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What To Do in Portland in January 2026

Posted on January 2   |   Updated on January 3
City Cast Portland staff

City Cast Portland staff

snowboard with feet looking down the slope, Mount Hood, Oregon

On the mountain last March. (John Notarianni / City Cast Portland)

City Cast

Your Guide to January 2026 in Portland

00:00:00

There’s lots to do, both in town and to get away from it all:

🖼️ Visit the Northwest Museum of Cartoon Arts

The Northwest Museum of Cartoon Arts held its grand opening last month. And as you probably know by now, Portland is home to a significant cartoon and graphic novels scene. The museum celebrates that culture and will be hosting a series of events with illustrators and authors this month — including Matt Fraction and Scott Lieber, creators of Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen on Jan. 11.

🏂 Take Advantage of the Mountain

This month, there’ll (finally) be skiing and snowboarding up on Mount Hood! Tip: the lift tickets are pricier this year.

For those who don’t like downhill sports or the price tag, there are more options for winter fun — with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or even snow camping.

🍸 Enjoy Portland’s NA Scene During Dry January

Haitian restaurant Kann and its bar Sousòl — as well as the tiki bar Hale Pele — have interesting flavored cocktails, no alcohol required. Güero also has some fun options.

If you’re looking for NA wines, executive producer John Notarianni recommends white and sparkling wines — particularly from Living Room Wines, on North Lombard, as well as OK Omens.

✈️ Find a Cheap Airline Ticket

Plus, it’s a good time to find cheap airfare to somewhere warm if you have the flexibility to travel in January, after the holidays. Check out all the nonstop destinations from PDX.

🧘 Try Doom Metal Yoga

If you’re looking for an escape of a different kind, I can’t think of something more Portland than yoga to a soundtrack of doom metal. Check out a sample class on YouTube. They’re taught by Mystical Hug yoga’s Kali Giaritta, who's offering a series of classes this month, beginning Jan. 4. Workshops are hosted by Lighthouse Community Yoga in Lents.

More Fun in January

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