winter-waters-seafood-event_Rachelle-Hacmac2_wtdbik What to Do in Oregon in February — Winter Waters goes big on seafood all month long.

NO Portlander needs to be told that February can be a tough month. An antidote to all that? Exiting the house. Out there, there’s snow to be skied, ice to be carved, suds to be guzzled, truffles to be shuffled, and salty verse to be heard. Also? Crocuses poking their green shoots out of the soil. Let’s go.

Volksfest

Jan 31–Feb 2 | MT. Angel

Mt. Angel’s annual celebration of German sausage features live music, dancing, a clown named Gigglebritches, and a sausage eating contest. (“We are a family-friendly event,” notes the website.) Those wishing to participate in the contest must register by Monday, January 27, so if you missed the deadline, training for 2026 starts now.

Anthony-lakes-ski-resort_Chelsea-Judy_a2k1jb What to Do in Oregon in February — Carving turns at Anthony Lakes.

Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival

Fri–Sun, Jan 31–Feb 2 | Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort

Stoke runs high at this annual Wallowa Avalanche Center fundraiser, which celebrates Eastern Oregon’s mountain culture and offers a chance to learn some snow safety skills. Things kick off with a screening of ski movie Calm Beneath Castles, with a pie auction running simultaneously (donations encouraged). The weekend continues at and around Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort—we’re fans of this laid-back ski area—with a backcountry race, snow safety clinics, a group ski tour of the Elkhorn Mountains, and (natch) a dance party.

Winter Waters

Feb 1–Mar 2 | numerous locations

Seaweed is the star at Winter Waters, which brings special menus to restaurants up and down the Oregon Coast, as well as to Portland and even to Salem. Think five-course meals at Newport’s Local Ocean, albacore omakase at Portland’s Takibi, and a focus on farmed sea vegetables at Nekst in Astoria. Also on deck: seaweed cyanotype workshops, hand-roll making, and ocean trivia.

Guided Hikes

10am Saturdays | Tryon Creek State Natural Area

We sometimes forget about Tryon Creek. (We blame Forest Park for hogging all the attention.) But this forested ravine in Southwest Portland—Oregon’s only state park located in a major metropolitan area—is lovely and lush. This month, take guided hikes on crows and ravens, a history of the creek, and more.

Oregon Truffle Festival

Feb 8–Mar 1 | numerous locations

Ready to shuffle? Since 2006, this multilocation festival has flown the flag for truffles, those underground-grown fungi that thrive in the Willamette Valley. The undisputed highlight of the three-week extravaganza, at least by our measure, is the truffle dog competition, but you’ll also find film screenings, a truffle showcase, multicourse truffle dinners, and a masquerade in Astoria (think costumes and dancing, plus truffle-centric small plates) on Valentine’s Day.

Sun, Feb 9 | Teacup Nordic Snow Park

Mount Hood’s bustling Nordic area plays home to 5k and 15k races (and a 2k race for kids), open to cross-country skiers of all levels. Classic technique only, so leave the skate skis at home. Pro tip: Find a Teacup Nordic Club member for a day-of wax recommendation.

bend-oregon-winterfest-event_jayfil What to Do in Oregon in February — It’s a weekendlong party in Bend.

Fri–Sun, Feb 14–16 | Bend

What’s more romantic than a Valentine’s Day weekend in Bend with Afroman and an Ozzy Osbourne tribute band? Winterfest returns to Bend’s Old Mill District, bringing with it fire sculptures, live ice carving, a ski and snowboard contest, and a fascinating range of musical acts (there’s a the Band tribute band, too). Also loads of local vendors, carnival rides, family-friendly activities, and a hot cocoa–themed 5k.

Festival of Dark Arts

Sat, Feb 15 | Astoria

This “carnival of stout” dates back to 2002, before Fort George Brewery even existed. Now the festival, known for its dark beers as well as its fire dancers and stilt-walkers, has become a sellout event (that includes this year).

Newport-oregon-seafood_757204351_rac5q4 What to Do in Oregon in February — No one needs an excuse to visit Newport.

Newport Seafood and Wine Festival

Thu–Sun, Feb 20–23 | Newport

This 21+ event returns to the big white tent near Rogue Ales with more than 50 wineries and dozens of food and craft vendors. Started in 1977, the fest features the longest-running wine competition in the Pacific Northwest. To facilitate safe imbibing, a free shuttle is available on a continuous 45-minute loop, stopping at most of Newport’s major hotels as well as Nye Beach and the Bayfront.

suttle-lodge-winter-beer-festival_natalie-puls_n0xsu6 What to Do in Oregon in February — Break out the fave beanie for Suttle Lodge’s Winter Beer Fest.

Fri–Sun, Feb 21–23 | Sisters

Bundle up for a weekend of suds from more than 45 breweries at Central Oregon’s cozy Suttle Lodge. Outside the heated tent, find firepits, grills stacked with pretzels and brats, and local musicians strumming tunes.

Fri–Sun, Feb 21–23 | Astoria, $20

In 1998, a small group of commercial fishers stood on a stage in a bar in Astoria and read poems, spun yarns, and trilled a few songs. Now the annual gathering draws about 100 members of commercial fishing communities—from Alaska, Washington, and Oregon, but also from Maine, Massachusetts ,and Hawai’i—to a variety of venues across town. In addition to salt-soaked verse, the weekend includes workshops on subjects that might include printmaking, knot-tying, or river watershed protection.

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