Stay safe out there, Portland! As always, get tested and stay home if you feel sick—and get your booster while it's hot. Speaking of omicron, we advise checking directly with venues for the latest updates—including health guidelines, postponements, and cancellations—before heading out.
Jump to: Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Multi-Day
FRIDAY
FILM
Clinton Street Theater Presents
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The civic-minded movie theater will screen several landmark films from the Black cinema canon throughout Black History Month, including Melvin Van Peebles’s landmark work Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971), playing tonight.
(Clinton Street Theater, Hosford-Abernethy, $5-8 suggested; no one turned away for lack of funds. $6 ticket available in advance.)
Valentine
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Part of the Mondo Trasho "trash cinema" programming, this screening of Valentine (2001) promises sleazy slasher fun. The film's aughts-era all-star cast includes Denise Richards, Katherine Heigl, and David Boreanaz, each trying to outwit a killer in a creepy Cupid mask.
(Hollywood Theatre, Hollywood District, $8-$10)
MUSIC
Cellotronik
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Sit back and enjoy the captivating sounds of the cello from skilled cellist Skip von Kuske. He will create a textural experience by sprinkling in mandolin, acoustic guitar, vocals, digital elements, and programmed beats for a unique twist on the classical instrument.
(Edgefield, Troutdale, free)
Farnell Newton & The Sexual Chocolates with Vanilla Sprinkles
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Versatile local trumpeter Farnell Newton and his friends will bring the sweet, life-affirming sounds of swing, soul, and hip-shaking funk to the stage. If a winter night of rhythmic groove and alluring trumpet clarity is what you’re craving, this gig is just what your soul needs.
(Alberta Street Pub, King, $10)
Gasp & Sleep Debts
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Portland’s post-hardcore quartet Gast aims to be "perfectly chaotic and messily melodic." Noise punks Sleep Debts add some ferocious melodrama to the mix.
(The Sïx, Sunnyside, $10)
Headbang for the Highway: 'Officially Unofficial' at South by Southwest Festival
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No need to travel all the way to Texas for SXSW, Dante's is putting on their own version with a lineup of hardcore and metal. The night will include metal trio Against the Raging Tide hailing from the Oregon Coast, grungy rockers Bury Your Burdens, melodic hardcore locals Four Dead Seasons, Vancouver metalcore quartet Illusence, Salem-based death-metalheads Renascentia, and progressive metal trio To Die Elsewhere.
(Dante's, Old Town-Chinatown, $12)
Laryssa Birdseye
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Portland-based singer-songwriter Laryssa Birdseye will bring you an evening of emotional Americana influenced ballads and pop anthems.
(Alberta Street Pub, King, $10)
Lavender Country
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Released initially as a private press LP in 1973, Lavender Country’s eponymous album was the first gay country album ever, beating out Peter Grudzien’s The Unicorn by a year. The messages in their music still resonate with modern audiences, but they no longer have to be delivered from the shadows. Opening things up will be local folkies Laith & The Texas Birds followed by Jack Habegger’s Celebrity Telethon.
(Alberta Abbey, King, $15)
Mawlee Jones
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Get your fix of alt-country crooning from Mawlee Jones, who'll be joined with bluesy indie rock from singer-songwriters Jay Doughty and Chad Hanson.
(Kelly's Olympian, Downtown, $5-$6.98)
Megan Diana
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Chill out with two nights of atmospheric Americana with Megan Diana ahead of her forthcoming album, Cabin Fever. Opening up night one will be dark folk-rock duo Dead Lee, with night two featuring a solo set from The Parson Red Heads lead vocalist Evan Thomas Way.
(Al's Den, West End, $5)
The Generals, Bleeding Fire, and Hired Hounds
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This Portland four-piece will get you on your feet with their energetic metal-laced rock ‘n’ roll. Fellow local trio Bleeding Fire will join in with their stoner doom sound after hardcore punk quartet Hired Hounds.
(No Fun, Buckman, $8)
The Redneck Files
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This country rock duo initially bonded over their passion for music, sci-fi, and all things paranormal. It is out of these interests that The Redneck Files blossomed and cemented their style. If you didn't notice, their name is a spoof on The X Files, but "instead of exploring the paranormal, we explore what it means to be a Redneck."
(McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, Eliot, $10)
PARTIES & NIGHTLIFE
I'M NOT OKAY! An Emo and Pop Punk Dance Party
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This Valentine's day, it's okay to cry! DJ Baby Van Beezly will play throwbacks from The Used, My Chemical Romance, Blink-182, Taking Back Sunday, and more to an angsty anti-Valentine crowd. Scream along; you probably remember all of the lyrics. (The High Dive, Buckman, $10)
VALENTINE'S DAY
Valentine's Night Market Vancouver
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Check out the local maker scene up north at this night market which boasts around 90 vendors, a DJ AND live music, and more. Plus, you'll be able to impress that special someone with your (dance) moves after you learn some Zumba, salsa, and bachata.
(The Vic, Vancouver, $5 online; $6 at the door)
DRAG
The Queens Keys
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Drag queens Nicole Onoscopi and Saint Syndrome bring live singing and piano playing for a campy yet elegant evening filled with classic covers, original songs, comedy, and storytelling.
(The Queen's Head, Old Town Chinatown, $5)
RuPaul's Drag Race Viewing Party
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The 14th season of RuPaul's Drag Race has already seen Lizzo as a guest judge, so we're excited to see what else the producers (and queens) have in store. Sashay your way to the bar for viewing parties every Friday.
(Scandals, West End, free)
SATURDAY
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
In My Shoes: Walking Tour Storytelling Project
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In honor of Black History Month, Word Is Bond (an organization whose goal is "creating positive relationships between young Black men and law enforcement") presents a storytelling campaign featuring nine walking tours in neighborhoods across Portland designed to highlight the "voices, dreams, and experiences of rising Black men" and the neighborhoods they call home.
(Various locations, free)
The Numberz's Black History Bodega
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This Black History Month edition of Numz Bodega
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will feature a live set by DJ Ashe and new merch from Zero8one5, RootsNRooftops, Mister OK's Essentials, The XI Brand, and more.
(Portland Art Museum, South Park Blocks, Free)
COMEDY
Pretending Things Are A Cock
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Jon Bennett's comedy performance merges a phallic-filled photographic display from his years of global travel with uproarious, yet heartfelt personal stories. This award-nominated show has been previously performed at Edinburgh Fringe and off Broadway at SOHO Theatre.
(Curious Comedy Theater, King, $15)
FUN
Saturday Morning Cartoons
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Relive your childhood as this cinema-themed cafe serves up a morning of new and old cartoon classics with their favorite sugary cereals, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches.
(The 4th Wall PDX, Buckman, free)
FILM
To Be Or Not To Be
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Cinema Classics, a monthly series spotlighting the golden age of Hollywood, presents this 1942 black comedy directed by Ernst Lubitsch. Set in Nazi-occupied Poland, the film stars Jack Benny and Carole Lombard as thespians caught in a perilous plot: the two must impersonate Nazi officers in order to protect the Polish underground.
(Hollywood Theatre, Hollywood District, $7)
MUSIC
'80s Video Dance Attack: New Wave Edition
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Dance the night away like you're in a music video. This special new wave/alt-rock edition of '80s Video Dance Attack will dig into the archives for music videos from old favorites like Depeche Mode, The Cure, Siouxsie & The Banshees, New Order, and more.
(Mission Theater, Northwest Portland, $8)
Bootycorp and Birthdaygurl Present: Very Important People
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Get out of those quarantine sweatpants and into your best red carpet attire for an evening of music, dancing, and opulence. DJs Dance Berry, Step Brothers, Lemurcabra, and Egyptian Boat Society will keep the dance tunes flowing so that everyone feels like a VIP.
(Holocene, Buckman, $15)
Cobra Thief
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Portland's Cobra Thief brings their "deep fuzzed, smoked-out" sounds to the stage for a brain-altering blowout just after their latest release, The Hallowed Halls Session. They will be joined with support from cosmic horror rockers Beast Mountain, dark-psych wizards Nyxora, and hard rock two-piece Dog Lord.
(Dante's, Old Town Chinatown, $10)
Cuchulain with Jake William Capistran
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West Coast folk-rock will be served up fresh by Portland's own Cuchulain, who was featured on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series last year. Indie-folk singer-songwriter Jake William Capistran will open the night up.
(McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, Eliot, $10)
El Sobrante, Drawn, and The Dream Test
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Garage rockers El Sobrante will play a show at their home base beside hip-hop duo Drawn and local group The Dream Test.
(No Fun, Buckman, $8)
The Libertine Bells
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The Portland-based Libertine Belles churn out original songs and old standards alike, all with their signature vintage jazz style.
(Alberta Street Pub, King, $10)
Tropitaal Desi Latino Soundclash with DJ Anjali and The Incredible Kid
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Tropitaal blends Latin American tropical sounds with rhythms from India to create a unique sound that will perfectly soundtrack this dance party. Resident DJs Anjali & The Incredible Kid will spin sets that focus on Latin, Caribbean, and South Asian music.
(Goodfoot, Kerns, $12)
VALENTINE'S DAY
Mayfly Makers Market
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Show some love to local vendors like Asiyah Rose Candles, Sunny Cat Ceramics, and Golden Fir at this V-Day edition of Mayfly Makers Market.
(Mayfly Taproom and Bottle Shop, Kenton, free)
SUNDAY
VALENTINE'S DAY
Depressed Cake Shop Portland Pop-up
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This one-day pop-up bakery sells gray-colored cakes, cookies, and other goods (all donated by local bakers) to raise awareness and encourage conversation about mental health issues. The goodies, though dismal on the outside, are bright and colorful on the inside to symbolize hope. This event (the first of 2022) will feature pre-packaged boxes of a dozen love-themed treats and two Valentine's, with vegan options available.
(Opal 28, Kerns)
Heart Day Market
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Food carts, local makers, and live music will come together in harmony during this heart-filled market.
(CORE, Lents, free)
FILM
Ninja Scroll
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This 1993 Japanese anime film tells the tale of Jubei, a lone swordsman-turned-assassin in feudal Japan who must track down a team of supernatural devil-ninjas with the help of a beautiful ninja woman and a government spy. This highly-influential film is cited alongside Akira and Ghost in the Shell as having expanded the market for adult-oriented anime films worldwide.
(Hollywood Theatre, Hollywood District, $8-$10)
MUSIC
’99 to Ibiza
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Celebrate Valentine's Day on the dancefloor with late '90s and early '00s house bangers brought to you by DJs Lassi, CEA, Jon Lewis DeMarquez, and Callaghan b2b TEEN.
(Holocene, Buckman, $10-$12)
Andrew Oliver and His Buddies
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Portland-based pianist Andrew Oliver will play old-style jazz with a rotating group of musicians.
(Alberta Street Pub, King, $10)
Dropout Kings with VRSTY and Guerrilla Warfare
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Drop everything and head out for a night of nu-metal brought to you all the way from Arizona by Dropout Kings, who take inspiration from beloved bands like Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit. Joining the party is NYC-based R&B-infused post-hardcore outfit VRSTY and Kentucky hardcore trio Guerrilla Warfare.
(Dante's, Old Town Chinatown, $15)
The Flow Show
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The Flow Show is a monthly hip-hop showcase and open-mic to raise money for Portland's Pantry, a local non-profit that provides food and resources directly to those in need.
(Kelly's Olympian, Downtown, $10)
Vintage Soul
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Portland's own Vintage Soul are a talented mix of musicians who come together to make funky blues anthems.
(Alberta Street Pub, King, $15)
MULTI-DAY
FESTIVALS
Fall in Love with Lents Fest
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The East Portland neighborhood is vying for your affection during this multi-day event that will build community and showcase art. On the festival's first evening, "bring what you can and take what you want/need" at a mutual aid-inspired event that will also feature live music and performances. Mid-weekend, SOLVE will lead a community clean-up at Lents Town Center and local businesses will welcome folks in for open houses and demonstrations during the East Portland Art Fest. To cap it all off, Sunday's Community Connections Fair will keep the momentum going by connecting folks with local nonprofits for future volunteer opportunities.
(Lents Town Center, Lents, Friday-Sunday)
Portland Winter Light Festival 2022
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The holidays are behind us, but the Portland Winter Light Festival is here to remind you that the city’s best winter lights tradition actually happens in February. The celebration features dozens of illuminated art installations, along with unique performances and live events to help brighten up the Northwest winter doldrums. With massive interactive spaces to explore on both sides of the Willamette River, the Portland Spirit will be working overtime to offer complimentary cruises between the festival’s East and West hubs, and who doesn’t love a free boat ride?
(Various locations, Friday-Saturday, free)
VALENTINE'S DAY
Love is in the Air
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This pop-up experiential art installation, created by Portland-based balloon artist Kameron Messmer, allows visitors to take photos within a massive, balloon-covered space using special selfie walls and provided phone stands.
(Pioneer Place, Downtown, free, Friday-Sunday)
FILM
32nd Annual Cascade Festival of African Films
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This local film festival shows African films made by African filmmakers and encourages Western viewers to engage authentically with African cultures. The program, which lasts for over a month, includes acclaimed films like Ephraim Asili’s The Inheritance, Sundance favorites like Suzannah Mirghani Al-Sit, and many others.
(Virtual, free, Friday-Sunday)
Summer of Soul in 35mm
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Portland Black Film Festival presents a brand new 33mm print of Questlove's directorial debut Summer of Soul (2021). The documentary, which is part music film and part historical record, celebrates Black history with found footage of the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969. Never-before-seen performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, B.B. King, and more are sure to get you groovin', even in the confines of your theater seat.
(Hollywood Theatre, Hollywood District, $10, Friday-Saturday)
Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America
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Civil rights lawyer and ACLU deputy legal director Jeffery Robinson paints a portrait of the United States and its foundation on white supremacy that The Austin Chronicle writes "should be part of the standard curriculum in every school in America." The SXSW Documentary Spotlight Audience Award winner weaves together lecture, personal anecdotes, interviews, and more to "draw a stark timeline from slavery to modern America."
(Cinema 21, Nob Hill, Friday-Sunday)
SHOPPING
Love Fest: A Valentine’s Day Event
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Find local gifts made with love at this collaborative two-day shopping pop-up in the heart of downtown. DJ Tha Jewler will set the mood as you browse wine, chocolate, flowers, plants, jewelry, and home decor for a special loved one, romantic or not! Love Fest is even providing the cherry on top with a gift wrapping station.
(SW 10th & Morrison, Downtown, free, Friday-Saturday)
Portland Night Market
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Sip, snack, and peruse Portland's finest local vendors and makers at this indoor/outdoor market which tends to draw 'round-the-block lines. This month, the market will be swathed in red and pink decorations, making it the perfect place to find a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift for your honey. You'll also be able to give therapy alpacas Napoleon and JP a squeeze!
(100 SE Alder, Central Eastside, free, Friday-Saturday)
FAIR
MeWe Metaphysics & Wellness Fair
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Ready to get (meta)physical? This wellness fair will energize your mind, body, heart, and soul with intuitive panels by selected readers and healers, audience Q&As, and vendor booths. Explore sound healing, reiki, crystals, tarot, mediumship, hypnotherapy, and more all in one highly charged space.
(Doubletree Hotel, Lloyd District, $5, Saturday-Sunday)
THEATER
Quality of Death
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In this daring play, several families facing the death of a loved one navigate the pain, humor, and grace involved in the process. To accurately depict the relationship dynamics of end-of-life journeys, playwright Ruth Jenkins drew on a wealth of experience working in hospice care and interviewed medical professionals familiar with assisted death processes.
(Twilight Theater Company, Kenton, $13-$15, Friday-Sunday)
VISUAL ART
Hallie Ford Fellows in the Visual Arts 2017-19
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This exhibition showcases the fifteen artists honored with Hallie Ford Fellowships in the Visual Arts from 2017-2019, including Corey Arnold, Avantika Bawa, Pat Boas, Bruce Burris, Julie Green, James Lavadour, Niraja Cheryl Lorenz, Elizabeth Malaska, Demian DinéYazhí, and Harrell Fletcher.
(Oregon Contemporary, Kenton, free, Friday-Sunday)
Henk Pander, The Artist as Eyewitness to History
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Portland-based artist Henk Pander responds to 2020's racial justice protests in this exhibition of four large-scale works. Born in the Netherlands in 1937, Pender is an experienced painter of historical events, having drawn inspiration from his memories of World War II, the Vietnam War, September 11, and more in his works.
(Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, Old Town-Chinatown, $5-$8, Friday-Saturday; opening)
OSA's 2nd Annual Portraits, Figures, and Selfies Exhibition
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Featuring portraits, figures, and selfies of all sorts (I wonder if any "MySpace angles" are in the mix), this Oregon Society of Artists show celebrates the "resilience and fragility of the human body through pigment, line, and contour." The human form has been a common theme throughout the history of the arts, and time has told that we are still as interested as ever in capturing its mystique. Come see artists' varying interpretations in different mediums such as drawings, paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
(Oregon Society of Artists, Goose Hollow, free, Friday-Sunday)
We Had Jazz
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A collection of 30 images by local photographer Carl Henniger depicts Portland's golden age of jazz, circa 1948-1956. During this era, Henninger photographed the likes of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Basie for Down Beat magazine.
(Collins Gallery at the Central Library, Downtown, free, Friday-Sunday)