2025 Announces the Year of the Snake!
Around the Pearl’s List of this Week’s Cultural & Community Events
✨Happy New Year! Starting on January 29th, the Lunar New Year will begin, and we’re fortunate enough to have some amazing opportunities to celebrate! Lan Su Chinese Garden, just a few blocks away from the Pearl District and one of Portland’s cultural treasures, will host events for a full month to mark the change to 2025: The Year of the Snake! 🐍
We’ve also put together a lineup of fun, community-focused, and artistic events for you to enjoy—check them out here and on Around the Pearl!
Welcome The Year of the Snake at the most iconic Lunar New Year celebration in the PNW! 🐍🎊
2025 EVENTS OPENING DAY KICK-OFF: Wednesday, January 29, 9:30-11:00 am
Join Lan Su Chinese Garden on opening day, Wednesday, January 29, at 9:30 am for a lion dance to usher in the new lunar year! See the full schedule of daytime activities at lansugarden.org/LNY.
🐲 🐍Slither Into The New Year - Snake & Bearded Dragon Meet & Greet!
The first 500 visitors will receive a hongbao (Chinese Red Envelope) with a special Lunar New Year message!
🦁 LION DANCE SCHEDULE: January 29, February 8, 9, 15, & 16: Portland Lee's Association Dragon and Lion Dance Team (@pdxleesdragonandlion)
February 1 & 2-International Lion Dance Team
🐲 DRAGON DANCE SCHEDULE: Wednesday–Sunday evenings from January 29 – February 1.
Get admission now at lansugarden.org.
Don’t miss Lantern Viewing Evenings at the most iconic Lunar New Year celebration in the Pacific Northwest!
Dragon + Lantern Viewing Evenings
SPECIAL EVENT: February 13th: 21+ Night
Thursday, February 13, will be for visitors ages 21 and over only. A valid ID will be required at the entrance.
General Public Dates: January 29-February 2, February 5-9, and February 12-16, 2025
Times: 5:30–7:00 pm or 7:30–9:00 pm (90 minutes each)
Ticket Prices: Lan Su Members: $34, General: $43, Child (age 3-11): $14, Infant (age 0-2): $0
Website: Lan Su Chinese Garden
🌙🐉 Curious about your Lunar New Year Zodiac?
Discover your Chinese zodiac animal and what it reveals about your personality—it’s the perfect way to celebrate the year with a touch of fun and tradition!
What Lunar New Year Are You?
Year Of The Snake: 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Year Of The Horse: 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Year Of The Goat: 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Year Of The Monkey: 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Year Of The Rooster: 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Year Of The Dog: 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Year Of The Pig: 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Year Of The Rat: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Year Of The Ox: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Year Of The Tiger: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Year Of The Rabbit: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Year Of The Dragon: 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Community Gatherings!
Join the Business Support Committee for Morning of Connection in the Pearl District!
Business Support Committee Networking Event
The Pearl District Business Support Committee is excited to invite you to the first of their monthly networking events! Enjoy coffee, refreshments, and conversations with the Pearl District Community!
Date: Wednesday, February 19th, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 Am
Location: Guild Mortgage, 720 NW 15th Avenue, Portland, 97209
RSVP Required: Eventbrite
Join Blackfish Gallery for an immersive performance involving song, dance, and performing art highlighting Pomegranate Doyle’s show “Go As You Mean to Live.”
Date: Friday, January 31
Time: 7:00 pm
Details: $10-$20 tickets at the door.
Forbidden Fruit: A Solo Exhibition by @violetfaerabbit
Gather:Make:Shelter hosts Forbidden Fruit: A Solo Exhibition by Violet Fae Rabbit
Date: December 21, 2024 - February 10, 2025
Time: Gallery open Saturdays 12-4 pm
Location: 1335 NW Kearney Street
Portland, OR 97209
Forbidden Fruit, an exhibition of Violet Fae Rabbit’s work, explores the intersection of catharsis and whimsy.
We’ll also be open for First Thursday, February 6, from 5:30-7:30 pm!
Knowledge is Power at the Fields!
Date: Tuesday nights
Time: 7 pm
Location: Fields Bar & Grill - 139 NW 11th Ave, Pearl District Portland, OR
Details: assemble your dream team of up to 8 people, enjoy our excellent drinks and food, and compete for exciting prizes.
Webiste: thefieldspdx.com
Below by Botanist: Live Music every Wednesday
Join Below By Botanist for weekly music and events. Enjoy delicious food from Happa Barkada while you’re there!
Live Music on Wednesday | Rotating artists for more information, click here
Time: 5:00 pm- 9:00 pm
Date: January 29th
Website: Below by Botanist
Join Powell’s Bookstore for conversations and discussions with your favorite authors!
Events: Join Powell’s Bookstore for conversations and discussions with your favorite authors!
Lauren E. Oakes in Conversation With Daniel Mathews| January 30th | 7:00 pm
Join Lauren E. Oakes as she discusses Treekeepers, an exploration of how forests and those protecting them play a vital role in combating climate change. In conversation with Daniel Mathews, Oakes highlights the science, innovation, and hope behind regrowing and preserving forests.
Kids Storytime: The Bakery Dragon, Bigfoots Big Heart, The Idea in You, The Yellow Bus | February 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd | 10:30am, free
Lidia Yuknavitch in Conversation With Rene Denfeld | February 4th | 7:00 pm
Join Lidia Yuknavitch as she discusses Reading the Waves, a memoir exploring how storytelling transforms trauma into healing. In conversation with René Denfeld, Yuknavitch examines memory, literature, and emotional growth.
Shari Dunn in Conversation With Lisa Mensa | Ticketed Event | February 25th | 4:30pm
In Qualified (Harper Business), award-winning executive and journalist Shari Dunn combines deep research with enlightening interviews and anecdotes from across the broad spectrum of her career to uncover the history of Competency Checking, how it manifests in the workplace, and what can be done to change it. Dunn will be joined in conversation by Lisa Mensah, Oregon Community Foundation CEO.
Omar El Akkad in Conversation With Lydia Kiesling | February 25th | 7:00pm |
Join Omar El Akkad for the launch of his nonfiction debut, One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This. In conversation with Lydia Kiesling, El Akkad explores the West's failures, privilege, and hope amid crisis. Don’t miss this free and thought-provoking event.
Website: https://www.powells.com
January Food and Clothing Drive | Happening all month long, drop off donations at the tasting room! Please donate light to gently used clothing and nut-free, nonperishable food.
Book Club with Tara | Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll | January 29th | 6:00pm- 7:45pm
Website: Battle Creek Cellar
Portland Center Stage: Upcoming Performances
An Evening with Storm Large at Portland Center Stage
Join Portland Center Stage for a very special benefit concert, featuring the legendary Storm Large.
Known for her powerhouse vocals, magnetic stage presence, and soulful storytelling, Storm will deliver a captivating performance that will leave you breathless.
Date: February 10th
Time: 7:00pm
Details: $100 for GA Tickets, $175 for VIP Meet and Greet Ticket
Tickets: An-evening-with-Storm-Large
Mrs. Harrison | Aisha is a Black, successful playwright; Holly is a white, struggling stand-up comedian. Aisha’s most successful play bears a striking resemblance to a tragic event in Holly’s life. Is it a coincidence or is it theft?
Date: January 19th- February 16th
Details: Evenings-Wednesdays – Sundays at 7:30 p.m.
Matinees-Saturdays & Sundays at 2 p.m., Select Thursdays at 2 p.m.
For tickets, click here.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf
Portland Center Stage presents a hilarious and harrowing beloved theatre classic; George and Martha have invited a young couple — Nick and Honey — over for a nightcap. As the drinks start flowing and skeletons claw their way out of their closets, the couples soon learn that marriage isn’t all fun and games.
Date: March 2nd- March 30th
Details: Evening Performances will run Wednesdays-Sundays starting at 7:30 pm, and Matinees Saturdays and Sundays starting at 2:00 pm
For tickets, click here
Superbowl Sunday is almost Here! 🏈 🍔 🌟
The big game is set for February 9, 2025, at the legendary Caesars Superdome in vibrant New Orleans, Louisiana! Want to enjoy the enthusiasm with other football fans? Enjoy the spectacle in your local Pearl District establishment!
Looking for the ultimate sports hangout? The Fields Bar & Grill has it all—delicious food, friendly service, handcrafted cocktails, and an impressive selection of craft beers. Whether you’re catching up with friends or cheering on your favorite team this Superbowl, this Pearl District gem is the perfect place to make every outing unforgettable!
Score Big on Super Bowl Sunday at River Pig Saloon!
Don’t miss out on the ultimate game-day experience with drink specials, Super Bowl squares, and your shot at winning NFL-signed jerseys throughout the game! 🎉 Space is filling up fast, so email portland@riverpigsaloon.com to reserve your spot and join the excitement for the big game. 🥳🍹
Screen Door Super Bowl Pickup
The Superbowl is in Screen Door's hometown, New Orleans, this year! They’ve got everything you need to throw an authentic southern Superbowl party just like we do back home. Choose from their favorite party fare and add on some of our classic mains and sides to build your own game day feast!
The cutoff for Superbowl orders is 2/6/25, so order now!
All Superbowl pre-orders will be available for pick up on Superbowl Sunday
2/9/25 at our Pearl District Location from 11am – 3pm.
Around the Pearl!
Discover all the buzz in the Pearl District at #AroundthePearl and the News! Stay in the loop, follow us on Instagram @aroundthepearl.pdx, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter!
