Festive events in Portland

Our program has been on holiday since early December and it is perfect timing since Portland seems to busy with all kinds of events throughout the week. Whether you are interested in eating, drinking, music or outdoor fun, check out this list for local happenings through the new year!

Music

Portland Gay Men’s Chorus  puts on a festive production showcasing Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and New Year’s music.  The show is always lively and full of fun! Their website gives the viewer a nice preview of their show. 

Pink Martini, Portland’s famous world music group will perform on New Year’s Eve. I’ve personally seen their show four times and always enjoy the energy and rhythm that comes from the 10 member band.

Drink

St. John’s Winter Beer Festival, head-up to NE Portland for a three days of stouts and winter ales.  Portland is famous for its microbreweries and since we don’t have homework or early mornings, it is a fun excuse to meet with friends and enjoy a brew or two!

Santacon, this is a worldwide mass gathering of people dressed up in Santa Claus costumes, parading publicly on the streets and bars throughout Portland. I’ve participated in this rowdy event in Seoul, South Korea and Portland and have found it to be a merry way to have fun and meet new people. For 9 hours on Saturday December 15th, the group will travel to 15 bars around downtown and NW Portland.

Hammerhead Quiz Show, put on by McMenamins, a large local chain of restaurants, bars, hotels and concert venues in Portland. The show takes place at the Mission Theater in NW Portland. The show will feature a trivia contest, professional comedy troupe and lots of prizes for hotel stays, spa packages and food. Grab six friends to make a trivia team and look forward to a fun evening!

Outdoor

Mt. Hood Meadows, Portland is situated 60 short miles away from this beautiful bounty of snow and since we aren’t busy with school during the weekday, drive up to the mountain to enjoy shorter lines to the ski lift and less people on the slopes.

Zoolights, for a night filled with holiday music, hot cocoa and lots of lights The Oregon Zoo will be lit up with over a million LED lights of moving sculptures and animal silhouettes.

Movies, right now is the best time to see all of the popular movies that have come out for the holidays. Enjoy matinee ticket prices and shorter lines by taking advantage of the early showings.

Susan Forrester

Susan Forrester is a full-time student in the Masters in International Management program. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Portland State University. After living in Seoul, South Korea for two years she was interested in finding a career that linked Oregon and Asia together through trade. Susan enjoys the diverse background of the MIM student body that allows her to frequently practice her beginner level Chinese.