January 2020 is here and we are excited about so many events all over Portland! Whether you are looking for a fun day with the family or a wild night on the town, we’ve got you covered with our list below.
Gorgeous Resolution Run
Thursday, January 2nd
Looking to get a jump start on those resolutions to make this the year that you really start running? Gorgeous Series is here to help get you on track (haha). Meet at Sasquatch Brewing for a 3 or 5 mile run, followed by a raffle of cool swag and a rewarding post-run beer. 2531 NW 30th Ave, 6:30 pm, Free.
O-Shogatsu Japanese New Year
Sunday January 5th
Portland Japanese Garden celebrates the Japanese New Year with a traditional Lion Dance, tea ceremony, and harp concert. In addition, there will be an ink-wash brush drawing session and Hyakunin Issyu (a poetry game) plus pounded rice cakes to share. 611 SW Kingston Ave, 11am-3pm, Adult $16.95, Youth $11.50, Members Free.
Biggest Clothing Swap in the NW
Sunday January 5th
Every year, hordes of people descend on the Crystal Ballroom to pass on clothing that no longer works for them and dig through piles to get new duds. There are three floors of swapping goodness and all gender identities and sizes are included. Bring a bag of clean, wearable clothing to trade. 1332 W Burnside St, 12pm-3pm, $8 advance, $10 at the door, $5 for an empty bag.
Portland Onesie Bar Crawl
Saturday January 11th
What better way to stay warm this winter than to don your favorite fuzzy onesie and hop from bar to bar? There will be drink specials, DJs, a scavenger hunt, and a whole lot of silliness. Registration is at the Barrel Room. 105 NW 3rd Ave, 4 pm -10 pm, $20 in advance.
Dragons Love Tacos
Saturday January 18th-February 16th
Oregon Children’s Theatre presents a fun and dance-filled tale of a boy, his dog, and a quartet of hungry dragons. Based on the book by Adam Rubin, this show is sure to delight. 1111 SW Broadway, Sat shows at 2 pm and 5 pm, Sundays 11 am and 2pm, $15-$37.
Ramen and Whisky Fest
Sunday January 19th
Willamette Week and Fubonn team up to bring us a battle for the ages. Six of Portland’s best ramen chefs compete to take home the title, as voted by you. Your ticket gets you a sample ramen and paired whisky cocktail from each table, plus the right to cast your vote for the coveted People’s Choice award. 101 N Weidler St, 12 pm- 2:30 pm and 3 pm- 5:30 pm, $45.
Wizard World
Friday January 24th- Sunday the 26th
The Oregon Convention Center will once again fill up with cos-players galore to celebrate all things nerd. Celebrity guests include Dylan McDermott, Cary Elwes, and Emily Swallow. 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Fri 4 pm- Sun 4 pm, $30-$150.
Stout Bout
Saturday January 25th
Stout Bout is one of my favorite events every January. Portland Brewer’s Collective hosts this annual all Stout homebrewers competition. Show up to taste and vote on 12 or more homebrews. Sometimes traditional, often experimental, you’re sure to find something you like. There is a People’s Choice award and a raffle to boot! 2235 SE 11th Ave, 2 pm- 5 pm, Free.
OMSI After Dark: Cards and Consoles
Wednesday January 29th
OMSI After Dark this month focuses on all things gaming, with demos on counting cards, board game mechanics, and drunken goggle gaming. Food and drink vendors and samples, plus admission to the current featured exhibit, Exquisite Creatures. Is this my dream event? Yes, yes it is. 1945 SE Water Ave, 6 pm-10 pm, $16.
Portland Seafood and Wine Festival
Friday January 31st-Saturday February 1st
Head over to the Oregon Convention Center at the end of the month for a celebration of delicious seafood and wines. There will be over 190 exhibitors, including 60 wineries, plus it is the very height of Dungeness Crab season. Yum!!! 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Fri 2 pm-10 pm, Sat 12 pm- 10 pm, $13 advance, $15 at the door.
Which of these January events are you most excited for? Did we miss an awesome January event in Portland that you want to tell us about? Let us know in the comments!