PORTLAND, Ore. — We are officially kicking off the second month of year. This month is dedicated as Black History Month, reflecting on the contributions and history of African Americans in the United States. This weekend, the Cascade Festival of African Films returns with events across the Portland metro area.
Also on the list this weekend: Albina Community Archive Release Party, the Oregon 2024 Lunar New Year Gala, Jamila Wood in concert, the Portland Winter Light Festival and much more.
Albina Community Archive Release Party
When: Feb. 3, 6- 9 P.M.
Where: Oregon Historical Society, 1200 SW Park Ave. Portland
What's going on: The Albina Music Trust will be unveiling their new community achieve, documenting the Albina neighborhood's legacy and culture. This will be a release party, so stop by and check out the digital archive at Oregon Historical Society's designated kiosks. Hear a presentation with World Arts Foundation cofounder Kenneth W. Berry, "Mayor of Albina" Paul Knauls, Sr., "Boogie Cat" Norman Sylvester, and others.
To learn more about the event, click here.
Studio Ghibli Film Festival
When: Jan. 12 - Feb. 25
Where: Empirical Theater at OMSI, 1945 Southeast Water Avenue Suite 100, Portland
What's going on: The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry brings back its Studio Ghibli Film Festival. The event runs until Feb. 25, giving the audience an opportunity to experience 21 films from the acclaimed animation studios. Certain screenings will include special guest speakers. Some of the films on the list for this weekend include "Howl's Moving Castle," "My Neighbor Totoro" and more.
To learn more and see the film festival schedule, click here.
Oregon 2024 Lunar New Year Gala
When: Feb. 2
Where: Keller Auditorium, 222 Southwest Clay, Portland
What's going on: The Chinese Friendship Association of Portland will be hosting the Oregon 2024 Lunar New Year Gala. An evening filled with crafts, visual arts, and entertainment all to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., but performances start at 7:30 p.m. ranging from traditional Chinese dance to martial arts and rhythmic gymnastics. Performers include singer Xiaoshu Wand, who will be performing the music of Asia's first musical superstar Teresa Teng. Long Yun, known as the master of face changing will also be performing. Tickets range from $29 to $67.15.
To learn more about the event, click here.
Portland Winter Light Festival
When: Feb. 2-10
Where: Citywide
What's going on: Here to brighten our February, the 9th annual Portland Winter Light Festival returns this weekend. The nine-day festival will feature more than 160 light art installations and events across the city. This year's theme is "What Glows Under Pressure." There are three main sites for light displays and events: Pioneer Courthouse Square, the World Trade Center and the Electric Blocks in Portland's central eastside. These locations will only feature light shows and events during Feb. 2-3 and Feb. 9-10. The website mentions an illuminated bike ride, an LED drag show and a secret roller disco. A full schedule of events and locations can be found on the website.
You can visit pdxwlf.com to learn more about this free event.
Jamila Wood: Water Made Us Tour
When: Feb. 2, 7 P.M.
Where: Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell Portland
What's going on: Chicago born singer and songwriter Jamila Woods is hitting the road this February. She kick-starts her 'Water Made Us Tour' in the Pacific Northwest this weekend. Woods will be joined by special guest Yawa. Woods is widely known for her other collaborative works with Chance the Rapper on the hit song "Sunday Candy" from the album Surf as well as "Blessings" from Coloring Book. Woods is also featured on the Macklemore & Ryan Lewis song "White Privilege II".
You can learn more about her tour and buy tickets here.
Cascade Festival of African Films
When: Feb. 2 - March 2
Where: Portland Community College, 705 N Killingsworth St, Portland
What's going on: In celebration of Black History Month, the Portland Community College - Cascade Campus is offering this free in person festival to the public. The festival will showcase films that celebrate Africa's achievements and show Africa through the eyes of Africans. The films that will be showcased this weekend are Goodbye Julia, Catching Feelings and Four Daughters. The festival is free to the public all month long.
Learn more about this event here.
Portland Dumpling Week
When: Feb. 4 - 10
Where: Local restaurants citywide
What's going on: Dumpling Week is still going strong in Portland — a celebration of the traditional Chinese dish. This year, more than 30 restaurants are participating offering their own inventive dumpling creations that you can't find anywhere else. You can keep track of which businesses you have checked out by downloading the online passport.
View the full list of participating restaurants at DumplingWeek.com.
Oregon Craft Beer Month
When: Feb. 2 - 25
Where: Local restaurants citywide
What's going on: It's the hoppiest time of the year! Mark your calendars for many events centered around beer. Throughout the month of February there will be special releases, brewery highlights and more. The Oregon Brewers Guild will be putting on the event and want to help encourage people to visit and support Oregon craft breweries across the state.
View the full list of events here.
Sabinna Pierre is the curator of "Things To Do" for KGW's digital platforms. Know of an event you'd like to see featured? Let her know! Email her at SPierre@kgw.com. Follow Sabinna on Instagram @SincerelyBinna.
Download the KGW News app: Download for iPhone here | Download for Android here
Stream newscasts for free on KGW+ on Roku and Amazon Fire: How to add app to your device here
See a typo in this article? Email web@kgw.com for corrections.