian Community Center, 5500 SW Dosch Rd, Portland, OR 97239
If you’re looking for events in Portland to celebrate the winter solstice, look no further than Koleda! This Slavic tradition dates back thousands of years and is still celebrated today by many cultures across Europe. Grab the opportunity to experience unique Slavic traditions from Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus at the Latvian Community Center. It will be a day of traditional music, songs, carols, dancing, food, and more in this fully immersive cultural experience. Come dressed up as your spirit animal, as a magical creature, or as you are wrapped up in layers to keep warm from the cold.
Shen Yun Performing Arts
When: January 18-22, 2023; show times vary
Where: Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay Street, Portland, OR 97201
Shen Yun, without a doubt, is an experience of a lifetime. It’s a feast for the eyes and ears, with each breathtaking performance celebrating China’s rich cultural history and heritage.
The dances performed by Shen Yun Performing Arts are based on stories from ancient Chinese folklore, legends, poetry, and historical events—all told through beautiful costumes, detailed sets, colorful lighting effects, and graceful movement patterns that evoke feelings of peace and tranquility… taking you back to Ancient China before communism.
If you’ve never seen it before, now is your chance to experience this unique form of artistic expression in person! Remember, there’s a dress code. Come in business attire or evening wear.
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