Portland Seafood & Wine Festival
February

Set in the middle of the Dungeness Crab season, this promises to be a popular event in Portland. The event will be a very upscale yet festive event at the Oregon Convention Center with over 98,000 square feet of exhibit space will allow for lots of room to wander the event while stopping to sit and enjoy the good food, drink and live music throughout the event.

LOCATION:
Oregon Convention Center
777 NE Martin Luther King Blvd
Portland

Portland International Film Festival
February - Portland

Drawing an audience of over 35,000, the Portland International Film Festival (PIFF) is the biggest film event in Oregon, premiering over 100 international shorts and feature films to Portland audiences each February. Audiences can experience a variety of parties, visiting artists, and plenty of festival adventure taking in this feast of cinematic fare.

LOCATION:
Portland

INFORMATION:
Order tickets online or call or call 503-221-1156

Unique Animal & Expo Fair
Hillsboro - February

The Oldest and Largest Combined Animal Expo in the Pacific Northwest. See and Buy Live Birds, Live Reptiles & Live Mammals.

LOCATION:
Washington County Fairgrounds
Hillsboro, Oregon

INFORMATION:
(503) 717-8484

Christmas Festival of Lights
Portland - November, December

Continuing a wonderful holiday tradition begun as a gift to our community in 1988, The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights welcomes all who seek the true spirit and meaning of Christmas. Through the presentation of spectacular lights, hourly music concerts, outdoor caroling, and other family entertainment, The Grotto's festival surrounds visitors with the traditional sights and sounds of this wondrous holiday season.
$7.00 General Admission / $3.00 Children ages 3-12
children age 2 and under free

LOCATION:
NE 85th and Sandy Boulevard
Portland, Oregon

INFORMATION:
503-261-2400

ZooLights
Portland - December

Presented by The Boeing Company Nearly one million lights turn the zoo into a winter wonderland.

ZooLights is Portland's premier family holiday event, combining thousands of lights, hundreds of musical groups, a ride on the zoo's brightly lit train, a troupe of costumed animal characters, and seasonal culinary treats.

LOCATION:
Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd.
Portland, OR

INFORMATION:
503-226-1561

Holiday Ale Festival
Portland - December

The only beer festival in the Northwest to be held outdoors in the dark, cold and often wet month of December, the Holiday Ale Festival is truly distinctive. Despite chilly temperatures and often-inclement weather outside, attendees stay warm and dry under a large clear tent that covers the venue while allowing for views of the city lights. Gas heaters create a cozy ambience under the boughs of one of the region's largest decorated Christmas trees.

Festival highlights include on-site food; craft vendors; beer apparel and merchandise; a complimentary root beer garden for minors and designated drivers; mead tasting; and seasonal background music.

LOCATION:
Pioneer Courthouse Square
701 SW Sixth Ave
Portland, Oregon

INFORMATION:
503-252-9899

Christmas Ship Parade - Portland/Metro - December

The Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the two Columbia and Willamette River fleets. Both fleets will be out every night for two weeks. Christmas Ships is an all-volunteer effort by a group of Portland area recreational boaters. They come from various yacht clubs in the local area and also a number of boaters who are not affiliated with a club.

LOCATION:
Willamette/Columbia River

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
Portland - December

This quintessential Nutcracker, danced to Tchaikovsky's magnificent score and steeped in the splendid Yuletide traditions of 19th-Century Germany, was the first in America to gain widespread popularity. With technically challenging principal roles and parts for over 100 children, Mr. Balanchine's Nutcracker is a rite of passage for dancers of all ages.

LOCATION:
Oregon Ballet Theatre
818 SE Sixth Avenue
Portland, OR

INFORMATION:
Ticket Office: 503/2-BALLET or 888/9-BALLET

Chocolate Fest
January - Portland

Sample the latest culinary wonders from chocolate masters and artisan chocolatiers in the Chocolate Bazaar. Continue your tantalizing journey to the Chocolate Market as you learn the art of chocolate pairings with wine, sake, and beer. Learn the basics of chocolate and visit 'The Chocolate Story' exhibit.

LOCATION:
World Forestry Center
4033 SW Canyon Rd.
Portland

INFORMATION:
503-228-1367

Portland Farmers Market
Portland - April

Four urban green markets open April through December, serving up to 20,000 shoppers per week. This is a direct connection to over 250 vendors with deep roots in Oregon and Washington, including farms, nurseries, bakeries, meat and seafood providers, cheese makers, specialty foods producers.

LOCATION:
4 locations in Portland

INFORMATION:
503 241 0032

Spring Beer & Wine Fest
Portland - April

The nation's largest "Springtime" alcoholic event held annually at Easter time at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. This event is all about educating your taste buds by sampling and comparing a variety of drink from hand-crafted beer, wine, cider, mead, and distilled spirits. Also featuring live music, food courts with gourmet items, and from the cooking stage renowned Chefs demonstrating cuisine using the "spirits" offered at the festival.

LOCATION:
Oregon Convention Center
777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.
Portland, Oregon

Cinco De Mayo Fiesta
Portland - May

Portland's largest multicultural event. Featuring music, dance, art, and Latin music. The Fiesta also features "The Plaza de Artesanos" where artisans demonstrate and sell handcrafted artwork. Some crafts are exported directly from Mexico and handcrafted on sight.

LOCATION:
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Portland

INFORMATION:
503-232-7550

Portland Indie Wine Festival
Portland - May

A two-day showcase of Oregon's smallest, independent winemakers. Like many of Portland's most popular cultural events, the Portland Indie Wine Festival is a fun, lively, community experience. Think Sundance meets wine tasting. Festival goers will taste the best wines selected by a jury, meet the winemakers, sample great food from Oregon's top chefs, and buy wines to take home.

LOCATION:
Urban Wineworks and Chown Garage
407 NW 16th Avenue
Portland

Pioneer Family Festival
Oregon City - May

Teddy Bear Parade, Carnival & Midway, Entertainment, Bike Rally and much more!

LOCATION:
Clackamette Park
Oregon City

Annual 3900' Festival
North Plains - June

Featuring two days of camping, two stages of music, and over 30 independent bands from the West.

LOCATION:
Horning's Hideout
North Plains, OR
- 30 minutes from Downtown Portland off Highway 26

Allstate Festival of Balloons in Tigard
Tigard - held in June

The skies over Tigard are filled with rainbow-colored hot air balloons at this annual Allstate Festival of Balloons. Thousands of visitors come to watch the balloons take off, ride the ferris wheel at the carnival, munch on festival food, and enjoy the live music. The novelty and joy of seeing hot air balloons up close is a thrill for children and is another aspect of Tigard that makes it a unique and wonderful place to call home.

LOCATION:
Cook Park
17005 SW 92nd Avenue
Tigard, OR

Portland Rose Festival
Portland - June

Oregon's premier civic celebration, has been a Northwest tradition for 98 years. This unique festival bursts into bloom each spring to celebrate the City of Roses with events, excitement and entertainment for all ages. Some of the events include Grand Floral Parade, The Waterfront Village, Festival of Bands and The Arts Festival.

Race Across Oregon
Portland - July

On July 22, 2006 the eighth annual Race Across Oregon begins in Portland. Competitors climb over 40,000 in their 535 mile campaign to the finish line at Mount Hood and Timberline Lodge approximately 30 - 48 hours later.

Divisions included in the race are: Male/Female Soloist; Tandem; 2 or 4 Person teams; and Corporate (8 person) teams.

The Bite of Oregon
Portland - August

A celebration of Oregon, its food, its people and its extraordinary quality of life. Come join the fun at the best summer party on the Portland waterfront! Iron Chef Oregon Competitions, entertainment, sandcastles, food, wine and beer.

LOCATION:
Waterfrond Park
Portland

INFORMATION:
(503)248-0600

Portland Pirate Festival
St Helens - Septemeber

This annual family-oriented event promotes fun and education through Historical Re-enactment, Music, Fun for the Kids, Dance, Food, Beer, Wine and interactive Theater.

LOCATION:
Historic Waterfront
St Helens, OR

Tualtin Riverfront Music Festival
Tualatin - September

Tualatin Riverfront Music Festival supports a great cause - a clean and healthy Tualatin River that is accessible to everyone. The festival has something for the whole family - great music, food, nature activities and kayaking on the river.

LOCATION:
Tualatin Community Park (at river mile 8.9)
Tualatin, OR

West Linn Arts Festival
West Linn - September

Each year, the festival has a wide variety of artwork from approximately 100 top artists. In addition, the festival has great music and entertainment, food and drinks, all designed to welcome art lovers and enthusiast.

LOCATION:
Willamette Park
1100 12TH Street
West Linn

Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival
Forest Grove - September

This event encourages you to "release the artist within." Come and create a masterpiece on the sidewalks of historic downtown Forest Grove. Work individually or as a team. There is music, balloons, and other great entertainment.

Valley Art Association's Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival has been a Forest Grove signature event since 1990. The festival falls on the third Saturday of September every year rain or shine.

LOCATION:
Main Street, Pacific and 21st Avenue
Forest Grove

INFORMATION:
503-357-3703

Philip Foster Farm Cider Squeeze
Eagle Creek - Portland/Metro Region

Bring your apples, press ours, or buy cider. Vendors, food, craftsmen and musicians all day. Fun for the whole family.

LOCATION:
Philip Foster Farm
29912 SE Hwy. 211
Eagle Creek, OR

Corn Maize
Sauvie Island - Sept thru Oct

Great Fun! With hay rides, pumpkin patch and more. There is also a Haunted Maize the last three weekends in October!

LOCATION:
The Pumpkin Patch - Sauvie Island
16525 NW Gillihan Rd.
(Only 15 minutes from downtown Portland!)

INFORMATION:
(503) 621-7110

Fazio Farms "Corn Maze in The City"
September 23 - thru October 31

"Corn Maze in The City" is 6.5 acres (over 283,000 square feet) of complicated and large corn maze. The corn is double planted so you CANNOT see through!!! It's freaky. We look forward to your confusion! Pony rides, corn maze, face painting, food booths, 22' "Bouncy Slide", and pumpkin painting. Visit "HayLand", our covered out of the inevitable rain, for a parent's break hay bale maze, and hay bale pyramid.

LOCATION:
Fazio Farms Corn Maze
8433 NE 13th Avenue
Portland, OR 97211

INFORMATION:
(503) 289-2020

Muddy Boots Organic Festival
Portland - September

A celebration of sustainable living, featuring workshops and exhibits on sustainable living and climate change, local and healthy organic foods, organic beer and wine, kids' activities and musical entertainment

LOCATION:
St. Philip Neri Church
2408 SE 16th Avenue
Portland, Oregon

Annual Squishing of the Squash & 'Howloween' at the Zoo
Portland - October

Environmental Enrichment - Annual Squishing of the Squash
In preparation for our "Howloween" event, the Portland Zoo elephant herd will receive a HUGE pumpkin to pulverize. Great photo opportunity - bring your camera!

HOWLOWEEN AT THE ZOO

Most kids love trick-or-treating, and Oregon Zoo provides a fun and safe setting for this traditional Halloween activity. Trick-or-treaters will complete an intriguing scavenger hunt leading them to activity stations around the zoo. Goodie bags filled with candy and prizes will be given out for completed hunts at the zoo's exit. Free with zoo admission.

LOCATION:
Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd
Portland, Oregon

INFORMATION:
503-226-1561

Halloween Fantasy Trail
Oregon City - October

Take a Halloween walk through a lighted, wooded, "Fantasy Trail", decorated with spooky sights and sounds. Walk through a 40 foot castle with Halloween scenes. Also, walk through a tunnel, maze, crooked house and suspension bridge. Refreshments will be available.

LOCTION:
19754 South Ridge Road
Oregon City, Oregon

lINFORMATION:
(503) 631-2047

Oregon Hill's Annual Pumkin Festival - St. Helens - October

Featuring Free admission, free hayrides, pumpkin patch, childrens games and activities, music, local arts & crafts, and plenty of delicious food! Printable flyer with travel directions available at website

LOCTION:
32861 Pittsburg Road
St. Helens

lINFORMATION:
503-397-2791

Verboort's Annual Sausage and Sauerkraut Dinner
Verboort - November

Every year the folks in Verboort have invited a few of their neighbors over for a sausage and sauerkraut dinner. It's recommended that you buy your dinner tickets when you arrive, then take the opportunity to take a stroll around the grounds and beneath the 120 year old Giant Sequoia trees. You can also buy handicrafts ranging from homemade candy to hand sewn quilts.

LOCATION:
Visitation Parish
4285 N.W. Verboort Rd.
Forest Grove

Wordstock
November

Although best known for the Book Fair, several events actually make up the Wordstock Festival. Wordstock features ten author stages, a book fair with over 150 exhibitors, a special children's area and children's literature stage, a series of workshops for writers and for K-12 teachers, a special broadcast of Live Wire!, the popular public radio variety show, featuring writers from the festival, and more.

LOCATION:
Oregon Convention Center
777 NE Martin Luther King Jr., Boulevard
Portland, OR

INFORMATION:
503-546-1012

The Northwest Food & Wine Festival
November

In 2008 The Northwest Food and Wine Festival will enter its third year with a targeted half day wine and food celebration created to present a rich rewarding experience for wine lovers and gourmet food enthusiasts. Guests can expect a floor filled with over 600 wines and 50 restaurants and gourmet food tastes which feature an incredible array of options for guests.

LOCATION:
Memorial Coliseum
in the Blazers Rose Quarter Complex
Portland, OR

INFORMATION:
800-422-0251

Turkey Trot at the Zoo
Thanksgiving Day

Held on Thanksgiving Day, this four-mile run/walk winds through Washington Park and the zoo. Registration fee includes zoo admission.

LOCATION:
Cheatham Hall ( Forestry Center)
4001 SW Canyon Road
Portland, OR

INFORMATION:
Road Runners Club
503-667-0480

Christmas Festival of Lights
Portland - November, December

Continuing a wonderful holiday tradition begun as a gift to our community in 1988, The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights welcomes all who seek the true spirit and meaning of Christmas. Through the presentation of spectacular lights, hourly music concerts, outdoor caroling, and other family entertainment, The Grotto's festival surrounds visitors with the traditional sights and sounds of this wondrous holiday season.
$7.00 General Admission / $3.00 Children ages 3-12
children age 2 and under free

LOCATION:
NE 85th and Sandy Boulevard
Portland, Oregon

INFORMATION:
503-261-2400

Northwest Filmmakers' Festival
Portland - November

The Northwest's premiere showcase of new work by regional filmmakers that brings artists and audiences together for a singular community celebration. Each year the Festival draws more than 400 entries from filmmakers in Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, presenting to the public carefully selected programs of outstanding work and awarding critical recognition to top juror- and audience-recognized films. After the Festival, the event lives on in the form of the "Best of the Northwest" touring program, presented at key cultural and educational organizations across the Northwest.

LOCATION:
Various screening locations
Portland