Best of the Northwest

02/27/2026

The FisherPoets Gathering returns to Astoria the last weekend of February, bringing together nearly a hundred fisherpoets, songwriters, and storytellers from commercial fishing communities up and down both coasts.

What started as a small reunion has grown into a beloved Northwest tradition, filling Astoria’s pubs, breweries, theaters, and galleries with true stories from the sea — told by deckhands, skippers, cannery workers, shipwrights, greenhorns, and old timers alike.

Catch live poetry, music, and storytelling Friday and Saturday from 5–11 pm at spots like Fort George Brewery, Astoria Brewing Co., Sisu Brewing, the Liberty Theatre, KALA, and more.

During the day, dive into hands-on workshops (fish printing, knot tying, writing, river stewardship), singing circles, open mics, and fisherpoet art shows around town.

The FisherPoets Gathering has attracted fisherpoets and their many fans to Astoria, Oregon the last weekend of February since 1998 Originally conceived as a modest cultural reunion for far-flung fr…

02/25/2026

The Chinese New Year Cultural Fair at the Oregon Convention Center is one of Portland’s best ways to dive into Lunar New Year celebrations, bringing together traditional and contemporary Chinese culture in one lively event.

You’ll find:
Lion and folk dances
Instrumental music
Calligraphy
Martial arts demos
Children’s games..and more—all celebrating the spirit of the Year of the Snake in a fun, family-friendly setting.

It’s a great chance to enjoy performances, try unique foods, discover local vendors, and take part in cultural activities that make Chinese New Year come alive in the heart of the city. Admission for children 3 and under is free!

https://bestofthenorthwest.com/event/chinese-new-year-cultural-festival/

The Chinese New Year Cultural Fair at the Oregon Convention Center is one of Portland’s best ways to dive into Lunar New Year celebrations, bringing together traditional and contemporary Chinese cu…

02/23/2026

Winter is the perfect time to curl up with a warm blanket and let your imagination wander.

While the Pacific Northwest may be chilly and rainy in January and February, your mind doesn’t have to be. One of the best ways to escape the gray skies is with a good book—especially ones that transport you straight to the forests, rivers, mountains, and coastal towns of the Northwest.

Whether you’re dreaming of sunny days on the Oregon coast or quiet hikes in the Cascade foothills, these books will whisk you away while you plan your next adventure.

Winter is the perfect time to curl up with a warm blanket and let your imagination wander. While the Pacific Northwest may be chilly and rainy in January and February, your mind doesn’t have to be.…

02/20/2026

Oregon’s largest annual folk music concert event, a benefit for Transition Projects, will celebrate its 37th Anniversary this weekend. Catch favorite performers like:
Tracy Grammer
Doug & Judy Smith
Kristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel�
Gary Furlow & The Loafers
Donny Wright & Brad Price
Oregon Poet Laureate Emeritus Kim Stafford
Kate Power� & Steve Einhorn
Tom May with Mark Moebeck & Dylan May

37th Annual WINTERFOLK – A Benefit for Transition Projects Saturday, February 21 Doors: 6 pm Show: 7 pm Oregon’s largest annual folk music concert event, a benefit for Transition Projects, will cel…

02/18/2026

🎭✨ It's Mardi Gras, Portland-style! ✨🎭

The Portland Mardi Gras Parade is rolling down North Mississippi Avenue with marching bands, jugglers, dancers, samba beats, colorful lights, and some seriously fun costumes. The all-ages parade kicks off at 7:00 pm, marching from N Skidmore to N Fremont, and yes — you’ll want to bring your best catching skills for beads and those signature mini-umbrella throws.

There's fun for the whole family!

Kid’s Costume Pageant
Groups like the Portland Samba Band, River City Riot, Jesters Brass, NW Bones Gang
Jugglers
Belly dancers
Hoopers
Tall bikes..and More.

Plus, there's an after party, if you want to keep the fun going.

https://bestofthenorthwest.com/event/portland-mardi-gras-parade-2/

The Portland Mardi Gras Parade features marching bands, entertainers, art, and fun costumes. The parade marches down North Mississippi Avenue from N Skidmore to N Fremont, starting at 7:00 PM. The …

02/18/2026

There’s lots of fun happening at White Pass!

Upcoming Events: Retro Valentine's Night Ski & Prime Rib Dinner, 90 lb. Rucksack Challenge & Military Appreciation with Night Ski Feb. 18, 40th Annual White Pass Winter Carnival Feb. 28/Mar.1

02/16/2026

If we’re being honest, winter in the Pacific Northwest sometimes feels like it’s all rain, gray skies, and soggy boots. There are days when all you want is a little sunshine (not the liquid kind)… without having to hop on a plane to someplace else.

The great news is, you don’t have to leave the PNW to find drier weather. Enter rain shadow towns: pockets of sun and blue skies hidden behind mountains that block the bulk of those Pacific storms.

If you’re looking to escape the rain for a weekend (or even just a day trip), here are five great picks

If we’re being honest, winter in the Pacific Northwest sometimes feels like it’s all rain, gray skies, and soggy boots. There are days when all you want is a little sunshine (not the liquid k…

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine's Day from Best of the Northwest!

02/14/2026

Oregon’s celebrating its 167th anniversary this Saturday. Join in the festivities for the whole family at the Stare Capitol grounds.

 ​Come and join us in celebration of Oregon's Statehood. Oregon became a state on February 14, 1859, but we honor the history of the land since time immemorial with the inclusion of our sovereign tribes. This event is free and open to the public. Capitol doors will open at 10 a.m. Please be awa...

02/13/2026

Catch some winter fun at Bend Winterfest. This central Oregon celebration turns the Old Mill District into a snowy playground.

❄Live Music
❄Ice and Fire Art
❄Food Carts
❄Musical Headliners
❄Ice Carvers
❄Family Play Zone
❄And... MORE!

This is a fun event for the whole family!

Bend WinterFest is Central Oregon’s big winter celebration that turns the Old Mill District into a snowy playground over President’s Day weekend, with live music, ice and fire art, food carts, and …

02/11/2026

The Pacific Northwest is full of dreamy places to take someone special — from cozy firelit rooms to scenic wine country views, ocean walks, and snowy forests. Whether you’re an adventure duo or wine lovers, there’s something here for every kind of traveler this Valentine’s.

Ready to plan your romantic getaway? We have ten great ideas for you on our blog!

https://bestofthenorthwest.com/10-romantic-escapes-in-the-pacific-northwest-perfect-february-getaways-for-every-kind-of-couple/

The Pacific Northwest is full of dreamy places to take someone special — from cozy firelit rooms to scenic wine country views, ocean walks, and snowy forests. Whether you’re an adventure duo or win…

02/09/2026

Congrats Seahawks 🏈