It’s still going to be dark, cold, and rainy (with a chance of snow). But here are some fun options and practical advice for the month ahead:
💡 Portland Winter Light Festival
My favorite event of the winter is the light festival. I can’t wait to go back. It’s a whimsical and joy-filled way of chasing winter blues away.
On the first two Friday and Saturday nights of the month (Feb. 7 - 8 & 14 - 15), check out the lights in Downtown Portland and on the Central Eastside:
- Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Ave.
- World Trade Center, 131 SW Salmon St.
- Electric Blocks, 236 SE Clay St.
- Director Park, 815 SW Park Ave.
- Big Pink, 111 SW Fifth Ave.
There are also brightly colored installations throughout the city during the week.
If you really want to get in the spirit, dress up with some LED lights.
The Electric Blocks all lit up. (Marc Leglise / Portland Winter Light Festival)
Tips for the Month
💌 Happy early Valentine’s Day to those who celebrate. Want some ideas for where to snag a last-minute reservation? These restaurants are some of the most romantic around.
💰 If you’re trying to save money, here’s a tip: Free Geek offers reconstructed electronics at a cheaper price. It’s also a good place to donate used electronics.
🍕 If you’re looking for the cheapest pizza around, check out this spreadsheet an enterprising Portlander has compiled. (Thanks to City Cast Portland senior executive producer John Notarianni for those last two.)
🎉 Reasons To Leave the House in February
🏮 Lunar New Year celebrations continue into February. There’s a Vietnamese New Year celebration on Friday, Feb. 7: Tết with the Vietnamese Community of Oregon. There are also ongoing celebrations of the Chinese New Year, including on Saturday, Feb. 8 at Washington Square Mall and with lantern nights at Lan Su Chinese Garden.
🚶 Or maybe take a walk around a new neighborhood, like senior producer Giulia Fiaoni has been doing this winter.
💃 There are also plenty of ways to get out of the house — and stay indoors like dancing (with options like square dancing on Mondays or Contra remix monthly), roller skating at Oaks Park, or soccer with Rose City Futsal. Also, you can go out to drink tea (at places like Bardo or Enthea) or eat dumplings (at Excellent Cuisine or Kachka).
