Featured Event
26th Annual Cascade Festival of African Films
Feb. 5 to March 5
Multiple Venues
Free!
The website for the Annual Cascade Festival of African films has all the details for this festival. The site is cleverly crafted so you can find the film and location of your choice easily. Portland Community College is helping to host this massive artistic undertaking that looks at the different kinds of lives a person might have in Africa, for good and for ill. This side of Africa is brought to you by those who live it, not those who talk about it secondhand.
Wednesday, Feb. 10
Native Photography
Portland Art Museum
Fee: $20 general museum admission, $17 student museum admission
The Portland Art Museum looks at the lives of Native American photographers and the dialogue they’ve created with the influential photographs of Edward Sheriff Curtis.
ValenTango
Double Tree Hilton
If you’re looking for an exciting idea for the week of Valentine’s Day that revolves around dance, community and romantic ambiance, then check out this festival with a variety of classes and DJs. Prices can vary from $23 to $339. Check out valentango.us for more info.
Thursday, Feb. 11
Chinese New Year
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Fee: $7 for students, free for members
It’s the year of the monkey, and Lan Su Gardens is hosting a two-week celebration that starts on Feb. 8. Lantern viewing and dragon processionals are promised during the course of these celebrations but will require a special admission ticket.
Uprooted
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center
Fee: $5
An exhibit running through June, this event examines the horrific history of Executive Order 9066, which created Japanese internment camps and farm labor during World War II. Specifically, the display will focus on the 33,000 Japanese Americans working on sugar-beet farms.
Friday, Feb. 12
U.S. Peace Corps
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
SMSU 294
If you’re looking for a way to experience the world and test your language and community skills, then the Peace Corps is a great way to express that portion of your personality. Come prepared to learn about the ins and outs of the application process and whether the Peace Corps is right for you.
Father of the Bride
7:30 p.m.
Columbia Center for the Arts (Hood River, OR)
Fee: $20 adults, $15 students
This stage production of the book that was made into a film and then remade in the ’90s is a classic tale of growing up and of a father letting go of his little girl while dealing with the hysterics of paying for the wedding. More comedy than drama.
Saturday, Feb. 13
Tryon Creek Service Trip
Outdoor Program Office
Free!
Head out to Tryon Creek and spend half a day removing English ivy and the other half exploring the natural beauty of the creek. This day-trip’s pre-trip meeting is on Feb. 10.
2016 Contemporary NW Art Awards
Portland Art Museum
Fee: $20 general museum entrance, $17 student museum entrance
This is not a traditional awards show—it’s more of an awards exhibition featuring many distinct viewpoints, as half of the eight winners are immigrants and have fresh eyes to look at prejudice. This showcase continues until May 8.
Sunday, Feb. 14
Worst Day of the Year Ride
9 a.m.
Lucky Lab Brew Pub
Fee: $39 to $49
At this quintessential Portland event, you are invited to grab your fave costumes and bikes, imbibe on free coffee and doughnuts for riders, and explore new routes while possibly winning costume prizes. Treats are available at every rest stop.
Cabaret Cupid
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Venetian Theatre (Hillsboro, OR)
Fee: $30 single, $50 couple
In this blend of cabaret events supported by the Portland Area Theatre Alliance, song, dance, comedy and performance will be brought to you by a variety of local performers. Enjoy Valentine’s Day with something special and homegrown.