New year, new events to go to! Here are Shawn Realty’s top five Portland events for January.
1. First Friday PDX
📅 Jan 3-Nov 7 | 💵 Free
The First Friday Art Walk in Portland’s East Side Arts District is a free, year-round event held on the first Friday evening of each month. It features over 23 galleries, shops, and studios, plus a street exhibition from April to October, offering a glimpse into Portland’s vibrant arts culture.
Location
Eastside Portland
2. Rose City Classic Dog Show
📅 Jan 15-19 | 💵 $15-$40
The Rose City Classic Dog Show, held each January in Portland, is one of the largest dog events in the U.S. Spanning five days, it features specialty breed shows, all-breed competitions, and events like agility, obedience, and scent work. Over 180 AKC breeds compete for championships, and the Meet-the-Breeds showcase offers public education on 70+ breeds.
Location
Portland Expo Center
2060 N Marine Dr, Portland, OR 97217
3. Shinnenkai
📅 Jan 16 | 💵 Cost Varies
Immerse in Japanese culture at JASO’s Shinnenkai. Taste the food, enjoy the drinks, and be entertained! This event features ozoni, sushi, saké tasting, and performances by Takohachi. More activities include making New Year postcards and Fukubukuro (lucky bags). Tickets are limited, so register soon!
Location
Patricia Reser Center for the Arts
12625 SW Crescent St, Beaverton, OR 97005
4. FAN EXPO Portland
📅 Jan 24-26 | 💵 Cost Varies
FAN EXPO Portland is a three-day celebration of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming. Fans can enjoy panels, workshops, celebrity meet-and-greets, cosplay, and shopping from hundreds of vendors, with attractions for all ages. It’s the ultimate gathering for fandom enthusiasts!
Location
Oregon Convention Center
777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
5. Lunar New Year Dragon and Lantern Viewing
📅 Jan 29-Feb 16 | 💵 Free
Ring the Lunar New Year at Lantern Viewing Evenings in Lan Su Chinese Garden. Enjoy dazzling lantern sculptures, cultural activities, and the vibrant energy of the illuminated dragon dance by Portland Lee’s Association. This iconic tradition is a must-see highlight of the Pacific Northwest.
Location
Lan Su Chinese Garden
239 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209
Source: travelportland.com
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