There’s always something to do around here! Regardless of the time of year or the weather patterns, Portland is ready to have a good time. In a city that loves to keep it “weird”, there’s always a chance to experience something new and exciting. This weekend, soothe your soul at a small music festival, get meditative with masa, become a foreign film fan, snuggle a snake, and root for the home team. Have fun, and happy weekend!

January 10^th – 11^th – Portland Folk Festival

If local music is up your ally, you’re going to love this! Warm yourself up on a chilly January weekend with the comforting tones of acoustic guitar. Portland Folk Festival is a 2 day concert with a lineup of artists who have taken the NW by storm. The folk genre is very diverse, and it meshes beautifully with a multitude of music styles. Because of this, you can expect to see everything from classic American folk, to folk with a country twang, a jazzy feel, or folk with a hint of rock or pop! The event takes place at the Crystal Ballroom, and showcases Portland greats like Ezra Bell, The Get Ahead, and Fox and Bones.

January 9^th – 26^th – Studio Ghibli Film Festival

Have you heard of Studio Ghibli? Even if you haven’t, chances are you have seen their images on t-shirts, school supplies, and even tattoos. Studio Ghibli was cofounded by Hayao Miyazaki, one of the most widely recognized and respected animators of our time. Films like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Kiki’s Delivery Service are some of the most popular of Miyazaki’s creations. It’s amazing how this particular animation house is able to combine the whimsical innocence of cartoons with sophisticated story lines and resonant messages. For the month of January, OMSI will host a Studio Ghibli Film Festival! You’ll have the opportunity to see these works of art on the big screen, and peek into the genius minds that created them.

January 10^th – Tamales!

This time of year, there’s nothing better than a warm, comforting meal. Due to our country’s diversity, we are exposed to countless forms of comfort food from around the world. Everybody knows that there’s nothing like a home cooked meal – so why not learn to make some of these comfort foods yourself? Portland’s Basics Market has a mission to teach us how to create authentic meals from around the world in the comfort of your own city! This weekend, they are focusing on tamales, a tasty dish of seasoned meat or vegetables wrapped up in a soft cornmeal dough. If you love Mexican cuisine or if you enjoy culinary arts, this would be a real treat for you. Keep an eye on the Basics Market calendar! Their classes cover a massive variety of ethnic recipes.

January 11^th – Reptile Expo

Many of us consider ourselves animal lovers. Critters that are classically cute, such as kitties and doggos, get all sorts of attention. But… what about the unconventionally adorable? While scales and chilly blood might give some folks the willies, it’s hard to deny that reptiles are utterly fascinating! Geckos, chameleons, iguanas, ball pythons, and others are plenty cute, too… in their own prehistoric kind of way. The NW Reptile Expo is the only reptile show in the US that puts a focus on rescue. While, of course, there will be professional reptile breeders on site, there will also be a whole lot of reptile friends in need of a loving home. If you’re considering a new (hypoallergenic, might I add) family pet, you can learn how to be the best reptile-parent ever at the NW Reptile Expo!

January 11^th – Trail Blazers vs. Milwaukee Bucks

This Saturday is your favorite team’s first game of 2020. Are you ready for action? Not only is this the first Trail Blazers game of the year, it’s the first of the new decade! The Milwaukee Bucks have the honor of facing off against the Blazers. We can’t wait to see what happens on our home turf. Go wish these guys a happy new year, and cheer for the first win of the decade!